About Polar Holidays

The Polar Holidays Team

Love the Polar regions? So do we! Polar Holidays is a small travel agency that specializes in booking tours and cruises to both the Antarctic and Arctic regions. We partner with high-quality specialty cruise lines which allows us to provide the best selection of cruises for our clients! It is our goal to provide travelers with their dream vacation, whether that adventure is in the Arctic or Antarctica.

There are many tours, ships and itineraries to Antarctica and the Arctic. We have been on more than 100 trips to these areas, and continue to explore new Antarctica and Arctic expeditions. Polar Holidays is intimately familiar with the trips and expedition ships, and therefore we are uniquely qualified to recommend itineraries to best serve each client’s preferences. We can advise our clients on the most appropriate cruise ship, time of year, and itinerary options.

Our small team of passionate polar specialists can help you plan your journey from your front door to either Antarctica or the Arctic, and back again! We specialize in complete advisement including arranging all flights, connections and transfers, so you can just relax and enjoy your adventure!

Thomas was born and raised in Germany. He moved to the United States after college and has since pursued his passion for travel and photography. Thomas has traveled to many countries around the world, but holds a special affinity for the polar regions.

Nathan grew up in the desert of New Mexico in the Southwest United States. He has been teaching high school classes for decades.

Johannes is our European specialist. Passionate about the Arctic, he loves polar bears, walruses, and the remote areas of Spitsbergen and Greenland.

Raised in Washington State, Maddy is finishing her bachelor’s degree in business administration. She enjoys traveling and exploring throughout the PNW.

Nora has been an Antarctic traveler for over a dozen years. Though she does not enjoy the Drake Passage and is always happy to reach “the other side”, she doesn’t let it get in the way of her passion. She loves the penguins and albatrosses, and is very knowedgeable on expedition ships and cabins.

A recent addition to the Polar Holidays team, Mee has been working in the travel industry for 5 years. Her expertise is in finding and planning trip excursions that clients may be interested in experiencing before or after their polar adventure.

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Jonathan completed his degree in biochemistry and philosophy. Following graduation he enrolled in medical school in Central Europe. Traveling to more than 17 countries, Jonathan is an expert in international travel and the fine art of finding the cheapest flights for his adventures.

Testimonials

"This is an exciting experience enhanced by the enthusiasm and skill which Polar Holidays devotes to their clients. They are not only knowledgeable but kind and patient when helping select the right cruise – there are so many of them! They treat their clients with respect and care to detail. I would have no reservations about joining him on another trip after Antarctica and South Georgia."

"I have been fortunate to have booked through Polar Holidays for 2 tours, one to the polar bears in Spitzbergen and another to Antarctica. They are knowledgeable, kind and thoughtful, not only in the country in which you are traveling but also with their photographic knowledge. They go beyond the regular help and made both of these trips memorable. The photo they sent me after the cruise rocks!"

"I have travelled with Polar Holidays to see the baby penguins and polar bears, both fantastic trips. I plan to go with them again this year to South Georgia. Thomas has travelled to all his destinations many times, so he is very knowledgeable about the area, people, etc. You can’t go wrong by using Polar Holidays to book one of these exciting journeys."

"We worked with a fantastic trip planner/coordinator at Polar Holidays– very knowledgeable about Antarctica and the Arctic. Polar Holidays makes it easy to travel so that we could focus on the trip adventure and experience. Thomas is regularly on these trips, so he was able to help us select among the large number of available cruises available – we were initially overwhelmed by the choices!

"I have traveled with Polar Holidays twice to Antarctic to photograph the penguins and once to the Arctic to see the polar bear babies. I enjoyed all three immensely, Polar Holidays was attentive to every detail and made sure we all got to South America, despite any challenge due to weather delays. That door-to-door service made the whole experience so much more enjoyable. Thanks Thomas and Polar Holidays!"

"Polar Holidays is the absolutely best firm I have ever booked with – and I do 2-3 big international trips a year. They are only a very knowledgeable about the different tours with lots of great insight into guest needs, but they also takes extremely good care of his clients. I can’t wait to go on another trip with them."

"We are home safe and sound. Got back to LA yesterday. It was an AMAZING, WONDERFUL, FABULOUS, FANTASTIC adventure. LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lots and Lots of photos to go through. All went well!!! Ship was GREAT, Polar Holidays Team was GREAT, weather was mixed, but GREAT, had Drake Lake for the crossing!!!!!!!!! Ready to go again!!!!! Thanks Polar Holidays!!"

Our Mission

We care about our customers and only represent the highest quality ships and companies, offering the best value.
Polar Holidays sells Antarctica and Arctic cruise and land-based trips based on our client’s needs and preferences. We do not sell trips based on commissions.
To continue to spend time at the polar travel destination to maintain our intimate knowledge of them and the ships that go there.
Our company partners with and represents companies for their quality, safety, environmental practices, service and best overall experience for our clients.
To provide the highest quality experience in the planning stage of a client’s trip.
Our team will help you plan a trip of a lifetime starting from your door!
To provide dedicated staff to help you find the right cruise at the right price.
We charge no additional fees – you receive the same price as booking direct with much more personalized service, and help you book add-on excursions you may wish to book.

Our team loves the polar regions, and want you to enjoy them too! Going to the Arctic or Antarctica is one of life’s greatest experiences!

We believe in supporting our natural heritage and help the following companies through donations and encourage you to do the same:

Polar Holidays' History

Polar Holidays was founded in 2008. All of our staff members have extensive travel experience in the polar regions.

Thomas, our founder, started his career in the snowy areas of the world. Summiting such mountains as McKinley in Alaska, Aconcagua in Argentina, Kilimanjaro in Africa, and the North Ridge of Mount Everest. Wanting others to see the amazing places he had seen, Thomas began taking photographs as a way to share his wild world with family and friends.

Always seeking new challenges and adventures, Thomas switched gears from a wild life of mountain climbing and various outdoor activities in search of new landscapes and wildlife all over the world. Whether trying to stay warm in -40° F temperatures to photograph polar bears, braving rough seas to seek out great white sharks, or sweating it out on the African savanna, Thomas always appreciates how fortunate he is to travel, and observe the wonders of the world. He looks forward to helping you plan your own polar adventure. All staff members at Polar Holidays have been in on multiple Antarctica and Arctic cruises – ask us a question, and we’d be happy to answer!

Photos Courtesy of Thomas Kokta Photography

Polar Traveling Questions?

Antarctica FAQ

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Choosing the Right Antarctic Cruise

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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

About Polar Holidays

The Polar Holidays Team

Thomas

Nathan

Johannes

Maddy

Nora

Mee

Jonathan