Arctic cruises sail the far north of the Atlantic, from the islands of Svalbard to the fjords of Greenland and the channels of the Canadian Arctic. The draw is wildlife, glaciers, sea ice and the midnight sun. These trips suit curious travelers who value nature and small-group landings more than a busy onboard schedule.
When to go
Most Arctic expedition voyages run from June to September, when the sea ice retreats and harbors open. Arctic Norway can be visited for more of the year.
| When | What to expect | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| June | Midnight sun, more sea ice around Svalbard, snow on the peaks. Seabird colonies are busy. | Ice landscapes, birdlife, 24-hour daylight |
| July–August | Peak season. Mildest weather and the most open water. Greenland and Canadian Arctic routes open up. | Polar bear searches, Greenland fjords, Northwest Passage |
| September | Shorter days and autumn color on the tundra. Dark nights return, with a chance of northern lights. | Fewer ships, first northern lights |
| Winter (Norway) | Coastal Norway voyages under dark skies. Cold, snowy and short days. | Northern lights, winter scenery |
Arctic regions compared
Svalbard
This Norwegian archipelago lies far north of the mainland. Voyages often circle Spitsbergen from Longyearbyen, searching the pack ice for polar bears, walruses and Arctic foxes. Landings are guided by armed expedition staff because of the bears.
Greenland
Greenland offers huge icebergs, tidewater glaciers and small Inuit towns. The west coast around Ilulissat and Disko Bay is the most visited. The remote east coast holds Scoresby Sund, one of the largest fjord systems in the world.
Iceland
Iceland mixes volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and hot springs with easy access from the US. Circumnavigation voyages call at small harbors that bigger ships cannot reach.
Arctic Norway
Ships sail past Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands to the North Cape. This is the easiest Arctic trip on a larger ship and works well as part of a Northern Europe cruise.
Canadian Arctic and the Northwest Passage
Long, ambitious voyages link Greenland with Nunavut and, in some years, cross the Northwest Passage toward Alaska. Ice conditions decide the route, so these trips call for flexibility.
Where cruises leave from
Expedition voyages usually start in Longyearbyen, Reykjavík, Tromsø or Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, often with a charter flight included or arranged. Larger ships reach Arctic Norway and Iceland from Northern Europe ports, including Southampton, Copenhagen and Amsterdam.
Which cruise line?
Small expedition ships carry Zodiacs and naturalist teams and can land guests in remote places. Larger ships stay on scenic routes and call at established ports.
- Silversea runs all-inclusive expedition voyages with a high staff-to-guest ratio.
- Seabourn offers expedition ships with luxury suites, kayaking and submarine excursions on some sailings.
- Viking sails expedition ships with a strong science and lecture program.
- Holland America Line and Princess Cruises include Iceland, Greenland and North Cape calls on some Northern Europe and transatlantic itineraries.
Packing and travel documents
Summer temperatures often sit near freezing at sea and can be mild on a sunny landing. Pack in layers.
- A waterproof shell jacket and pants, warm base layers, a hat and gloves.
- Waterproof boots. Many expedition lines lend these, but check before you pack.
- An eye mask for sleeping under the midnight sun.
- Binoculars, a camera with spare batteries and polarized sunglasses.
A valid passport is required. Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland have their own entry rules and some voyages pass through several countries, so check current entry requirements before you go. See our US passport page for renewal tips. Many expedition lines require emergency evacuation insurance.
Compare current Arctic cruises, or request a quote and an advisor will match a ship and route to your interests.
