North Pole Cruises
Highlights
- Journey to one of the most remote and alluring places on Earth
- Earn the bragging rights that come from standing at one of the planet’s poles and straddling all time zones
- Follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers, from Roald Amundsen to Jean-Louis Étienne
- Glimpse polar wildlife, from ice bears to seals and whales
- Ride an icebreaker through the Arctic Ocean ice pack
Not many people can claim to have traveled to 90 degrees North latitude, where lines of longitude converge out in the beautiful blankness of the Arctic Ocean’s polar ice pack. This is the Geographic North Pole, a faraway destination more than 400 miles from the nearest landmass that’s long been coveted by explorers and adventurers—including modern-day expedition cruisegoers tantalized by its remoteness and geographic novelty.
Trips to the North Pole by icebreaker from ports such as Svalbard or Nome take you through dreamlike expanses of sea ice, tantalizing guests with patterns of drift and pack ice, the open-water windows of polynyas and leads, and the beautiful jumble of pressure ridges formed where ice floes converge. There’s always the chance to glimpse Arctic wildlife on the journey, including the mighty polar bear. And then, of course, you have the North Pole itself: a place to stand on top of the world, jog through all the time zones, and maybe take a helicopter or hot-air balloon ride over the great white wilderness.
About North Pole Cruises
Not many people can claim to have traveled to 90 degrees North latitude, where lines of longitude converge out in the beautiful blankness of the Arctic Ocean’s polar ice pack. This is the Geographic North Pole, a faraway destination more than 400 miles from the nearest landmass that’s long been coveted by explorers and adventurers—including modern-day expedition cruisegoers tantalized by its remoteness and geographic novelty.
Trips to the North Pole by icebreaker from ports such as Svalbard or Nome take you through dreamlike expanses of sea ice, tantalizing guests with patterns of drift and pack ice, the open-water windows of polynyas and leads, and the beautiful jumble of pressure ridges formed where ice floes converge. There’s always the chance to glimpse Arctic wildlife on the journey, including the mighty polar bear. And then, of course, you have the North Pole itself: a place to stand on top of the world, jog through all the time zones, and maybe take a helicopter or hot-air balloon ride over the great white wilderness.
North Pole Map
North Pole Cruise FAQs
Are there cruises to the North Pole?
Yes, exclusive icebreaker cruises make it possible to stand at the top of the world where all directions are south.
What can I expect during a North Pole cruise?
Expect surreal 360-degree views of shifting sea ice, expertly guided excursions, and the rare opportunity to walk on the ice at 90° North.
When is the best time to go on a North Pole cruise?
The only window is in July and August when the ice is thinnest for navigation.
How long do North Pole cruises typically last?
These bucket-list voyages last about 14 to 20 days roundtrip.
How much is a cruise to the North Pole?
Prices start at around $30,000 and can go beyond $50,000 USD.
What type of wildlife can I see on a North Pole cruise?
Wildlife is sparse but includes polar bears, ivory gulls, and the occasional seal on the sea ice.
Yes, exclusive icebreaker cruises make it possible to stand at the top of the world where all directions are south.
Expect surreal 360-degree views of shifting sea ice, expertly guided excursions, and the rare opportunity to walk on the ice at 90° North.
The only window is in July and August when the ice is thinnest for navigation.
These bucket-list voyages last about 14 to 20 days roundtrip.
Prices start at around $30,000 and can go beyond $50,000 USD.
Wildlife is sparse but includes polar bears, ivory gulls, and the occasional seal on the sea ice.
North Pole Icebreaker Vessels
Journey on robust icebreakers built to conquer the Arctic ice, making the incredible voyage to the North Pole possible and safe.
Recommended Reading
North Pole History Of Exploration (Including Timeline)
The 10 Most Famous Arctic Explorers & Their Incredible Feats
Who Was The First Person To Reach The North Pole Really?
10 Fascinating Polar Bear Facts