What our customers think of our Arctic cruises

10/10 - The whole trip was really well organised - team are brilliant. Most memorable moment? Standing on an ice flow with 1500 metres depth below us at 82 degrees north. Read the full review

Travelled: August 2024

James Cairns - UK

From the start of planning our trip to the end all the Swoop staff were amazing, keeping us updated and providing a wealth of information. Special shout out to Carola Zorzoli, she was terrific. This was our second trip with ya all this year. Read the full review

Travelled: July 2024

James Bachrach - USA

Great holiday. Attention to safety was superb - everyone treated so well and we did some amazing excursions. Read the full review

Travelled: July 2024

Rachel McCallum - UK

10/10 - The expedition crew was marvellous! Incredible depth of knowledge both in the history of Svalbard and the wildlife we encountered. Read the full review

Travelled: July 2024

Phyllis Simon - USA

10/10 - Excellent service and and responsive. Hannah was great with excellent communication and picking the trip that best matched what we were looking for. Read the full review

Travelled: June 2024

Joanne Avery - USA

The Ocean Albatros is gorgeous! The ship's crew were phenomenal: friendly and ever-attentive. The Expedition Team was efficient and knowledgeable. Both worked together to ensure our safety, comfort and experience on the ship and on excursions.

Travelled: August 2023

Sara Glass - USA

The expedition team were very knowledgeable and entertaining Read the full review

Travelled: June 2022

Richard Winter - UK

Very good knowledge, professional, friendly with good leadership. The expedition team really worked hard to make our holiday the best! All lectures were very good. Read the full review

Travelled: June 2022

Anna-Karin Hjalmarsson - Sweden

I loved the amazing view. Excellent food from the chef and his team, with lots of variety. The ability to go to the bridge to wildlife spot was one of the highlights. I would definitely go on this ship again. Read the full review

Travelled: June 2022

Helen Starkie Camejo - UK

I was impressed with the level of knowledge and experience of the expedition team, several of whom were active scientific researchers. My favourite lecture was about Glaciers, by Andreas Alexander, which provided some illuminating graphs and visuals about climate change that everyone should really be aware of. Read the full review

Travelled: June 2022

Dror Orbach - Canada

It was just wonderful. The small ship, the guides, the food, excursions, scenery. Magical. Read the full review

Travelled: June 2022

Pamela White - UK

Customer Image

We actually arranged some additional time in Oslo and Iceland before and after the trip ourselves, and Swoop’s advice and coordination were extremely useful. Read the full review

Travelled: August 2018

Charles & Lesley Cook - United Kingdom

Planning your Arctic cruise

When to visit the Arctic

When to visit the Arctic

The arctic summer, blessed with long days and buzz of wildlife and human activity, is favoured by travellers seeking the classic arctic experience. But delve deeper and you'll find…

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Arctic Cruise Ships

Arctic Cruise Ships

We partner with selected ice-strengthened Arctic expedition vessels from small yachts and nimble little ships with convivial atmospheres, to larger Russian research boats and …

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Walrus hauled out on the ice in Svalbard

Arctic Animals & Wildlife

The Arctic is one of the richest and most diverse wildlife habitats on Earth, harbouring a vast array of animals, spanning from the mighty white bear, to the strong musk oxen, to …

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Swoop Says background image

Swoop says

We have more than 80 trips to pick from on over 30 different expedition vessels. Get in touch with us to book your trip ahead of the crowd

Spring Arctic cruises

As late spring arrives, the Arctic awakens. The vibrant purple saxifrage begins to bloom, signalling the season's change. Migratory birds, including Puffins, Brünnich's, and Common Guillemots, return to their nesting grounds. Simultaneously, expedition ships arrive in Svalbard and Greenland.

With warmer weather and longer, sunnier days, May is the perfect time for thrilling adventures and is also the prime season to experience the spring ice floe edge. This offers unique opportunities to spot narwhals, polar bears, and dramatic icebergs.

Summer Arctic cruises

June heralds the true arrival of summer in the High Arctic. As the sea ice retreats, North Spitsbergen becomes accessible to ships, opening new routes for exploration. This is prime season for polar bear sightings, with the majestic animals observed both hunting on the ice and traversing the land.

The continuous daylight of the Midnight Sun makes exploration possible around the clock. Life explodes across the landscape: millions of sea and tundra birds begin nesting and laying their eggs, while the ocean welcomes back the great filter feeders – minke, humpback, and fin whales – returning from their winter spent in warmer, tropical waters. On land, the tundra and hillsides transform, carpeted in vibrant blooms of Arctic flowers.

