What to Expect on an Expedition Cruise to the Arctic

An expedition cruise to the Arctic is rich and full with discovery, exploration, spectacle, and firsthand communion with an environment that—changing starkly in the face of climate change though it may be—is among the least-altered by humankind on the planet.

That is not to say by any means that this is a place without the imprint of humanity: Native peoples are as much an intrinsic part of the Arctic realm as its landscapes, its seascapes, its ice-scapes. And the opportunity to experience the cultural dimensions of the top of the world is one of the gifts accrued on a voyage through these icy waters.

But what, exactly, can you expect on an Arctic cruise? How do the days actually go by? Why should you sign on to one of these bucket-list journeys in the first place?

The Rhythm of an Expedition Cruise to the Arctic

Sailing along the outflow glaciers of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Getting to know the Inuit community of Mittimatalik/Pond Inlet. Stepping ashore on the world’s biggest uninhabited island (Devon Island in the Canadian High Arctic). Scanning for musk oxen and Arctic wolves and snowy owls on a bayfront paddling outing. Walking out onto the sea ice of the North Pole, marveling that you’re actually there. Thrills come easy on an Arctic cruise, but so do meditative reflection, newly struck friendships, locking into a slow-rolling, grandeur-backdropped tempo that feels rejuvenating and refreshing and transformative.

On days at sea—and for those who might not be partaking in shore landings and other off-ship adventures—there’s much to do, see, experience, and otherwise soak up. Head for the bridge or indulge in some leisurely “deck-watch” time—or, potentially, set up at the vantage of your ocean-facing cabin, maybe even your own private balcony—to admire icebergs and fjords, mountains and glaciers, and to take advantage of the opportunity to scan for wildlife: everything from seabirds and seals to whales and polar bears.

Meanwhile, the onboard lectures and video presentations by experts in glaciology, ecology, history, and other subjects—the “shipboard-study” component of your getaway—are an absolute highlight of these cruises, providing fascinating insights into, and invaluable context, for the spectacular land-, sea-, and ice-scapes you’re voyaging through.

Some of our cruise itineraries (for example, our Svalbard: In Search of Iconic Arctic Wildlife trip) even feature viewings of footage taken in the icy—and surprisingly life-filled—depths below the expedition vessel by Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).

Such lectures and screenings are complemented by daily morning briefings that lay out the day’s itinerary and orient passengers to the geographies ahead.

And there’s also plenty of opportunity for bonding with your fellow shipmates—like-minded explorers, adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and full-hearted travelers—not least over gourmet meals and convivial cocktail hours. And also ample room for “me-time” when you need it: from the private coziness of your well-appointed berth, snuggled up with a good (Arctic-themed?) book, to (depending on the vessel) the bliss-out of a spa, sauna, or pool session.

From polar plunges to good-natured photo competitions during the closing days of a cruise, these Arctic voyages are also simply a great deal of fun! Again, this is a tremendous, once-in-a-lifetime sort of shared experience with your fellow passengers and the ship’s crew—and with the wilderness, wildlife, and local communities you’ll engage with along the way. Don’t be surprised if you feel downright giddy as you realize just what this kind of trip delivers.

Flexibility & Discovery

One reason why an expedition cruise to the Arctic is so unique? Each individual cruise itself is unique.

Sure, you have a planned itinerary, but the realities of the Arctic environment—unpredictable weather, seas, and wildlife encounters—mean flexibility is the byword on a cruise. A planned kayaking or hiking excursion, say, may have to be rescheduled or scuttled because of inclement and maybe risky conditions. That can be understandably frustrating, but such decisions are always made with your safety foremost in mind, and other amazing opportunities and activities will deliver more-than-adequate recompense.

And that flexibility can very much work in your favor, as well: If a pod of belugas, a spouting bowhead, or—cross your fingers—a polar bear materializes, the captain can respond accordingly, maximizing your odds at unforgettable Arctic wildlife-viewing.

Speaking of: You have a very good chance of seeing some awesome Arctic animals on your cruise, but bear in mind that the distribution of critters in this sprawling and severe environment is not uniform. There are some globally stunning hotspots—bird cliffs and island seabird colonies, beluga summering grounds, reliable Arctic-fox and polar-bear hangouts—and these are certainly targets of our routes, but there are also vast sweeps of ice, water, and tundra where animals are few and far between, though always with the possibility of sudden, thrilling sightings made all the more wondrous by the “blankness” of the surrounds.

It also must be emphasized that there are important rules and regulations we follow in terms of how close we may come to wildlife. Rest assured that expedition leaders will do all they can to give you the chance to see animals, all while also, crucially, abiding by these guidelines for the good of the critters in question. Low-impact ecotourism that inspires wonder and passion for the Arctic environment while minimizing our impacts upon it is the name of the game.

Keep in mind, too, that even in passages of low-density or unpredictable wildlife-viewing you’ll be treated to stirring scenery that also—something you can almost feel—constitutes habitat for high-latitude fauna: from the whittled peaks, snow-streaked plateaus, and yawning fjordlands of Arctic landmasses to the pack-ice expanses and mesmerizing rolling whitecaps of the ocean (suggestive of the shrouded, shark- and cod- and squid-cruised deeps below).

Indeed, even those harshest-of-all Arctic spaces—the icecaps and ice sheets, the heavy sea ice of the North Pole—present scenes of breathtaking splendor, summoning the power and mystery and ancientness of Planet Earth in a way you’ll never forget.

Comfort & Safety Aboard an Arctic Cruise

The absolute utmost in safety standards, many mandated by international agreements and regulations, are adhered to on all of the Arctic cruises we offer. You can learn much more about the safety protocols followed and relative risks of an Arctic voyage (hint: minimal) right here, but let’s address a little of what’s covered in greater detail therein, particularly as pertains to general everyday comfort on a cruise.

What about the cold? Well, yes, it’s generally cold in the Arctic, but cruises take place in the warmest time of year, when daytime highs—cranked up by the extended, even around-the-clock sunshine of the polar summer—often (depending on location) climb into the 40s or 50s Fahrenheit. You’ll be well-briefed ahead of your cruise on what sort of clothing to pack for maximal comfort on your journey.

And how about seasickness? While there are indeed waters prone to roughness in the Arctic and sub-Arctic, from the Denmark Strait between Greenland and Iceland to the Bering Sea, you’ll be amazed at how steady and secure our cruise vessels feel. Such are the benefits of modern-day polar-ship technology, with top-line stabilizers, bulked-up hulls, and other features greatly reducing pitch and roll. Passengers who are prone to seasickness may be surprised by how little they are affected by it on an Arctic expedition, but if you do feel a bit queasy, there are numerous onboard remedies and treatments available.

An Unforgettable Journey Into Polar Majesty

From the flare of the Aurora Borealis to the surfacing spear of narwhal, from a bygone Norse settlement or relic from a long-ago quest for the Northwest Passage to a walkabout through an Inuit hamlet, the wonders of the Arctic are manifold. And so are the opportunities for personal growth and satisfying a deep-seated yen for adventure, self-discovery, and communion with the wild.

Explore all of our Arctic itineraries today, and start planning for a life-changing odyssey up in the stunning Far North!