What Is an Arctic Cruise? Your Complete Guide to Costs, Experiences, and What to Pack

An Arctic cruise takes you to the top of the world. An untouched region of ice, wildlife, and endless daylight. These expeditions travel through Svalbard, Greenland, Arctic Canada, and sometimes as far as the North Pole. Unlike traditional cruises, the focus here is on exploration: Zodiac landings, close encounters with nature, and guided discoveries led by scientists and naturalists.

If you’re new to polar travel, visiting The Adventure Travel Show is an ideal first step. You can speak directly with expedition experts, compare routes, and understand what these unique voyages involve before booking.

Where Arctic Cruises Go

Svalbard

Svalbard

Svalbard offers the highest chance of spotting polar bears.

green

Greenland

Greenland combines immense fjords, blue glaciers, and rich Inuit culture.
canada

Arctic Canada

Arctic Canada features the historic Northwest Passage and remote tundra scenery.

north

 North Pole

A few expeditions go even farther, reaching the North Pole aboard icebreakers.

What to Expect Onboard

Arctic vessels are built for discovery, not crowds. With around 100 to 200 guests, you’ll experience a calm, educational environment. Daily activities include Zodiac safaris, guided hikes, and talks from experts.

Some ships add touches of comfort such as saunas and gourmet dining, while others focus purely on adventure. You can tour virtual cabins, view itineraries, and hear first-hand stories from expedition leaders at The Adventure Travel Show, making it easier to understand what life on board is really like.

cabin

How Much an Arctic Cruise Costs

Prices vary depending on comfort and route.

Booking early, ideally 9 to 12 months ahead, secures the best cabins and rates. Last-minute offers appear occasionally but are uncommon.

At The Adventure Travel Show, you’ll find operators offering a range of options and pricing tiers, so you can compare packages and understand what each level includes before you commit.

Budget

£4,000–£6,000, often to Svalbard with shared facilities.

Mid-Range

£7,000–£10,000, including more amenities and better cabins.

Luxury

£12,000–£20,000+, with balcony suites, fine dining, and personal guides.

What to Pack for the Arctic

gear

Think in layers.

Base: Thermal top and leggings to manage moisture.

Mid: Fleece or light down jacket for insulation.

Outer: Waterproof and windproof shell for protection.

Add warm accessories: beanie, neck gaiter, insulated gloves, sunglasses, and a dry bag for electronics. Many cruises provide waterproof boots. Avoid cotton, it stays cold when damp.

Many exhibitors at The Adventure Travel Show also showcase specialist clothing and gear. It’s a good place to see and feel the equipment you’ll need before investing in it.

Best Time to Visit

The peak season runs from June through August.

Early summer brings dramatic ice formations and nesting birds.

Late summer offers more open water and active wildlife, including polar bears hunting on the melting ice.

Choosing a Responsible Operator

Pick a company following AECO guidelines. These ensure low-impact travel, controlled shore visits, and respect for wildlife. Speaking directly with polar travel specialists or meeting operators at events like The Adventure Travel Show can help you find the right fit.

The Adventure Travel Show highlights responsible tourism. You can meet operators committed to sustainability and ask how they minimise impact in fragile polar regions.

Monty Halls
"It’ll change the way you see the world. This is wilderness, where nature still holds sway over man, and that previously were the preserve of explorers and scientists. We are so privileged to be able to visit them, and what’s more in the company of guides and scientists who are experts in their fields. It’s a genuinely different experience from anywhere else you’ll ever visit, and something you’ll remember for the rest of your days."
Monty Halls
Former Royal Marines Officer, broadcaster, biologist, writer, leadership coach, and public speaker.

Meet the Arctic Experts

Discover the exhibitors at The Adventure Travel Show who specialise in Arctic expeditions. From small-ship cruise operators to polar gear specialists and travel planners, these experts can help you plan your ultimate journey to the Far North.
  • HX Expeditions

    HX Expeditions

  • Small Cruise Ship Collection

    Small Cruise Ship Collection

  • SeilNorge

    SeilNorge

  • Wendy Wu Tours

    Wendy Wu Tours

  • Travel The Unknown

    Travel The Unknown

  • Trotting Soles

    Trotting Soles

  • Trailfinders

    Trailfinders

Katie Leigh

“We have seen an increase in interest for polar travel in recent years. Explorers that travel with HX are looking to disconnect from busy lives, giving them time to reflect, so travelling to the world’s most remote regions is the perfect way to do this."

"Curious travellers are enjoying small ship cruises to see destinations like Greenland and Svalbard that 50 years ago were experienced by only a small number of the hardiest explorers. Our expeditions offer regular people the opportunity to see some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes whilst enjoying unforgettable wildlife encounters and interacting with local communities. Passengers on our ships enjoy all the comforts of our premium accommodation and amenities, as well as the benefit of our expert onboard Expedition Teams to provide unique educational insights that immerse our guests in the destinations they travel to.”

Katie Leigh
Senior Marketing Specialist |  HX Expeditions

The Journey North

An Arctic cruise isn’t a typical holiday. It’s an expedition into silence, ice, and unspoiled nature. Few places on Earth remain this pure. Begin your search at The Adventure Travel Show and start planning your voyage to the edge of the world.