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