Arctic cruises in June 2028

Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

Luxury Spitsbergen

For anyone keen to experience Svalbard’s rich Arctic wildlife and spectacular scenery while travelling comfortably, this is a good option. Travelling in the company of naturalists on board a modern state-of-the-art ship, equal attention is given to your experience both…

  • 8 Days
  • $10,407
Into the Polar Bear’s Realm

This popular introduction to Svalbard is keenly priced and, with numerous early season departures, guarantees plenty of ice. Sail onboard one of the newest ships in polar waters and spot bears from the plentiful deck space. Optional kayaking and hiking…

  • 11 Days
  • $10,391
Svalbard: An Archipelagic Adventure

For those who value comfort without the formality, this all-inclusive Svalbard expedition offers a relaxed introduction to the High Arctic. The ship’s contemporary Scandinavian-inspired design provides a stylish and comfortable base from which to explore by zodiac, on foot and…

  • 9 Days
  • $6,650
Svalbard Discoverer

For the Rolls-Royce of expeditionary cruising in Svalbard, travel with the original pioneers of polar exploration on this trip. Traversing Svalbard aboard one of the most advanced small expedition ships afloat and accompanied by your unparalleled onboard expedition team, expeditionary…

  • 10 Days
  • $14,420
Svalbard Wildlife In-Depth

Travelling at the height of summer, this trip is the longest of any Svalbard cruise and offers the best possible conditions for thrilling wildlife encounters. Your circumnavigation of Spitsbergen includes huge glaciers, epic bird cliffs and ice-choked channels. Plus, there's…

  • 15 Days
  • $14,081
Svalbard Revealed

Experience Arctic summertime at its best on this immersive expedition, travelling aboard a modern X-Bow ship built for a smoother ride through polar waters. Keep watch for walruses, whales and, with luck, polar bears as you venture towards the sea…

  • 8 Days
  • $7,306
Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland Polar Quest

Introductions to the High Arctic don’t come much better. Traverse wildlife-rich Svalbard via East Greenland’s towering icebergs and autumnal tundra, then continue on to Iceland. Aurora sightings are possible at any point.…

  • 15 Days
  • $14,181
  • 25-Jun-2028
The Geographic North Pole & East Greenland

As if a voyage to the North Pole isn’t special enough, this extended version includes exploring both east Greenland and Svalbard as well, thereby ticking off three very distinct and contrasting parts of The Arctic in a single thrilling voyage.…

  • 17 Days
  • $52,048
  • 26-Jun-2028

Arctic Cruises in July 2028

Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland Polar Odyssey

Embark on this epic, sweeping Arctic odyssey spanning Svalbard's rich wildlife, remote Jan Mayen, Greenland's rugged east coast, and Iceland's stunning western fjords. Explore isolated settlements, hike the tundra, kayak among glowing icebergs, and search for polar bears, walrus, fox,…

  • 16 Days
  • $33,000
  • 2-Jul-2028
Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland Polar Quest

Introductions to the High Arctic don’t come much better. Traverse wildlife-rich Svalbard via East Greenland’s towering icebergs and autumnal tundra, then continue on to Iceland. Aurora sightings are possible at any point.…

  • 15 Days
  • $15,351
West Greenland & Disko Bay

This might be a short trip but it packs a huge amount in. Sail among the ice of Disko Bay and spot humpbacks hunting herring; trek to the look out over Jakobshavn Glacier; explore the settlements of Sisimiut and Itilleq…

  • 8 Days
  • $8,836
Svalbard: An Archipelagic Adventure

For those who value comfort without the formality, this all-inclusive Svalbard expedition offers a relaxed introduction to the High Arctic. The ship’s contemporary Scandinavian-inspired design provides a stylish and comfortable base from which to explore by zodiac, on foot and…

  • 9 Days
  • $6,650
  • 3-Jul-2028
Svalbard Revealed

Experience Arctic summertime at its best on this immersive expedition, travelling aboard a modern X-Bow ship built for a smoother ride through polar waters. Keep watch for walruses, whales and, with luck, polar bears as you venture towards the sea…

  • 8 Days
  • $7,646
A Circle Around Iceland

This state-of-the-art ship provides the perfect floating basecamp for circumnavigating Iceland, exploring the island’s deep fjords, rugged coastline and smaller towns tucked away from the main tourist track. Daily excursions by zodiac and on foot in the company of onboard…

  • 12 Days
  • $13,882
  • 10-Jul-2028
Basecamp Greenland: Into the Wilderness

Stay in a specially designed seasonal safari-style camp as your base and explore this little visited land by kayak, zodiac, motor boat, helicopter or on foot. The long summer days help maximise exploration, while the rustic luxury of the camp…

  • 10 Days
  • $15,795
North Pole in Luxury

Reach the top of the world in serious comfort onboard a state-of-the-art luxury, hybrid-powered icebreaker. Travel north through icebound waters and join the exclusive list of intrepid explorers who have visited the geographical North…

