Arctic Adventures

The Arctic, a land of icy beauty and untamed wilderness, beckons adventurous travellers to its remote and captivating landscapes. Explore the vast expanses of frozen tundra, witness the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights, and encounter majestic polar bears, walruses, and Arctic foxes. Cruise through icy fjords, visit indigenous communities, and learn about their rich cultural heritage. Embark on thrilling expeditions to remote islands and witness the breathtaking power of icebergs. The Arctic offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, immersing visitors in the pristine beauty and unique wildlife of this extraordinary region, while highlighting the urgent need for its conservation. Ask us about how we can make your dream adventure to the Arctic a reality.

Cruising in the Arctic

A once-in-a-lifetime journey to the North Pole promises you a mix of stunning landscapes and wildlife experiences. Sailing through this enchanting icy region, you’ll experience the breathtaking beauty of the polar landscape, and the sheer joyful wonder of spending time with the unique wildlife of this remote wilderness.

We are experienced in Arctic travel and expedition cruising and will help you understand all of the options available to make the decision about which Arctic voyage is right for you. We offer a select range of journeys with expedition cruise ships that we know offer an uncompromising quality experience. These vessels will provide a warm and comfortable home base throughout your journey.

Each expedition journey is managed by an expert Polar Expedition Team whose sole focus is to look after you and your safety and ensure your experience encompasses everything the Arctic has to offer. Once in the Arctic region, the Expedition Team aim to get you off the ship as much as possible. A fleet of zodiacs are available and will take you on shore for up-close wildlife experiences, visits to scientific research stations or take in the spectacular Arctic landscapes. Onboard you will enjoy delicious and hearty meals, comfortable accommodations and public areas, as well as series of educational lectures by historians, naturalists and photographers.

No two voyages will be the same and flexibility is an important part of each expedition. Your Expedition Leader works with the ship’s captain to monitor the weather and ice conditions to ensure your safety and deliver the best experience possible.

Daily Landings and Zodiac Cruises

Your expedition team aim to get you off the ship as much as possible. A fleet of zodiacs are available and will take you on shore for up close wildlife experiences, visits to scientific research stations or on zodiac cruises to take in the spectacular Arctic landscapes.

Wildlife and Bird watching

Wildlife and bird watching is the backbone of all the expedition programs and will be a highlight of your adventure.

All landings provide you with plenty of time to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Arctic.

Regular lectures by on board naturalists and ornithologists will introduce you to, and bring to life, this amazing habitat. Your wildlife experiences will be enhanced by their in-depth knowledge and insights.

Hiking

Whenever you make a landing you will be given an opportunity to explore on foot within the guidelines for safety set by your expedition leader and your own fitness levels. On many voyages there will be also be an opportunity to go on exploratory walks that may vary in duration from one or two hours, to as long as three or four hours

Photography

The Arctic region offers exceptional rewards for all photographers regardless of your level of enthusiasm and experience. Most voyages include photographic guides available for you to ask questions and provide guidance, plus, the majority of expedition staff are knowledgeable photographers, keen to share their passion. There are also multi media centres available on the ships

On select departures world renowned photographers will be on board and enhanced photography programs are available for those who wish to experience and learn more including specific photographic expeditions.

Expedition cruise operators

We work with a range of Expedition cruise operators that we know will offer an uncompromised quality experience, both on board and on shore. These operators offer varying levels of on board accommodations, but all journeys are managed by an experienced team of Polar Expedition experts to ensure you make the most of your time at the continent. Our consultants will help you determine which is the right ship and voyage for you.

When is the best time to travel to the Arctic?

From October to April is a great time to go, with the shoulder periods (October and April) a great chance to see the changing scenery.

What special gear do I need to pack?

On most voyages you will be given a quality waterproof/windproof jacket, bib-pants as well as insulated, comfortable rubber boots, designed for extended walking; all of which you may be able to keep and the loan of rubber boots for shore landings. Of course, if you do have your own gear, you are welcome to bring it along. We will provide you with detailed packing lists.

What is a day like on an Arctic voyage?

