Best Cruising the Poles - Arctic and Antarctic Small Ship Expedition Cruises for 2025-2026

All Antarctica Cruises

10 Best Antarctica Cruise Ideas for 2025-2026

All Antarctica Cruises

All Arctic Cruises

10 Best Arctic Cruise Ideas for 2025-2026

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic	$13,295	13	Jul 29, 2025	Join a 13-day roundtrip expedition cruise to Reykjavik on the Ultramarine. Explore South Greenland's stunning alpine peaks and remote ridges through heli-hiking and flight-seeing excursions. Step onto the immense Greenland Ice Sheet, the world's second-largest ice mass. 0
Gems of West Greenland: Fjords, Icebergs and Culture	$10,995	12	Aug 17, 2025	Experience the breathtaking scenery of West Greenland on this 12-day expedition cruise roundtrip to Reykjavik aboard Ultramarine, delving into its picturesque fjords and visiting breathtaking islands. A journey that encompasses Greenland's most photogenic and recognizable areas. 0
Wild Landscapes of West Greenland	$16,195	15	Aug 15, 2025	Join the 15-day expedition cruise aboard the Sylvia Earle, beginning in Nuuk, Greenland's northern capital. Beyond Nuuk, sparse settlements line the coast, reachable solely by air or sea. Traveling northward unveils isolated bays amidst sea ice, offering a lesser-explored realm of icebergs and potential whale sanctuaries. 0
Svalbard Odyssey	$16,795	12	Jul 02, 2025	Join a 12-day expedition cruise on the Greg Mortimer to explore the breathtaking Arctic landscapes of Svalbard. Experience exhilarating polar bear encounters, observe wildlife like beluga whales and arctic foxes, and navigate stunning fjords and pack ice. 0
Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes	$7,450	14	Aug 23, 2025	This 14-day Spitsbergen and Northeast Greenland cruise sails waters filled with breath-taking scenery. The expedition passes through areas that are home to seals, seabirds, whales, and polar bears, topped off with nighttime viewing of the Northern Lights. 0
Norway's Fjords and Arctic Svalbard (Northbound)	$24,972	16	May 28, 2025	Cruise across Norway's fjords and Arctic Svalbard on a 16-day expedition aboard the National Geographic Resolution, and explore the wilderness, wildlife, and scenery on Bergen, Tromso, Lofoten Islands, Tysfjorden and Bear Island. 0
Arctic Sights and Northern Lights	$8,195	12	Sep 15, 2025	Embark on a 12-day expedition to and from Reykjavik aboard the Sea Spirit. Experience stunning fjords, icebergs, and wildlife in Greenland, visit an Inuit village, and enjoy various outdoor activities before returning to Iceland's Westfjords. 0
Scoresbysund Autumn Micro Cruise	$16,210	10	Sep 16, 2025	Embark on a 10-day cruise from Keflavik to Greenland’s remote eastern coast aboard MV Vikingfjord. Sail past Viking Bay’s towering bird cliffs & basalt columns. Explore the stunning fjords of Hare, Ofjord, & the Bear Islands. Visit historic Thule sites in Sydkap & marvel at drifting icebergs near the Northeast Greenland National Park border. 0
Norwegian Discovery: Svalbard and the Northern Fjords	$17,595	12	Apr 25, 2026	This 10-day Arctic expedition on National Geographic Resolution takes you to the remote islands and fjords of northern Norway such as Sørøya Island and Senja Island before moving towards Svalbard, where the wildlife and rugged landscapes will take your breath away. 0
Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route	$18,395	17	Aug 26, 2025	Embark on a 17-day cruise from Reykjavik to Calgary aboard Ultramarine, retracing the Franklin Expedition's path in the Northwest Passage. Explore the Canadian High Arctic and Greenland, discover Inuit communities, hike colorful tundra, and encounter diverse wildlife. 0

All Antarctica Tours

Explore Antarctica

Antarctica Travel Planner

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime to the white continent. Most Antarctica cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina. Some flight/cruise combinations, which cut a few day's sailing time off the voyage, start from Punta Arenas, Chile. A few cruises even venture to New Zealand and South Africa.

South Georgia

During the breeding season, South Georgia's northern tip may have more wildlife per square meter than any other place on Earth. Visited on a limited number of cruises to Antarctica, travelers encounter a sea of thousands of black and white king penguins and albatrosses. Glide silently in sea kayaks and spot seals, seabirds, and yes, more penguins.