  • 13 Days
  • $38,380
Highlights of Southeast Greenland

While the majority of east Greenland voyages head further north, we love the spirit of exploration and contrariness of this voyage, which takes the path less travelled by focusing instead on Greenland’s little-visited southeast corner. Zodiac cruise and kayak among…

  • 10 Days
  • $12,543
Northwest Passage In Depth: Greenland to Alaska

Embark on one of the world’s most iconic journeys – a full transit through the fabled Northwest Passage from Greenland to Alaska, following in the footsteps of the intrepid early explorers. What makes this particular voyage even more special is…

  • 23 Days
  • $57,728
  • 28-Jul-2028

Late-Summer Arctic cruises

Late summer offers the ultimate window for deep Arctic exploration. As the ice recedes significantly, historic voyages become possible, including the monumental expedition to the North Pole, or traversing the legendary Northwest Passage in the Canadian Arctic.

Meanwhile, East Greenland fully opens, granting access to the majestic Scoresby Sund and prime opportunities for inland exploration.

In Svalbard, Spitsbergen's west coast is now entirely ice-free, making land-based polar bear sightings more common. This period also marks a dynamic natural event: witness the vast seabird colonies preparing for their winter migration south.

Arctic cruises in August 2028

Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

Basecamp Greenland: Into the Wilderness

Stay in a specially designed seasonal safari-style camp as your base and explore this little visited land by kayak, zodiac, motor boat, helicopter or on foot. The long summer days help maximise exploration, while the rustic luxury of the camp…

  • 10 Days
  • $15,795
Ice & Fire: East Greenland & Iceland Combined

There are few wilder, more remote places on the planet than East Greenland. Travelling by a small, very comfortable custom-built expedition ship, this voyage aims to showcase the best of Greenland’s eye-popping scenery, vast ice and exotic wildlife. Walk the…

  • 12 Days
  • $19,769
A Circle Around Spitsbergen

Circumnavigate the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, cruising as far as 80° North to reach the edge of the pack ice. This voyage includes an impressive eight days of off-ship exploring, with ample opportunities to spot remarkable Arctic wildlife…

  • 10 Days
  • $9,431
  • 12-Aug-2028
North Pole in Luxury

Reach the top of the world in serious comfort onboard a state-of-the-art luxury, hybrid-powered icebreaker. Travel north through icebound waters and join the exclusive list of intrepid explorers who have visited the geographical North…

  • 13 Days
  • $38,380
Into the Far North of West Greenland

This 16-day voyage is one of only a few that ventures as far as 78° North. Perfect for explorers, this journey navigates the remote Smith Sound and journeys to the rarely visited community of Upernavik. Follow in the footsteps of…

  • 16 Days
  • $19,281
  • 23-Aug-2028
Heart of the Northwest Passage

Set sail on this in-depth, luxury 20-day cruise of west Greenland and the legendary Northwest Passage. Travelling deep into the icy labyrinth of the Northwest Passage, encounter Inuit culture, retrace Franklin’s footsteps and witness Arctic wildlife – musk ox, polar…

  • 20 Days
  • $24,811
  • 26-Aug-2028

Arctic cruises in September 2028

Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

Greenland to Newfoundland Explorer

We love this voyage for its breathtaking variety – landscape, wildlife, habitat and culture – as you journey south from the icy home of the Inuit, through the boreal forest belt, to finish in Newfoundland, with its Viking and Celtic…

  • 14 Days
  • $12,921
Ice & Fire: East Greenland & Iceland Combined

There are few wilder, more remote places on the planet than East Greenland. Travelling by a small, very comfortable custom-built expedition ship, this voyage aims to showcase the best of Greenland’s eye-popping scenery, vast ice and exotic wildlife. Walk the…

  • 12 Days
  • $19,769
  • 6-Sep-2028
North Pole in Luxury

Reach the top of the world in serious comfort onboard a state-of-the-art luxury, hybrid-powered icebreaker. Travel north through icebound waters and join the exclusive list of intrepid explorers who have visited the geographical North…

  • 13 Days
  • $38,380
  • 10-Sep-2028

Find out more

Svalbard Cruises

Svalbard Cruises

Halfway between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard distils the best of The Arctic into one remarkable archipelago. In high summer, largely ice-free coastlines and fjords reveal …

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Visiting The North Pole

Visiting The North Pole

We’ve all gazed at the top of a globe or map and wondered what it must be like up there on the roof of the world. Remote, cold and largely inaccessible – yet that ambition to …

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Northwest Passage Cruises

Northwest Passage Cruises

This labyrinthine 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 …

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Churchill

Churchill

The centre of a polar bear migration in October and November, the worlds' best place to see northern lights from January to March and a gathering point for thousands of beluga …

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Ready to Book Your Arctic Adventure?

1. Listen

We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

2. Match

Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

3. Reserve

We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.