Choosing the Best Arctic Cruise

The perfect Arctic cruise should offer a balance of comfort, adventure, and sustainability, with opportunities to explore the region’s unique wildlife, stunning scenery, and cultural heritage. Use our perfect-fit checklist to make sure that your Arctic cruise vacation experience includes everything you want to do and see!

At Polar Holidays, we work with the best luxury and expedition cruise lines to both Antarctica and the Arctic to provide travelers with the best cruise for them at the best price. Visiting the Arctic on your next vacation? You won't regret it! Finding your perfect Arctic cruise is based on a few factors such as when you would like to visit, the adventure activities you want to try, and the destinations you would like to visit, and more! Learn more in this article, and if you have questions please contact our team! We'd love to help you find the best Arctic cruise for your next travel experience.

At Polar Holidays, we work with the best luxury and expedition cruise lines to both Antarctica and the Arctic to provide travelers with the best cruise for them at the best price. Visiting the Arctic on your next vacation? You won’t regret it! Finding your perfect Arctic cruise is based on a few factors such as when you would like to visit, the adventure activities you want to try, and the destinations you would like to visit, and more! Learn more in this article, and if you have questions please contact our team! We’d love to help you find the best Arctic cruise for your next travel experience.

How do I choose the best Arctic Cruise for me?

In order to get an idea of what cruise itinerary you’d prefer, there are a few questions you should ask yourself and any guests you plan to travel with. For instance, how many days do you want to be traveling? What is your budget? What ship size and type do you prefer? What activities do you want to try, and what destinations do you want to visit?

Below, we explore these options in detail! If you have any questions left unanswered after reading through our checklist please contact our team! We’d love to talk with you!

What to Consider to When Picking an Arctic Cruise

To pick the best out of hundreds of Arctic cruises, take into account:

Time of year: The best time to visit the Arctic is during the summer months, from June to August, when temperatures are warmer and the days are longer. This is also the time when the sea ice is at its lowest, allowing for easier navigation.
Itinerary: Look for a cruise that offers an itinerary you would enjoy. This could include activities you would enjoy, destinations you want to see, and anything else you specifically would like!
Cruise ship selection: Choose a ship that offers comfortable accommodations, excellent dining options, and onboard amenities you would enjoy. Public spaces such as gyms, lounges, and libraries are different on each ship! We also offer different types of ships, such as smaller vessels, ice breakers, and more.

4. Wildlife viewing: Look for a cruise that offers opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, seals, and whales. Some cruises may offer activities like kayaking or hiking to get even closer to the wildlife.

5. Northern Lights: If seeing the Northern Lights is a priority, choose a cruise that visits locations with a high likelihood of seeing this natural phenomenon. The best time to see the Northern Lights is in the fall and winter months

6. Safety: Safety should be a top priority on any Arctic cruise. Look for a cruise operator that has a good safety record and provides safety equipment, such as drysuits, for activities like kayaking or Zodiac cruising.

7. Sustainability: The Arctic is a fragile ecosystem, and it’s important to choose a cruise operator (like us!) that has a commitment to sustainability. Look for a cruise that follows best practices for waste management and minimizes its impact on the environment.

What Should I Expect For Pricing On An Arctic Cruise?

The first question customers ask our staff at Polar Holidays is almost always: “How much does a cruise to the Arctic cost?” We understand that budget is a primary concern for most travelers. We work hard to help you select a cruise to the Arctic that will fit your budget.

Your budget will likely have the biggest impact on what Arctic cruise will be best for your needs. It impacts everything from cruise itinerary and length, to cabin type and add-on activities.

On every Arctic cruise ship, you have a choice of cabins. The layout and size can differ widely between different trips. The most expensive cabins are on the higher floors, offering panoramic views. If you’re looking to save money, consider booking a twin or triple cabin or opt for one of the older, converted research vessel ships. Furthermore, early in the season in April as well as late in the season in September tend to be less expensive departures as they are not during peak season.

Looking for further advisement of have questions? Email or call us and we will work with you to select an Arctic trip that fits your budget!

The Best Arctic Cruise Ships

Is there a “best” ship for your cruise to the Arctic? Not really. However, there are some factors to consider to ensure that you pick a cruise ship you’ll love. The most important factor is the size of the cruise ship. By size, we don’t mean how long the ship is, but how many passengers it can carry. In our experience, this can impact your cruise experience significantly! Arctic cruise ships can carry as few as 20 people to more than 500 passengers. Does this matter? Absolutely! Some people prefer the more intimate experience a smaller cruise ship provides; others don’t mind either way.

50 Years of Victory

Twenty years in the making, 50 Years of Victory is the first Arktika-class icebreaker to have a spoon-shaped bow, capable of breaking through ice up to 2.5 meters (9.2 feet) thick! This is one of the world’s largest, most-powerful nuclear icebreaker.

Victory

Kapitan Khlebnikov

The Kapitan Khlebnikov is a polar-class icebreaker combining power and technology with comfort. No passenger ship has transited the Northwest Passage more often than the renowned Kapitan Khlebnikov. Originally designed to take on the rigors of northern Siberia, the 24,000 horsepower engine and advanced ice-breaking technology take you places no other ship can. The ship offers 51 outside cabins and suites, all featuring private facilities, large windows, desk, hair dryer, robes and large closets.

Learn more

Ultramarine

The newest ship in our fleet, Ultramarine, is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards. With all this and more, Ultramarine is set to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience.

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See All Of Our Cruise Ships!

We have a selection of both luxury and expedition-type vessels.

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What ship class do we recommend? There are a few options:

Icebreakers: Icebreaker ships do not refer to the size, but rather their ability to carve their way through ice waters. Aboard an icebreaker ship you will find comfortable accommodations, adventurous public spaces and many enjoyable amenities.
Expedition: Expedition ships allow you to get close, but adhere to the principals of conservation, therefore having minimal impact on the environment. These ships are designed to carry small groups of passengers for a more intimate travel experience!

Planning Resources For Your Arctic Cruise

When To Visit the Arctic

Arctic cruises run between April and September. Each month offers travelers a unique adventure!

Learn more

5 Reasons to Visit the Arctic

Debating on whether or not the Arctic would be the right cruise region for you? Read our blog post about our top 5 reasons to visit!

Learn more

Arctic Adventure Activities

Explore the Arctic with offered adventure activities! Different Arctic cruise itineraries will offer different adventure activities.

Learn more

Ready to Book Your Polar Expedition?

Ready to find your dream cruise? Have questions? Contact Polar Holidays to schedule a free consultation with one of our booking specialists today!

Book Incredible Cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic

Choosing the Best Arctic Cruise

How do I choose the best Arctic Cruise for me?

What to Consider to When Picking an Arctic Cruise

What Should I Expect For Pricing On An Arctic Cruise?

The Best Arctic Cruise Ships

We offer a range of cabin options on all ships!

What ship class do we recommend? There are a few options:

Planning Resources For Your Arctic Cruise

When To Visit the Arctic

5 Reasons to Visit the Arctic

Arctic Adventure Activities

Ready to Book Your Polar Expedition?