Arctic Cruises
Polar bears, walrus colonies, and the midnight sun. Arctic expedition cruises explore the remote wilderness of Svalbard, Greenland, and the Norwegian Arctic.
Cruising the Arctic
Arctic expedition cruises offer access to some of the most remote and pristine wilderness on Earth, where polar bears roam across pack ice, walrus haul out on rocky beaches, and the midnight sun illuminates a landscape of glaciers, tundra, and dramatic sea cliffs.
The Arctic cruise season runs from June to September, with the midnight sun period (late May–late July) offering 24-hour daylight for wildlife viewing and exploration. Svalbard (Spitsbergen), a Norwegian archipelago just 1,000 kilometres from the North Pole, is the most popular Arctic cruise destination, offering near-guaranteed polar bear sightings.
Expedition ships carry Zodiac inflatable boats for shore landings, with expert naturalists guiding excursions to polar bear habitats, bird cliffs (home to millions of puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes), and ancient Pomor hunting stations. Other Arctic cruise destinations include Greenland's vast ice sheet, Iceland's volcanic landscapes, and the legendary Northwest Passage through the Canadian Arctic archipelago.
Popular Ports in the Arctic
Longyearbyen
Svalbard, Norway
World's northernmost town & polar base
Tromsø
Norway
Arctic gateway & Sámi culture
Ilulissat
Greenland
UNESCO Icefjord & icebergs
Akureyri
Iceland
Whale watching & Goðafoss waterfall
Kangerlussuaq
Greenland
Ice sheet access & muskoxen
Ny-Ålesund
Svalbard, Norway
Research station & Arctic wildlife
Cruise Lines Sailing to Arctic
Best Time to Cruise the Arctic
June to September (peak: July–August)
Find Your Perfect Arctic Cruise
Compare prices from all major cruise lines and find the best Arctic deals.
Search Arctic Cruise DealsArctic Cruise FAQ
What is the best time to cruise the Arctic?
June to September (peak: July–August)
Which cruise lines sail to the Arctic?
Major cruise lines sailing to the Arctic include: Hurtigruten, Quark Expeditions, Ponant, Silversea, Lindblad. Each offers distinct experiences, from mega-ship entertainment to intimate luxury voyages.
What are the most popular ports in the Arctic?
The most popular cruise ports in the Arctic include: Longyearbyen (Svalbard, Norway), Tromsø (Norway), Ilulissat (Greenland), Akureyri (Iceland), Kangerlussuaq (Greenland), Ny-Ålesund (Svalbard, Norway).
How much does a Arctic cruise cost?
Arctic cruise prices vary widely based on cruise line, cabin type, duration, and time of year. Budget options start from around $199–$499 per person, while premium and luxury cruises can range from $999–$5,000+ per person. Use CruiseDirect to compare prices and find the best value.
Do I need a passport for a Arctic cruise?
Yes, a valid passport is required for Arctic cruises. Check visa requirements for each port of call, as entry requirements vary by nationality and country. Some ports may require additional visas.
What should I pack for a Arctic cruise?
Essential items include: formal and casual dining attire, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions, sunscreen and hat, seasickness remedies, and any medication. Check your cruise line's dress code policies for dining venues.
Explore More Destinations
🛡️ Why Trust TravelDealForge?
Secure Booking
All bookings are processed through trusted, verified partner sites with secure payment processing.
Best Price Guarantee
We compare prices from hundreds of leading providers to ensure you always get the best deal available.
Trusted by Travellers
Thousands of travellers use TravelDealForge to find and compare the best travel deals worldwide.
Learn more about our editorial standards and how we make money.
💡Affiliate Disclosure: TravelDealForge may earn a commission when you book through our partner links. This does not affect the price you pay. Read our affiliate disclosure