ARCTIC CRUISES: Features & Top Picks In 2023-2024

Embarking on an Arctic cruise is not merely a voyage; it’s an expedition into one of the planet’s most enchanting and challenging frontiers. It provides an unforgettable journey through the Arctic Circle, offering unique experiences such as expedition-style cruises, wildlife encounters, and lots of amazing places with expert guides and lecturers. Here, we have put together this detailed information about what you will experience, enjoy, and should know about the Arctic Cruises, giving you a deeper understanding of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

Arctic Cruises

Arctic cruises offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore one of the most pristine and remote regions on Earth. These cruises take you on a breathtaking voyage through the Arctic Circle, where you can take in the rich traditions of the Arctic villages as well as view spectacular scenery and rare species. Arctic cruises are a popular way to explore the remote and unspoiled regions of the Arctic.

Features of Arctic Cruises

Arctic cruises offer unique features and experiences that make them a popular choice for travelers seeking adventure and exploration in remote regions.

#1. Expedition-style Cruises

Arctic cruises are often expedition-style, focusing on exploration and adventure rather than luxury. These cruises use smaller ships that can navigate through icy waters and reach remote destinations.

#2. Remote Locations

Arctic cruises take you to remote locations, such as Svalbard, Greenland, and the Northwest Passage. These regions offer breathtaking landscapes, glaciers, and fjords that are largely untouched by human presence.

#3. Wildlife Encounters

One of the highlights of Arctic cruises is the opportunity to witness diverse wildlife. You may have the chance to see polar bears, whales, seals, seabirds, and other Arctic species in their natural habitats.

#4. Zodiac Cruises and Kayaking

Arctic cruises often include activities like zodiac cruises and kayaking. These allow you to explore closer to icebergs, glaciers, and wildlife under the guidance of experienced guides.

#5. Hiking and Shore Excursions

Many Arctic cruises offer hiking and shore excursions to explore the Arctic landscapes on foot. These excursions may take you to remote islands, tundra, or historical sites, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

#6. Indigenous Culture and Communities

Arctic cruises often include visits to indigenous communities, where you can learn about their cultures, traditions, and way of life. It’s an opportunity to gain insights into the rich cultural heritage of the Arctic.

#7. Expert Guides and Lecturers

Arctic cruises are accompanied by experienced guides, naturalists, and lecturers who provide educational insights about the Arctic’s unique ecosystem, wildlife, and history. They enhance your understanding and appreciation of the region.

#8. Weather and Season

Arctic cruises take place during the summer or early autumn when temperatures range from 0 to 7 degrees Celsius (32 to 44.6 degrees Fahrenheit). It is important to dress appropriately with Arctic-quality clothing to stay comfortable in chilly conditions.

#9. Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

Arctic cruises offer the chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights phenomenon. The dark, clear skies of the Arctic provide excellent viewing conditions to experience the dancing lights in vibrant colors.

#10. Flexibility and Adaptability

Arctic cruises require flexibility due to unpredictable weather conditions and the need to adapt to the ever-changing Arctic environment. Itineraries may be adjusted to optimize wildlife sightings, weather patterns, and safety, ensuring the best possible experience for passengers.

Luxury Arctic Cruises

Luxury Arctic cruises offer a high-end and exclusive experience in one of the world’s most remote and captivating regions. These cruises are designed to provide exceptional comfort, personalized service, and unique opportunities for exploration. Luxury Arctic cruise operators include Swoop Arctic, Ponant, Silversea, Abercrombie & Kent, EYOS Expeditions, and Seabourn.

Benefits of Luxury Arctic Cruises

Luxury Arctic cruises provide a combination of comfort, exclusivity, and exceptional service, allowing passengers to explore one of the world’s most pristine and awe-inspiring regions in style.

#1. High-End Accommodations

Luxury Arctic cruises offer spacious and well-appointed cabins or suites with upscale amenities. The accommodations are designed to provide comfort and relaxation, allowing passengers to unwind after a day of Arctic exploration.

#2. Gourmet Dining

Luxury Arctic cruises provide gourmet dining experiences with a focus on high-quality cuisine and fine dining. Passengers can indulge in a variety of culinary delights, including locally sourced ingredients and specialty dishes inspired by the region.

#3. Exceptional Service

Luxury Arctic cruises prioritize personalized service, with a high staff-to-guest ratio. The crew members are trained to anticipate passengers’ needs and provide attentive and seamless service throughout the journey.

#4. Exclusive Experiences

Luxury Arctic cruises may offer exclusive experiences that are not available on standard cruises. These could include helicopter or submarine excursions, allowing passengers to explore remote areas or dive beneath the Arctic waters for a truly immersive experience.

#5. Access to Remote Locations

Luxury Arctic cruises often visit less-frequented or remote Arctic destinations that are not easily accessible by other means. This provides an opportunity to explore pristine landscapes, encounter wildlife, and experience the untouched beauty of the Arctic.