Ross Sea

Explore the seldom-visited Ross Sea on Antarctic cruises of around 30 days leaving from both Ushuaia, Argentina, & New Zealand. Retrace the steps of great explorers like Shackleton, Ross, and Scott as you pass through the "Forgotten Islands" and the remote Macquarie Island.

Falkland Islands

The remote Falklands are frequently visited on a cruise to Antarctica, though some stay longer and are rewarded by a unique culture that mixes both British and South American traditions with astounding wilderness and landscapes.

Arctic

10 Best Luxury Cruises of the Arctic for 2025-2026

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Baffin Bay Secrets	$18,290	14	Aug 21, 2025	Join this 14-day Arctic cruise to Baffin Bay. Start in Kangerlussuaq, explore Greenland's west coast, see icebergs, colorful villages, and Inuit culture. Sail north to visit remote peat-house villages, home to bear hunters and narwhal fishers, and discover Savissivik's "iceberg graveyard." Continue to Baffin Island before reaching Evighedsfjorden. 0
Expedition to the Thule Region	$20,930	17	Aug 15, 2026	Departing from cosmopolitan Paris, luxurious L'Austral takes you north to Arctic Greenland on this 17-day expedition cruise. Explore Baffin Bay, discovering the region of Thule, the mythical territory of the Far North. From the ice cap to the ice floes, via glaciers, icebergs and brash ice, marvel at the Arctic landscapes. 0
Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic	$21,795	17	Aug 21, 2026	Sail on this 17-day Arctic cruise aboard Ocean Explorer, starting in Calgary, and journey through Canada's High Arctic and Greenland. Explore stunning regions like Beechey Island, Radstock Bay, and Arctic Bay. Cruise through Smith Sound before arriving in Greenland, where you’ll visit Qaanaaq, Uummannaq, and the Ilulissat Icefjord. 0
Northeast Greenland's Unexplored Sea Ice	$27,810	15	May 24, 2025	This 15-day cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore Greenland's northeast coast, one of the most remote regions in the Far North. Take the time to explore the coasts of Blosseville, Ittoqqortoormiit, and Greenland's northeast. 0
Jewels of the Arctic	$22,295	15	Jul 10, 2026	Join a 15-day expedition cruise aboard the Greg Mortimer from Reykjavik to Oslo. Explore Svalbard's endless daylight, meet polar bears and sea ice walruses, and hear guillemot calls. Venture through East Greenland's Scoresbysund, visit remote Ittoqqortoormiit and glide amidst stunning icebergs. 0
Icelandic Mosaic	$7,170	8	Jul 28, 2025	Le Bellot hosts this 8-day Arctic cruise of Iceland, departing from the artistic capital city of Reykjavik. Bird lovers rejoice at the wealth of seabirds, especially at Grimsey Island. You'll also witness the beautiful Ísafjörður, nestled in a dramatic landscape of volcanoes, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks, all while learning about the local culture. 0
Canada’s Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands	$13,295	12	Sep 09, 2025	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. 0
The Northwest Passage (Westbound)	$24,795	16	Aug 25, 2025	Join a 16-day Arctic expedition aboard the Greg Mortimer, starting with a flight to Nuuk. Explore stunning landscapes, Inuit communities, and the Northwest Passage, concluding your adventure in Cambridge Bay before flying to Calgary. 0
Jewels of the Arctic	$19,695	15	Jul 12, 2025	Join a 15-day expedition cruise aboard the Greg Mortimer from Oslo to Reykjavik. Explore Svalbard's endless daylight, meet polar bears and sea ice walruses, and hear guillemot calls. Venture through East Greenland's Scoresbysund, visit remote Ittoqqortoormiit and glide amidst stunning icebergs. 0
Inuit Spring of Ammassalik	$19,870	11	May 04, 2025	Embark on this 11-day cruise aboard Le Commandant Charcot, exploring the hypnotic and icy landscapes of the Ammassalik and Blosseville regions. 0

