Polar Expedition Cruises
Polar bears on the pack ice, calving glaciers, the midnight sun and the aurora — the ends of the Earth are the ultimate expedition, and we’ll match the right ship and voyage to you.
A polar expedition cruise takes you where few travelers go — aboard a small, ice-strengthened ship, with daily zodiac landings, naturalists and often kayaking. In the Arctic, that means Svalbard for polar bears and walrus under the midnight sun, Greenland’s vast icebergs and Inuit villages, Iceland, the Northwest Passage and even the geographic North Pole by icebreaker. In the Antarctic, it means the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falklands, with penguins, whales and seals. The Arctic season runs May to September; Antarctica runs November to March — so there’s a polar voyage nearly year-round. We match the region, ship, itinerary and season to you — and get you the best cruise price free from a true cruise specialist.
Why take a polar expedition cruise?
The planet’s last wild edges
Pack ice, glaciers and tundra at the top and bottom of the world — raw, remote and unforgettable.
Iconic wildlife
Polar bears, walrus and reindeer in the Arctic; penguins, whales and seals in the Antarctic — seen from the ship and the zodiac.
Midnight sun or aurora
Endless Arctic summer daylight, or shoulder-season voyages chasing the Northern Lights over the ice.
Real expedition travel
Small ships, zodiac landings, kayaking and expert guides — flexible, weather-led itineraries, not fixed port days.
Arctic or Antarctic?
The Arctic (May–September) centers on Svalbard for polar bears and walrus, Greenland for colossal icebergs and Inuit culture, plus Iceland, the Northwest Passage and North Pole icebreaker voyages. The Antarctic (November–March) means the Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falklands, with penguin colonies, whales and seals.
They’re opposite seasons, so together they let you keep exploring year-round. Arctic voyages run about 6–14 days; Antarctic voyages 10–23 days. Tell us which pole calls you, your dates and wildlife priorities, and we’ll match the ship and voyage.
Polar cruising in pictures
Ready to plan your polar expedition cruise?
Tell us whether you’re drawn to the Arctic or Antarctica, your dates and wildlife priorities, and we’ll match the expedition ship and voyage — and get your best cruise price free from a true cruise specialist, with no obligation.
Get your best Polar cruise price freeFrequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Arctic and Antarctic cruises?
The Arctic (May–September) is about polar bears, walrus, Svalbard, Greenland’s icebergs and Inuit culture. Antarctica (November–March) is about penguins, whales, seals and vast ice on the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia. Opposite seasons mean you can do one, then the other.
Will I see polar bears / penguins?
Polar bears live only in the Arctic (Svalbard is the best bet); penguins live in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic. Sightings are never guaranteed in the wild, but the right region, season and itinerary maximize your chances — we’ll advise.
How rough are the crossings?
Antarctic voyages usually cross the Drake Passage (about two days each way), which can be calm or rough; fly-cruise options skip it. Most Arctic voyages avoid long open-water crossings. We’ll flag the sea conditions for any itinerary.
What kind of ship will I be on?
Small, ice-strengthened expedition ships — from under 100 guests to a few hundred — with zodiacs, naturalists and often kayaking. Luxury polar ships add suites, spas and even submersibles and helicopters.
How do I get a quote?
Tell us the region, your dates and wildlife priorities, and request your best cruise price free from a true cruise specialist, with no obligation.
