The Arctic is a land of extremes—where vast icefields meet towering fjords, polar bears roam the frozen tundra and the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights illuminates the night sky. Spanning the icy waters of Iceland, Greenland and the Arctic archipelagos, this region offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes and wildlife encounters on Earth.
For those seeking to explore this untouched wilderness, expedition cruising is the ultimate way to travel. Unlike traditional cruises, expedition ships are built to navigate ice-covered waters, allowing access to remote destinations that are otherwise unreachable. Among the best operators, Lindblad Expeditions, Silversea, Hurtigruten and Quark Expeditions each offer a unique way to experience the Arctic, whether you seek adventure, luxury, sustainability or extreme exploration.
Why Choose an Expedition Cruise in the Arctic?
Expedition cruising blends adventure, education and comfort, offering unparalleled access to the Arctic’s most spectacular sights:
- Zodiac excursions for close-up encounters with glaciers, icebergs and Arctic wildlife.
- Expert-led talks on polar ecosystems, history and photography.
- Cultural visits to remote Inuit communities.
- Rare natural phenomena, including the Midnight Sun and the Aurora Borealis.
Each of the following cruise lines provides a distinct experience, catering to different styles of Arctic travel.
Lindblad Expeditions: The Ultimate Exploration Experience
Best for: Wildlife photographers, nature lovers, and travelers who want a deep dive into Arctic ecosystems.
Why Choose Lindblad?
- Operates in partnership with National Geographic, offering a strong focus on science and photography.
- Small expedition ships with ice-strengthened hulls for close-up exploration.
- Expert-led adventures, including Zodiac excursions and kayaking through ice-filled fjords.
- High passenger-to-expert ratio for personalised learning experiences.
Example Itinerary: An Iceland-to-Greenland voyage, featuring iceberg-filled fjords, Inuit cultural encounters and spectacular Arctic wildlife sightings.
Silversea: Ultra-Luxury Meets Arctic Adventure
Best for: Luxury travellers who want comfort without sacrificing adventure.
Why Choose Silversea?
- All-suite accommodations with butler service and gourmet dining, even in the most remote parts of the Arctic.
- Personalised shore excursions, including helicopter flights over glaciers and guided tundra hikes.
- Small, intimate ships with spacious public areas and open decks for optimal wildlife viewing.
- Luxury meets exploration, with expert naturalists enhancing the journey.
Example Itinerary: A high-end Arctic voyage from Iceland to Svalbard, with chances to see polar bears, walruses, and Arctic foxes while enjoying 5-star service.
Hurtigruten: Sustainable & Active Arctic Expeditions
Best for: Eco-conscious travellers and those seeking an active, Scandinavian-style adventure.
Why Choose Hurtigruten?
- A pioneer in sustainable cruising, operating hybrid-electric expedition ships for a lower carbon footprint.
- A relaxed, Scandinavian atmosphere, with an emphasis on Arctic cuisine and local culture.
- Science-based excursions, including onboard research programs and wildlife conservation efforts.
- A mix of adventure activities, from hiking and kayaking to snowshoeing and camping on the ice.
Example Itinerary: A Greenland and Iceland expedition featuring rugged landscapes, towering icebergs, and visits to remote Arctic communities.
Quark Expeditions: The Polar Pioneers
Best for: Hardcore adventurers and travellers looking for the most extreme Arctic experiences.
Why Choose Quark?
- One of the most experienced Arctic and Antarctic expedition operators, with nearly three decades of polar exploration.
- Icebreaker ships that can reach areas other vessels cannot, including the North Pole.
- Unique excursions, such as hot-air ballooning over the Arctic, heli-hiking in Greenland, and paddleboarding in icy waters.
- A strong focus on adventure and wildlife encounters, including specialised polar bear tracking.
Example Itinerary: A North Pole expedition aboard a nuclear-powered icebreaker, with helicopter rides over the Arctic Ocean and a chance to stand at 90° North.
Which Arctic Expedition is Right for You?
- For expert-led, immersive exploration: Choose Lindblad Expeditions.
- For high-end luxury and personalised service: Choose Silversea.
- For sustainable travel with an active twist: Choose Hurtigruten.
- For the most extreme Arctic adventure: Choose Quark Expeditions.
No matter which expedition you choose, the Arctic promises a once-in-a-lifetime journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, rare wildlife and cultural encounters.
Ready to explore the Arctic? Let JLW Travel help you find the perfect expedition for your travel style.
Contact me today to start planning your Arctic adventure!