Arctic Cruises
Expeditionary cruising is a very practical way to discover the Arctic, allowing you to comfortably explore often untouched areas of wilderness you can’t otherwise reach from …
Discover More
Six reasons to experience the Polar Pack Ice
- It really is an extraordinary, otherworldly experience. With nothing between you and the North Pole but a floating crust of ice, there’s nowhere else like it on the planet
- Exceptional polar bear encounters: Polar bears can reliably be found here. Plus, being outside of Svalbard’s minimum viewing distance regulations, how close the bears come is up to them
- Experience the ice up close: Hear the deep groan and crack of the pack ice as your ice strengthened vessel pushes through the narrow leads
- The ice’s edge is your best chance at encountering some of Svalbard’s rarer whale species, like the elusive Bowhead Whale and the world's largest animal, the Blue Whale
- Reaching the polar pack ice is one of those rare Arctic experiences that feels less like visiting a destination and more like entering another world; it’s like ‘Narnia’
- See the Arctic at its most pristine: Far from settlements and infrastructure, the pack ice offers an extraordinary sense of true wilderness and a rare respite from the busyness of our modern lives
Swoop says
In over thirty Svalbard expeditions, the majority of my greatest wildlife encounters have been at the pack ice edge. From curious bears checking out the smells from the ship's galley, to 100 ton bowhead whales, once hunted to almost-extinction in Svalbard’s waters, emerging just feet from the ship.
Karl ONeill Arctic Sales Specialist
What our customers think of Arctic cruises
Talking to Swoop made all the difference for us. Being able to cut through all the detail to find the perfect trip for us was invaluable. Alex was able to ask us the questions that helped us crystallise what we actually wanted from such a trip. These trips aren't cheap so you want to be sure you're going to get something that's right for you. Swoop made that happen for us. Read the full review
Travelled: July 2018
Kay & Richard Howells (Baker) - United Kingdom
Swoops dedication and care to achieve a high value, high quality experience is exceptional. Staff are extremely knowledgeable about the ship, and the itinerary of the expedition and are able to offer the best advice to maximize the travel experience. Read the full review
Travelled: June 2018
Rob & Bonnie Lesnick - United States Of America
Pack Ice: FAQs
-
How do I get to the Pack Ice?
On an ice-strengthened expedition vessel as part of a Svalbard expedition cruise.
It’s never guaranteed on any Svalbard trip for a number of reasons, but Swoop Arctic can point you towards a ship and itinerary that will give you the very best chances. Longer trips on the right ship are also well worth considering, as you’ll give yourself the best chance of a good weather-window once you get to the pack ice, as it can be foggy up there.
-
Will I be allowed to walk on the pack ice?
It's possible and isn’t uncommon, however it's never guaranteed as it requires a large and very stable ice floe, and a great deal of logistics to make it safe.
If this is something you’re definitely keen to experience, we would suggest considering either one of the micro-vessel options with just 12 passengers, or going deep into the pack on a North Pole voyage, where you’ll not only be standing on the ice, but you’ll be doing it at the North Pole!
-
Is breaking through ice dangerous for a ship?
In a lot of cases it certainly would be, but the expedition ships that go into the pack ice all have a sufficiently high ‘ice class rating’ that they are more than capable of dealing with the ice you will encounter. You will need a ship with at least a 1B ice class rating, or higher. Ships with only a 1C or 1D have to be very careful around ice, and certainly don’t have the capabilities to enter the pack ice itself, even for a short distance.
Those ships that lack the strength to break ice safely will often still visit the vicinity of the pack ice, just without pushing into it.Similar extraordinary wildlife encounters are still possible at the ice edge.
Popular Arctic voyages experiencing the Pack Ice
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
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
- $38,347
As if a voyage to the North Pole isn’t special enough, this extended version includes exploring both east Greenland and Svalbard as well, thereby ticking off three very distinct and contrasting parts of The Arctic in a single thrilling voyage.…
- 17 Days
- $52,042
An intimate summer expedition circumnavigating Spitsbergen on a 12-guest micro ship. Feel connection to nature, with a sense of solitude and scale, which is harder to find on larger ships. Explore rarely-visited islands, glaciers and the polar desert in search…
- 12 Days
- $21,500
East Greenland in May is still frozen and inaccessible, unless you’re travelling aboard this extraordinary icebreaker which is the only ship capable of pushing through the pack ice to explore this wild, pristine land in springtime. This is true polar…
- 11 Days
- $25,229
East Greenland is little-travelled in the summer months, so an extended trip in May when this coastline is still gripped by ice is even rarer. Travelling onboard the world’s most advanced icebreaker ship allows you to cut through the ice…
- 15 Days
- $38,020
Pack Ice
Where is the Polar Pack Ice?
This is a more difficult question than it originally seems. The simple answer is that it is far to the North, sitting like a cap on top of the world. But where it actually begins changes constantly with the seasons, winds and several other environmental factors.
In general the easiest way to reach it is sailing north from Svalbard. During the summer season, you might typically find the pack ice edge anywhere from 79°N to 83°N.
Le Commandant Charcot navigating through ice
Why is the Pack Ice so great for polar bears?
As Arctic nomads, Polar bears wander the ice looking for holes and gaps between ice floes. Marine mammals like seals - polar bears' favourite prey - are air-breathing creatures and will need to come up for air, so these holes are ideal places for bears to hunt. It's a simple equation: where there are seals, there are likely to be bears.
The added bonus is that you’re usually 12 nautical miles away from land, so Svalbard’s fairly strict regulations on proximity to polar bears no longer apply.
The AECO regulations still do, so no ships will be causing the animals any stress or pursuing them, but if a bear decides to walk up to the side of the ship, there’s no obligation to move away.
Le Commandant Charcot navigating through ice
Plan your trip to the Arctic
What to expect on an Arctic cruise
Choosing to visit the Arctic is the easy part, but what can you expect to do and see once you arrive? From daily zodiac safaris, guided shore landings, insightful lectures and …
Discover More
Arctic Animals & Wildlife
The Arctic is one of the most diverse wildlife habitats on Earth, harbouring a vast array of animals adapted to the extreme cold. Polar bears and walrus can be spotted on the sea …
Discover More
Arctic Ship Guide
We partner with selected ice-strengthened Arctic expedition vessels from small yachts and nimble little ships with convivial atmospheres, to larger Russian research boats and …
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.