#6. Small-Ship Experience

Luxury Arctic cruises take place on smaller expedition vessels, creating a more intimate and exclusive atmosphere. This allows for a closer interaction with fellow passengers and expedition staff, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

#7. Onboard Amenities

Luxury Arctic cruises offer a range of onboard amenities, such as spas, fitness centers, lounges, bars, and observation decks. Passengers are guaranteed complete comfort so they may unwind and enjoy the voyage.

#8. Environmental Stewardship

Luxury Arctic cruise operators often prioritize environmental stewardship and sustainability. They adhere to strict guidelines to minimize their impact on the fragile Arctic ecosystem and support conservation efforts.

#9. Unique Itineraries

Luxury Arctic cruises offer exclusive itineraries that visit less-frequented destinations or include special activities tailored to the interests and preferences of luxury travelers. These itineraries provide a unique and exclusive Arctic experience.

#10. High-End Expedition Equipment

Luxury Arctic cruises provide top-of-the-line expedition equipment, including zodiacs, kayaks, and hiking gear. Passengers can participate in guided excursions and activities to explore the Arctic’s unique landscapes and wildlife.

Best Arctic Cruises

The Arctic region offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors who embark on an Arctic cruise. Here are some highly regarded Arctic cruise operators:

#1. Silversea Expeditions

Silversea Expeditions offers luxury Arctic cruises on small, intimate ships. They provide excellent service, expert guides, and a range of itineraries to explore the Arctic region.

#2. Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten is known for its expedition cruises to the Arctic. They offer a range of itineraries, including visits to remote areas like Svalbard and Greenland, with a focus on sustainability and responsible tourism.

#3. Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions offers immersive Arctic cruises with a focus on wildlife and natural wonders. They have a team of expert naturalists and photographers on board to provide in-depth knowledge and guidance.

#4. Ponant

Ponant offers luxurious small-ship trips to the Arctic with a focus on luxury, style, and top-notch service. They provide distinctive itineraries and engaging experiences, such as trips by helicopter and submarine.

#5. Seabourn

Luxury and expedition cruises to the Arctic are both offered by Seabourn. They offer a personal experience and access to distant regions with their small ships. Also given top priority are passenger comfort and onboard facilities.

#6. Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions specializes in polar exploration and offers a range of Arctic cruises. They provide expert guides, unique itineraries, and opportunities for adventure activities such as kayaking and hiking.

#7. Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises’ expedition boat, Crystal Endeavor, offers luxurious Arctic cruises. The vessel offers a variety of amenities and activities, such as kayaking, helicopter tours, and arctic water snorkeling.

#8. Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent offers luxury Arctic cruises with a focus on personalized service and unique experiences. Their itineraries include visits to remote areas such as Greenland, Svalbard, and the Canadian Arctic.

#9. Poseidon Expeditions

Poseidon Expeditions specializes in Arctic and Antarctic cruises. They offer comfortable expedition ships and experienced guides, providing opportunities for wildlife encounters and exploration of the polar landscapes.

#10. Arctic Kingdom

The Arctic Kingdom provides personalized, individualized voyages to the Arctic that are catered to customers’ interests and desires. They provide distinctive experiences, including polar bear safaris, wildlife sightings, and cultural encounters.

Viking Arctic Cruises

Viking Cruises offers a range of Arctic cruises that allow travelers to explore the stunning beauty of the region.

Characteristics of Viking Arctic Cruises

#1. Destinations

Viking offers expedition cruises to the Arctic from Norway. These cruises are designed to provide comfortable journeys on purpose-built ships.

#2. Itineraries

Viking offers 18 expedition cruises exploring the top of the world. These itineraries are available for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

#3. Port of Call

Viking Arctic cruises include various ports of call where travelers can explore the destinations. You can learn more about each port of call and the included and optional excursions on the Viking website.

#4. Pre- and Post-Cruise Extensions

Viking offers pre- and post-cruise extensions, allowing travelers to add additional days to explore their embarkation or disembarkation cities. These extension packages vary by itinerary and provide a choice of exciting cities to visit.

#5. Viking Polaris

Viking Polaris is one of the expedition ships operated by Viking. It offers polar cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica. The Viking website provides information about what to pack and details about excursions on the Viking Polaris.

#6. Viking Octantis

Viking Octantis is another expedition ship operated by Viking. It debuted in 2022 and is designed to take travelers to off-the-beaten-path destinations, including the Arctic.

#7. New Arctic Voyages

Viking is debuting three new Arctic voyages in 2025. These voyages provide opportunities for travelers to explore the Arctic region and its unique landscapes.

#8. Collaboration with NOAA

Viking has partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to conduct and share science aboard their ships. This collaboration includes itineraries in the Great Lakes region.