Antarctica

10 Best Luxury Cruises of the Antarctic for 2025-2026

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Spirit of Antarctica	$14,895	12	Nov 19, 2025	Join a 12-day expedition cruise from Ushuaia on the Sylvia Earle and explore the breathtaking Antarctic landscape. Experience adventure through Zodiac navigation, land on the continent, and enjoy unique activities under the vibrant polar skies. 0
Antarctica in Depth	$37,990	13	Nov 11, 2025	Experience a 13-day expedition cruise aboard the Scenic Eclipse from Buenos Aires, featuring guided excursions in stunning, remote landscapes. With expert guidance and diverse wildlife, this journey promises unique adventures in comfort and safety. 0
Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea: In Partnership with New Scientist Discovery - Fly/Sail	$20,395	13	Mar 02, 2027	Join a 13-day Weddell Sea Fly/Sail expedition on Sylvia Earle with New Scientist Discovery Tours, exploring Antarctica's remote regions rich in ice, wildlife, and history tied to Shackleton's Endurance expedition. Encounter seals, discover ancient fossils, and observe migrating whales while delving into polar science and the unique ecosystem. 0
Antarctica: Through the Lens - Fly/Sail Expedition	$20,895	12	Jan 25, 2027	Join a 12-day Antarctic Explorer Fly/Sail Expedition from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia aboard the Sylvia Earle. Discover stunning wildlife, majestic glaciers, and pristine landscapes as you cruise through the Antarctic Peninsula's icy bays. 0
Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake - Fly/Fly Expedition	$23,795	12	Jan 23, 2026	Embark on a 12-day Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake - Fly/Fly Expedition roundtrip Punta Arenas aboard Greg Mortimer, exploring remote areas of Antarctica. Begin on the legendary Drake Passage, where the Pacific and Atlantic oceans converge, creating a challenging waterway. 0
Antarctica: Through the Lens - Fly/Sail Expedition	$18,695	12	Feb 01, 2026	Join a 12-day Antarctic Explorer Fly/Sail Expedition from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia on the Greg Mortimer. Discover stunning wildlife, majestic glaciers, and pristine landscapes as you cruise through the Antarctic Peninsula's icy bays. 0
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake	$17,895	8	Dec 01, 2026	Discover King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula on this 8-day polar adventure aboard World Voyager, skipping the Drake Passage for a seamless journey. Fly directly from Punta Arenas to Antarctica, where you’ll explore the pristine landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula. 0
Taste of Antarctica	$14,195	10	Mar 11, 2027	Join a 10-day expedition cruise on the Greg Mortimer to explore the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the Antarctic Peninsula. Experience the thrill of sailing the Drake Passage and witness the breathtaking beauty of this untouched paradise. 0
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake	$18,295	8	Jan 04, 2026	Explore King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula, skipping the Drake Passage on this 8-day polar experience. Zodiac cruise in search of whales, seabirds, and astounding icebergs, and enjoy daily landing excursions in the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. 0
Antarctica Complete	$36,095	23	Feb 07, 2027	Join a 23-day expedition cruise on the Greg Mortimer, exploring Ushuaia, the Antarctic Peninsula, and South Georgia. Experience onboard lectures, thrilling activities, and a traditional Fuegian barbecue before concluding your unforgettable journey in Ushuaia. 0

Best Arctic Cruises

Explore The Arctic

A polar bear climbs glacial ice in the Arctic

Arctic Travel Planner

Bundle up for your exploration of the mysterious Arctic on a once-in-a-lifetime cruise of the far north with Adventure Life. From June until October, small hull-hardened expedition ships navigate under the glow of the Aurora Borealis through the northernmost regions of our planet in search of polar bears, seabirds and other wildlife.

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

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.

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.

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.

Polar Regions Travel Guide

Kayak quiet waters as you sail to remote polar regions

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, geography, climate, and wildlife may result in some rather surprising realizations of each destination.

Cruising Antarctica vs the Arctic - Advantages & Disadvantages

Are they similar? Or polar opposites?

Wildlife - Both sides have remarkable wildlife viewing opportunities. The icons of each pole - penguins in the south and polar bears in the north - don't disappoint. That is, unless the elusive polar bear escapes your view, which is a possibility depending on where you go. Penguins, in all their cuteness, will be seen by the thousands on any Antarctica cruise.

Travel - Both the Arctic and Antarctic are accessed by expedition cruises. Antarctica is accessed primarily from the southern tip of South America, while most in North America and Europe have quicker access to Arctic cruise ports. In general, the time commitment and cost of an Arctic cruise is considerably less than an Antarctic cruise.

Geography - The Arctic region is an ocean surrounded by continents, while the Antarctic is a continent surrounded by oceans. Antartica is also has the highest average altitude above sea level of any continent, largely because of 90% of the world's ice is piled upon the continent. Both poles are cold, but the South Pole is colder - by a long shot.

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.

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!

Gorgeous views of Greenwich Island and the wildlife on shore.

