Antarctica and Arctic Cruises – Polar Expeditions and Ice Adventures
Set sail on the adventure of a lifetime with a cruise to the polar regions, where ice, wildlife, and breathtaking wilderness await. Whether you're drawn to the icy majesty of Antarctica or the remote beauty of the Arctic, these cruises offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the planet’s most extreme environments from the comfort of a modern expedition vessel.
Why Choose a Polar Cruise?
Polar cruises take you to the ends of the Earth, searching for pristine landscapes, dramatic ice formations, and extraordinary wildlife. Unlike traditional cruises, polar itineraries are typically expedition-style, led by expert guides and naturalists. Travellers enjoy zodiac landings, wildlife viewing, and lectures that enhance their understanding of these fragile ecosystems.
These voyages are ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurous travellers seeking raw, untouched scenery. Polar cruising allows you to explore otherwise inaccessible places, with all the comforts of world-class service and safety onboard.
Types of Polar Cruises
Polar cruises are typically expedition cruises, which means they operate on smaller ships with fewer passengers and greater flexibility. These ships are designed for navigating icy waters and are often equipped with zodiacs for shore landings and ice cruising, observation lounges and lecture theatres, and staffed with onboard experts, including biologists, glaciologists, and historians.
There are also luxury expedition cruises that offer fine dining, spa facilities, and enhanced comfort while maintaining a strong focus on exploration. Some travellers choose fly-cruise options to avoid long sea crossings like the Drake Passage.
Top Destinations in the Polar Regions
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to some of the most breathtaking and remote places on Earth with our expertly curated polar region cruises. Whether you're dreaming of navigating icy Arctic waters or discovering the pristine wilderness of Antarctica, polar region cruises offer unparalleled access to stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and awe-inspiring natural phenomena. Discover the top destinations in the polar regions that every explorer should experience on their next cruise journey.
Antarctica
Cruises to Antarctica typically depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, and cross the legendary Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula. Highlights include towering glaciers, tabular icebergs, and colonies of penguins, seals, and whales. Many itineraries also include stops in the South Shetland Islands, and some extend to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands for a deeper exploration of the Southern Ocean.
The Arctic
Arctic cruises explore the northernmost parts of the world, including destinations such as Svalbard (Spitsbergen), Greenland, Iceland, and parts of Canada's Northwest Passage. Wildlife encounters may include polar bears, arctic foxes, walruses, and migratory seabirds. Some itineraries even reach the North Pole aboard icebreakers. The Arctic is a land of contrasts, with summer bringing 24-hour daylight and opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and tundra exploration.
Arctic Cruises from Norway
Cruises from Southampton frequently visit the spectacular Lofoten Islands, North Cape (Nordkapp), and even venture toward Svalbard during the summer months. These itineraries showcase dramatic fjords, midnight sun, and rugged Arctic landscapes, with the added comfort of larger ships and familiar onboard amenities. While you may not see polar bears, you can experience reindeer, seabirds, and coastal Arctic culture - all from the comfort of a traditional ocean cruise.
When to Cruise the Polar Regions
The Antarctic cruise season runs from November to March, during the summer in the Southern Hemisphere. The early season offers dramatic ice and penguin mating season, while later months bring whale sightings and more accessible landing sites.
The Arctic cruise season typically spans May to September, depending on the destination. June and July offer ice-filled landscapes and vibrant wildlife, while August and September are ideal for reaching more remote areas like the Northwest Passage.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Antarctica, you can expect to see penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds. If you are on a cruise to the Arctic, you will likely see polar bears, reindeer, walruses, arctic foxes, and more, depending on your itinerary.
Yes, fly-cruise options are available that include a flight to King George Island, skipping the Drake Passage crossing.
No prior experience is required. Expedition cruises are designed for all levels of fitness and offer a variety of activity levels. Expert guides support passengers throughout.