Ultimate Norway – Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights (Flight Included)
Tromsø - Tromsø
- Jan 17 - Jan 24 2026
- 8 Days
- MS Spitsbergen
Price from£3,999/person
Arctic Cruises & Tours
Search and book 750+ expedition cruises and tours to the Arctic with Polar Escapes.
Questions?
Talk to a polar pro
Free advice from people that have been there
Questions?
Talk to a polar pro
Free advice from people that have been there
We partner with the world’s top expedition operators
Best Arctic Cruises & Tours for 2025/2026
Choose from our hand-picked selection of voyages chosen by our team with 35 years of firsthand experience exploring high above the Arctic Circle.
Why Travel To The Arctic With Polar Escapes?
We make Arctic travel easy.
Compare all tours in one place.
We make Arctic travel easy.
Compare all tours in one place.
Best price guaranteed.
We don't charge you more.
Best price guaranteed.
We don't charge you more.
35 years of Arctic Experience
Free advice from people who have been there.
35 years of Arctic Experience
Free advice from people who have been there.
Travel with confidence.
100% financial protection & travel support.
Travel with confidence.
100% financial protection & travel support.
Sustainable choice.
Environmental giving included.
Sustainable choice.
Environmental giving included.
Arctic Cruise Destinations
Are you a wildlife lover, photographer, or budding polar explorer who wants to see the sights of Amundsen or Nansen? Above the Arctic Circle, you will find some of the most captivating destinations in the polar regions.
From its jagged mountain peaks to 2000 glaciers, Svalbard is often described as the Arctic in a nutshell. Here, polar bears roam the pack ice, and the sound of calving glaciers echoes through tranquil fjords. The landscape is dotted with the history of early polar exploration. Nowhere else on Earth can you see Svalbard Reindeer along with walruses and curious Arctic foxes. If you haven't been to the far north before, Svalbard offers the best highlights in one place.
The largest island on Earth, with thousands of miles of uncharted coastline, Greenland is an explorer's paradise. Colossal icebergs breaking blue ice off the Greenland ice cap can be seen floating all around. From mountains to steep-sided fjords, the sparsely populated wilderness of Greenland is like nowhere else on Earth. Visit remote Greenlandic settlements and gain an understanding of the unique way of Inuit life in the High Arctic and maybe an occasional polar bear.
The most northerly point on Earth, the North Pole, is a fixed point situated on the frozen Arctic Ocean. Reaching it is a specialist expedition that can only be done on an icebreaking ship from Longyearbyen in Svalbard. Encounter a myriad of pack ice that polar explorers have only seen. See polar wildlife in their untouched natural habitat, including polar bears and walruses. Reach a place of polar triumph that very few have ever experienced
The Northwest Passage is a 900-mile stretch of channels and islands connecting the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. From its intriguing history of ill-fated expeditions to its wildlife hotspots, the northern passages offer a chance to explore one of the most colossal wildernesses on Earth, interspersed with remote Inuit settlements and diverse landscapes that really are at the ends of the Earth. Â
When To Go
March - October
0°c - 7°c
Average temperature during the summer
20 - 24 Hours Of Sunlight
at height of summer
Need advice?
It's good to talk to people who have been there.
No hard sell. Just excellent advice.
And Penguins.
What Will I See On An Arctic Cruise?
Now that you have decided to undertake an Arctic expedition, you will want to know what you will likely see.
Wildlife
The high Arctic is the only polar region where you can encounter polar bears, walruses, musk oxen, reindeer, beluga whales, and narwhals. Onboard Expert guides and naturalists will ensure you will encounter the Arctic's diverse wildlife in its natural home in a personal and respectful way.
Raw Nature
From the pack ice of the north, the countless glaciers of Svalbard and Greenland, to monumental icebergs and pristine landscapes, this is the perfect backdrop for any nature lover exploring raw and untouched wilderness.
Historical Sites
Through shore visits with the expedition team, you can learn about the history of polar exploration, from the race to the North Pole to early attempts to establish whaling settlements in Inuit communities.