Throughout the voyage there will be series of onboard educational lectures by historians, naturalists and photographers. These same experts will then escort you on as many zodiac landings and cruises as possible, to get up close to the many species of penguin, seal and seabird colonies. Depending on the weather, there may be opportunities to go hiking, mountaineering, cross country skiing or sea kayaking. It can be as active or inactive as you want it to be – no activity is compulsory. At the end of each day you will enjoy a recap of the day’s events, a fantastic dinner, great conversation and perhaps a glass of wine, as you reflect on another incredible day.

How rough does it get at sea?

Although some cruises experience relatively calm seas throughout, it is best to go prepared for rough seas at least some time during your cruise. Bring seasickness medication just in case. Talk with our Consultants about any concerns you may have about the seas and sea sickness.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes! You cannot travel on any Arctic voyage without travel insurance. Adequate and valid travel insurance is compulsory for all Arctic voyages. Your will need travel insurance that covers accidents, injury, illness and death medical expenses, including any related to pre-existing medical conditions, emergency repatriation (including helicopter rescue and air ambulance where applicable) and personal liability. We would also recommend that you insurance cover cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

What are the health and fitness requirements of an Arctic voyage?

Overall, a good level of fitness is recommended to ensure you get the most from your Arctic holiday experience. No immunisations are required for travel into the Arctic region. If you are extending your stay anywhere, you should check the immunisation and health recommendations for these countries. As part of the booking terms and conditions with all operators you will be required to advise any pre-existing medical condition and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a tour and the enjoyment of other trip members. You may be required to provide an assessment of your medical condition by completing a special Health & Fitness Questionnaire and/or a Medical Clearance Form, the latter which requires certification by a medical practitioner.


Peregrine is the Australian Operator for Quark Expeditions.

Welcome to one of the last untamed places on earth, where you’ll wake each day to the promise of new and unforgettable experiences. From massive penguin colonies to spectacular panoramas of land, ice and water – no two days are the same.

Each Peregrine itinerary has been designed with a perfect balance of activities and free time to enjoy your surroundings. There is plenty of time spent off the ship exploring on inflatable Zodiac boats, hiking, sea kayaking and bird watching. You might even be lucky enough to camp on the ice.

When you are onboard, we want to ensure you are as comfortable as possible, which is why we choose vessels with a maximum 189 passengers (varies between vessels).

Your Arctic home will be one of three ice-strengthened ships: Ocean Adventurer, Ocean Nova and 50 Years of Victory (Let Pobedy). These ships provide a warm homecoming at the end of each day, moving quickly between bays, islands and wildlife colonies.

An experienced chef prepares an array of delicious and hearty meals. In your free time, take advantage of regular education programs presented by world-renowned experts. Each ship has a multimedia centre to download your images and burn them to CD. Trust us, there will be plenty of photos to choose from.


Small Ships – Big Experiences

There was a time, not long ago, when almost all cruises were just that, a cruise past wonderful destinations. The last twenty years or so has witnessed an immense and wonderful evolution in small ship cruising and today travellers have thousands of options. If you share Wild Earth Travel’s philosophy and have decided that resort style vessels accommodating thousands of passengers is definitely not your type of holiday, then let us help you choose a perfect small ship cruise holiday. You will discover that majority of our ships range from only 8 to 150 passengers. So no round the clock buffets and long lines waiting to pay extra for your shore excursion, just good old-fashion exploring a destination with a small group of inquiring
travellers.

Gone are the endless queues. Wild Earth Travel only promote voyages for real travellers with carefully selected specialist cruise operators that do not cut corners in their quest to ensure your onboard experience is of the highest quality. Travel in an intimate, safe and comfortable environment. Travel to enjoy, but also to see and experience, learn as you travel and do all this in the company of like-minded travellers. Their small ships offer comfortable to luxurious accommodation and many other amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible but above all else they are designed to take you to extraordinary places and give you amazing experiences.

With a ratio of ten travellers for each onboard expert, we ensure your experience is as enriching as possible.

The members of our expedition team share a passion for seaborne adventure and bring a diverse range of skills to the table; everything from geology to ornithology and marine biology. All of them are on hand to answer your questions and provide you with a greater understanding and appreciation of your world.

With years of experience, our team of experts knows the perfect spots to position the MS Expedition to provide maximum access to your destination’s awe-inspiring wildlife and incredible views. They possess the insight, knowledge, and enthusiasm needed to stir your imagination. They look forward to sharing their passion for the sea and the lands that border it.

