Polar Expeditions

Arctic Expedition Cruises

Journey into the Land of the Midnight Sun

The Arctic is one of the world's last great wildernesses. Sail through drifting pack ice in search of polar bears, watch whales beneath the Midnight Sun and explore remote landscapes that few people ever experience.

From Svalbard and Greenland to Iceland and the Canadian Arctic, every Arctic destination offers something different. We'll help you find the expedition ship and itinerary that's right for you.

Polar bears • Pack ice • Midnight Sun • Remote communities • Extraordinary wildlife

Plan Your Arctic Expedition

Polar bear warning sign in Svalbard in the Norwegian Arctic

A Typical Svalbard Expedition

Exploring the High Arctic

A journey shaped by wildlife, weather and the ice.

A circumnavigation of Svalbard is usually around 11 to 12 days, beginning in Longyearbyen. Before joining your ship, spend some time exploring this fascinating former mining settlement. We stayed at Funken Lodge during our own visit and highly recommend it.

Zodiac Landings

Head ashore to explore fjords, glaciers, tundra and remote Arctic landscapes with your expedition team.

Wildlife Encounters

Look for walrus, Arctic foxes, reindeer, whales and thousands of seabirds along the way.

Glaciers & Fjords

Cruise through spectacular landscapes of mountains, glaciers, fjords and sea ice.

Searching for Polar Bears

When conditions allow, your expedition team may navigate towards the pack ice in search of the King of the Arctic.

The Arctic is unpredictable, and that's part of the experience.

Wildlife sightings, weather and ice conditions can all influence the route and activities during your voyage.

View from an expedition ship sailing through Svalbard in the Norwegian Arctic

Planning Your Voyage

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Arctic?

The Arctic expedition season generally runs from late spring into early autumn, but the experience changes considerably as the season progresses.

May to June

Early season landscapes, extensive snow and sea ice, dramatic scenery and the beginning of the Arctic wildlife season.

July to August

Long days beneath the Midnight Sun, active wildlife, flowering tundra and greater opportunities for exploration as the ice retreats.

September

Changing colours, softer Arctic light and, in some regions, the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights as darkness begins to return.

When should you go?

The best time depends on where you want to explore and what you hope to experience. Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland and the Canadian Arctic each have different seasons and highlights.

Explore the Arctic

Where Can an Arctic Expedition Take You?

The Arctic is not one destination. From the wildlife-rich islands of Svalbard to Greenland's immense fjords and the remote Canadian Arctic, each region offers a very different expedition experience.

Svalbard

One of the world's great polar wildernesses. Explore glaciers, fjords and sea ice while searching for polar bears, walrus, Arctic foxes, reindeer and whales.

Explore Svalbard →

Greenland

Discover enormous fjords, towering icebergs, colourful settlements and remote communities on an expedition through one of the Arctic's most extraordinary landscapes.

Explore Greenland →

Iceland

Explore volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, remote islands and wildlife-rich coastlines, with expedition voyages reaching parts of Iceland that many visitors never experience.

Canadian Arctic

Journey through vast wilderness, historic waterways and remote Arctic communities, with opportunities to encounter wildlife and learn about the cultures of the far north.

Explore Further North

Arctic expedition cruising can take you even further. Discover Norway's remote northern coastline and islands, or explore the immense wilderness and wildlife of Alaska.

Northern Norway

Dramatic fjords, remote islands, wildlife and spectacular voyages along Norway's far northern coastline.

Alaska

Glaciers, wildlife, remote coastlines and vast wilderness make Alaska a spectacular destination for small-ship exploration.

Sarah and Nicola from Mapping Your Travel visiting expedition ships in Svalbard

First-Hand Experience

We've Been to Svalbard

We believe the best travel advice comes from experience.

We've travelled to Svalbard ourselves, spending time in Longyearbyen and exploring this extraordinary Arctic destination first-hand.

During our visit, we stayed at Funken Lodge, experienced Longyearbyen and visited a number of expedition ships, giving us a much better understanding of the different styles of ship and what an Arctic expedition is really like.

See the expedition ships we visited in Svalbard →

Alongside our first-hand experience, we're both CLIA Expedition Cruise Champions, Class of 2026, with specialist training in expedition cruising.

So when you're deciding between ships, itineraries and expedition operators, you're speaking to people who genuinely understand the experience and can help you find the right fit.

Planning Svalbard? Talk to Sarah or Nicola about your ideas.

Arctic Expedition FAQs

Planning an Arctic Expedition Cruise

From choosing the right season and destination to understanding expedition ships and activity levels, here are some of the questions we're often asked.

When is the best time for an Arctic expedition cruise? ▼

The main Arctic expedition season generally runs from late spring into early autumn, although the best time depends on where you want to travel. Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland and the Canadian Arctic each have different seasons and highlights. We'll help you choose the timing that best matches what you want to experience.

Where is the best place to see polar bears? ▼

Svalbard is one of the best-known Arctic expedition destinations for the possibility of seeing polar bears in the wild. Expedition teams use their knowledge of the region, wildlife and ice conditions when searching for them, but polar bears are wild animals and sightings can never be guaranteed.

How much does an Arctic expedition cruise cost? ▼

Prices vary considerably depending on the destination, length of voyage, expedition ship, cabin category and what's included. There are also significant differences between more exploration-focused ships and luxury expedition vessels. We can compare the options and help you understand what's included in the overall cost.

Do I need to be very fit for an Arctic expedition? ▼

You don't generally need to be exceptionally fit, but expedition cruising can involve boarding Zodiacs, walking on uneven terrain and taking part in shore landings. Activity levels vary between ships and itineraries, and you can often choose which activities you take part in. We can help you find an expedition that suits your mobility and preferred level of activity.

What is an Arctic expedition ship like? ▼

Expedition ships vary enormously. Some are smaller, more traditional vessels focused heavily on exploration, while others combine expedition activities with spacious cabins, excellent dining, lounges, spas and other luxury facilities. Choosing the right ship is an important part of planning your Arctic expedition.

We've never been on an expedition cruise. Where do we start? ▼

Start with what you'd most like to experience. We'll talk through the destinations you're considering, wildlife, scenery, activity level, ship size, cabin preferences and budget. We can then compare suitable expedition operators, ships and itineraries to help you find the right fit.

Thinking about Svalbard?

We've travelled to Svalbard ourselves, stayed in Longyearbyen and visited expedition ships during our time there. We can talk you through the different ships, itineraries and what to expect from an Arctic expedition.

Ready to Explore the Arctic?

Start Planning Your Arctic Expedition

From Svalbard and Greenland to the Canadian Arctic and beyond. We'll help you compare destinations, ships and itineraries. Together, we'll find the Arctic expedition that's right for you.

Plan Your Arctic Expedition

Independent advice • First-hand experience • ABTA & ATOL protected

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