Ocean Explorer
Specially engineered for polar expeditions, this refined 138-passenger ship combines innovative design with state-of-the-art technology.
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Choosing the right Arctic ship for you
Our team at Swoop Arctic have over 50 years of experience in polar cruises and can guide you towards the ship that’ll suit you best. Get started with our quick tips then give us a call for expert advice.
- Make a list of what matters most to you - is it size of ship, passenger capacity, stability, comfort level or activities on offer?
- Medium sized ships (for 80 to 116 passengers) are popular and there’s a wide range to choose from. These don’t feel too big but have generous public areas and a good choice of cabins.
- Smaller ships (for less than 80 people) offer a more intimate experience. It’s easier to board and disembark, and everyone can land at once.
- For stability, larger ships are the best bet as they perform better in rough seas.
- Comfort levels on all Arctic ships have improved over the last decade; you can now enjoy an adventure without the hardship. Selected cruises come with spa facilities, balcony suites, gourmet dining, and even butler service.
- Many expeditions offer adventure activities including diving, snorkeling, kayaking and photography. Let us know your interests and we’ll find the cruise that incorporates those activities.
Swoop says
Look beyond the style of the ships and consider some of the hidden qualities. Are the engines quiet enough to get you closer to the wildlife? How strong is the hull? Is it stable if the seas get rough? All are important aspects that can make a good trip a great one.
Comfort and adventure ships
These expedition vessels are spacious and boast a range of options - top cabins often have balconies and there will be more of a focus on hotel style service onboard. You can still expect daily landings and adventure options during your expedition.
Greg Mortimer
With a futuristic design set to redefine expedition cruising, the Greg Mortimer is purpose built for an average of 132 guests to travel through the ice in comfort.
Discover MoreUltramarine
Elegant lines, contemporary styling, onboard helicopters, spacious balconied cabins and a wide range of adventure activities; this ship is Ultra by name and ultra by nature. …
Discover MoreSylvia Earle
This state-of-the-art ship honours the highly accomplished marine biologist and oceanographer, Sylvia Earle. Sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, she similarly boasts stylish lines …
Discover MoreOrtelius
An outstanding expedition ship with a hard won reputation for navigating some of the Polar region's most challenging waters carrying just 108 guests.
Discover MorePlancius
A former Dutch Navy research ship, the Plancius is a practical and highly capable expedition ship with a recent full re-fit to take 116 guests.
Discover MoreHondius
Hondius is custom-made for polar exploration and carries up to 170 guests in a range of cabins. Large deck space for viewing and comfortable observation loungers plus the …
Discover MoreExpedition
Renovated in 2017, this compact and traditionally styled ship offers a cosy home-from-home feel for your Antarctic expedition.
Discover MoreOcean Albatros
The modern Ocean Albatros offers spacious cabins and inviting communal areas, creating a comfortable home base for your Arctic adventure.
Discover MoreM/S Quest
Purpose built to navigate ice-choked waters of Greenland this brilliant little ship makes and incredible platform for her 50 passengers to explore the Arctic from.
Discover MoreSH Diana
SH Diana lends a modern edge to relaxed elegance – perfect for travellers who value style and comfort without fuss.
Discover MoreSH Vega
Effortlessly stylish with a laidback Scandinavian feel, this 152-passenger expedition ship offers contemporary boutique charm.
Discover MoreRoald Amundsen
Potential could be this ship's middle name. Few can compete with it's ability to traverse the full Northwest Passage and carry out landings with specialist guides.
Discover MoreMS Fram
Fully refurbished for the 2020 season, the MS Fram combines advanced technology with a wide choice of cabins, green credentials, and a new Science Centre.
Discover MoreSea Spirit
A purpose built expedition ship with elegant style and spacious cabins for her 114 guests to travel in style.
Discover MoreMS Adventurer
Spacious cabins, panoramic public areas, high ice-rating and oustanding expedition staff make this 140 guest ship a fabulous base for exploration.
Discover MoreExploris One
Renowned for its intimate size, high comfort level and expeditionary credentials, Exploris One's reputation is well earned.
