The sun never sets below the horizon during the Arctic summer, the most popular season for an adventure trip, and the winter gloom is softened by the eerie sight of the Northern Lights flickering over the heavens. Because you will be sailing in remote and difficult locations, a specialized expedition ship with an ice-strengthened hull is required. Larger ships will occasionally call in the southern Arctic ports, but the vast majority of ships operating here are small, carrying little more than 500 people, with the top-end luxury lines carrying no more than 250 guests. Take a popular cruise ship to Arctic for a relaxing vacation. Read on to know more.
An Arctic cruise will take you to a magnificent area of cold fjords, jagged mountains, and massive glaciers. Small ships transport passengers beyond the Arctic Circle through stunning ice floes to tread in the footsteps of the Vikings or marvel at a humpback whale breaching. Hull-hardened ships sliced through the arctic ice to reach locations previously only seen by the most daring explorers, including the North Pole. A journey across the Arctic presents unusual species, natural beauty, and cultures that have thrived in one of the harshest settings on the planet. Cruises to the Arctic landscapes of Northern Canada's Baffin Island, Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, the Northwest Passage, Canada, Norway, and Russia are available. Pick a best cruise ship to the Arctic from our selection of the best options!
Exploring the Arctic's uncharted waters is featured on most tourists' bucket lists, but until recently, journeys to the planet's far-flung regions were reserved exclusively for the most hardy of explorers. The tremendous progress of commercial ships, however, means that the greatest Arctic cruises can now go to these distant locations.
The Arctic area, which borders many northern regions, is large and diverse, stretching from the farthest areas of Russia and depths of the Arctic to Canada and Scandinavia. The cruising options are similarly varied, ranging from short trips in Iceland's magnificent fjords to month-long journeys throughout the whole area - whatever your bucket list excursion, you can be sure there is a cruise liner that will fulfil it. Of course, when visiting locations as pure and vulnerable as the Arctic, extreme caution is required. All of the top Arctic cruises listed here adhere to high environmental regulations and are dedicated to conserving this pristine region. Check out our list of trending cruise ships to the Arctic.
Silversea pioneered the luxury adventure cruise idea, and two of its ever-expanding fleet of tiny ships now operate in the Arctic waters. Silver Cloud, newly rebuilt, carries 260 passengers; however, they are limited to 200 in the Arctic areas. Silver Cloud Expedition cruise ship offers excellent value, with everything from meals and alcoholic beverages to butler service and a professionally produced journey DVD. Itineraries include extensive explorations of the Svalbard archipelago, Greenland, and the Canadian Arctic, as well as transits of the Northwest or Northeast Passages on rare occasions.
The MS Roald Amundsen, from the Hurtigruten Expeditions cruise line will include hybrid electric power, which will reduce fuel usage and CO2 emissions by 20%, demonstrating the industry's knowledge of its environmental effect. The 535-passenger ship, designed by Rolls-Royce, will be able to run entirely on electricity for up to 30 minutes, providing a fully quiet sailing experience. Two outdoor hot tubs, a swimming pool, and a sauna are among its features. The ship's inaugural Arctic itinerary is a 15-day voyage from Hamburg along the Norwegian coast to Kirkenes, which is 250 miles north of the Arctic Circle and one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.
Scenic Eclipse, the much-anticipated exploration boat, debuted in July 2019 to tremendous acclaim. With elegant décor, ten distinct dining options, and technology including two helicopters and a submarine, this sleek 228-guest yacht is undoubtedly the most opulent expedition ship currently at sea. Scenic Eclipse is the first of a new breed of adventure boats, designed for customers who desire all the amenities of an ultra-luxury cruise ship while traveling in remote and inaccessible parts of the world. A comprehensive Arctic programme includes visits to Svalbard, Greenland, and Iceland, as well as transits of the Northwest and Northeast Passages.
Silversea's magnificent fleet includes three specially equipped ships that go to the high Arctic in the summer and Antarctica in the winter. Choose the 144-passenger Silver Explorer for a more casual, small-ship expedition experience, or the bigger Silver Cloud and Silver Wind for a luxurious voyage with many dining options, lavish lounges, a spa, and a pool. Silversea takes pride in the competence of its expedition leaders, who are trained in-house, so you'll be in good hands for treks and Zodiac excursions in East Greenland and Svalbard, as well as the raw beauty of Antarctica.
Also, Read: Best times to Visit the Arctic on a Cruise
Within the Arctic Circle, the area is separated into eight countries, each with its own particular features. From polar bears to historical tours, wilderness to dog sledding, narrow down your options by researching the various experiences each location has to offer. An Arctic adventure cruise is unlike any other: your route can vary based on the location of the ice, the weather, and wildlife observations nearby. Plan your visit easily by booking one of the newest cruise ships to the Arctic via CruiseBooking.com.
