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.

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Arctic Expedition Cruises

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