Animals of The Arctic
Each year, curious travellers from all over the world travel to experience the wildlife that lives in the high Arctic.
Polar Bears
An estimated 30,000 polar bears live in the northern polar region. During the summer months, they can be seen hunting for prey on the pack ice and roaming desolate shores from the safety of a Zodiac cruise.
Walruses
During the summer months, walruses are seen hauled out in colonies along remote beaches, jostling for space. They are often seen swimming in large groups or resting on an ice floe.
Land Animals
Arctic fox (also known as the polar fox), Arctic hares, wolves, Musk oxen, reindeer and lemmings live on the land. Svalbard Reindeer are sighted throughout the Archipelago. Musk Ox are seen in East Greenland.
Arctic Birds
During the summer, the Arctic is alive with migratory birds, from Arctic Terns that fly from Antarctica to puffins with their colourful beaks to bustling bird cliffs with breeding guillemots and kittiwakes.
Expert Arctic Advice From Polar Escapes
The Arctic has drawn imaginative travellers for over a century, intrigued by its diverse wildlife and neverending scenery. Due to the lack of infrastructure, Arctic cruises are an ideal way for adventurers to explore the pristine polar lands above the Arctic Circle. Choosing a smaller vessel can offer a more intimate Arctic experience. Do you still have questions? We have 35 years of collective experience planning Arctic expeditions.
Top Arctic Cruise Activities
No trip would be complete without undertaking some exciting activities:
Zodiac Cruise
Perfect for wildlife sightings. Every expedition includes Zodiac cruising. The expedition team will help you explore the landscapes or make a shore landing.
Snowshoeing
Early in the season, when the shores are fresh with snow, join a guided snowshoe hike across the frozen landscape with the guide team.
Polar Plunge
Jump from the ship and brave the freezing poalr waters—a truly exhilarating way to connect with the nature.
Kayaking
Enjoy a kayaking excursion with a team of expert guides. Encounter sea ice up close and watch for wildlife in total peace.
Hiking
Hike in the dramatic scenery on a shore landing with the expedition leader and team of naturalists.
Photo Tours
Join an Arctic wildlife photography tour for ample opportunities to photograph wildlife, including polar bears, on these specialist adventures.
Stand-up paddle boarding
You can try stand-up paddle-boarding in some of the remotest places on Earth, with all equipment and dry suits supplied.
Helicopter Tours
Enjoy exclusive helicopter flight-seeing and landings and step foot on places that have been visited for an unforgettable experience.
Types Of Arctic Cruises & Tours
Choose your perfect Arctic tour with our selection of trip styles.
Small Ship Arctic Cruises
At Polar Escapes, we highly recommend choosing a small-ship expedition cruise if your priority is to spend more time off the ship exploring the Arctic.
Solo Travellers
For solo travellers looking for an Arctic adventure, we have the best selection of no-solo supplement cabins, offers and options to share without additional cost.
Fly And Cruise
We have included a selection of Arctic cruises with flights. These are perfect for travellers who prefer to spend less time at sea or who would prefer a shorter expedition.
Luxury Arctic Cruises
Experience the far north in comfort on a luxury expedition. Choose from la range of luxury expedition ships to explore in style.
Land-Based Arctic Tours
Land-based Arctic tours, from polar bear lodges to snowmobile camping expeditions, are a great way to experience the wilderness at different times of the year.
Epic Voyages
These epic Arctic cruises cross the entire Arctic from the Northwest Passage to the North Pole.
Common Arctic Cruises & Itineraries
10-Day Svalbard Cruise
A perfect choice to see a polar bear. Fly to Longyearbyen in Svalbard and join an expedition cruise to explore the frozen Norwegian Archipelago for 8 days on the ship. Choose from a circumnavigation of Spitsbergen through the Hinlopen Strait, the largest island or an extended cruise to explore the Northeast National Park.
12 - Iceland and East Greenland Cruise
Sail from Reykjavik in Iceland across the Denmark Strait to explore the wilderness of East Greenland. Visit the remote settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit at the entrance to Scoresby Sund before venturing to the Northeast Greenland National Park.
