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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Six reasons to book a North Pole adventure
- Stand on the roof of the world at 90° North, where the planet feels infinite and every line of longitude converges at your feet.
- Achieve the world’s most elusive bucket-list triumph, a journey that few will ever dare – and even fewer will ever claim.
- Immerse yourself in the Arctic’s raw, breathtaking beauty as you journey north, feeling its icy nip on your cheeks.
- Forge through meters of ancient ice beneath the endless Midnight Sun, where every moment feels timeless and extraordinary.
- Travel in unrivalled style aboard the world’s only purpose-built icebreaker, whose extraordinary ice-breaking power meets true comfort and luxury.
- Guaranteed encounters with the Arctic’s poster boy – witness the majestic polar bear in the wild, a sight forever etched in memory.
Swoop says
You can lean out over the bow and watch as the ship smashes through the sea ice, then look back and see only white for miles around you except for a thin blue channel, slowly being covered as the ice flows back.
Nardus Erasmus Arctic Sales Specialist
Our North Pole Voyages
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Book your place for the world’s coolest marathon. Maximum kudos and bragging points included. Fly by charter flight direct from Paris to Svalbard in the Norwegian Arctic where you embark the world’s most advanced icebreaker ship for your journey to…
- 16 Days
- $53,528
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…
- 16 Days
- $44,900
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.…
- 18 Days
- $47,010
Le Commandant Charcot navigating through ice
Le Commandant Charcot in ice
Kayaking excursion
Resting polar bear
Commandant Charcot
Le Commandant Charcot navigating through ice
Le Commandant Charcot navigating through ice
Roaming polar bear
Sailing between ice floes
Le Commandant Charcot
At the Geographic North Pole
Ice walk
Parked in the ice
The North Pole: FAQs
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When can I travel to the North Pole by ship?
It's only possible to travel to the North Pole by ship from June to August each year, when multiple departure dates are available to choose from.
There is little variance in experience across the three months - it's down to availability and what suits you.
Outside of these months, you can consider travelling by plane and helicopter, or by the hauled-sled route.
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How many days is a trip to the North Pole?
Typically 16 days in length, excluding travel days to and from your start and finish point in Paris.
Days at sea are jam-packed full of lectures, time spent getting to know your fellow adventurers, opportunities to gain valuable insights from your specialist expedition leaders, looking out for wildlife, taking zodiac excursions and preparing yourself for reaching the North Pole.
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How much does a cruise by icebreaker to the North Pole cost?
Cruises to the North Pole cost from USD $45,000 per person, depending on which cabin category you choose.
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When should I start to plan my trip?
With only a small number of North Pole trips each season, you are strongly recommended to book early, approximately 12 to 18 months in advance.
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What's the weather like at the North Pole?
The average temperature during the summer months is 32°F (0°C), and the atmosphere is dry and the sun remains low in the sky. However, the weather in the Arctic is hugely variable, and it's worth being prepared for all eventualities so that you can be sure you'll still enjoy your trip if the weather turns.
The ship: Le Commandant Charcot
Sailing to the North Pole
The purpose-built luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot slices through the thick sea ice surrounding the North Pole. It's a long journey to the top of the world, 700 miles from the nearest land, but this vessel is designed to ensure there's always something to do along the way.
When you're not standing at the expansive bow taking in the stunning scenery, you can visit the sauna, spa or gym, or perhaps take part in presentations from the onboard lecturers in the state-of-the-art theatre.
Le Commandant Charcot in the Arctic ice
What happens when I get to the North Pole?
Circle the North Pole
Very few people have ever stood at the Geographic North Pole. This is often a very personal occasion; for some, the achievement of a lifetime that warrants a moment's reflection, for others, there is an elation only satisfied by running through all the timezones as quickly as possible.
No matter what your reaction when you get there, you'll have time to walk, reflect, take pictures and wave flags, before joining your group in an old tradition of circling the pole together.
At the Geographic North Pole
What will I see on the journey to the North Pole?
Wildlife
Polar bears roam the ice here, and although you won't travel through the classic polar bear hotspots, you still have a good chance of sightings. Your expedition leaders will be helping you look out for the white fur on the bright ice, but there's more to be seen here than just the 'King of the Arctic'...
Keep your eyes peeled for whales, arctic foxes, ringed seals, black legged kittiwakes and the northern fulmar, all of which have been spotted on journeys to the North Pole.
Big ice
The Arctic ocean is surrounded by land on almost all sides, just one of the reasons why the sea ice here is far thicker than in Antarctica. It also makes travelling by ship here a completely different experience, only possible on an ice breaker ship that can power through 2-3m of ice.
During your journey, your ship will ease through this ice towards the North Pole. Find a spot on the bow and settle in to watch as the ice creaks and splinters around the ship. Before you know it, an hour will have passed by, and your camera will be full of photos of the mesmerising ocean.
Pack ice on the way to the North Pole
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Discover MoreArctic Guide
The Arctic is so vast and diverse that one of the biggest challenges is knowing where to begin. Our exclusive guide will help you get started with your travel plans.
Ready to Book Your Arctic Adventure?
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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.
Our team of experts are ready to help you with any questions about a trip to the Arctic.
