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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Planning your Arctic cruise: costs explained
- The Arctic is a remote location with small expedition ships and high operating costs, so trips are more expensive than traditional cruising destinations.
- The cost of Arctic cruises varies according to the length of trip, type of ship and time of year, but classic itineraries can start from around USD $8500.
- Ships will have a range of cabins, all priced differently, and optional adventure activities like kayaking can cost extra.
- Booking as far in advance as possible will get you the best deals for the ship, cabin and departure date you want.
Swoop says
Cost and budget are certainly key factors, but true value is about more than just the price. We prioritise learning what you personally want from an Arctic expedition to guarantee you get the maximum value from your once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Arctic
How much does a typical Arctic cruise cost?
Arctic cruise prices vary depending on the ship, cabin type and departure date. To help guide your planning, we’ve created this sample price range for the 2026 & 2027 seasons. All prices are per person in USD, based on sharing a twin occupancy cabin.
- Iceland cruise (8-12 days): $8,000–$37,000
- Svalbard cruise (8-15 days): $3,750–$48,000
- East Greenland cruise (10-16 days): $6,000–$30,000
- West Greenland cruise (8-16 days): $5,000–$35,000
- Three Islands cruise (15 days): $8,500–$43,000
- Northwest Passage cruise (16-29 days): $14,000–$105,000
- North Pole cruise (16-18 days): $41,000–$135,000
Zodiac cruising in Svalbard
What our customers think of Arctic cruises
Beyond my expectations, and I would recommend unreservedly. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2018
Val Chiswell - United Kingdom
Faultless service, as always in our experience. We knew the ship and even the cabin beforehand, but great to have Swoop’s help in setting it up and talking us through the options for the choice of voyage and extras. Read the full review
Travelled: July 2018
Steve & Tina O'Shea - United Kingdom
The voyage and excursions and hikes were great. I loved having options for a more vigorous hike. Read the full review
Travelled: June 2018
Leslie & Nancy Steenbeke (Grossman) - United States Of America
What factors affect the cost of an Arctic cruise?
Four key factors affect the final cost of your Arctic cruise:
- When you’re travelling to the Arctic
- The type of Arctic cruise ship
- Whether you’re travelling solo or in a group
- If you add any optional adventure activities
Swoop's strong partnerships with Arctic ship operators means that we have unrivalled access to the best prices available. We'll listen to your requirements in order to find the best trip with the best value for you - all at no extra cost.
Wandering through the Arctic snow
When to visit the Arctic
The Arctic cruising season runs from May to September with each month offering a different experience at a different price.
July and August are considered the high season, when days are longest, the wildlife is most prolific and the tundra is in full bloom.
Prices in May and June can be cheaper, depending on the ship and there will be more snow cover at this time of year. In September the ice is at its lowest point, allowing for the most northerly navigation.
Sisimiut in winter
How to get to the Arctic
The most popular, and quickest, way to get to the Arctic is by flying. There are regular charter flights throughout the region which are used by ship operators and these flights are often included in the cost of your trip.
Entry points to the Arctic are often Reykjavík (Iceland), Longyearbyen (Svalbard), Kangerlussuaq or Nuuk (both Greenland) and Nome (Alaska).
It is possible to reach the Arctic by boat for a few months each summer, with routes starting in Scotland, Iceland or Norway.
Kangerlussuaq airport
Style of ship
The ship on which you sail will affect the final cost of your Arctic cruise with vessels ranging in size from 12 passengers to around 250.
All ships will offer you a comfortable expedition, there are differing levels of comfort ranging from luxury ships with a wide variety of onboard amenities and gourmet dining, all the way to a simpler expeditionary style in small, converted research vessels.
You'll also find a wide range of cabin styles and prices, from luxury suites with balconies to simple cabins with portholes. Swoop know each ship inside out, so we're on hand to help you find the one that is right for you.