16-day Greenland and The Northwest Passage
Departing from Nuuk in Greenland, sail past the towering icebergs of Disko Bay before heading west to the Canadian Arctic. Explore the epic landscapes of Baffin Island before cruising through the Northern Passages to Cambridge Bay, where you will join a charter flight back to Toronto.
16 Days The Geographic North Pole
Follow in the footsteps of Roald Amundsen and reach the North Pole. Chart course from Longyearbyen in Svalbard onboard a luxury icebreaker and sail to the Geographic North Pole on a feat of true polar exploration. See the frozen wilderness of the Arctic Ocean and visit places early explorers only dreamed of.
13 day Svalbard, Jan Mayen, and Iceland
Sail from Longyearbyen and explore Svalbard before sailing south to the one of the least visited islands in the polar regions - Jan Mayen. After landing on Jan Mayen, this Arctic cruise will sail south to Reykjavik in Iceland.
Arctic Cruise Guide
Everything you need to know to plan your Arctic cruise
Stats about Arctic Cruises
32,356 people
Visit the Arctic each year on an expedition ship
76 Aeco Members
All Operators are all members of AECO
27 Days
is the the longest cruise to explore from Iceland through the Northwest Passage to Alaska.
6 Days
It is the shortest-length expedition cruise, departing from Longyearbyen.
28 hours
Is the time it takes for a cruise ship to cross the Denmark Strait from Iceland to Greenland
42 Times
The amount of times the Polar Escapes has visited the Arctic.
Arctic Cruises FAQ
When is the best time to go on an Arctic cruise?
Arctic cruises are typically conducted during the Northern Hemisphere summer when conditions are milder.
Different destinations are accessible at various times throughout the season, and the Arctic summer offers the best time for wildlife viewing.
Svalbard cruises begin in May and continue until September, and June, July, and August are the best months for wildlife watching.
Early-season Greenland cruises now take place thanks to the luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, which can sail through the sea ice to East Greenland as early as April.
Other expedition cruises to Greenland start in July on the west coast. Due to the sea ice at different times of the year, August and September are the only months during which it is possible to visit the northeast Greenland National Park.
Due to the ice conditions, Northwest Passage cruises have a shorter window. However, sailing through the Northern Passages between late July and early September is possible.
The best month to visit the Arctic on a cruise ultimately depends on what you want to see and experience. Why not contact our team at Polar Escapes, who have firsthand knowledge of when to visit the Arctic based on different preferences?
To find out more please see our guide The Best Time To Visit The Arctic.
How To Get To The Arctic
Unlike the Antarctic, the Arctic region is relatively easy to reach with more accessible options, including international airports.
The most common way to get to the Arctic is to fly there and then join an Arctic expedition departing from ports such as Longyearbyen in Svalbard, Reykjavik in Iceland, and Nuuk in Greenland.
Svalbard, Greenland, and Canada have airports where charter flights can land, making it easy to cruise in the Arctic. Often, cruise lines departing from small ports with limited flights, such as Nuuk, will include the charter flight as part of the expedition.
Longyearbyen in Svalbard has regular domestic flights to Oslo, Norway, with onward connections to the rest of Europe for travellers making their own way there.
It is possible to sail from Europe to the Arctic. Early in the season in May, cruise ships sail from Scotland via Iceland and the Faroe Islands to reach Svalbard. Often, these cruises offer some of the best prices, but you will spend more days at sea.
For a more detailed version please see our guide How To Get To The Arctic.
What will I do On An Arctic cruise?
Arctic cruises explore remote and challenging to get to places. Activities take place both on and off the ship. Popular Arctic cruise activities may include hiking and visiting archaeological sites in scenic areas. Guests on Arctic cruises often navigate through remarkable natural phenomena like fjords and ice formations. Here is an outline:
Off Ship Activities
- Zodiac cruising
- Shore excursions and visits to sites of historical significance.
- Hiking ashore to explore the wild landscapes
- Kayaking is a common activity and available on most Arctic cruises.
- Guests can take part in ski mountaineering during Arctic cruises early in the season.
- Take an icy dip with a polar plunge
- All activities are weather-dependent.
