Polar Cruises: The Definitive Guide

Polar expedition cruising offers you access to some of the most pristine and remote wildernesses on Earth. It’s not surprising that each year, many travelers return to the polar regions driven by their curiosity. Imagine encountering polar bears on ice floes in the Arctic or getting up close to colossal penguin rookeries in Antarctica. Polar cruises offer life-changing encounters that other cruises simply can’t provide.

At Polar Escapes, we are specialists in polar expedition cruises. If you need advice on planning your polar cruise, please contact us, and we will use our expertise to help you find the best ship for the best price.

Polar Expedition Cruises: A Quick Introduction

Polar cruises are not like traditional cruises; in fact, they couldn’t be more different.

• Polar cruises take place on small specialist expedition ships, typically with between 50 and 250 guests.
• The voyages are expedition-style and focus on wildlife observation and exploration rather than onboard entertainment and port calls.
• Polar expedition cruises are led by a team of expert naturalists, marine biologists and expedition leaders who add an element of learning and discovery.
• Polar cruise ships are equipped with Zodiacs, which are used for exploring the wilderness and are an exciting part of the adventure.

If you are new to expedition cruises and would like to know more, please see our guide, Expedition Cruises: A First Timer’s Guide.

As you plan your polar cruise, there are two polar regions to choose from: the Arctic in the north and Antarctica in the south. Whilst there are similarities, each has its distinct landscapes, wildlife and cultural significance. Choosing between them is the first decision in planning your polar adventure.

Arctic vs. Antarctic: Choosing Your Polar Cruise Destination

The Arctic

The Arctic encompasses Canada, Greenland, Norway (Svalbard) and Russia. One key difference between the Arctic and Antarctica is that, unlike Antarctica’s wilderness, the Arctic is inhabited by indigenous communities that have lived there for thousands of years.

Arctic Cruise Highlights:

• See polar bears in their natural habitat in Svalbard and the Northwest Passage.
• Visit indigenous Inuit communities in Greenland and the Canadian Arctic.
• Encounter fjords and glacial landscapes
• See the Northern lights (aurora borealis) during the winter months and the Midnight Sun during the summer.
• Visit historic exploration sites and abandoned settlements
• Witness wildlife unique to the Arctic, including beluga whales, walruses and Arctic foxes

Popular Arctic Cruise Routes:

Svalbard (Spitsbergen):

The Norwegian archipelago of Arctic islands offers some of the best opportunities to encounter polar bears in the wild. Svalbard has over 2000 glaciers and high concentrations of wildlife, including Svalbard Reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses and beluga whales.

See our Svalbard Cruises to find out more.

Greenland

The largest island on Earth, Greenland, is home to colossal icebergs, majestic Glaciers, and remote Inuit communities. Choose from the remote east coast of Greenland for a chance of seeing polar bears or the west coast to visit Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.

See our Greenland Cruises for more.

Canadian Arctic

Explore the legendary Northwest Passage and encounter remote Inuit communities. The Canadian Arctic is a haven for wildlife, including polar bears and narwhals.

Discover our Northwest Passage Cruises.

North Pole

Reach the most northerly point on Earth on an icebreaker cruise to the Geographic North Pole from Svalbard. Encounter some of the most remote polar landscapes on Earth.

Discover our North Pole Cruises.

Russian Arctic

Explore the remote archipelago of Franz Josef Land or Wrangel Island in the Russian Far East on a specialist polar cruise.  

Expert Top Tip: If you haven’t visited the polar regions before, I highly recommend Svalbard as your first destination. Often referred to as the Arctic in A nutshell, in Svalbard, you can see all the key species along with a great variety of polar landscapes, wilderness and glaciers in a condensed area.

Antarctica

Antarctica is the Earth’s seventh continent and last true wilderness. The frozen lands offer excellent wildlife encounters with the species of the south (although don’t expect to see polar bears there as they only live in the Arctic) and polar scenery on another level.

