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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Why choose an Arctic expedition cruise?
- The moment you board the ship, you'll immediately be embraced by like-minded individuals seeking adventure.
- The wildlife and ice of the Arctic is the highlight of the trip, but the camaraderie experienced throughout the voyage is consistently stated as the third highlight by solo travellers.
- There is a variety of onboard accommodation, from good value shared same sex cabins, to single cabins and twin cabin with single supplements.
- Some ships provide all-inclusive packages which include pre- and post-voyage hotels, domestic flights, gratuities and drinks, which takes the hassle out of travelling to such remote locations.
- Over the years, Swoop has assisted hundreds of solo travellers and travelling solo to the Artic is normal for our staff – we really do understand what's important to make your expedition truly memorable.
Swoop says
I never worry about travelling solo to the Arctic because I know from previous experience that as soon as I'm on board, I'll be part of a welcoming crowd of fellow travellers, all as excited as myself.
Nardus Erasmus Arctic Sales Specialist
Best Arctic cruises for solo travellers
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
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
- $9,761
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 Days
- $18,695
Truly escape the modern world and explore Svalbard on board a schooner. Sail north through the melting spring ice, spot wildlife and learn about the archipelago’s rich history. Highlights include the Monaco Glacier, 17th century whaling settlements, close encounters with…
- 11 Days
- $6,000
Circumnavigate Spitsbergen on board on a comfortable expedition ship and in the company of specialist guides. Travelling on a smaller ship allows you more time to explore, and some late-season departures benefit from stunning autumn light. Ask about special guest…
- 12 Days
- $9,390
Travelling in luxury aboard an outstanding expedition ship, we love this trip for its unusual combination of Svalbard and Norway’s northern tip, plus its focus on top-notch service and cuisine. After a hassle-free flight from Oslo to Svalbard, spend seven…
- 11 Days
- $17,600
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
- $38,346
The big ice and small towns of West Greenland provide a stunning start to this trip before you sail across the Davis Straight to Baffin Island and enter the Northwest Passage. Blend history, scenery and wildlife; pay your respects at…
- 17 Days
- $13,297
A full transit of the Northwest Passage is a truly epic undertaking, travelling in the footsteps of legendary explorers Amundsen, Franklin and Larsen. This voyage is distinguished by the small, nimble and comfortably appointed expedition ship you'll travel on, with…
- 29 Days
- $44,395
Spending time exploring Canada’s historic Northwest Passage and West Greenland, we like this voyage’s balance and variety as much as exploring little visited spots such as Thule, one of the northernmost towns in the world, and Smith Sound. Big ice,…
- 17 Days
- $23,790
Exploring East Greenland’s wild, dramatic coastline on board a small, custom-built polar ship, this is expedition cruising at its very best. Hike the autumnal tundra in search of musk oxen during the day, with a strong chance to see the…
- 11 Days
- $13,995
Beginning in Svalbard before sailing west across the Greenland Sea and exploring Greenland’s long eastern coastline to finish in Iceland, this is an audacious Arctic journey of startling diversity and contrast. Spectacular landscapes, towering glaciers and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters all…
- 15 Days
- $23,595
Sailing in August or September, explore the massive fjords of East Greenland and their legendary icebergs, spot musk oxen and visit ancient and modern Inuit settlements. Late summer provides a great chance of spotting the Northern Lights. A choice of…
- 10 Days
- $6,250
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
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
Encounter the King of the Arctic up close, with an exceptionally high chance of sightings in October and November. Small groups explore the tundra in exclusive vehicles with a specialist guide when the bear migration peaks. You'll also learn about…
- 6/7 Days
- $8,495
What our customers think of the Arctic
Choose from one of these three cabin options
1. Dedicated single cabin
Single cabin
In the past, dedicated single cabins for solo travellers were a real rarity on Arctic expeditions, but the recent growth in the number of expedition cruise ships means that there is more choice than ever.
The price of a dedicated single cabin is often close to the cost of the twin cabin with single supplement, and is more expensive than a shared cabin.
There is a wide difference in the number of available solo cabins available on Arctic expedition ships. On all ships, they are in high demand and early booking is highly recommended. Booking 18 months in advance of travel is not too soon.
Swoop knows the entire polar fleet better than anyone else, so we can guide you to the right ship on the right date, with the perfect cabin for you. We have close connections with all operators which will help you secure your chosen berth.
2. Shared same sex cabin
Twin Cabin
A shared same-sex cabin is a popular, and cost effective, choice for solo travellers to the Arctic. You will always share a cabin with another solo traveller of the same sex as yourself.