#9. Ship Features

Viking’s expedition ships are designed to provide comfort and luxury while exploring remote Arctic regions. These ships feature spacious cabins, gourmet dining options, onboard spa and fitness facilities, and panoramic views from various observation points.

#10. Eco-Friendly Practices

Viking is committed to sustainable travel and minimizing its environmental impact. The expedition ships are designed with environmentally friendly features, such as energy-efficient engines and state-of-the-art waste management systems.

How Much Does It Cost To Go On An Arctic Cruise?

The cost of going on an Arctic cruise depends on several factors, including the itinerary, cruise line, ship, cabin category, and duration of the cruise. Prices start around $7,000 and can go upwards to about $30,000, with an average price of around $10,000. However, It is best to visit the websites of specific cruise lines or contact their customer service.

Why Are Arctic Cruises So Expensive?

Arctic cruises are expensive due to the remote and challenging destinations, specialized ships and equipment, expert staff and guides, environmental regulations and sustainability practices, and the limited cruising season. These factors contribute to higher operating costs, which are reflected in the cruise fares.

Where Do Arctic Cruises Leave From?

Arctic cruises can depart from various ports, depending on the chosen itinerary. Some common departure ports for Arctic cruises include Kangerlussuaq in Greenland, Nunavut or Alaska in Canada, Reykjavik in Iceland, and Svalbard in Norway. The specific departure port will depend on the cruise line and the route chosen for the Arctic cruise.

Can Tourists go to the Arctic?

Yes, tourists can visit the Arctic. The Arctic region attracts many tourists who want to experience its unique wildlife, pristine landscapes, and indigenous cultures. Arctic cruises are a popular way to explore the region, with departures from various ports such as Kangerlussuaq (Greenland), Nunavut or Alaska (Canada), Reykjavik (Iceland), and Svalbard (Norway). Additionally, there are flights and other means of accessing the Arctic from different points.

Do Arctic Cruises Have Wifi?

Arctic cruises offer onboard internet access, commonly known as Wi-Fi, for passengers. However, the availability and quality of Wi-Fi can vary depending on the cruise line, ship, and the specific route in the Arctic. Some cruise ships provide complimentary Wi-Fi for guests, while others may charge a fee or offer different internet packages for purchase.

How Safe are Arctic Cruises?

Arctic cruises are generally considered safe, with cruise operators adhering to strict safety protocols and guidelines. However, the remote and challenging nature of the Arctic environment means that certain risks exist, such as navigating icy waters and unpredictable weather conditions. Passengers are advised to follow safety instructions, stay within designated areas, and choose reputable cruise lines that prioritize safety.

When Should I Go on an Arctic Cruise?

When planning an Arctic cruise, the best time to go is generally from May to November, with late May to early June considered optimal for wildlife spotting. April is also a great time for nature photographers due to the presence of newly formed icebergs. The specific month may depend on personal preferences and desired experiences.

Why is a Cruise Cheaper than a Hotel?

Cruises can often be cheaper than hotels due to their all-inclusive nature, economies of scale, competition among cruise lines, and additional revenue streams from onboard purchases. However, cost comparisons can vary depending on factors such as the cruise line, destination, time of year, and individual preferences.

What Is The Price Of A Cruise?

The price of a cruise depends on the cruise line, ship, destination, length of the cruise, type of cabin, and additional expenses. On average, a cruise fare can range from around $50 to $450 per person per day for a basic cabin on a mainstream cruise line and $280 to $680 per person per day for a premium cruise line. However, these are just rough estimates and prices can fluctuate.

How Much Is A Cruise At Night?

The cost of a cruise at night can vary depending on the specific cruise line, ship, destination, cabin type, and additional expenses. However, cruise fares can range from around $50 to $450 per person per day for a basic cabin on a mainstream cruise line and from $280 to $680 per person per day for a premium cruise line.

How Much Is A Cruise For Two To Antarctica?

The cost of a cruise for two to Antarctica depends on several factors, such as the cruise line, ship, itinerary, cabin type, and additional expenses. On average, an Antarctica cruise for two people can range from around $10,000 to $30,000 or more. However, prices can start at around $6,000 for budget options and go up to $50,000 or higher for luxury cruises.

Conclusion

Luxury Arctic cruises provide a high-end, exclusive experience in the world’s most remote regions. These cruises offer a unique and exclusive Arctic experience. Silversea offers luxury cruises on small ships, and Hurtigruten focuses on sustainability. Viking Cruises offers 18 Arctic cruises from Norway, featuring destinations, itineraries, ports of call, and pre-and post-cruise extensions. The ships are designed for comfort, luxury, and eco-friendliness, featuring spacious cabins, gourmet dining, spa facilities, and panoramic views. Viking is committed to sustainable travel.