A more favourable ratio of on-ship experts to travellers expands the depth of your trip.  Not only does it lend you deeper access and greater understanding of your surroundings through lectures and Q&A sessions, our ten-to-one ratio also delivers a more personalised and intimate experience and a greater degree of customer care than you’d find on a larger ship. This is your trip, after all. More experts at the ready makes it feel more yours.

The Arctic summer brings a sense of urgency, and the best way to experience its wonders is on an exciting Arctic expedition cruise.

Like the Inuits and Vikings who preceded us, our Arctic trips are explorations by sea. Aboard our fleet of small ships, we chase the Gulf Stream’s warm currents up Scotland and Norway’s coasts to Spitsbergen; sail the icy waters to Greenland, Iceland and venture further north than ever before with a Franz Josef Land adventure.

A short season of long days, the Arctic summer offers sunsets that linger until dawn, snowmelt feeding waterfalls and glaciers that drop massive icebergs into the sea. Whether calving from Svalbard’s vast glacier fronts or squeezing into Greenland’s deep fjords, mesmerising icebergs of every shape and aqua hue can be seen. From Franz Josef Land’s remote wonders to Norwegian fishing towns, the adventure base of Longyearbyen to Inuit villages of East Greenland, we enjoy a wide range of history and local culture.

Now with more Arctic cruises to choose from, expeditions to the Arctic have never been more exciting. Whether you join us for a single voyage, or link back-to-back Arctic tours for a more in-depth exploration, your Arctic holiday will be a wilderness adventure you’ll never forget!


Experience in expedition cruising

Oceanwide Expeditions is a Dutch vessel operator, organizing voyages that make it possible for passengers to enjoy the scenery and nature above and underwater in the world’s most unique areas. The regions we visit during these wildlife expeditions contain hardly any infrastructure and are almost only reachable by boat.

Oceanwide Expeditions operates, so to speak, on the borderline of land and water, where daily guided excursions in small groups are organized. Our expertise in designing and managing the wildlife voyages allows us to offer quality tours in areas that will fascinate and amaze you time after time. We would very much like to share our enthusiasm and our experiences with you.

Oceanwide Expeditions operates with private and chartered expedition vessels and is responsible for the management and operations on board. All voyages have been carefully prepared and developed (routing, regulations, provisioning, crewing, excursions etc.) and are empathic to the natural conditions of the areas concerned and therefore unique in their design.

Oceanwide Expeditions looks back at 26 years of experience in expedition cruising, having built up a thorough knowledge of the areas visited. Our tours are constantly modified to guarantee the intended quality of our voyages.

During Oceanwide Expedition cruises, daily excursions in small groups are offered. Experienced tour leaders show you the most interesting aspects of the areas, often illustrated by lectures on board the vessel. Most lecturers come from a scientific background.

Sailing schedules are always adapted to local sea ice conditions and Oceanwide is known for good and basic standards for the service and comfort offered to all passengers on board the ships.


“I believe in creating new possibilities for human experience and understanding.”

The words above are from Lars-Eric Lindblad’s 1983 autobiography, Passport to Anywhere. Now regarded as the father of ecotourism, Lars-Eric was literally the first travel company owner to take travelers where only scientists had gone—the first to take citizen explorers to many destinations, including Antarctica and Galápagos, in 1966 and 1967, respectively.

By believing that educated people who saw things with their own eyes would be a potent force for the preservation of the places they visited, he made his notions a powerful force for the good of conservation and restoration projects worldwide.

Lars-Eric was a real—as well as symbolic—father, and since 1979 his son, Sven-Olof Lindblad, has expanded his legacy by providing transformative travel experiences in the world’s most remarkable places.

The Linblad Expeditions fleet consists of nimble, intimately-scaled expedition ships, able to safely venture where larger cruise ships cannot, allowing Linblad Expeditions to offer authentic, up-close experiences in the planet’s wild, remote places and capitals of culture. More than comfortable as your base for exploring, they are outfitted with cool tools that enable a genuine connection with the places we visit, and offer inviting private accommodations, and gracious public spaces for our expedition community to gather.

