Arctic Cruises 2022

Whether you have several plans in mind that are key to your Arctic cruise or are still defining what the perfect adventure looks like for you, booking early for 2022 travel should …
Discover MoreCommit to making that dreamed-of Arctic adventure happen in 2021. Our 2021 guide includes all released trip dates per season; have a read through and contact us to further discuss the when, where and how of your adventure.
March
March comes around and spring has sprung, although perhaps not spring as you know it – the Arctic spring is characterised by temperatures well below freezing and vast snow-covered landscapes. It's for this reason that the season between February and April is referred to as the 'bright winter'. If you're seeking displays of the Northern Lights, March is the latest you'd look to visit. You can also take advantage of the thick snow, with activities like dog-sledding and snowmobiling.
April
The snow continues to gradually melt as the days become warmer and longer. The expeditions kick off for the year, at a relaxed pace as the area remains quieter. Treks across the region will see you walk in the footsteps of walrus and their cubs who have made their return to Svalbard.
May
As the memory of the winter polar night stretches far into the distance, the high Arctic begins to experience 24-hour daylight. The wildlife watching season officially begins as migratory seabirds flock to the region with the warmer air; witness Brunch's Guillemot creating an 'arring' symphony as they gather on the area's cliffs in their thousands. The giant polar bear population that Svalbard is famed for are also on the move; enjoy sightings as they begin hunting on land and by coastal waters.
June
By June the reliability of navigation across the region is greater and so expeditions really pick up. The summer months present a unique opportunity to venture far into the fjords, allowing you to see the region's wildlife in all its magnitude. Spot birds, polar bears, harp/bearded/ringed seals, bowhead and beluga whales. Arctic reindeer can be observed on pastures, spending the whole summer feeding ahead of the next winter season, and calves born in June will begin to take their first steps across the tundra.
July
The peak of summer, July is the warmest month and subsequently offers much scope to explore by cruise. As the birds nest in the cliffs of Svalbard, predators like gyrfalcon and the Arctic fox try their luck for fallen chicks and eggs along the foot of the cliffs. The sea ice retreat encourages whales and dolphins to roam closer the fjords, and circumnavigations of the Canadian High Artic, the Northwest Passage and Spitsbergen are also possible by the middle of the month.
August
This is a great time to witness the feeding frenzy among the millions of birds that have summered in the archipelago. Travel further north, and bearded, hooded and harp seals may grace you with their presence. Soak up the year's final days of the non-stop shining of the sun, the Midnight Sun phenomenon, and admire the striking contrast of the dry brown-red ground and white snow-capped mountains.
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…
Sail north from Kirkenes via the Russian city of Murmansk to the remote and rarely visited Franz Josef Land. Explore the shores of this Russian Archipelago and discover its rich wildlife, vast tundra, fascinating geology and long history. Discover Nansens…
Reach the top of the world in serious comfort onboard a state of the art luxury, hybrid-powered ice breaker. The route which includes Svalbard and East Greenland maximises the wildlife, scenery, big ice and culture of this fascinating…
For the ultimate Arctic experience this unparalleled 23/25 day voyage is hard to beat. Created by splicing together two popular voyages, it delivers extended time circumnavigating Svalbard while maximising wildlife sightings, with exploration of East Greenland’s deep fjords and towering…
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 will…
September
You'll want your camera for the amazing views that you can see during September. Colder temperatures and dark evenings begin to set in as Autumn makes its arrival, giving rise to better visibility of the Northern Lights. The lack of snow and ice facilitates ongoing access deep into the fjords, and the dry conditions and a lesser volume of breeding birds provide good conditions for long treks.
October
Almost all of the summer wildlife has made the journey to warmer climes and expeditions have ended for the year. The returning ice pushes the ships south and land based travel takes over for the hardy souls who like the cold. Fewer tourists means you're more likely to be able to meet some locals, and if you're fortunate, see the first Northern Lights. Polar bears migrate through Churchill during the month, presenting the opportunity to see these huge, beautiful creatures from a close, but safe, distance.
November
The snowmobile engines well and truly warm up as the outside temperature drops and snowfall paints the landscape white once more. In mid-November, daylight disappears entirely and wildlife activity is limited to polar bears hunting where the ice is forming at Hudson Bay. This is a mesmerising time to experience both the vivid night skies and life for locals during the long winter - restaurants and shops remain busy and winter activities pick up again.
Introductions to the High Arctic don’t come much better. Traverse the High Arctic between wildlife-rich Svalbard, via East Greenland’s towering icebergs and autumnal tundra then onto Iceland. Aurora sightings are possible at any point. The longer trip also includes Jan…
Truly escape the modern world and explore Svalbard onboard 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 megafauna…
Discover the vast landscapes and enormous icebergs of Scoresbysund in East Greenland. Visit tiny remote communities and trek in pristine wilderness then spend the night watching the Northern Lights above…
Enter the Northwest Passage through Hudson Bay onboard a luxury, hybrid-powered icebreaker. Explore by helicopter and zodiac as you travel the full length of this fabled route all the way to Nome, Alaska. Spot bears on the ice floe, narwhal…
Sailing in September, explore the massive fjords of East Greenland and their legendary icebergs, spot musk oxen and visit ancient and modern Inuit settlements, while late summer provides a great chance of spotting the Northern Lights. A choice of three…
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,…
Experience one of the most immersive wildlife experiences on earth and stay out on the tundra among the bears for 3 or 4 nights in a mobile hotel provides unparalleled opportunities for prolonged observation of polar bears at close quarters…
Imagine waking up on the tundra in a mobile hotel with the very real chance of there being a bear outside your window! This trip offers the best of both worlds with two nights on the tundra and two in…
For the ultimate polar bear and High Arctic experience, look no further. Two full days of polar bear spotting are combined with dog sledding, flightseeing by helicopter to a bear’s denning site and the chance to see the shimmering Northern…
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 reaches its peak. You will…
This polar bear photo safari provides the best possible opportunity and environment in which to capture images of the world’s largest living land carnivore. Three full days out on the tundra, near guaranteed sightings and the chance to observe these…
Land-based trips in the Arctic deliver adventure and beauty in abundance. Experiences include camping on the tundra, snowmobiling across frozen expanses, visits to colourful Inuit communities and close encounters with polar bears and belugas.
Whether you have several plans in mind that are key to your Arctic cruise or are still defining what the perfect adventure looks like for you, booking early for 2022 travel should …
Discover MoreStanding as an ice mass that stretches up to 14 million square miles at peak winter, the Arctic is one of the last wildernesses left on Earth. The Frozen Planet series inspired …
Discover MoreWe 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 MoreWe'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
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. Call us now to start your journey.
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