Antarctica Cruise Highlights:

• Step ashore and explore massive penguin colonies with Emperor, Adelie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo penguins, native residents.
• Spend time on deck whale watching for humpback, minke, orca and blue whales.
• See dramatic ice formations, glaciers and tabular icebergs that are the largest on Earth.
• Visit historic expedition huts from the Heroic Age of exploration in East Antarctica.
• Visit a research station and learn about the work scientists are doing in Antarctica.

Popular Antarctic Cruise Routes:

Antarctic Peninsula: The most popular region to visit, with abundant wildlife, scenery and massive glaciers. 95% of visitors to Antarctica opt for the Antarctic Peninsula due to its accessibility.

Ross Sea: Explore East Antarctica on an expedition cruise from New Zealand and visit the historic expedition huts of Shackleton and Scott. Discover Emperor penguins and the Ross ice shelf.  

Weddell Sea: Take a specialist expedition to see remote Emperor penguin colonies and massive tabular icebergs.

South Georgia: Call in at one of the most remote islands on Earth and meet over 400,000 king penguins, which nest on the island.

Falkland Islands: A great addition to any Antarctic peninsula cruise, the Falkland Islands have unique bird species and British culture.

When Is The Best Time For A Polar Cruise?

Polar cruises take place during the summer months. The month and season you choose for your polar cruise will ultimately come down to what you would like to see. Below, I give an outline of my experience of visiting each destination at different times of year.

Arctic Season (May to September)

Early Season (May-June):

• Enjoy fewer crowds and lower prices
• Sea ice is still present, limiting some landings, but it makes for some great photography.
• Excellent for polar bear viewing on the ice edge in Svalbard.
• Landscapes are snow-covered, and the Arctic is at its most picturesque.

Peak Season (July-August):

• Warmest temperatures and most stable weather
• Cruise routes are longer, and landing sites are accessible
• Peak wildlife activity and breeding season for birds
• Midnight sun throughout the summer
• Prices are higher, and Svalbard is more crowded

Late Season (September):

• It’s possible to see the Northern Lights.
• Fewer tourists but less availability for cruises.
• Changing weather patterns add unpredictability
• Excellent photography opportunities with changing light and long sunrises and sunsets.

For a detailed guide to each month, please see Best Time to Visit the Arctic.

Antarctic Season (November to March)

Early Season (November):

• Penguin courtship and nesting behaviours are at their height.
• Less crowded with fewer ships.
• Sea ice may limit access to some areas.
• Fresh snow creates pristine Antarctic landscapes.
• Slightly lower temperatures.

Peak Season (December-February):

• Warmest weather and most extended daylight hours
• Peak wildlife activity with penguin chicks hatching
• Best whale watching opportunities
• All expedition sites are accessible
• Premium pricing and booking are essential

Late Season (February-March):

• Whale watching at its best
• Penguin chicks fledging provides active wildlife viewing
• Autumn colours in Sub-Antarctic islands
• More variable weather patterns.
• Great autumnal light for photography.

For a detailed guide, please see the Best Time to Visit Antarctica.

Choosing Your Polar Cruise Ship

Your choice of ship will make a big difference to your experience on a polar cruise. My advice is always to choose a smaller-sized expedition ship as it offers a more intimate setting and allows you to spend more time out in the field exploring. There are advantages and disadvantages for vessels of different sizes.

Small ships with between 50 and 100 guests typically offer more options for shore landings and Zodiac rides than larger vessels. You will benefit from a higher guide-to-passenger ratio and more shore landings per day. The downside of a small ship is a higher cost per person, as these ships charge a premium. They are also more susceptible to movement in rough seas than larger ships, and they have limited amenities.

Medium Ships with 100 – 200 guests blend a good balance of intimacy and amenities. They are more stable in rough conditions, which is a consideration when crossing the Drake Passage en route to Antarctica. They have a larger range of facilities than small ships. They offer a reasonable cost per person and a good social atmosphere on board.

Large Ships with 200 guests and above typically offer a lower cost per person. The ships benefit from more amenities, including multiple dining rooms and more comprehensive medical facilities. They provide greater stability in rough seas. One of the disadvantages of a large ship is fewer opportunities for landings due to the large number of people on board.