Discover MoreSwoop says
Its a simple equation for me: if you're on a decent ship with a highly experienced crew your chances of seeing wildlife increase significantly.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Arctic
Micro expedition ships
These ships are workhorses, often ex-research vessels capable of getting almost anywhere. Functional and practical onboard, their rough-around-the-edges feel often adds to their heaps of character. The landings, though, are really what trips on these ships are all about.
Polarfront
Recently refurbished to a very high standard the 12 passengers will find a hot tub and sauna to enhance their Arctic experience.
Discover MoreM/S Sjøveien
Wooden decks, spacious cabins, a wood fired hot tub and amazing food, this 12 passenger ship has everything you could need during an expedition through the ice.
Discover MoreM/S Stockholm
With cabins for just 12 passengers this incredibly tough little ship was built for navigating Svalbard's icy waters and has spent over 20 years doing just that.
Discover MoreBalto
Refurbished in 2025, Balto blends relaxed luxury with rugged polar capabilities. It carries just 12 guests in exceptional comfort.
Discover MoreExplorer
Originally built as an oceanographic research vessel, Explorer is an A1 ice-class polar yacht designed for easy navigation through high seas and pack ice.
Discover MoreSailing ships
Sailing through Arctic waters in near silence is an astounding experience that few people encounter. This schooner offers you that opportunity.
Rembrandt van Rijn
A beautiful three-masted schooner evoking a bygone era when sail power ruled the waves, with comfortable cabins for 33.
Discover MoreLuxury ships
At the very top of the luxury scale with impeccable service on board and all the facilities you would expect from any super-yacht cruise ship. Alongside the grandeur, you can expect to be pulling on your boots and coats for daily excursions as you sail the frozen north.
Silver Endeavour
Built in Germany in 2019, Silver Endeavour ushers in a new era of mega-yacht-style expedition cruising.
Discover MoreSilver Cloud
After a multi-million dollar refit in 2017 this luxury vessel has become the last word in luxury for 296 adventurers, with fine dining and butler service to boot.
Discover MoreSilver Wind
A refined choice for travellers seeking comfort and adventure, this 274-passenger ship was carefully refitted for polar exploration in 2021.
Discover MoreLe Boreal, Le Soleal and L'Austral
Purpose built expedition ships with state of the art luxury and 5* service for their 264 guests traveling in serious comfort.
Discover MoreNational Geographic Endurance
Constructed in Europe and purpose-designed for polar travel, this modern ship features an advanced X-Bow stabilising design and an ice-strengthened hull.
Discover MoreNational Geographic Resolution
Purpose-built for polar exploration, this slick European-designed ship combines an ice-strengthened hull with cutting-edge X-Bow technology.
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What our customers think of Arctic Cruise Ships
Review:
Swoop says
We've all got our favourite style of ship and for me it is all about being out on the deck so that is what I prioritise. Although a little bit of luxury never goes amiss!
Cassia Jackson Polar Specialist
Our top trips to the Arctic
Adventure into the frozen north on one of our favourite Arctic cruises.
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Traversing west to east this voyage takes you to iconic sites such as Cambridge Bay, Lancaster and Smith Sounds and Ellesmere Island, before exploring the fjords and towns of West Greenland. Bears, narwhal, musk ox, beluga and northern lights are…
- 17 Days
- $12,321
Maximise wildlife sightings with the chance to circumnavigate Spitsbergen island. Search for walrus, arctic fox, whales and of course the ‘King of The Arctic'. Sail through the Hinlopen Strait and visit abandoned trapping stations and experience glaciers up close all…
- 11 or 12 Days
- $16,795
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
- $14,983
Visits to Canadian and Greenlandic communities Inuit history and culture are at the core of this journey, among those stops both Kinngait, the centre of Inuit Art and Nuuk, Greenland's capital are included. There's plenty of wildlife opportunities too with…
- 13 Days
- $9,995
Discover Svalbard on this extraordinary journey onboard a 12 passenger vessel. Ideally suited to photographers these late season voyages experience amazing light. Your expedition guides plan to take you to Ny Ålesund, the Hinlopen Strait, Bird Mountain and Edgeøya capturing…
- 10 Days
- $9,613
Arctic 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?
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.
Our team of experts are ready to help you with any questions about a trip to the Arctic.
