What You Need to Know About Cruising in the Arctic
Cruising in the Arctic offers the chance to touch the top of the world and experience a landscape that few will ever see. Follow in the footsteps of pioneers, polar scientists, and only the most intrepid of explorers. Wander in the land of the midnight sun, journey through frozen landscapes and meet some of the world’s most resilient people and animals.
Arctic cruise itineraries can be complex, offering an array of options in places that many will be unfamiliar with. Here we break down what you should expect from an Arctic cruise, and the extraordinary places you might want to visit.
Where is the Arctic?
Generally described as everything north of the Arctic Circle, the area is spread across the Arctic Ocean. The Arctic spans eight countries including Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway and the USA (Alaska), as well as Sweden and Finland.
Over 4-million people call this harsh land home. Its people have descended from a variety of cultures and traditions including Viking explorers, Northwest Passage pioneers and indigenous groups. In addition to the region’s fascinating wildlife, the Arctic also has a surprisingly rich cultural heritage.
Best time to visit
Arctic expedition cruises will generally operate during the Northern Hemisphere summer. This is when the ice is more broken up and easier to navigate. The days are longer, the temperatures more favourable and this is also generally when the wildlife is most active.
