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From the icy embrace of the Arctic Circle to the rugged beauty of its remote islands, every moment on an Arctic expedition cruise is an invitation to discover one of the most untamed and untouched corners of our planet.
In Svalbard, the rugged and fragile Arctic is a fairytale of a destination, and an expedition cruise here is the quintessential Arctic cruise to discover its many wonders. Also often known as Spitsbergen, the name of the archipelago's largest and only permanently populated island, it’s a dramatic wilderness of glaciers and mountains, ice fields and barren tundras, extremities of light and dark, and home to more polar bears than people, yet people it has—making this a destination in which you can truly experience life in the high Arctic.
Greenland, the largest island on Earth, is a marvel to behold. Encrusted in a thick ice sheet with magnificently large glaciers flowing into the sea, the rugged landscape has been carved by one million years of glaciation, which has resulted in scenery that is, quite simply, astounding. But combine that with incredible history, a fascinating modern way of life, and charming colourful villages, and Greenland promises to be a destination unlike any other you'll have been to.
Through the Canadian Arctic and the Northwest Passage, with its endless expanses of ice floes, towering blue glaciers, jagged cliffs and imposing mountains is a marvel to behold, and thanks to being largely untouched, it is home to truly exceptional wildlife. In addition to thousands of bird species, this is a region in which you'll find the arctic fox, caribou, musk-ox, seals, walrus, narwhals, whales, and the mighty and majestic polar bear.
The North Pole itself standing at the top of the world - the only place in the world in which every direction you face is south - is still the ultimate in Arctic expedition endeavours, and in the history of humankind, only very few have ever been lucky enough to do so.
An Arctic expedition cruise is not just a voyage; it is a communion with the forces that shape this polar wilderness, allowing you to stand witness to the extraordinary wildlife that calls this icy expanse home.
Click on the destination boxes below to discover more about these special polar places.
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Note: This graph is intended as a guide only and provides no guarantees for wildlife sightings.
Our Top Arctic Polar Picks
Exploring Svalbard by Swan Hellenic
Embark on this 7-day Exploring Svalbard luxury cruise, a captivating round trip voyage departing from the world's northernmost town, Longyearbyen, on the island of Spitsbergen. This adventure leads you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Svalbard archipelago, including remote islands such as Nordaustlandet and Edgeøya, before returning to Longyearbyen. Throughout this journey, you'll have the chance to visit intriguing locales such as The North Pole Expeditions Museum in Longyearbyen, which chronicles early polar explorations.
Region
Svalbard
Svalbard
Ships
SH Diana
Departure Dates
13-Jun 2026, 20-Jun 2026, 27-Jun 2026, 04-Jul 2026
13-Jun 2026, 20-Jun 2026, 27-Jun 2026, 04-Jul 2026
Greenland Explorer by Polar Latitudes Expeditions
Join Albatros Expeditions on a 12-day expedition cruise from Reykjavík to Kangerlussuaq, following the same maritime course set by Norse settlers over a thousand years ago. Experience the diversity of East, South and West Greenland, from the bustling mini-metropolis of Nuuk to the spectacular icebergs of Sermilik all in one unique voyage!
Region
Greenland
Greenland
Ships
Ocean Albatros
Departure Dates
15-Aug 2026, 10-Jun 2027
Svalbard & Arctic Photography Expedition with Jane Addey
Join renowned wildlife photographer Jane Addey on a 13-day Arctic adventure to Svalbard aboard the charming and classic 12-passenger vessel, M/S Stockholm. Jane is a highly experienced wildlife photographer with over 25 years of experience capturing stunning images of the world's most incredible animals and the raw beauty of the natural world.
Region
Svalbard
Svalbard
Ships
MS Stockholm
Departure Dates
June 2026
June 2026
Circumnavigating Svalbard - In the Realm of the Polar Bear by HX
On this 11-day expedition, discover some of the most incredible sights in the Arctic, exploring the national parks of the Svalbard archipelago, a magnificent wilderness where polar bears outnumber people. Marvel at the giant mountain peaks rising from the ocean in spectacular fjords, hike through arctic tundra keeping watch for reindeer and arctic fox, spot lazy walrus relaxing in hidden bays and Zodiac cruise around colossal ice-calving glaciers.
Region
Svalbard
Svalbard
Ships
MS Fram, MS Spitsbergen
Departure Dates
20-Jun 2026, 04-Jul 2026, 11-Jul 2026, 25-Jul 2026, 01-Aug 2026, 12-Jun 2027, 26-Jun 2027, 03-Jul 2027, 17-Jul 2027, 24-Jul 2027, 14-Aug 2027, 04-Sep 2027
Ready to start planning your incredible expedition cruise to the Arctic? Simply complete our enquiry form to get in touch, or call our Polar Specialists directly on 0203 196 1000.
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ABOUT US
We'll compare a huge selection of expedition ships, cruises and operators to find your perfect cruise.
Our prices are amongst the best you'll find, plus look out for Polar Routes exclusive offers!
As supporters of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, booking with us helps support the work of the trust within Antarctica.
All our holidays are ATOL protected (11104), for your complete peace of mind.
Why book with Polar Routes?
CHOICE
- We can compare a huge selection of expedition ships, cruises and operators.
- From former Russian research vessels to larger and luxurious ships - there is an expedition cruise to suit you.
- Our Polar Specialists will help you choose the perfect expedition cruise for your requirements.
SPECIALISTS
- We are the expedition cruise specialists and know all the polar destinations inside out.
- Our expert team of Polar Specialists have extensive knowledge of all the expedition ships & operators.
- All of our Polar Specialists have first-hand experience of expedition cruising to the polar regions.
VALUE
- Our prices are amongst the best you'll find, plus look out for Polar Routes exclusive offers!
- All our holidays are ATOL protected (11104), for your complete peace of mind.
- As supporters of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, booking with us helps support the work of the trust within Antarctica.