There are some ships which also have triple and quad cabins, all with en suite bathrooms. Although it might seem slightly odd to consider sharing with a complete stranger, it's the most affordable option and due the very nature of expedition cruising, new acquaintances quickly become friends.
Cabins are really only places for sleeping and preparing for excursions, but in terms of how much space you'll have it's worth knowing that cabin sizes in the polar fleet have almost doubled in the past ten years. This, along with smarter solutions for luggage storage, gives everyone much more room.
It goes without saying that sharing a cabin comes with the implicit requirement to respect the common space. Those concerned about this idea might be more comfortable with booking their own cabin entirely.
Cabin types do vary from ship to ship, but generally the highest cabin categories aren't available for sharing.
3. Twin cabin with single supplements
Twin cabin
If you've identified your preferred ship, but find that it doesn’t have any dedicated solo cabins, or they're fully booked, there is an option to pay a single supplement to have exclusive use of a twin cabin.
The single supplement will typically be somewhere between 140-170% of the price of a single berth for a mid-range Twin cabin. On most ships, if you're after the top cabin categories, you'll need to pay the full price of the cabin – a subsidised single supplement will not be available.
Swoop's expertise can guide you to the best matched options for your requirements, including which ships have the highest numbers of solo cabins or the most competitive single supplement.
Arctic solo adventure activities
Group kayaking in Iceland
Your first trip out on a zodiac is one of the best ways of breaking the ice and getting to know your travel companions, but there are lots of other opportunities to get to know people when you're on board.
There are also additional adventure activities, such as kayaking, which can be ideal for solo travellers. Taking part in these group activities is the quickest way to bond. You'll have a dedicated safety briefing from your guides and will be paired up with a kayaking buddy. We know from experience how like-minded people quickly become tight-knit teams through sharing adventures.
Choosing your ship: a guide for solo travellers
Travelling solo to the Arctic: FAQs
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Can I travel to the Arctic by myself?
Yes, of course! In our experience, up to one in five people on an Arctic cruise will be travelling solo. You'll be surrounded by like-minded people, and there's a great sense of camaraderie on board. Spending time in a zodiac watching wildlife is a great way to bond!
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Do all ships offer solo cabins or single supplements?
The very good news is that the number of ships now offering dedicated solo cabins is increasing and is certainly far higher than it was 10+ years ago.
The vast majority of ships offer twin cabins with the option of paying a single supplement.
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Why is it so expensive to have my own cabin?
This question comes up a lot! Ship economics requires most cabins to be designed for two or more people, so if you'd like a cabin to yourself you'll generally have to pay a premium (albeit less than paying for two berths yourself).
Having said this, there are often offers on different ships where the single supplement is waived. Naturally, these tend to sell out very quickly, but Swoop's close relationships with the many ship operators means that we'll always be able to offer you the best deals available at the time.
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Who will I be eating meals with?
Arctic cruising is one of the most sociable forms of travel out there and you'll only eat alone if that's what you choose to do. If you're sharing a cabin, you'll have met a first dining companion the moment you checked in.
Most ship will have their restaurant tables set up for sixes and eights – perfect for mingling – as well as for twos and fours. After you've spent some time at sea, or done your first landings, the shared travel experience quickly breaks down barriers. Joining other people for dinner is the norm rather than the exception, even for those travelling as couples!
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I'm happy to share: should I book a twin, triple or quad?
This is all down to personal choice. What are you comfortable with in terms of budget, as well as space? These cabins provide the most budget-friendly way of travelling in the Arctic, but the options need to be carefully weighed up.
If you're the kind of person who has enjoyed staying in hostels with communal accommodation, sharing a Triple or Quad could be a great option.
If you're not so gregarious, would like a cabin with a balcony, or worry about the higher risk of sharing with a snorer in a bigger shared cabin, then a Twin might be a more prudent investment.
If you opt for a Triple or Quad, it's important to note that specific beds in the cabin cannot be reserved in advance of sailing, and that they generally don't have balconies.
More on Arctic cruising
North Pole Cruises
At the very top of the world, where all lines of longitude unite, lies a privilege experienced by only a fortunate few. Many dream of this legendary milestone, yet only a handful …
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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 reveal calving …
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Greenland Cruises
Greenland assaults your senses by its sheer scale, untamed rawness, ravishing beauty and remoteness, while her people will charm you with their hospitality. From Scoresby Sund’s …
Discover MoreReady 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.
