When to visit the Arctic
The Arctic summer, blessed with long days and abundant wildlife, is favoured by travellers seeking the classic Arctic experience. But delve deeper and you'll find each season has …
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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 $8,500 per person
- Each ship has a range of cabins, all priced differently, and optional adventure activities like kayaking can carry an additional cost
- Booking as far in advance as possible will get you the best deals for the ship, cabin and departure date you want. We recommend booking 12–24 months ahead
Swoop says
Cost and budget are certainly key decision-making factors, but the true value of your ‘investment’ is about more than just the price. To guarantee you get the maximum value from your once-in-a-lifetime journey, we carefully match our recommendations to what you personally want from an Arctic trip.
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.
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
- $18,995
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
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
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
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
- $11,890
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
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
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
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
- $39,652
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
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
- $9,761
How much does a typical Arctic cruise cost?
Arctic cruise prices vary depending on the trip and length, the ship's comfort level and onboard amenities, and the cabin category you ultimately choose. To help guide your planning, we’ve created this indicative price range. All prices are per person in USD, based on sharing a Twin cabin.
- Svalbard cruise (8-15 days): $6,000–$48,000
- Greenland cruise (10-16 days): $7,000–$30,000
- Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland cruise (15 days): $9,500–$43,000
- Northwest Passage cruise (16-29 days): $18,000–$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:
- Destination: The North Pole costs more than Svalbard
- Comfort level: Which ship you choose and the inclusions
- Seasonality: What month you plan to travel
- Activities: If you add any optional adventure activities
Swoop's strong partnerships with all of the 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
Comfort level of ship
The ship on which you sail will very much directly influence the final cost of your Arctic cruise. In terms of size, we offer a wide spectrum:
- Small 12 guest Micro ships in Svalbard
- Broad choice in the mid range 130–190 guest category
- Up to 490-guest ships for a full transit of the Northwest Passage
All ships will offer you a comfortable expedition, and include all meals, guided excursions and lectures. 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 knows each ship inside out, so we're on hand to help you find the one that is right for you.
Ocean Victory's exterior
Seasonality: When to travel
The Arctic cruising season runs from May to September inclusive with each month offering slightly differing seasonal experiences, and at different prices.
July and August are considered the high season months for Svalbard, when days are longest, the wildlife can be at its most prolific and the tundra is in full bloom. Prices in May and June can offer better value.
Greenland's fjords and coast are accessible from June-September.
North Pole cruises operate from June to September, while the Northwest Passage is accessible for a short window of time in August and September only.
Sisimiut in winter
Optional adventure activities
Most cruises to the Arctic include optional adventure activities such as kayaking or hiking. Restricted group sizes mean these activities must often be booked in advance, when confirming your trip, and may require an additional payment.
Indicative price guide:
- Paddling: One-off session in a kayak @ approx. USD $250 per person
- Kayaking: Full multi-outing programme @ approx. USD $450–1,995 per person
- Hiking: Complimentary
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.
Solos, Families & Groups
Travelling Solo
Polar expedition cruises are proving increasingly popular with solo travellers. Typically 10-20% of all passengers travelling on any Arctic cruise will be solo.
While in the past, the number of dedicated solo cabins on expedition ships has been limited, in recent years with the launch of new ships, we’ve seen a welcome reversal in this trend.
For those travellers willing to share, this is a great way to keep costs down and find like minded travellers; shared cabins are always same-sex. These are typically Twin cabins, but some ships have Triples, or even Quads.
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 can also arrange part- or whole-ship charters at the most competitive prices available.
Admire West Greenland's colourful houses
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 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 …
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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 MoreCalculating Arctic cruise costs: FAQs
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Why does an Arctic cruise cost so much?
We appreciate that the investment for an Arctic cruise is on the high side, depending on what you end up choosing. There are a number of key reasons why they cost what they do, including:
Due to the remoteness of the Arctic – the costly logistics to get the ship there and then flying staff in – any trip to the Arctic has more hidden costs than a typical cruise
Ice-strengthened ships are very expensive to build (typically costing +$80–150 million each) and maintain, and then there’s the onboard staff required, which typically equal the number of guests onboard on a 1:1 ratio
A significant operating cost is fuel which is more expensive to purchase in remote areas where the ships have no choice and the extra transportation pushes up the price
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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Will my cruise cost less if I book directly?
