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Book Incredible Cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic

Antarktis
January 18, 2023 - 
20230130
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS An extra day on the Antarctic Peninsula Full access to the onboard photo experts Nearly 24 hours of daylight/twilight Camping & Kayaking available Daily Excursions (weather permitting)
8fe13979d54e143d3afc06fac56c612feac00f9b
December 27, 2022 - 
20230116
2023-12-07 - 
Dec 17, 2023
This Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands cruise delivers you into a landscape of dark rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and thousands of penguins....
2023-12-24 - 
Jan 05, 2024
“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. We offer “activity modules” which go beyond our normal shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passenge...
2023-12-23 - 
Jan 04, 2024
“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. We offer “activity modules” which go beyond our normal shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passenge...
2023-12-12 - 
Dec 24, 2023
“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. We offer “activity modules” which go beyond our normal shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passenge...
2023-12-11 - 
Dec 23, 2023
“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. We offer “activity modules” which go beyond our normal shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passenge...
2023-11-30 - 
Dec 12, 2023
“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. We offer “activity modules” which go beyond our normal shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passenge...
2023-11-25 - 
Dec 07, 2023
“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. We offer “activity modules” which go beyond our normal shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passenge...
2023-11-20 - 
Nov 30, 2023
See the Antarctic from the vantage point of a true expedition leader – from the air. Our helicopter capability on the Ortelius provides you the unique chance to view an emperor penguin rookery numbering upwards of 4,000 breeding pairs, located just south of Snow Hill Island. Heavy...
2023-11-13 - 
Nov 25, 2023
“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. We offer “activity modules” which go beyond our normal shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passenge...
2023-11-09 - 
Nov 23, 2023
Few places compare to South Georgia in terms of exotic wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery. On this exploratory voyage you can enjoy wandering albatross colonies while also seeing some of the biggest breeding spots for king penguins and elephant seals on Earth – along with day after...

When To Visit The Arctic

Arctic Cruises Are Limited To Select Summer Months

The following are some of the periods cruises run, and provide a breakdown of the weather and what activity options may be available on your Arctic cruise.

June to mid-July

As summer has just begun, there will be plenty of ice and snow to see during this period. The “midnight sun” has not yet made an appearance to melt the ice so polar bears and walrus will be hunting on the edge of the ice. Birds will also start to return from the south to breed. Wildlife at this time will include seabird colonies, reindeer, arctic foxes, whales, walrus, and of course, polar bears. Access to Northwest Spitsbergen National Park and South Spitsbergen National Park are also perks of travelling at this time. This is a great time to visit Longyearbyen: one of the world’s northernmost towns. Activities may include hiking, kayaking, zodiac cruising, and snowshoeing. 

Mid-July to mid-August

This is the best time to cruise around Spitsbergen as ice is less likely to block channels surrounding access points into Sam Ford Fjord and Pangnirtung. The tundra flowers are blossoming. Wildlife will be abundant. Much of the same wildlife will be seen as the June-July period, with the addition of wolves, hares, and lemmings. This is a great time to see the Inuit art hub Pangnirtung and also Kekerten, a historic whaling station. Activities for this period may include hiking, kayaking, and zodiac cruising. 

Mid-August to September

Remember, farther from the solstice means shorter days, and cooler weather. Birds begin to migrate south, and skies can be moody. Darker skies also improve the chances of seeing the aurora borealis. Wildlife such as muskoxen, whales, polar bears, and seals should be spottable. Places to see and visit include the Scoresby Sound, Greenland National Park, Uunartoq hot springs, and Ilulissat Icefjord. There are several Norse and Viking historic sites to visit, and the Ittoqqortoormiit – a modern Greenlandic community. Activities available during this time are hiking, kayaking, and cruising.

Ready to Book Your Arctic Expedition?

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