Arctic Expeditions: The World At Its Wildest
An intriguing destination that’s far from desolate, the Arctic is a place of exploration, profound discoveries and once-in-a-lifetime moments.
What Is The Arctic?
The Arctic is the northernmost polar region of the Earth that surrounds the North Pole, lying within the Arctic Circle, 66° north of the Equator.
Eight countries have territories that extend into the Arctic: Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark (including Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and Alaska in the United States.
Customers will find the Arctic teeming with life – birds, marine life and wildlife year-round – including flowering plants unique to the region in summer.
Fun Facts About The Arctic
Interesting facts about the Arctic to impress your customers with! Take a look:
Why An Arctic Cruise: What To Expect
There’s nothing quite like an Arctic cruise! Your customers can expect a blend of adventure with wildlife viewing, breathtaking landscapes, and opportunities for cultural immersion including:
Top Arctic Destinations
What are some of the world’s most popular Arctic destinations? Here are our top four picks:
Svalbard (Norway)
Location: A Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, north of Norway.
Attraction: Known for its tundra topography, polar bear sightings, and the international seed bank.
Unique Features: Spectacular scenery, unique flora and fauna, and historical significance due to coal mining.
Tromsø (Norway)
Location: A city in northern Norway, located above the Arctic Circle on the island of Tromsøya.
Attraction: Famous for Northern Lights viewing, Arctic Cathedral, and fjord cruises.
Unique Features: Lively cultural scene, midnight sun in summer, and gateway to Arctic expeditions.
Greenland
Location: The world's largest island, located in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Attraction: Offers a variety of experiences, including exploring fjords, glaciers, and icebergs.
Unique Features: The capital, Nuuk, offers opportunities for fly-fishing, sea angling, and dog-sledding.
Canada's Northwest Passage
Location: A sea route through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Attraction: Provides opportunities to view icebergs, visit high Arctic towns, observe wildlife, and potentially see the Northern Lights.
Unique Features: A historic sea route explored by explorers, offering a chance to step back in time.
Arctic Seasonality & Climate
Best times to visit for wildlife sightings, ice conditions, and daylight hours.
Special Arctic Experiences
Your customers can enjoy unforgettable Arctic thrills with these unique activities:
Top Arctic Cruise & Expeditions
Browse our top picks of Arctic cruises & expeditions, catering to diverse traveller needs.
Ponant: Fjords & Glaciers of Spitsbergen
Departs: Longyearbyen
From £7,190 pp
Expedition Highlights:
- See the colourful wooden homes in Longyearbyen
- Discover the riches of Svalbard & search for mysterious wild fauna
- Embark on outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables
- Go hiking on the island, between tundra, beaches and glaciers
- Encounter wildlife including polar bears, arctic foxes, whales, etc
Silversea: Tromsø to Longyearbyen
Departs: Tromsø
From £11,550 pp
Expedition Highlights:
- Sail to Europe’s northernmost point, observing kittiwakes and puffins
- Learn about northern traditions, polar expeditions, and arctic hunting
- Visit North Cape, take in its spectacular vista of barren tundra
- Explore Gjesværstappan nature reserve, observe various Arctic birds
- Cruise in a Zodiac along the cliffs around Kapp Kolthoff
Swan Hellenic: Greenland, Iceland and Svalbard
Departs: Reykjavik to Longyearbyen
From €8,000pp (approx. £6,850 pp)
Expedition Highlights:
- Discover Reykjavík’s iconic Hallgrimskirkja church
- Marvel at the cascading Dynjandi Waterfall
- Explore the quaint fishing town of Ísafjörður
- Jan Mayen Island offers dramatic volcanic landscapes
- Explore Svalbard, a haven for Arctic wildlife enthusiasts
Celebrity Cruises: Norwegian Fjords & Arctic Circle
Departs: Southampton
From £2,059 pp
Expedition Highlights:
- Cruise Norway’s starkly beautiful fjord-indented coast
- Admire jagged, tooth-like mountains with snow-covered peaks
- Take in hundreds of rocky islets and skerries, remnants of the last Ice Age
Secret Atlas: Scoresbysund Northern Lights Photo Tour
Departs: Reykjavik, Iceland
From €14,850 pp (approx. 12,486.62 pp)
Expedition Highlights:
- Photograph Scoresbysund, the largest fjord system in the world
- Encounter the local wildlife, including musk ox, Arctic foxes, and narwhals
- Photograph the Northern Lights with award-winning experts
- Visit the remote settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit
- Learn about the unique Greenlandic way of life
Viking: Into The Northwest Passage
Departs: Longyearbyen
From £12,995 pp
Expedition Highlights:
- Discover Nuuk’s open-air murals and sculptures
- Explore the pristine Nuup Kangerlua Fjord by boat or kayak
- Cruise Greenland’s west coast and pass floating icebergs
- Immerse yourself in Ilulissat’s Arctic heritage
Sail Baffin Bay, home to an array of marine life
Essential Considerations For Arctic Expedition Travel
Prepare your customers for their adventure to the top of the world - share essential tips on clothing, weather, fitness, and more to ensure they’re ready for the Arctic experience! Let your customers know:
Weather
The Arctic weather can be unpredictable and harsh, with cold temperatures and strong winds.
Packing
Pack appropriately for the cold, including layers of warm clothing, waterproof gear, and essentials like hats, gloves, and scarves.
Seasicknesss
Be prepared for potential seasickness, especially when crossing the Drake Passage, which is known for its rough waters.
Respect for the Environment
Remember to respect the fragile Arctic ecosystem and follow the guidelines provided by your expedition team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions your customers might be asking when considering an Arctic cruise.
Where’s the best place to visit on an Arctic Cruise?
Popular destinations include Svalbard, Greenland, and the Canadian High Arctic, each offering stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.
How long does it take to get to the Arctic on an expedition cruise?
Most cruises range from 7 to 14 days, with travel to the Arctic taking 1 to 2 days from departure.
What wildlife might I see on an Arctic expedition cruise?
Expect to see polar bears, whales, walruses, seals, and Arctic birds like puffins and terns.
When is the best time to visit the Arctic on an expedition cruise?
The best time is June to September, with wildlife activity peaking in early summer and the Northern Lights visible in late summer.
Finding Interested Customers
Agent Tips: How to identify and qualify clients interested in Arctic bucket-list experiences.
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Think about who dreams of the Arctic:
Wealthy folks, adventure lovers, wildlife fans, and people wanting something special. -
Look where they hang out (online & offline):
Travel groups, nature pages, luxury brands, travel shows. - Ask past happy clients for friends who'd love it.
