10 Best Arctic Small Ship Cruises & Tours for 2021

Name: Arctic Cruises & Tours
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.9 (264 reviews)

Arctic Cruises & Tours (228 Results)

All Arctic Cruises & Tours

Kayak quiet waters as you sail to remote polar regions

Best of the Western Arctic: Canada and Greenland

20 Days from $16,495

Embark on Ocean Adventurer and join this 20-day itinerary in the exploration of the Arctic Circle through the legendary Northwest Passage, searching for the Arctic wildlife and visiting the communities that are rich in culture and traditions. You will be amazed by the stunning glaciers, fjords, and icebergs surrounding the Western Arctic.

Polar Bear Special - North Spitsbergen

8 Days from $3,950

Board the MV Plancius in Longyearbyen, Svalbard for your 8-day polar exploration. Sailing along the pack-ice of North Spitsbergen provides the best opportunities to spot the king of the Arctic – the polar bear – while on this expedition cruise. You'll also have excellent photo ops and chances to visit historic churches of the region.

High Arctic Explorer

Resolute Bay to Kangerlussuaq
12 Days from $7,595

Explore the high Arctic on this 12-day expedition cruise aboard the ice-class Ocean Endeavour. Departing from Resolute Bay high in the Arctic Circle, you'll navigate the iconic fjords and rugged islands of the icy north before heading across wildlife-rich Baffin Bay towards Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Enjoy hikes and opportunities to meet local communities.

Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin

Toronto to Toronto
17 Days from $14,495

On this compelling 17-day Arctic cruise aboard the game-changing new vessel, Ultramarine, passengers retrace the steps of the intrepid Franklin Expedition, which left the shores of England in 1845 in search of the last unexplored section of the Northwest Passage—only to become permanently icebound.

Canada’s Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands

Toronto to Toronto
12 Days from $9,995

Join a 12-day adventure cruise around the Canadian High Arctic aboard the Ultramarine. See the unique wonders and the breathtaking environment at the top of the world through adventure activities like helicopter flightseeing, wildlife tracking, and trekking.

A mother polar bear and her young relax on the Arctic landscape

Out of the Northwest Passage

Kugluktuk to Kangerlussuaq
17 Days from $10,995

The Northwest Passage remains one of the world’s last true frontiers. Embark on the Ocean Endeavour for a 17-day Arctic cruise to the far reaches of the north. The crown jewel of Arctic expedition travel, a trip through the Northwest Passage leaves one forever changed.

Franz Josef Land Explorer

15 Days from $9,710

Experience a rare chance to discover the wondrous islands of Franz Josef Land aboard the Greg Mortimer on this 15-day journey. From Murmansk, cross the Barents Sea to a world few have seen you will take home timeless memories.

Expedition Svalbard

11 Days from $7,790

Cruise the fantastic fjords of Svalbard, Norway on this 11-day cruise on the M/S Quest. Make daily landings with Zodiac craft to find remnants of the bustling 17th-century whaling period, witness Arctic wildlife such as polar bears and walrus, and explore magnificent landscapes and vast tundras of the Arctic.

Around Spitsbergen

10 Days from $5,150

Board the MV Plancius for an exciting 10-day Arctic expedition cruise around Spitsbergen. Visit former whaling sites, a research center, and historical sites to learn about the treacherous past of arctic exploration. Marvel at the dynamic landscapes of the region and observe the unique wildlife that call the Arctic home.

Voyage to the top of the world aboard the 50 Years of Victory

North Pole: Murmansk - Murmansk

13 Days from $29,445

Board your icebreaker vessel, 50 Years of Victory, for a spectacular 13-day Arctic & North Pole voyage. Crushing through the ice, admiring soaring seabirds, and visiting Franz Josef Land, this North Pole voyage will be one that you won’t soon forget. Add the excitement of helicopter excursions!

Favorite Arctic Travel Destinations

Svalbard

The Norwegian island of Svalbard (Spitsbergen), 400 miles North of Norway and 600 miles south of the North Pole is the land of jagged mountains, fjords, giant glaciers, and the highlight of this region, the polar bear. Trek across the ice and explore the hardy wildlife and expansive landscapes via dinghies on an authentic Arctic expedition.

Northwest Passage

Trace the route of great explorers through the northernmost islands of Canada via the Northwest Passage. Experience Inuit culture and witness the rugged wildlife that calls this home, including thousands of seabirds, reindeer, polar bears and more, all as the Aurora Borealis light up the night sky.

Norway

Norway is your gateway to the Arctic. From Svalbard to the Barents Sea, you'll learn about fascinating Scandinavian culture & how it has developed throughout the centuries. Norway is also a common departure port for cruises that visit Iceland & Greenland and track polar bears and whales across glaciers and around ice floes.

