Reasons to take an Arctic voyage
- The Arctic has few hotels. For a vast area largely devoid of infrastructure, traveling by ship - which acts as your floating hotel - is ideal
- The antithesis of a traditional cruise, these small ship expedition voyages are active, adventurous and fully immersive
- Traveling by ice-strengthened ship under a flexible itinerary affords both the ability to access remote regions and to make the most of the wildlife and weather opportunities
- Daily off ship excursions on foot and by zodiac allows you to experience the Arctic environment up close and personal
- Accompanying you is a team of Polar experts who provide a strong educational dimension and are a source of great stories!
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On search of some Arctic wildlife companions
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Observing the pack ice from the top deck
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Sailing in tranquility
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Iceberg reflections in Scoresbysund
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Expert guides will share the wonders behind the Arctic splendour
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Majestic glacial ice in Disko Bay
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Zodiacs explore the ice in the Northwest Passage
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Breaking ice on the way to the North Pole
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Imposing Arctic cliffs are observed from the ship
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Postcard views in the heart of the Arctic
What is expedition cruising?
Expedition cruising is about as far from a traditional cruise as possible. These trips are educational and active, with daily landings to get off the ship and explore. Itineraries are adaptable, so if humpbacks suddenly make an appearance, you might stick around to watch them, and if the ice conditions change, you'll just try a new landing site. This flexibility is all part of the adventure!
Ships vary from fairly basic to verging on opulent, but every single one that we partner with has a strong expedition focus. These are ship-based expeditions designed to allow you to delve into the heart of the Arctic.
What will I do on an Arctic expeditionary cruise?
Choosing your Arctic expedition cruise
Due to all the variables it is crucial that you chose the right ship and itinerary. Things to consider include:
- Size of the vessel, not just how many people it carries but its physical size too.
- ice-class rating, a higher class will allow for more exploration.
- The number of specialists on board.
- The style of trip: relaxing or adventurous, basic or luxurious.
- To see polar bears, Svalbard often tops the list, but recently the Russian Far East has seen some of the most spectacular sightings.
- Wildlife abounds in the Arctic - keep an eye out for whales, seals, and birds.
- Each destination has its own individual history and culture including ancient sod houses in the Northwest Passage, colourful Greenlandic towns, and research stations in Svalbard.
- As the geology of each region varies, so does the way you interact with the ice, crashing through it to the North Pole or following the edge of it in Svalbard.
Swoop Says
Our best Arctic cruises
What our customers think
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We were delighted with the recommendation made by Swoop regarding the trip we eventually booked. We'd been overwhelmed with the amount of information and choice of trips available when we looked on the internet so being able to explain what we were looking for and for them to come back with a limited choice, any of which would have hit the mark, was very helpful.
Kay & Richard Howells (Baker) United Kingdom January 1970
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Zodiac cruises were great fun. Some amazing wildlife sights with the seabird colonies probably the most dramatic. Getting up close to the glaciers was another highlight. Landings for shore excursions gave us a close-up view of the bleak tundra and the plant life.
Steve & Tina O'Shea United Kingdom July 2018
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The expedition staff were second to none. Could not fault them, so informative and experienced in their fields.
Dianne & Jim Spry United Kingdom July 2018
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We didn't expect to have such experienced and professional guides. Their knowledge of the fauna, flora and environment was outstanding, as well as their communication skills.
Aurelio & Maria Jose Hernandez Spain July 2018
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Swoop recommended a great voyage, their staff are so knowledgeable about the differences in the ships and the voyages.
Natalie & Michael Whitehouse United Kingdom July 2018
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Swoop did a fantastic job helping us select a voyage. The ship and our cabin selection were perfect for us and more than met our expectations. Our pre-departure information arrived in a timely manner.
Elaine Green United States Of America September 2018
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The trip was good, the light gorgeous, the icebergs fantastical, and the wildlife wonderful with more polar bears than expected. The traditional villages made us think about their future, and we met new friends.
Carol & Gerard Yorke United States Of America August 2018
Choose your cruise region in the Arctic
Svalbard Cruises
North of the Arctic Circle and halfway between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard’s dramatic coastline and fjords are largely ice-free during high summer providing incredible …
Northwest Passage Cruises
This labryinthine waterway was long sought by early adventurers as a sea route linking the Northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Canada's Arctic archipelago is therefore no …
Greenland Cruises
Greenland assaults your senses with pure air, crystal waters, blue ice, staggering fjords, a fascinating past and a welcoming present. Whether you are whale watching in Disko …
Visiting The North Pole
Whether it’s travelling due north by icebreaker or flying in by helicopter on an express trip, to reach 90 degrees north is a dream shared by many, but achieved by very few. …
Russian Arctic Cruises
The Russian Arctic is wild, rugged, rarely visited, totally isolated, desolate and utterly stunning. That isolation has lead to flourishing wildlife and pristine landscapes that …
Cruises to the Canadian Arctic
The Canadian Arctic is well known for its diverse wildlife, rich native culture and spectacular scenery. For those seeking the truly remote, an expedition deep within the Arctic …
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Our team of experts are ready to help you with any questions about a trip to the Arctic. Call us now to start your journey.