Experience the Arctic with an expedition cruise and discover a frosted wilderness of glistening white as far as the eye can see. The brief summer thaw allows us to take you into this magical land, one of the planets most inspiring places. Silversea’s Arctic and Greenland Expedition cruises narrate your own personal story.

Cruise to Arctic and Greenland and create memories you’ll never forget on Silversea’s Arctic expeditions. From abundant wildlife and dramatic landscapes, to the Midnight Sun follow in the wake of the Vikings to Greenland and Iceland. Explore Svalbard where the polar bear roams freely. Hike and Zodiac amid icebergs and spectacular tundra. Vast colonies of birds pocket the rugged cliffs. Seals and walrus haul out on rocky outcrops. Whales spout and breach before your eyes. These trips to the Arctic and Greenland delve into the wonder of one of the planet’s most inspiring places.

At Hurtigruten we give you the opportunity to travel with meaning. Building on our explorer heritage dating back to 1893, our explorations are grounded in the likings of people who value learning and personal growth over luxury. We are a world leader in sustainable explorer travels in Polar Regions. We offer unique experiences and impart knowledge in a way that leaves the smallest environmental footprint possible.

Our unique heritage, combined with highly skilled crews and a diverse fleet consisting of nimble, intimately-scaled expedition ships, enables us to offer you unique nature-based experiences at remote corners of the world.


EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.

For over 20 years now, PONANT has embodied the art of YACHT CRUISES, combining a sophisticated à la française lifestyle on board with exploration and discovery.

Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.

To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment – a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared – and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.

To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.

Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege…


Small groups – close encounters

Established in 1999, PolarQuest has long experience of arranging small ship expedition cruises in Svalbard. Every expedition is unique and our aim is that each passenger will have the trip of a lifetime. Travelling with PolarQuest allows you to enjoy the amazing Arctic wilderness without having to undertake a scientific expedition or become an explorer with a beard full of ice. All you need is a curious mind and a desire for wildlife adventures!

Travelling with PolarQuest means travelling in small groups, a necessity to experience close and exclusive encounters with the wild. Small groups offer great flexibility when it comes to landings and making the most of opportunities that arise during an expedition. Travelling in small groups allows us to maximize the time spent ashore and the quality time for each guest “out in nature”. The Zodiacs are one of the secrets behind a successful expedition cruise. With these safe and sturdy rubber boats we navigate among icebergs, cruise along glaciers and go ashore to get unique nature experiences. Each day, our goal is to make several landings or cruises with our Zodiacs. Our Zodiac operation is fast and efficient and all guests can get ashore on short notice.

Poseidon Expeditions was founded in 1999 as an operator of icebreaker expedition cruises to the North Pole.

Poseidon Expeditionsfirst voyage to the North Pole was operated aboard the nuclear powered icebreaker Yamal, the only ship at that time that could provide safe and comfortable navigation to the “top of the world”. Two years later, new destinations and another icebreaker were introduced to the world travel market – the Franz Josef Land Archipelago Voyage and Transpolar Bridge Voyage aboard the icebreaker Kapitan Dranitsyn. These territories, known as “the Russian Arctic”, had been closed to travelers due to political and governmental reasons. It was only at the end of the 20th century that travelers finally got a chance to appreciate the beauty of the Russian Arctic.

With the world becoming smaller, human aspirations to visit remote and hard–to–reach destinations is increasing, Poseidon North Pole Voyages are proud to be one of the world leaders in polar expedition cruising with both Arctic and Antarctic regions among our destinations and to be one of the world leaders in polar expedition cruising.

The Variety Cruises passion remains unchanged since 1968: an alchemy that blends enriching oneself educationally and exploring the true identity of a destination, while enjoying the comforts and unique benefits of a small ship sailing the seas.

Today, Variety Cruises has grown to operate 11 Mega Yachts and Motor Sailers. Our small ships currently serve handpicked cruise destinations worldwide including Greece, Italy, Turkey, the Canary Islands, the Adriatic Sea, Cape Verde, the Seychelles, Costa Rica & Panama, Cuba, and soon Madagascar & Iceland.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard one of our ships soon and discover the world the Variety Cruises way.