Best Time of Year to Travel to Antarctica

The travel season in Antarctica is during the summer, which runs from November through March. January and February are considered the best months to go on an Antarctica cruise due to better weather and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

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.

Best Polar Regions Cruise Lines for 2025-2026

Ponant - has small capacity ships that can dock in private ports and offer stopovers in preserved polar locations. Onboard, this is translated through exceptional services, a multilingual crew, and bringing French know-how to the fore. The latest addition to its fleet, Le Commandant Charcot, the very first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration ship powered by liquified natural gas, is the epitome of responsible and sustainable sailing.
Aurora Expeditions - pioneered ship-based adventures 30 years ago with expedition cruises to Antarctica and remained committed to small, low-impact groups. Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle feature the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®, which allows the ship to cross oceans more comfortably and efficiently, and with expansive observation decks to bring you closer to the environment, inviting communal spaces and unsurpassed environmental credentials.
Quark Expeditions - headquartered in Seattle, is uncompromisingly polar, specializing in expeditions to the Antarctic and the Arctic. The newest addition to its fleet, the 199-guest Ultramarine is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, spacious suites, wellness amenities, and numerous outdoor wildlife viewing spaces.
Silversea Cruises - is a luxury cruise line with headquarters in Monaco and is a subsidiary of the Royal Caribbean Group that explores the elegant lifestyle of all-inclusive ultra-luxury polar cruising. With 20-brand new Zodiacs, four superlative restaurants in Antarctica, and a pole-to-pole expedition itinerary, Silver Cloud does break the ice between expedition and luxury.
Polar Latitudes - offers a wide variety of trips to Antarctica, including itineraries to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and Falkland Island. Its newest addition MS Seaventure features a 1-A Super ice-class rating, the highest ice class awarded to passenger's vessels. The ship offers all outside-facing staterooms, some with balconies and beautifully appointed dining areas, as well as al fresco dining on the Lido deck.
Oceanwide Expeditions - are pioneers of ship-based expeditions, inventors of Basecamp Antarctica, and one of the first companies to take travelers to the remote Arctic island of Spitsbergen. MV Hondius is the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world, optimized for the most innovative exploratory voyages throughout the Arctic.
Lindblad Expeditions - has an entire cast of expedition specialists that guide their polar expeditions: experienced sailors and ice masters, expedition leaders, naturalists, undersea specialists, top photographers, cultural specialists, historians, and professional filmmakers. National Geographic Resolution's most striking exterior feature is her distinctive profile, the patented X-Bow®, a game-changing design that guarantees the smoothest, most comfortable ride in all kinds of conditions; and since it eliminates bow impact, thus a quieter ride.
Antarctica 21 - is committed to creating the ideal Antarctic expedition, providing safe, convenient, comfortable access to a life-changing experience. Magellan Explorer, a new and modern expedition vessel custom-built for our Antarctic air-cruises, has a capacity for 73 guests accommodated in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins.
Poseidon Expeditions - has been a leading operator of polar expeditions in the cruise industry since 1999. Providing spacious suites for the accommodation of 114 passengers, the Sea Spirit has an ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiacs, and a set of retractable fin stabilizers for smoother sailing.
Heritage Expeditions - headquartered in Christchurch, New Zealand, was formed in 1985 to increase awareness and conservation of the natural world through responsible expedition travel. Heritage Adventurer is a pioneering expedition vessel often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Polar Exploration' due to her illustrious history and refined design.
Hurtigruten - is Svalbard's most experienced tour operator, tracing its roots back to the late 1800s, and offers year-round land-based adventures next to the North Pole. MS Fram uses the most advanced technology to make her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in Polar Regions.
Adventure Canada - is a family-owned business that makes learning fun, deepening cultural connections and scientific understanding of the world's farthest-flung arctic regions. The spacious, ice-strengthened Ocean Endeavour features twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, and stabilizers. A doctor, paramedic, medical clinic, and enhanced health regime offer peace of mind.
Iceland Pro Cruises - is part of the Iceland ProTravel Group, the leading tour operator in Europe, specializing in Iceland. The Ocean Diamond can enter fjords and bays too shallow for larger vessels. The ship features a range of modern onboard amenities and is staffed with outstanding officers and crew and bilingual expedition leaders and guides.

Our Travel Stories

Cold as Ice Tour

Polar Regions Cruises - The Arctic & Antarctic

10 Best Antarctica Cruise Ideas for 2025-2026

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Antarctic Small Ship Expedition