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 solo travel – why?
- 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
- $8,017
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
- $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…
- 8 or 11 Days
- $4,000
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
- $11,290
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 charter flight from Oslo to Svalbard, spend…
- 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…
- 16 Days
- $40,949
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
- $13,872
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
- $50,995
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
- $22,731
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
- $12,596
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
- $16,721
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
- $6,000
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
- $5,195
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
Our three Arctic cruise cabin options
1. Shared same sex cabin
Twin cabin
A shared same-sex cabin is the most 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.
2. 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 knws 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.
3. Twin cabin with single supplements
Twin cabin
If you've identified a ship but find that it had no dedicated single cabins, or they're fully booked, there is an option to pay a single supplement to have exclusive use of a twin cabin.
There's no restriction on the cabin category you can choose, but the single supplement itself will typically be somewhere between 140-170% of the price of a single berth. On most ships, if you're after the top cabin categories, you'll need to pay the full price of the cabin, not a single supplement.
Swoop's expertise will guide you to the best matched options for your requirements, including which ships have the most competitive single supplements. We also know when ships may choose to waive the single supplements on their twin cabins as an incentive for solo travellers.
Arctic solo adventure activities
Kayaking in the Arctic
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 often 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.
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 number of ships offering dedicated solo cabins is increasing and the vast majority 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? Without a doubt these cabins provide the most budget-friendly way of getting to the Arctic.
If you're the kind of person who has enjoyed staying in hostels with communal accommodation, these could be a great option. But if you're not so gregarious, or would like a cabin with a balcony, then a twin might be a better option.
If you opt for a triple or a quad, it's important to note that these cabins tend to have bunk beds and individual bunks cannot be reserved in advance of sailing. Triples and quads generally don't have balconies.
More on Arctic cruising
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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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 …
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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 …
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.
