Awe-inspiring  Arctic cruises & holidays

Unless you’re sticking to the mainland coast of Norway, the summer is the best time of year for a cruise to the Arctic. Sea ice has receded, daylight hours are plentiful and you can spot some incredible wildlife.

July is typically the warmest month in our Arctic destinations.

There are a number of different destinations you can choose for your Arctic cruise. Greenland and the Svalbard archipelago are both excellent; you can also cruise along the northern coast of Norway, which falls inside the Arctic Circle. Some Greenland cruises will also include stops in Iceland as part of the itinerary.

Wildlife-spotting is one of the highlights of holidays in the Arctic. Whales are a common sight, particularly if you’re on a cruise – humpbacks, orcas, blue and beluga whales can all be spotted in these chilly waters. You may also see seals, walruses, sea birds, Arctic foxes, polar bears and reindeer.

Currently, UK citizens don’t need a visa to travel to Norway, Svalbard, Iceland or Greenland. Other countries may require a visa. You can check the most up-to-date visa requirements for your trip using this handy tool from our partners, CIBT.

Most Arctic expedition cruises travel during the summer months. During these months, you can expect temperatures around 3-10°C.

The best time to visit the Arctic is generally during the summer months, from June to August. You’ll enjoy those lovely long hours of daylight, as well as the best wildlife viewing. Sea ice melts, too, making it easier for expedition cruise ships to pass. Winter cruises along the coastline of mainland Norway give you a chance to see the glorious Northern Lights, as well as taking part in snow sports such as skiing or snowshoeing.

A wind and waterproof jacket or coat is essential. Lots of layers and warm, waterproof clothing are ideal, too. Make sure you have warm gloves, hat and scarf, and suitable footwear (ideally insulated – and bear in mind that shoes may get wet on excursions, so more than one pair is advisable). UV rays can be strong in this part of the world, so sun cream, sunglasses and a lip balm with UV protection are must-pack items for your Arctic cruise. A decent camera (and spare batteries or charger) and binoculars are useful – as is an eye mask to assist with sleeping.

Some Arctic cruises are suitable for children, though usually older children/teenagers who can join in with active excursions and manage getting in and out of expedition boats - check individual cruise lines for their age restrictions. If you’re booking with us, bear in mind that our minimum age for travel is 12 years old.

Arctic cruises are generally safe and ships are specially designed to travel in these harsh conditions. That being said, you are exploring remote regions, with unpredictable weather and sea conditions, and limited medical facilities, so be sure to research your cruise line carefully to see the precautions they take.

Activities available on Arctic cruises often include shore landings on RIB boats, kayaking, hiking, wildlife-watching and visits to local towns and villages. You may also have the chance to take part in sustainability initiatives, such as beach clean-ups or wildlife monitoring. On some cruise lines, these activities will be included; on others, you’ll need to pay extra.

If you travel during the winter months, you’ll have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, on your cruise. That said, it’s entirely up to nature – even with clear skies, you may not always see the lights if there hasn’t been much solar activity taking place.

The price of an Arctic cruise will depend on where you’re going, which cruise line you’re sailing with, and how long the cruise is. As a guide, our expedition cruises to Greenland and Svalbard start at around £10,000 per person. Cruises to mainland Norway tend to be much cheaper, with prices starting around £4,000 per person. As with all of our holidays, these prices are inclusive of flights, hotels, selected meals and excursions, and our nationwide shared chauffeur service, plus a tour manager.