Baffin Island

Venture into the Arctic Circle and one of Canada's greatest wilderness regions in search of Polar Bears as you sail by fjords with glaciers that crash into the sea, or visit remote Inuit villages and learn about their ancient cultures on Baffin Island

Greenland

Cross the Arctic circle as you float between ice floes and icebergs along dramatic coastlines and visit quaint villages. Explore the frozen icescapes of Greenland on an Arctic cruise through the Northwest passage or the European islands of Svalbard and Iceland. Day excursions include hikes across glaciers and panga navigations around fjords.

Iceland

From the capital city of Reykjavik, explore Iceland's otherworldly glaciers, fjords, volcanoes & hot springs on a small ship expedition cruise deep into the Arctic. And remnants of the Norse & Viking cultures that were originally established here centuries ago can still be seen even today.

A view from the cliffs of Gros Morne National Park.

Canada

Follow in the footsteps of early American explorers along the St. Lawrence River and across the Northwest Passage, yacht along the shores of the temperate rainforests of British Columbia, or watch for polar bears in the Torngat Mountains of Labrador's Coast. Canada offers a vast array of stunning scenery, wildlife and adventure.

Alaska

Embark on a cruise of Alaska exploring wildlife and spectacular small bays and inlets impossible to access on a large cruise ship. Spot bears, moose, birds, and whales from the comfort of your small cruise ship.

Russia

Adventure Life's cruises visiting Russia give you an all access pass to some of the most remote Arctic regions of the top of the world. Breathe in the Aurora Borealis sailing Kamchatka, Siberia's Forgotten Coast and even venture to the North Pole.

Best Arctic Small Ship Cruise Deals

Trip Name	Save	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
In the Wake of the Vikings: A Voyage from Iceland to Greenland	25%	$3495	12	Jul 14, 2021	Board the Ocean Endeavour to follow in the footsteps of the Vikings on this exceptional 12-day expedition cruise across the Arctic region. Depart … 0
Crossing the Arctic Circle, Jan Mayen & Spitsbergen	25%	$4895	12	May 22, 2021	Join the Sea Spirit on a fantastic 12-day expedition cruise from Scotland to Jan Mayen, and Spitsbergen. Explore some of the Arctic's most magical … 0
High Arctic Explorer	15%	$7595	12	Jul 25, 2021	Explore the high Arctic on this 12-day expedition cruise aboard the ice-class Ocean Endeavour. Departing from Resolute Bay high in the Arctic Circle, … 0
West Spitsbergen - Svalbard Discovery	25%	$4395	8	Jun 1, 2021	Journey across the enchanting Arctic on this 8-day sailing expedition aboard the Sea Spirit. Take advantage of every opportunity to experience … 0
Franz Josef Land: Longyearbyen - Longyearbyen	15%	$10395	14	Jul 21, 2021	Join the Sea Spirit on an authentic Arctic adventure. Discover Longyearbyen, capital of the Norwegian territory of Svalbard and starting point of … 0
Heart of the Arctic	15%	$4995	13	Jul 21, 2022	This 13-day expedition cruise aboard the Ocean Endeavor brings you into the heart of the Arctic - from Canada's Inuit regions of Nunavik and Nunavut … 0

Get Inspired to Travel to the Arctic

Small Ship Cruises

Land Based Expeditions

Luxury Arctic Cruises

Arctic Adventure Options

Top-Rated Luxury-Class Cruise Ships to the Arctic

Ship Name	Max Passengers	From	Summary
Ultramarine	199	$5995	The Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration and to discover new places. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, …
National Geographic Endurance	126	$10990	National Geographic Endurance is a 126-passenger expedition cruise ship that was built for polar navigations providing an extremely smooth ride under …
L'Austral	264	$1440	The L'Austral, sister ship to the Le Boreal, is the fruit of Italian expertise and French sophistication. A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, the …
Le Boreal (CDP)	264	$3980	A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, the Le Boreal is the fruit of blending French service and sophistication with Italian engineering. Emphasizing …
National Geographic Explorer	148	$5180	The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art luxury expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, …

