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Polar Regions Cruises - The Arctic & Antarctic

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Polar Regions
Meocre Li
Landscape of Antarctica
South Georgia
Mike Murphy
A group of penguins check out the camera
Arctic
Matt Pain
A polar bear climbs glacial ice in the Arctic
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Cruise the Arctic and the Antarctic with Adventure Life. Choose a small ship cruise of the Arctic and visit Greenland, Iceland, CanadaNorwayFinlandRussia, Alaska, and the Scottish Isles. Small ship cruises through Canada's Northwest Passages and Baffin Island, as well as Norway's Svalbard, and are among the most popular expedition cruises into the Arctic. You can even mount an expedition to the distant and remote North Pole! Antarctica is accessed from the southern tip of South America out of Ushuaia, Argentina or occasionally from Punta Arenas, Chile. Choose from small expedition ships, luxury shipsfly/cruise combos that save travel time and even tours that include camping in Antartica. Contact us, and we'll help you find the perfect small ship or expedition cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic. 
All Antarctica Cruises

10 Best Antarctica Cruise Ideas for 2023-2024

All Antarctica Cruises
All Arctic Cruises

10 Best Arctic Cruise Ideas for 2023-2024

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Norway's Fjords and Arctic Svalbard$2096016May 29, 2023Cruise across Norway's fjords and Arctic Svalbard on a 16-day expedition aboard the National Geographic Resolution, and explore the wilderness, …
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Spitsbergen Photography: Domain of the Polar Bear$1149514May 18, 2023This two-week Arctic cruise aboard the brand new expedition vessel Ultramarine, equipped with 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, luxurious onboard amenities …
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Out of the Northwest Passage$1299517Sep 1, 2023The 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 …
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Expedition Svalbard$829011Jun 30, 2023Cruise 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 …
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North Spitsbergen, In Search of Polar Bear & Pack Ice$40008Jun 14, 2023Start your North Spitsbergen cruise with a trek around historic Longyearbyen, then join our expedition to the north of the island to take in the …
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Best of the Western Arctic: Canada and Greenland$1899520Sep 11, 2023Embark on Ocean Adventurer and join this 20-day itinerary in the exploration of the Arctic Circle through the legendary Northwest Passage, searching …
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High Arctic Explorer$899512Jul 25, 2023Explore the high Arctic on this 12-day expedition cruise aboard the ice-class Ocean Endeavour. Departing from Resolute Bay high in the Arctic Circle, …
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Around Spitsbergen$540010Aug 11, 2023Board the MV Plancius for an exciting 10-day Arctic expedition cruise around Spitsbergen. Visit former whaling sites, a research center, and …
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Into the Northwest Passage$1299517Aug 16, 2023Board the ice-strengthened Ocean Endeavor expedition ship on this 17-day Arctic cruise from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland through the legendary Northwest …
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Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen$779514May 15, 2023This 14-day Arctic expedition aboard Ocean Adventurer cruises across the North Atlantic to explore the awe-inspiring and unspoiled destinations of …
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All Antarctica Tours

Explore Antarctica

Arctic

10 Best Luxury Cruises of the Arctic for 2023-2024

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Spitsbergen Photography: Domain of the Polar Bear$1149514May 18, 2023This two-week Arctic cruise aboard the brand new expedition vessel Ultramarine, equipped with 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, luxurious onboard amenities …
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Best of the Western Arctic: Canada and Greenland$1899520Sep 11, 2023Embark on Ocean Adventurer and join this 20-day itinerary in the exploration of the Arctic Circle through the legendary Northwest Passage, searching …
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Introduction to Spitsbergen: Fjords, Glaciers, and Wildlife of Svalbard$799510May 30, 2023This exciting 10-day Arctic cruise of the remote Norwegian island of Spitsbergen aboard the sleek new vessel Ultramarine, travels from Helsinki, …
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Norway Fjords & Spitsbergen$1205012May 19, 2023Experience Norway and the awe-inspiring Svalbard archipelago from aboard LeBoreal. Starting in Bergen and sailing across magical landscapes of …
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Expedition to the Thule Region$2146017Jul 25, 2023Departing from cosmopolitan Paris, luxurious L'Austral takes you north to Arctic Greenland on this 17-day expedition cruise. Explore Baffin Bay, …
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Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin$1349517Jul 30, 2023On this compelling 17-day Arctic cruise aboard the game-changing new vessel, Ultramarine, passengers retrace the steps of the intrepid Franklin …
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Canada’s Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands$1149512Aug 19, 2023Join a 12-day adventure cruise around the Canadian High Arctic aboard the Ultramarine. See the unique wonders and the breathtaking environment at the …
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Kangerlussuaq Roundtrip - Door to Door$1750017Jul 23, 2023Explore the Arctic on this exceptional 17-day roundtrip expedition cruise from Kangerlussuaq aboard Silver Cloud, thoroughly traversing Disko Bay and …
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Expedition Along the East Coast of Greenland$1672016Aug 10, 2023Discover the east coast of Greenland on this 16-day expedition cruise onboard L’Austral, and venture into an extremely remote part of the world …
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Baffin Bay Secrets$1883014Jul 12, 2023This incredible 14-day journey aboard L'Austral acquaints you with the secrets of Baffin Bay and Greenland. Glaciers and icebergs are home to the …
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Antarctica

10 Best Luxury Cruises of the Antarctic for 2023-2024

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Classic Antarctica Air Cruise$139958Dec 1, 2023Embark on this 8-day Antarctic cruise on the Magellan Explorer. Fly over the Drake Passage round-trip from Punta Arenas to King George Island where …
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Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake$159958Dec 5, 2023Fly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest and most direct way to Antarctica on this 8-day polar expedition. Zodiac cruise in search of …
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Antarctic Small Ship Expedition$659510Mar 13, 2024Embark on this 10-day Antarctic adventure with Magellan Explorer. Sail the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia and across the Drake Passage to the western …
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Wild Antarctica - Fly/Sail$1619514Mar 1, 2024During this 14-day voyage aboard the Greg Mortimer, discover the Weddell Sea, famed for its massive tabular icebergs, year-round sea ice, interesting …
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South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey$2409521Nov 9, 2023This 21-day roundtrip Ushuaia voyage aboard Sylvia Earle encompasses the best of the Antarctic Peninsula and the enchanting wildlife haven of South …
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Spirit of Antarctica$1299512Nov 5, 2023Visit historic sites and step onto the most spectacular continent on Earth on this 12-day adventure cruise aboard the Greg Mortimer. Explore all the …
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Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia$3669523Jan 13, 2024From the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) to South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula, you will have countless unforgettable moments on this …
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Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent$1762012Nov 19, 2023This 12-day classic luxury Antarctica cruise on the National Geographic Endurance takes you to huge tabular icebergs in pools of turquoise blue …
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Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake$119958Jan 10, 2024Explore King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula, skipping the Drake Passage on this 8-day polar experience. Zodiac cruise in search of whales, …
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Spirit of Antarctica$1239512Oct 30, 2023Explore all the wonders that Antarctica has to offer on this 12-day adventure cruise aboard Sylvia Earle. Have a tour of Ushuaia and enjoy the …
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Best Arctic Cruises

Explore The Arctic

Polar Regions Travel Guide

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 committment 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 aslo 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.

Best Polar Regions Cruise Lines for 2023-2024

  • 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.

 

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