When the legendary AUGUSTA VICTORIA set out on the world’s first ever “pleasure cruise” on 22 January 1891, it was the beginning of a unique story in the history of cruises. Inspired by the passionate pioneering spirit of Albert Ballin, chairman of HAPAG, our current fleet continues the story that began more than 125 years ago. This might be a milestone such as our “cruises above the clouds” in the ALBERT BALLIN private jet. Or great moments such as the maiden voyage of the world’s best cruise ship*, the EUROPA 2. Or the many small moments that endow each cruise with its own distinctive spirit. With every guest who comes on board, our story takes its course. Perhaps you, too, will soon be part of it.

Since their establishment in 1991 Noble Caledonia have made it our aim to provide our clients with a lasting memory of a journey made with like-minded travellers. Unlike most travel companies our range of trips is constantly evolving shaped by world events, new discoveries, festivals, historic themes and out of the ordinary human endeavours and we have searched for new and unusual destinations in the far flung corners of the world so that we will always have something different to offer the well travelled.

Noble Caledonia’s raison d’être has from our earliest days been to offer varied cruises on vessels of a certain style and size. Such small ships allow us to create itineraries and an onboard ambience that is conducive to exploring the world and learning of its wonders in the company of like-minded travellers.  It is our view that the best way to achieve this ideal is to limit the number of passengers to such a size that allows the camaraderie to grow between passengers thereby creating a warm and friendly atmosphere onboard. Small numbers onboard also allow the crew and staff to provide a more personal and caring service, something which is not feasible on larger vessels.

Over the past 25 years, Adventure Canada has become one of the foremost specialists in Canada & the Arctic. Their educational programs and fun, casual spirit bring people back to travel year after year.

Explore the fabled Northwest Passage aboard the 198-passenger Ocean Endeavour as this voyage presents the landscape, wildlife, culture, art and archaeology of this unique Arctic destination. This is more than an Arctic Cruise, this is an Arctic Expedition!

Complete with onboard lecture programs, these cruises are second-to-none and have been one of the reasons behind the multitude of awards Adventure Canada has received.

Iceland ProCruises is part of the Iceland ProTravel family, which is the leading tour operator in Iceland. Our family of companies in-country include: Iceland ProTravel Iceland an Incentive and group DMC, Iceland ProTravel Service providing meet and greet and services for our clients; and Iceland ProFishing a sea angling company, running 22 boats and houses in the west fjords of Iceland.

Guðmundur Kjartansson, a native Icelander and Ann-Cathrin Bröcker from Luxembourg are the owners of the Iceland ProCruises and Iceland ProTravel companies. Both of them have been over 20 years in tourism in Iceland and have a great experience both in Iceland and selling trips to Iceland abroad.

Heritage Expeditions was formed in 1985, as a way of increasing awareness and conservation of the natural world through responsible expedition travel. Its founder Rodney Russ was a biologist working for the New Zealand Wildlife Service. Through his work on Kakapo, Black Robin and other endangered species he appreciated that rather than locking wilderness areas away, it was important to share them with people so that they might become “ambassadors” advocating and supporting conservation efforts.  He has long held the view that conservation and responsible travel are partners, that together can achieve what might otherwise be unachievable.

From those small beginnings the company, which is still family owned, operates its own Polar Research Vessel, Spirit of Enderby, on expeditions to Antarctica, the Subantarctic, through the Pacific and the Russian Far East. Each expedition is meticulously planned and led  ensuring that passengers (maximum of 50) maximize every opportunity they have to learn and experience as much as possible about the region, while at the same time minimising the impact of their visit.

Today Heritage Expeditions works from modern purpose built offices in Christchurch, New Zealand. When booking with us you will benefit from the enormous wealth of experience, knowledge and passion of the staff for the destinations we visit.

Exploring the Arctic is, in many ways, unimaginable. To travel to what ancient geographers termed ultima Thule (“farthest land”)—and in luxury, no less—is a feat seemingly reserved for the hardiest adventurers among us. And yet, Zegrahm’s Arctic expeditions afford rare opportunities to view Arctic wildlife, seabirds, whales, and polar bears; to meet indigenous peoples who sustain a living at the ends of the Earth; and to explore lands that very few have ever stepped foot on—it’s the top of the world, waiting for you.

The itineraries Zegraham Expeditions offer vary from year to year; below please find our upcoming Arctic adventure travel expeditions.