Arctic Cruise Destinations: Best Places to Experience Polar Wonders

The Arctic region is a world shaped by ice and has awe-striking natural beauty. Glaciers stretch toward the horizon, cliffs rise from icy seas, and polar bears, walruses, and Arctic seabirds roam the remote islands. Travellers looking for an unconventional holiday can explore this amazing region on an Arctic cruise.

​An Arctic cruise takes you through a collection of remote landscapes, historic settlements and wildlife. The dramatic fjords of Svalbard and the rugged coastlines of Greenland offer a different perspective on the Far North. Here are some of the best Arctic Cruise Destinations to explore:

• Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard is a remarkable destination for an Arctic cruise. The Norwegian archipelago is famous for enormous glaciers, marvellous mountains and vast stretches of untouched wilderness.

​Most cruises explore Spitsbergen, the largest island in the archipelago. The region is well known for wildlife, with spectacular rugged coastlines and beautiful ice fields. Travellers can spot polar bears, reindeer, walruses, Arctic foxes and seabirds.

• Greenland

The world’s largest island, Greenland is famous for its enormous ice sheet, and colourful coastal settlements. Explore Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site where massive icebergs calve from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier before drifting into Disko Bay.

Discover Inuit culture and traditions, and gain fascinating insights into their way of life. Seeing the enormous icebergs and the region from the cruise gives a memorable experience. Travellers can also explore towns such as Nuuk, Ilulissat or Qaqortoq to enjoy the spectacular landscape.

• Iceland

Iceland has volcanic terrain, waterfalls, glaciers and coastlines making it the best Arctic cruises to explore. Reykjavík offers an embarkation or disembarkation point, allowing travellers to explore Iceland’s capital. Other destinations include remote Westfjords and northern ports, where you can watch steep mountains meet the sea.

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Some itineraries may include marine life exploration, including whales, dolphins and numerous seabirds. During the darker months, you can witness the phenomenal Northern Lights, making the Arctic cruise holidays magical.

• Arctic Canada

Canada’s Arctic offers fascinating experiences in the far North for travellers seeking a remote expedition. The region includes dramatic islands and historic waterways, including some parts of Northwest Passage.

Baffin Island and Nunavut offer enormous mountains, glaciers and ice that create an amazing landscape. Polar bears, walruses, seals, whales and seabirds can all be found throughout the region. Visit local communities to learn about life in the Arctic environment.

• Franz Josef Land, Russia

Franz Josef Land is located in the high Arctic and is one of the remote archipelagos on Earth. The islands are covered with glaciers, sea ice that provide a phenomenal setting for cruising.

You can see polar bears, walruses and vast numbers of seabirds. Cruises generally include Arctic cruise itinerary to the region around exploration rather than sightseeing due to the extreme location of Franz Josef Land.

• Jan Mayen

Jay Mayen is an off-beat track of the Arctic cruise expedition. It is located between Iceland and Svalbard and is dominated by Beerenberg. Travellers can experience rugged volcanic landscapes and glaciers when they reach the shores of Jan Mayen.

​Cruise visits depend on weather and sea conditions, making the island trip adventurous. It suits travellers who want to enjoy expeditions and discovery rather than just sightseeing.

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When is the Best Time for an Arctic Cruise?

The Arctic cruise season runs through summer months, when there are longer daylight hours and relatively accessible waters. For wildlife viewing, June to August is best, while some late-season voyages offer a chance to see changing light and the possibility of watching the Northern Lights.

Wildlife enthusiasts prefer peak summer while photographers prefer months offering dramatic light and changing landscapes.

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An Arctic is more than a journey through icy cold waters. It is an experience of exploring landscapes that mostly remain untouched, and it is difficult to reach and observe the remarkable wildlife and marine life in its natural habitat. It suits travellers who want adventure, nature, and discovery, making for a memorable cruise holiday across the sea. Explore exciting holiday packages with Low Cost Cruises.