When it is time to get back on the ship, you can enjoy the following:
On The Ship
- Make use of the ship’s amenities. Indulge in a hot tub with a view on the outer deck or warm up in the ship’s sauna.
- Arctic cruises often include educational components to enrich the travelers’ experience.
- Hang out on the ship’s bridge and observe ice navigation
- Enjoy three meals per day in the ship’s restaurants
- Make new friends in the observation lounge and bar
- Wildlife watch from the ship’s outer decks.
- Keep in shape with the ship’s fitness facilities.
What will the weather be like?Â
The Arctic’s temperatures are milder than those in Antarctica, and thanks to the midnight sun, they are usually well above freezing during the height of summer.
The weather in the Arctic is more stable than that in the Antarctic due to the high pressure that sits above it during the summer months, often bringing sunny days with fog or overcast skies.
The temperature on your expedition cruise will vary depending on the time of year and the region you visit.
Here are some ideas about what to expect:
Early-season cruises in April and May have temperatures between -5° C (23° F) and 0° (32° F). This can feel much warmer on sunny days when the sun reflects off the ice. On windy days, the wind chill can make it feel significantly cooler.
June, July, and August have the warmest temperatures, with the mercury above freezing throughout the summer. In July, the average temperature in Svalbard, is 7° C (44.6° F). When hiking ashore, it is possible to wear little more than a base layer on warmer days.
During September, as the midnight sun fades away and the northern lights return, temperatures average -1° C (30.2° F).
The weather can change rapidly, so it is essential to carry adequate clothing on your expedition at all times.
What should I pack?
Dressing in layers is essential to regulate your body temperature between hot and cold. Some critical items to pack include:
- If you travel early in the season, take an insulated parka jacket. This is not required during the summer months.
- An outer windproof and waterproof jacket.
- A fleece or down jacket to wear as an insulating layer.
- Base layers that remove moisture from the skin whilst hiking
- Waterproof trousers for hiking and Zodiac excursions.
- Comfortable onboard clothing and footwear
- Hat, neck warmer and gloves
- Personal items such as medication and toiletries
- A swimsuit for the polar plunge if you are feeling brave
- Digital camera, memory cards, batteries and chargers
- Travel insurance documents
Which Cruise Lines & Ships Go To The Arctic?
At Polar Escapes, we help you navigate all the different choices and use our firsthand experience to help you find a ship that is the best fit for you.
New highly rated ships in Antarctica include SH Diana, L’Boreal, World Explorer Le Commandant Charcot, and many others. You can search all our ships here.
Oceanwide, National Geographic, Swan Hellenic, Polar Quest, and Quark Expeditions are just a few of the many cruise lines we partner with. When booking through Polar Escapes, we always guarantee the best price.
If you need help deciding which operator is best for you, talk to a Polar pro.
Do All cruise ships land in the Arctic?
We highly recommend taking an expedition cruise, which includes shore landings as part of the experience and will do landings in remote places.
Not all cruise ships do landings in the Arctic. It is possible to visit on a large traditional-style cruise ship, but these will only do calls at ports and miss out on so much of what is excellent about the northern polar regions.
All cruises recommended and sold by Polar Escapes are expedition cruises with landings included, as these offer the best experience.
To find out more please see our guide on how to choose your expedition ship.
Visa's Passports and Travel Documents
You will need a valid passport to embark the ship when travelling to the Arctic.
It is essential to check that your passport has the correct validity at least 6 months before the expiry date.
You may require a visa to enter the country of embarkation or disembarkation. Please check our travel pages for more information on your chosen departure port.
Responsible Travel
All our cruise lines are members of The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and comply with stringent environmental protocols to minimize their impact on the fragile environment.
At Polar Escapes, we recommend operators who have shown a continued dedication to sustainability in their operations.
How much does an Arctic cruise cost?
An expedition cruise starts from £4,000 ($5,150) for a shorter 7-day Svalbard cruise. The price can go as high as £37,000 ($48,000) for a luxury expedition cruise to the North Pole.
Why not contact our team? They have extensive experience helping travellers with all types of budgets.
