North Pole Cruises & Expeditions

A cruise to the North Pole starts at $40,000 (£30,500) per person in 2026, travelling on Le Commandant Charcot on a 16-day North Pole expedition for a Prestige Cabin on deck 6. Prices for the luxurious owner’s suite can rise as high as $158,280 (£118,000) per person.

Prices vary depending on your choice of dates, the length of the voyage and your chosen cabin.

Top Tip: Booking in advance can help you obtain the best price for your North Pole cruise as prices rise and availability decreases nearer the departure date.

Arctic cruises to the North Pole take place between late July and September, the height of the Arctic summer months. This short period offers the best sea ice conditions for reaching the North Pole on an icebreaking ship and the mildest temperatures.

North Pole trips in July and August will experience the midnight sun with 24 hours of daylight throughout the voyage. Cruises in September may witness the Northern lights over the Arctic Ocean.  

North Pole cruises vary between 16 days and 21 days in duration, depending on the chosen itinerary. It takes approximately 6 days to sail to the North Pole from Longyearbyen in Svalbard.

A select number of cabins are available on North Pole cruises each year, with no single supplement for solo travellers. These limited places sell out very quickly, so it is essential to book ahead.

If you are a solo traveller looking to visit the North Pole, we highly recommend contacting our team. We will notify you when cabins become available.

A cruise to the North Pole involves navigating through pack ice and exploring the raw beauty and nature of the Arctic wilderness. On the ship, there is lots to do, including wildlife watching. Polar bears, whales, and walruses are familiar sights in the Arctic. Special guests and the expedition team offer lectures in the ship’s theatre so travellers can learn about the unique environment, early explorers and the captivating wildlife and ecosystems of the Arctic Ocean. During the cruise, guests are welcome to the ship’s bridge to observe the ice navigation.

North Pole cruises involve off-ship exploration. Activities include ice landings, polar hikes, kayaking, and the opportunity to take a polar plunge. All activities are weather-dependent and carried out by a team of expedition guides.

On the ship, guests can enjoy luxury amenities, including a spa, outdoor heated lagoon, sauna, indoor pool with relaxation area, and detox bar. There are plenty of places to unwind, including the ship’s observation lounge with stunning panoramic wilderness views.

In contrast to the South Pole, the average temperature at the North Pole is 0°C (32°F). Due to low precipitation, the climate at the North Pole is considered an icy desert.

Cruising through the Arctic can bring many conditions, including snow and fog. It is essential to come dressed for the weather.

It’s important to come prepared for your North Pole expedition.

On Le Commandant Charcot, guests are given a complimentary polar parka to keep and rubber boots to use during landings.

Items to bring include:

• Warm insulated layers are used to wear under your parka whilst off the ship.
• A pair of insulated waterproof trousers.
• Sunglasses.
• A warm hat and neck warmer.
• Gloves.
• Warm socks
• Clothing for wearing onboard.
• Binoculars.
• Camera with extra batteries and memory cards.
• Sunscreen and lip balm.

The North Pole region is home to an exceptional range of wildlife dependent on the ice for its existence. While wildlife doesn’t live on the North Pole itself, there is plenty of wildlife to spot on the ice floes on the way there. The Arctic ecosystem heavily relies on ice, which is crucial for many species, such as polar bears and seals. The North Pole’s environment is fragile and constantly changing, impacting wildlife habitats. Polar bears are often referred to as the ‘King of the Arctic’ and are prominent wildlife around the North Pole. Walruses, Arctic terns, and Svalbard reindeer are also part of the wildlife found at the North Pole.

Due to the ongoing situation in Ukraine, there are currently no North Pole expeditions via the Russian Arctic, including Franz Josef land.

The team at Polar Escapes has a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience visiting the North Pole, and we are here to help you plan your perfect expedition.

We offer the largest range of cruises to the North Pole. If you need assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with our team of experts.