10 Best Luxury Arctic Cruises for 2021

All Luxury Arctic Cruises

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq	$13500	10	Jul 29, 2021	Explore the Arctic on this exceptional 10-day voyage, starting in the magical city of Reykjavik, Iceland, and making your way through Greenland. … 0
Expedition Svalbard: Longyearbyen to Tromsø	$11900	11	Jul 6, 2021	Join the Silver Cloud on a magnificent 11-day sailing expedition exploring Svalbard, an Arctic territory full of life and color defined by the … 0
Northeast Passage: An Unforgettable Voyage from Alaska to Norway	$36990	26	Aug 11, 2021	Embark on a 26-day expedition crossing the Northeast Passage with a mission to explore the Siberian shores and far northern archipelagos that brims … 0
Norwegian Fjords & Arctic Svalbard	$14065	14	Jun 30, 2022	Board the Scenic Eclipse for an unforgettable 14-day Arctic cruise. From magnificent fjords, cascading waterfalls and snow-capped mountains, to … 0
Baffin Bay Secrets 2021	$22320	14	Jul 17, 2021	This incredible 14-day journey aboard L'Austral will acquaint you with the secrets of the Baffin Bay and Greenland. Glaciers and icebergs are home to … 0
Iceland Discovery	$9195	9	Jul 19, 2021	Explore the Land of Fire and Ice on this 9-day expedition cruise aboard the Scenic Eclipse. There are few places in the world more fascinating than … 0
Icelandic Mosaic	$4970	8	Jul 25, 2021	Discover Iceland and the incredible wonders of the Arctic Circle on this unique 8-day roundtrip cruise aboard luxurious Le Champlain yacht. Board in … 0
Northeast Passage: An Unforgettable Voyage from Norway to Alaska	$36990	25	Jul 19, 2021	Embark on a 25-day expedition crossing the Northeast Passage with a mission to explore the Siberian shores and far northern archipelagos that brims … 0
Expedition to the Thule Region	$26690	17	Jul 30, 2021	Sail along the coastline of Baffin Bay, discovering the region of Thule, the mythical territory of the Far North. From the ice cap to the ice … 0
Iceland & Svalbard - Reykjavik to Tromso	$17900	16	Jul 5, 2021	Journey to Iceland and Svalbard, to see isolated islands, remote landscapes, glaciers, and to look for polar bears, walrus, and musk ox. Aboard the … 0

Arctic Cruise Tips & Travel Guide

All Arctic Articles

Arctic Cruises: When to Go?

Though the austere Arctic landscape is often imagined to be a cold white wasteland, the brief months of summer see the flora blossoming and the fauna emerging from their long winter dormancy. Find out the best time to visit the Arctic based on your interests and expectations.

Arctic Cruise Top Activities

Any of our small ship Arctic cruises will provide you with a variety of opportunities to experience the ice-capped top of the world in an engaging and active way. The most popular Arctic activities included on most cruises are:

Whale watching.
Polar Bear & Narwhal watching.
Trekking across glaciers.
Kayaking around towering fjords & inlets.
Exploring icebergs up-close via zodiacs.
Diving in the fascinating polar waters of Baffin Bay.
Learning Norse & Viking history.
Wildlife watching.
Photography cruises.
Stay at a wilderness lodge

Polar bear balances on the ice in the Arctic

Wildlife Guide to Polar Regions

Which Polar region is home to penguins? Or how about those elusive narwhals? Before your travels, it will be helpful to learn more about the different species that inhabit the Polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctica. You may be surprised to learn the differences!

Arctic Overview

The Arctic brings to mind scenes of ice, snow, and barren stretches of land. Though it is a remote part of the world, it offers travelers so much more than these things! Intriguing culture, remarkable wildlife, fascinating history, and breathtaking landscape are all experienced during a visit to the Arctic.

Comparing the Two Polar Regions: Antarctica and Arctic Cruising

Many people assume that the Arctic and Antarctic are similar, just at different ends of the earth. Vast differences in the environment, geographical properties, climate, and wildlife may result in some rather surprising realizations of each destination.

Cruise the Arctic Svalbard Islands

Svalbard is an archipelago situated in the Arctic waters just north of Norway. The rugged terrain is largely covered by icepack & glaciers, granting opportunities for unique adventure activities. Rare wildlife sightings, tastes of local culture, & taking in awe-inspiring views are just a few of the things to look forward to.

Where to Take an Arctic Cruise?

Your cruise will take you across various Arctic landscapes, featuring impressive glaciers & fjords, oceanic fields of ice, and snow-covered tundras, where evergreens have amazingly rooted sparce lives.

As you journey across this rugged & windswept landscape, you will have the chance to see the natural phenomenon of Aurora Borealis and some of the most breathtaking wildlife on the planet.

The Arctic is an intercontinental region with the land masses of North America, Europe, and Asia surrounding the Arctic Sea's churning icebergs and frigid waters.

Popular regions to visit on an Arctic cruise include the Faroes Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Jan Mayen, Norway, Svalbard and Russia.

The Arctic Circle is made up of countries like Russia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, US (Alaska) and Canada.

When to Travel to the Arctic

Best Times to Cruise the Arctic

The travel season in the Arctic runs from May through November.

The best times to go are late May to early June when wildlife spotting is at it's best, and mid-August into September when, with a little luck, the Aurora Borealis may be seen.

The weather during these "shoulder seasons" is not as warm as mid-June to mid-August, but the mosquitos and gnats aren't quite as prevalent, or hungry in the late Spring and early Fall.