Zodiac Fleet Size

I highly recommend travelling on a ship with enough inflatable Zodiac boats for all guests. This reduces waiting times for Zodiac excursions and shore landings. On larger ships, guests are split into groups, which limits the number of activities that can be done.

The Expedition Team

A team of experts will lead each polar cruise. A typical expedition team will feature:

• Expedition leader
• Marine biology experts and naturalists
• History guides
• Local guides and cultural interpreters (for Arctic voyages)
• Photography guides
• Kayaking and activity specialists
• Medical personnel trained for remote area medicine

Optional Activities

Each polar cruise offers several optional activities, from kayaking through the sea ice to camping on the polar ice in Antarctica.

Do you need more advice on choosing your ship? To find out more, please see How to Choose Your Expedition Ship.

What To Pack On A Polar Cruise

It is essential to come dressed for the weather on your polar cruise. A key to staying warm in the polar regions is keeping dry and dressing in layers. Here is a quick overview of what you will need to bring.

Outer Clothing:

• Outer insulated parka (many cruise lines supply this)
• Waterproof trousers
• Warm under layers
• Warm hat
• Insulated Waterproof gloves
• Neck gaiter
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Insulated hiking boots

Personal:

• Seasickness remedies (patches, medications)
• High SPF sunscreen and lip balm
• Personal medicines in original containers
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Small waterproof backpack for daily excursions

Camera:

• Camera with extra batteries (the cold drains power quickly)
• Lens cleaning materials for spray and condensation
• Waterproof camera bag or housing
• Tripod for windy conditions
• Memory cards and portable storage devices

A comprehensive packing list will be supplied during your reservation. To find out more, please see our article on how to keep warm on a polar cruise.

Before You Go

Physical Requirements

While polar cruises don’t require extreme fitness or the ability to run a marathon, I highly recommend you have a basic level of fitness to ensure you get the most out of your expedition. As a rule of thumb, I would recommend the following:

• Comfortable walking on uneven and slippery surfaces.
• Be able to get in and out of a Zodiac.
• Be comfortable standing for extended periods during wildlife viewing and on shore hikes.
• Be able to climb the ship’s stairs and gangways.
• Cope with cold and windy conditions.

Medical Considerations

Due to the remoteness, travel in the Polar regions means that you will be further away from medical assistance than in other parts of the world. I highly recommend:

Pre-Trip:

• Have a comprehensive medical checkup with your doctor
• Discuss the cold weather effects on any existing medical conditions
• Ensure an adequate supply of prescription medications
• Consider a dental checkup to avoid emergency issues during the expedition

Onboard:

• Most expedition ships have medical personnel
• Basic medical facilities for routine and emergency issues
• Limited surgical capabilities
• Travel insurance with a minimum of $200,000 emergency medical coverage is required for polar trips.

How Much Does A Polar Cruise Cost?

The cost of a polar cruise will range widely depending on your choice of ship, destination, time of year and the level of luxury. Polar cruises start from £5,300 ($7,000) per person for a shorter Arctic trip.

Antarctica cruises are usually 20-30% more expensive than the Arctic due to the remoteness and increased demand.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Planning Your Polar Cruise

• Polar cruises offer access to some of the Earth’s most remote wildernesses, in the Arctic or Antarctica.
• Choosing the right polar region for you depends on your interests in unique wildlife, landscapes, and history.
• The best time to take a polar cruise is during the summer months, with distinct seasons in both polar regions.
• Choosing the appropriate ship size and expedition team enhances your adventure, balancing comfort, activities, and access.
• Proper preparation, including suitable clothing, fitness, and medical considerations, is essential for a safe and enjoyable journey.
• Expert guidance from the team of polar specialists at Polar Escapes can help tailor your trip to ensure a memorable and once in a lifetime polar experience.

Plan Your Cruise with The Polar Specialists

Planning a polar trip can be overwhelming due to the popularity of expedition cruising and the numerous options available. Don’t know where to start? At Polar Escapes, we do the hard work for you and help you find the best ship and itinerary for your budget.

To get some friendly expert assistance and start planning your trip, please get in touch.