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, indigenous culture, and spectacular landscapes of tundra, glaciers, and dramatic mountains and fjords and unique wildlife encounters. 

In the Arctic, colourful fishing villages are home to ancient Inuit seafaring cultures. Learning about their remote lifestyles and history is hands down the highlight of the Arctic. 

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.

Travelling to the Arctic, you'll usually join your trip in Northern Europe or Canada, where you'll meet your charter flight or cruise ship. 

Where do Arctic Cruises Go?

Some of the most sought‑after Arctic destinations include:

• Svalbard (Norway) – the wildlife capital of the Arctic, known for polar bears, walrus, and dramatic mountain landscapes
• Greenland – home to the world’s largest fjord system, colourful Inuit settlements, and immense glaciers
• Iceland – volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and rich Viking history
• Canadian Arctic & Northwest Passage – remote communities, legendary exploration routes, and vast tundra wilderness

Where do Arctic cruises depart from?

Your departure point depends on your chosen itinerary:

• Svalbard (Norway): Most voyages begin in Longyearbyen, reached via Oslo or Tromsø.
• Greenland: Cruises often start in Reykjavík, Kangerlussuaq or Nuuk, with charter flights included.
• Canadian Arctic: Most itineraries begin with a charter flight from Ottawa to Iqaluit or Resolute.
• Iceland: Reykjavík is the gateway for voyages exploring Iceland and East/West Greenland.

Arctic cruises pair beautifully with a Europe, US/Canada, or even Antarctica holiday if you’re aiming to visit both 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 from Australia 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, the easiest and most popular way for Australians to get to Ottawa is via Vancouver or Los Angeles. 

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.