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Arctic Circle Cruises

Arctic Circle

Arctic cruises, also known as polar cruises or Arctic expeditions, are voyages that take travelers to explore the Arctic region. The Arctic is a vast area located around the North Pole and includes parts of various countries, such as Canada, Greenland (a territory of Denmark), Norway, Russia, and the United States (Alaska). This remote and fascinating region, known for its dramatic landscapes and incredible biodiversity, offers an unmatched experience. From glaciers that have sculpted mountains and fjords to the endless tundra teeming with wildlife, a cruise to the Arctic is an immersion in the grandeur and raw beauty of nature. The chance to sail through ice-choked seas under the Midnight Sun in the summer or witness the enchanting Northern Lights in the winter is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for intrepid travelers.

The Arctic's highlights are as vast and varied as the region itself. Ports of call such as Longyearbyen in Svalbard, Norway, and Nuuk in Greenland provide gateways to the polar wilderness and vibrant local cultures. From your ship, witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of massive icebergs calving from glaciers, and the captivating Northern Lights painting the night sky in hues of green and purple. The Arctic’s natural environment is a realm of stark contrasts and haunting beauty, characterized by ice-covered seas, rugged mountains, and sprawling tundra.

Arctic Circle

Immerse yourself in the rich history and resilient cultures of the Arctic. Gain insights into the lives of the indigenous communities, such as the Inuit of Greenland and Canada, and the Saami of Scandinavia, whose traditions and stories are deeply interwoven with the harsh Arctic environment. Explore historic hunting and trading posts, learn about the daring explorers who charted these waters, and gain a deeper understanding of how global climate change is affecting this fragile ecosystem and its people.

An Arctic cruise offers thrilling excursions and adventures, whether you're setting foot on remote Arctic shores or exploring the frigid waters by kayak. Embark on guided hikes through the tundra to spot Arctic flora and fauna, or journey on a Zodiac boat tour amidst icebergs. For an exhilarating experience, join a snowmobile expedition across a frozen landscape, or visit a remote research station to learn about the unique Arctic ecosystem.

Wildlife and beautiful scenery of the Arctic Circle

The Arctic offers unique and dramatic photo opportunities, presenting both challenges and rewards for photographers. Capture the splendor of the Ice Giants of Ilulissat Icefjord, the enchanting Northern Lights in the Arctic night sky, or the intimate moments of polar bears hunting on sea ice. Photograph the traditional life of the Inuit people, or the enchanting colors of the Midnight Sun, which provide unparalleled lighting conditions for breathtaking shots.

The Arctic landscape is a study in extremes: massive glaciers carving out deep fjords, undulating tundra adorned with a palette of wildflowers in the summer, and endless sea ice extending towards the horizon. Witness the incredible spectacle of the Ice Cap, one of the last true wildernesses on the planet. The region's unique flora and fauna have adapted to survive in the harsh Arctic conditions, adding another fascinating dimension to this extraordinary ecosystem.

The Arctic teems with unique wildlife and marine life. Encounter majestic polar bears, the king of the Arctic, walruses basking on ice floes, or the elusive Arctic fox hunting in the tundra. The region's seas are home to various species of whales, from the gigantic bowhead whale to the playful beluga. A well-timed visit may also reward you with sightings of migratory bird species that flock to the Arctic during the summer months.

Arctic Circle Cruise Lines

Each Arctic Circle cruise features a one-of-a-kind combination of thrilling activities and luxurious amenities, all of which are designed to make the most of every moment. Learn more about the selection of Arctic Circle cruises in 2023-2024 from major cruise lines such as AIDA Cruises, Azamara Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Cruises, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruises, Oceania Cruises, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Cruises, Silversea Cruises, and Viking Cruises, as well as other ocean cruise lines.

Departure ports for Arctic Circle cruises

Cruises to the Arctic Circle typically depart from one of the cities in Northern Europe, such as Bergen, Copenhagen, Dublin, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Kiel, London Greenwich, London Tilbury, Reykjavik, Rotterdam, Southampton, Tromso, and Warnemunde (Rostock), which are among the most popular departure ports.