No, definitely not – an Arctic cruise will not cost less if you book it directly – this is an inaccurate assumption. 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 therefore offer impartial advice across the full spectrum of options available on the market
- Due to our in-depth firsthand knowledge of every ship and trip, we can match the perfect one to your requirements, saving you both time and potentially an expensive mistake
- Swoop Arctic offers a full travel service, including assistance with flights, and any pre- and post-voyage hotels and guided service, removing the hassle for you
- 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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Why does one ship cost significantly more than another?
If we assume that you’re comparing Arctic cruises of the same length and similar itineraries, the main influences on price which drive variation across different ships are:
- Comfort level: The more comfortable and well equipped ships definitely carry a reflective higher price tag
- Add-on’s: The inclusion of time and hassle-saving flights, unlimited complimentary WiFi, alcoholic beverages and staff gratuities in the overall cruise package is often very attractive, and while they naturally push up the overall cost, they can offer good value
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Is price always the best criteria for choosing?
Price is always an important decision-making criteria, however, you should also consider price in the wider context of what you are wanting to get from your trip, and the importance of overall value for you.
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Are discounts available on any Arctic cruises?
Yes they are, and canny travellers can leverage these. The biggest discounts to be had are the early booking discounts, when the departure dates are first published around 18–24 months in advance. The ship operators effectively reward early bookers for their loyalty and early commitment by offering them the best discounts (as well as the widest choice of availability and cabin position).
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What is included in the voyage price?
All meals, tea and coffee, guided excursions and lectures are always included, on top of your accommodation.
And then, depending on which ship you book, additional add-on’s included in the voyage price may include:
- Pre-voyage hotel night (on B&B basis)
- Charter flights to/from points of embarkation/disembarkation
- Drinks on board (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Staff gratuities
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Are flights included?
It’s become increasingly typical for flights to be included in the overall package, for convenience and ease of logistics. The flights can quite often be priced separately from the actual voyage price for transparency, it varies between different ships.
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Are gratuities included?
Typically the gratuity to the onboard staff, payable at the end of your voyage, isn’t included in the voyage price. As a standard rule of thumb, USD $15–20 per person per night on board ship is a useful yardstick; obviously any gratuity is discretionary.
These gratuities are pooled and then divided out equally.
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Are alcoholic beverages included?
This depends on which ship you choose. There are three different approaches taken by the ships when it comes to alcoholic beverages:
- Not included: A cabin tab will be kept for any drinks consumed which you’ll need to settle the night before you embark. These ships include: Hondius, Plancius, Ortelius, Rembrandt, Sjøveien, Balto and MS Quest
- Included with Lunch and/or Dinner: Choice of house wine and beer, as well as non-alcoholic drinks, during dinner, and some also include lunch. Any drinks outside these meals, or not the ‘house’ offering need to be paid for. These ships include: Sylvia Earle, Douglas Mawson, Ocean Albatros, Ultramarine and Ocean Explorer
- All Included: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are freely available. Non-house wine requests and premium spirit brands are typically priced as extra. These ships include: Le Commandant Charcot, Silver Endeavour, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, National Geographic Endeavour and Resolution
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What extra expenses should I expect?
Assuming that you choose a trip where the flights are included in the overall package, and alcoholic drinks are also included, the only potential extra expenses to be aware of may include:
- Staff gratuity at the end of the voyage (we suggest around USD $15–20 per person per night on board ship)
- Wellness treatments
- Purchases in the onboard boutique (clothing, accessories, souvenirs, etc)
- Premium wines and spirits
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Can solo travellers avoid a large single supplement?
The good news for solo travellers is 'Yes'. Avoiding paying a large single supplement on an Arctic cruise is possible.
You either need to book early to secure one of the limited solo cabins, look out for limited offers where the single supplement is occasionally waivered (these are less common and impossible to predict), or choose to share a same sex cabin, where a cabin ‘mate(s)’ will be allocated to you.
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.
