Shimmering planes of ice, rugged mountain ranges and towering glaciers form the backdrop of your Arctic expedition. Prepare for a whole new world of experiences from gazing awestruck at its barren yet beautiful landscapes to spotting polar bears in their natural habitat.
There are few better ways to explore the Arctic than on a bespoke cruise trip. If an Arctic adventure is on your bucket list, allow us to plan the trip of a lifetime, curated mindfully with help from our partner, Quark Expeditions.
We recommend taking a trip to the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. Spitsbergen is the largest island in the area and it’s from here that you’ll begin your journey around this extraordinary tundra. Trips are possible from May to August when the ice has melted enough for ships to navigate and there’s ample daylight to soak up your surroundings.
Always wanted to join an Arctic expedition? We share our expert tips to take you through what to expect during your trip, while addressing some of your questions on packing lists, possible itineraries and the facilities onboard the cruise.
How do I get to Spitsbergen?
Svalbard sits more than 3,000 kilometres from London, not far from both Greenland and Iceland. Depending on which expedition you join, you’ll likely fly into one of the following nearby cities: Helsinki in Finland or Oslo in Norway.
From there, you’ll be transferred by air to Longyearbyen in Spitsbergen with the rest of your expedition group. It’s the main administrative centre for the Svalbard region and the starting point for the majority of our tours around the Arctic.
What will I see in Spitsbergen?
What you experience on your Arctic expedition to Spitsbergen will depend on the time of year you visit and the tour you select.
Keen to observe lone polar bears hunting on the ice? Or how about spying thousands of nesting Arctic seabirds perched along the sea cliffs at Alkefjellet? If you enjoy wildlife sightings, our Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic expedition might be the perfect match for you. From walruses to rare birdlife, the diversity of wildlife you’ll encounter here is astounding!
Alternatively, you might choose to experience a little bit of everything with the Intro to Spitsbergen: Fjords, Glaciers and Wildlife of Svalbard expedition. The 10-day voyage takes you on a grand tour of the region, allowing you to witness wonderful wildlife, stunning Arctic scenery, and discover more about the area’s fascinating history.
For a slightly shorter itinerary that still lets you immerse yourself in all that Svalbard has to offer, the Spitsbergen Highlights tour is ideal. Sail around the island’s dramatic shores and get closer to the action in places like Ny-London where it’s not uncommon to stumble across grazing reindeer.
What will the cruise be like?
You might be going to one of the most remote places on Earth, but your trip will still be as luxurious as possible. Booking your dream Arctic adventure with us means you’ll stay onboard one of Quark Expeditions’ two modern ships: Ultramarine or Ocean Adventurer.
Both ships have been designed to tackle the demands of polar exploration while also giving guests a safe place to rest after a day spent outdoors. They feature a huge range of amenities too, from comfortable lounging areas and fully-equipped fitness centres to several dining venues where guests can tuck into fresh, gourmet cuisine.
Ultramarine is Quark Expeditions’ newest ship. A full-scale spa, a wraparound deck for uninterrupted views of the frozen scenery and two helicopters for excursions make it one of the most state-of-the-art vessels in the polar regions. Sustainability is at the core of the ship’s design, too, and it has the distinct feature of being able to turn any waste created onboard into energy.
How do I pack for an Arctic expedition?
As you’d expect, the polar regions are very chilly. Average daily temperatures sit between 2.5°C and 6.5°C — and that’s during the warmer season.
Packing appropriately is key to the success of your Arctic expedition. Warm, comfortable and practical clothing is essential, including plenty of thermal, fleece and knitted layers. It’s a good idea to bring waterproof trousers and a water-resistant backpack to help keep yourself and your belongings dry during excursions. A hat, scarf, gloves and high UV sunglasses are also recommended to protect you from the harsh environment.
There are several specific items you’ll need to wear during shore landings. Luckily, most are provided as part of your trip package, including an insulated parka, a personal flotation device and muck boots.
Will there be expert guides onboard?
In addition to enjoying unforgettable experiences in one of the most extreme corners of the world, an Arctic expedition is also a great learning experience. Many of the staff members involved in our Arctic cruises are experts in the polar regions.
From glaciologists and ornithologists to historians and outdoor adventure experts, there are so many people you’ll meet who will enrich your experience with their expertise. Some might be joining the expedition to conduct invaluable polar research, while others are permanent staff members. You’ll have the chance to pick their brains during organised lectures, guided trips or simply during casual chats when you’re all enjoying some downtime.
Feeling inspired to visit this incredible, far-flung region? Get in touch with our team today to start planning an exhilarating expedition to the Arctic.
Check out these sample itineraries
Ultimate Arctic Summer Adventure – Belugas and Polar Bears
Antarctica Express: Fly the Drake
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
Arctic inspiration
For more exciting destination ideas, browse these Arctic pages and start planning your next adventure.
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