Whether you are trying to decide which polar region to visit first, or you aren’t quite sure what exactly the differences are between Arctic and Antarctic expedition cruises – we’ve put together some of the most important things you should know about each.
The Arctic
Floating along glistening icebergs, humpback whales peeking through the frozen waters, and experiencing the magic of the Arctic tundra is a dream for many. Only a short flight from the UK, the Arctic is surprisingly accessible. Focusing on the Arctic Circle, the expedition cruises countries including Svalbard, Iceland, Greenland, and Norway. Ships vary by expedition type, but you can view the operators we work with and see what options are available.
Wildlife
One of the biggest reasons to visit the Arctic is undoubtedly the wildlife. The polar bear is the main attraction, and spotting one of these beautiful creatures is a highlight of any cruise holiday. Whales, walruses, and seals are also in abundance.
Best Time to Go
Most people choose to visit the Arctic in summer due to higher temperatures, and almost constant daylight. July and August offer the best opportunities to view wildlife, and Arctic flora, and explore further North as the ice melts away.
More and more people are choosing to book their Arctic cruise in the winter, despite the colder temperatures and shorter days, for the chance at experiencing one of our planet’s most incredible weather phenomena – the Northern Lights.
Antarctica
The untouched continent. A land where no people live, no countries rule, and magical unspoilt landscapes await. Covering 10% of the world’s surface, most cruises to the region barely scratch the surface of this vast, uninhabitable, spectacular destination. Our cruises will take you as far as the Antarctic Peninsula, including the Falkland Islands, South Shetland Islands, and South Georgia. A cruise to Antarctica is the ultimate adventure.
Wildlife
It comes as a surprise to many visitors to Antarctica, but polar bears only live in the Arctic – so don’t expect any sightings. What you will find, unlike in the Arctic, are penguins – and lots of them. Colonies can include tens of thousands of birds, an incredible sight to see. In addition to penguins aplenty, over nine types of whales call Antarctica home – and seals are often spotted as well.
Best Time to Go
It is only possible to visit Antarctica during the summer months (November to March) when winter ice has begun to melt away making it possible to access. This period offers sunlight for almost 24 hours a day, the chance to see penguin chicks and seal pups arrive, and temperatures are at their most comfortable – albeit still cold. This is also a great time to head further South and explore more of the Antarctic continent.
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