Ocean Victory's exterior
Travelling solo
Although Arctic cruise prices are based on two people sharing a cabin, these trips are equally popular with solo travellers. Somewhere between 10-20% of passengers travel on their own.
Most common is for solo travellers to choose to share a cabin - shares are always same-sex. There are some ships that have triple, or even quad, cabins which makes this even cheaper, and more sociable.
However, it's often possible to pay a single supplement – often around 140-170% the cost of a single berth in a twin cabin – to have a twin cabin to yourself.
Some ships do have a limited number of single cabins, but these often sell out very early.
Zodiac cruising in Svalbard
Family and group travel
It's becoming increasingly popular for families and other groups to cruise in the Arctic. Figuring out the many child policies, discounts for kids and teenagers, and triple or quad occupancy cabin savings can quickly get complicated, as they vary greatly between ships. Our expertise can guide you through this to make your family trip as budget-friendly as possible.
Swoop are experts at putting together expeditions for larger groups for which we call on our wide network of connections across the polar fleet. We design itineraries for special interest groups and also arrange part- or whole-ship charters at the most competitive prices.
Admire West Greenland's colourful houses
Optional adventure activities
Most cruises to the Arctic include optional adventure activities such a kayaking or hiking. Restricted group sizes mean these activities must often be booked in advance, when confirming your trip, and usually require an additional payment.
Obviously prices vary, but you can expect a one-off paddling session in a kayak to cost around USD $250 and a full programme with multiple kayak outings to be between USD $450-1450.
Kayaking excursion at Svalbard
Swoop says
Some expedition cruises include items like internet and alcoholic drinks in the trip price, while others charge extra. We'll explain to you exactly what's included and not included on board your preferred ship – as well as advising on tipping at the end of your voyage.
Calculating Arctic cruise costs: FAQs
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Will my Arctic cruise cost less if I book directly with the ship operator?
No. Your cruise will cost exactly the same whether you book directly or through Swoop.
We believe there are strong benefits to booking through a specialist agent like us:
We offer a far wider choice of voyage options beyond a single ship or operator and can offer impartial advice on your numerous options
Due to our in-depth firsthand knowledge of every ship, we can match the perfect ship and departure to your requirements
Swoop offer a full travel service, including assistance with flights, hotels and transfers
You will have a dedicated customer service operator who will support you from the time you book your trip until the moment you get home.
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Are discounts available on any departures?
Operators sometimes offer discounts on their trips and, with Swoop's strong relationships across the polar fleet, we always have access to the best prices at any given time, including discounts that may not be publicly advertised.
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What is typically included in an Arctic cruise?
On any Arctic voyage the following are typically included:
Included
- Accommodation on full board basis
- All guided landings and excursions while on board
- A programme of lectures by leading experts
- Loan of a pair of rubber boots
Depending on which ship you choose, some or all of the following may also be included:
- Complimentary parka jacket (to keep)
- Flights to/from the Arctic
- Pre- and post voyage hotel accommodation
- Alcoholic beverages with meals
- Internet
Additional costs, not included
- Additional activities such as kayaking and hiking
- Return flights from the start and end points of your trip
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and souvenirs on board ship
- Discretionary tip to the staff (approximately USD $15-20 per person per day)
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Why does an Arctic cruise cost so much?
Due to the remoteness of the Arctic and the costly logisitics to get there any trip to the Arctic will be expensive.
Ice-strengthened ships are very expensive to build and mantain, and then there are the staff required to look after it.
A significant operating cost is fuel which is more expensive to purchase in remote areas where the ships need to refuel.
Although it's a costly trip, in all our years of travelling to the Arctic, we have never once had anyone return from a voyage who didn't think it was worth the price.
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Is price always the best criteria for choosing the right Arctic trip?
Of course, price is always an important factor, but you should consider it in the wider context of what you are wanting to get from your trip.
Swoop are invaluable as they have the time to listen to you and understand what's important to you. A number of handpicked options can then be offered which reflect the best value for money.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
Discover more about the Arctic
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.