The best time to take Arctic Circle cruises

The best time to visit the Arctic on a cruise ship is during the summer months, from June to September. This period, known as the Midnight Sun season, offers longer daylight hours for wildlife spotting and exploring the incredible landscapes. It's also the period when the ice is at its most navigable, allowing ships to venture further into the region. Take a look for Arctic Circle cruises during the months of October 2023, November 2023, December 2023, January 2024, February 2024, March 2024, May 2024, June 2024, July 2024, August 2024, and September 2024.

Arctic Circle Cruise Schedule 2023-2024

Embarking on an Arctic cruise is a testament to the human spirit of adventure and exploration. This enchanting journey not only satisfies the thirst for unique experiences but also leaves a profound impact on your understanding of the planet and our place within it. Every moment in the Arctic, from the captivating wildlife encounters to the surreal beauty of the icy wilderness, becomes an indelible memory. Begin your Arctic adventure today and step into a world that's as captivating as it is challenging. The Arctic awaits.

Viking Ocean Cruises Iceland 14-day route

14-day Iceland cruise from Reykjavik

Viking Star, Viking Ocean Cruises

Date: August 19, 2024

Ports of Call: Reykjavik, Heimaey Island, Djupivogur, Seydisfjordur, Akureyri, Isafjordur, Nanortalik, Qaqortoq, LAnse aux Meadows, Halifax, New York; View Itinerary

Holland America Line British Isles 21-day route

21-day British Isles cruise from Copenhagen

Nieuw Statendam, Holland America Line

Date: August 3, 2024

Ports of Call: Copenhagen, Eidfjord, Lerwick, Djupivogur, Akureyri, Isafjordur, Nanortalik, Paamiut, Qaqortoq, Reykjavik, Reykjavik, Isle of Lewis, Inverness, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Copenhagen; View Itinerary

AIDA Cruises Svalbard 14-day route

14-day Svalbard cruise from Kiel

AIDAluna, AIDA Cruises

Date: May 12, 2024

Ports of Call: Kiel, Shetland Island, Reykjavik, Isafjordur, Akureyri, Spitsbergen, Spitsbergen, Honningsvag, Honningsvag, Hammerfest, Tromso, Leknes, Bergen, Hamburg; View Itinerary

Viking Ocean Cruises Iceland 14-day route

14-day Iceland cruise from Reykjavik

Viking Mars, Viking Ocean Cruises

Date: August 17, 2024

Ports of Call: Reykjavik, Heimaey Island, Djupivogur, Seydisfjordur, Akureyri, Isafjordur, Nanortalik, Qaqortoq, LAnse aux Meadows, Halifax, New York; View Itinerary

Holland America Line Greenland 21-day route

21-day Greenland cruise from Copenhagen

Nieuw Statendam, Holland America Line

Date: June 29, 2024

Ports of Call: Copenhagen, Alesund, Akureyri, Isafjordur, Nanortalik, Qaqortoq, Reykjavik, Heimaey Island, Djupivogur, Isle of Skye, Kirkwall, Inverness, Edinburgh, Oslo, Copenhagen; View Itinerary

Silversea Cruises Svalbard 14-day route

14-day Svalbard cruise from Tromso

Silver Endeavour, Silversea Cruises

Date: June 15, 2024

Ports of Call: Tromso, Storstappen Island, Skarsvag, Svalbard, Svalbard, Svalbard, Svalbard, Svalbard, Svalbard, Jan Mayen Island, Akureyri, Bolungarvik, Stykkisholmur, Reykjavik; View Itinerary

Silversea Cruises Svalbard 14-day route

14-day Svalbard cruise from Reykjavik

Silver Endeavour, Silversea Cruises

Date: June 1, 2024

Ports of Call: Reykjavik, Stykkisholmur, Bolungarvik, Akureyri, Jan Mayen Island, Svalbard, Svalbard, Svalbard, Svalbard, Svalbard, Svalbard, Skarsvag, Tromso; View Itinerary

Date: May 31, 2024

Ports of Call: Hamburg, Shetland Island, Reykjavik, Isafjordur, Akureyri, Spitsbergen, Spitsbergen, Honningsvag, Honningsvag, Hammerfest, Tromso, Leknes, Bergen, Hamburg; View Itinerary