An Arctic cruise takes you deep into the world’s most remote, rugged, and unique destinations on an immersive experience that you won't find anywhere else. Your Arctic expedition cruise will be packed with incredible wildlife experiences, Indigenous culture, and spectacular landscapes of tundra, glaciers, and dramatic mountains and fjords. 

In the Arctic, colourful fishing villages are home to ancient Inuit seafaring cultures. One where belugas, humpbacks, and walrus dance around icebergs and deep Arctic waters.

Every day in the Arctic brings unforgettable adventures. In the home of the midnight sun, kayak through epic fjord systems, connect with local communities, or admire nesting puffins on jagged cliffs. On an Arctic expedition cruise, grand icebergs, diverse wildlife (including the elusive polar bear), and the magical aurora borealis will introduce you to the grandeur of the northern Polar region.

Some of the most popular destinations for an Arctic cruise are Canada's Northwest Passage, Norway, Greenland, and Iceland.

Where do Arctic cruises depart from?

The departure point for your Arctic cruise will vary, depending on your chosen itinerary. For Norway cruises, Longyearbyen, the largest settlement of the island of Spitsbergen, is the major thoroughfare for Arctic cruises visiting Svalbard. 

The main departure city for Canada cruises is Ottawa, where guests will board a charter flight to Iqaluit to board their cruise. From here you can explore the Canadian Arctic and Greenland.

Iceland can also be used as departure points for cruises exploring the remote East, West and South of Greenland.

While an Arctic cruise is definitely an adventure in its own right, it’s also a great add-on to a Europe or a US and Canada holiday. It is also a great complement to our Antarctica cruises if you'd like to explore both of the poles. 

Getting to the Arctic

For Norway (Svalbard) cruises, you would need to fly via Oslo or Tromso to Longyearbyen. There are a variety of major airlines flying to major hubs in Europe.

For cruises that start or end in Iceland, there are direct flights to Reykjavik from London as well as other European capitals. 

Most cruises that include Greenland will usually start or end in either Longyearbyen or Reykjavik. Charter flights are often used as part of your Arctic cruise package, so your Destination Specialist can advise you on the best flight options at the time of booking. 

For Canadian Arctic cruises, you'll generally need to first fly to Ottawa. 

What is it like to go on an Arctic cruise?

The Arctic is one of the world’s most extraordinary regions famous for its dramatic landscapes, uninhabited valleys and fascinating wildlife. While Spitsbergen is famed as the “wildlife capital of the Arctic”, all other regions of the Arctic are also perfect for whale, seal, and polar bear watching. Nature lovers will love Greenland, the least densely populated island in the world, and home to the largest national park in the northeast.

Depending on the time of year, you may even be able to witness the vivid displays of the Northern Lights.

The Canadian Arctic with its Northwest passage and its exploration continues to be a popular choice for many, especially if you'd like to see the iconic Arctic tundra landscapes and are hoping to observe wildlife. 

We can help you plan the Arctic adventure of a lifetime

Contact us and we can help you get started. Our team is glad to answer all of your Arctic cruise questions and can find you the very best options, including your flights, transfers, insurance, and the perfect cruise to suit your interests, budget, and schedule.