Svalbard Cruises
North of the Arctic Circle and halfway between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard’s dramatic coastline and fjords are largely ice-free during high summer providing incredible …
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Reasons to take an Arctic voyage
- The Arctic has few hotels. For a vast area largely devoid of infrastructure, traveling by ship – which acts as your floating hotel – is ideal
- The antithesis of a traditional cruise, these small ship expedition voyages are active, adventurous and fully immersive
- Traveling by ice-strengthened ship under a flexible itinerary affords both the ability to access remote regions and to make the most of the wildlife and weather opportunities
- Daily off-ship excursions on foot and by zodiac allow you to experience the Arctic environment up close and personal
- Accompanying you is a team of Polar experts who provide a strong educational dimension and are a source of great stories!
Swoop says
With the recent surge in interest in expedition cruising to remote areas, there's never been a better time to discover the joys of allowing the shifting ice conditions, weather and chance wildlife-encounters to chart your Arctic adventure.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Arctic
Our most popular 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
- $18,495
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
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
- $11,631
Zodiac cruising through the ice in search of wildlife
Observing the pack ice from the top deck
Iceberg reflections in Scoresbysund
Expert guides will share the wonders behind the Arctic splendour
Zodiacs explore the ice in the Northwest Passage
Imposing Arctic cliffs are observed from the ship
Postcard views in the heart of the Arctic
What our customers think of Arctic Cruises
The trip was good, the light gorgeous, the icebergs fantastical, and the wildlife wonderful with more polar bears than expected. The traditional villages made us think about their future, and we met new friends. Read the full review
Travelled: August 2018
Carol & Gerard Yorke - United States Of America
What is expedition cruising?
Expedition cruising is about as far from a traditional cruise as possible. These trips are educational and active, with daily landings to get off the ship and explore. Itineraries are adaptable, so if humpbacks suddenly make an appearance, you might stick around to watch them, and if the ice conditions change, you'll just try a new landing site. This flexibility is all part of the adventure!
Ships vary from fairly basic to verging on opulent, but every single one that we partner with has a strong expedition focus. These are ship-based expeditions designed to allow you to delve into the heart of the Arctic.
Douglas Mawson
Choose your cruise region in the Arctic
Northwest Passage Cruises
This labryinthine 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 MoreGreenland 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 …
Discover MoreVisiting The North Pole
Whether it’s travelling due north by icebreaker or flying in by helicopter on an express trip, to reach 90 degrees north is a dream shared by many, but achieved by very few. …
Discover MoreCruises 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 …
Discover MoreIceland Expedition Cruises
For a small, sparsely populated island set between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, Iceland packs a real punch. Whether you’re drawn by its otherworldly landscapes, active …
Discover MoreChoosing your Arctic expedition cruise
Due to all the variables it is crucial that you chose the right ship and itinerary. Things to consider include:
- Size of the vessel, not just how many people it carries but its physical size too.
- ice-class rating, a higher class will allow for more exploration.
- The number of specialists on board.
- The style of trip: relaxing or adventurous, basic or luxurious.
Admiring pancake ice from the bow
- Wildlife abounds in the Arctic - keep an eye out for whales, seals, and birds.
- Each destination has its own individual history and culture including ancient sod houses in the Northwest Passage, colourful Greenlandic towns, and research stations in Svalbard.
- As the geology of each region varies, so does the way you interact with the ice, crashing through it to the North Pole or following the edge of it in Svalbard.
Sunrise in the Northwest Passage
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.
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.
