{"id":17619,"date":"2018-11-15T17:15:00","date_gmt":"2018-11-15T16:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=17619"},"modified":"2019-04-11T13:02:56","modified_gmt":"2019-04-11T12:02:56","slug":"arctic-vs-antarctic-cruises","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/arctic-vs-antarctic-cruises\/","title":{"rendered":"Arctic vs Antarctic Cruises: Which End of the Earth is Best for You?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you a polar bear lover, and itching to experience the Northern Lights? Or would you rather chill with the penguins (pun intended!) and explore a land mostly uninhabited?<\/span><\/p>\n

While the two poles have more similarities than being really cold and ice-covered, they also have stark differences that make their cruising experiences vastly dissimilar. Knowing what each has to offer will help you understand which polar cruise is best for you and what you\u2019re looking for. Fans of flora and fauna, for example, will definitely appreciate the Arctic\u2019s offerings more, while very adventurous souls will find a unique thrill in exploring the Antarctic\u2019s icy desert.<\/span><\/p>\n

To help you choose the right polar cruise for your next jaunt, we are here to explore both.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Travel to: <\/em>The North or South Pole <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nThe Arctic<\/strong><\/td>\nThe Antarctic<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Size<\/strong><\/td>\n14.5 million kilometres squared<\/span><\/td>\n14 million kilometres squared<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Coldest Temperature<\/strong><\/td>\nAround -34 degrees Celsius<\/span><\/td>\nAround -49 degrees Celsius<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Population<\/strong><\/td>\nRoughly 4 million<\/span><\/td>\nAbout 4,000 in summer, and 1,000 in winter<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Animals<\/strong><\/td>\nPolar bears, puffins, and arctic foxes <\/span><\/td>\nPenguins, whales, and seals<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Why Cruise in the Arctic?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Sitting right on the North Pole, the Arctic<\/a> is a large area of land and water that encompasses the Arctic Ocean, Greenland, a few northern islands, and parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. <\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a place that amazes with stunning sights, from sweeping landscapes and wandering wildlife to the legendary Northern Lights that have drawn many travellers to Norway, Finland, and Alaska. It\u2019s also home to a number of settlements and indigenous populations with vibrant cultures, so exploring the area also means rubbing elbows with locals and immersing yourself in their amazing cultures.<\/span><\/p>\n

As many places in the Arctic have permanent populations, you will won\u2019t feel too isolated or far from civilization.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Where will your Arctic adventure take you? | \u00a9 Steven Lewis\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What Should I Expect When Cruising the Arctic?<\/b><\/h3>\n

A visit to the Arctic doesn\u2019t mean you will be abandoning comfort, even though you\u2019ll be in some of the coldest places on Earth. In fact, the Arctic is home to some of the world\u2019s best hotels, as well as most luxurious cruise ships. <\/span><\/p>\n

Cruising the Arctic typically involves many experiences spanning several countries, some of which\u2014Iceland, Norway, and Greenland, for example\u2014boast incredibly extraordinary landscapes, the friendly locals, and the most spectacular night sky displays. <\/span><\/p>\n

Many Arctic cruises offer a mix of land excursions that visit attractions and historical sites as well as the opportunity to see wildlife, while a few offer a particular focus, like sea-and-land wildlife viewing. Choose an Arctic cruise that offers a good selection of the experiences you want, and the level of comfort you expect.<\/span><\/p>\n

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See Also: <\/em>11 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do on a River Cruise<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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Weather Conditions in the Arctic<\/b><\/h3>\n

To say that the Arctic is cold is an understatement. Temperatures in Greenland can drop down to -50 \u00b0C in Northern Finland and down to -65 \u00b0C in Greenland during the winter months. The days are also shorter, and the sun may not rise for weeks, even months. Winter months are the best months to see the Northern Lights<\/span><\/p>\n

In the summertime, temperatures can be mild, and you will enjoy a bit of sunshine. In Greenland, it doesn\u2019t get warmer than 10 \u00b0C; downright balmy for Arctic standards. In Norway, it does get a little warmer, and temperatures can rise to up to 20 \u00b0C Summer is definitely the best time to cruise to the Arctic.<\/span><\/p>\n

When going on a winter cruise, pack your suitcase with extreme cold-weather clothing for your head all the way to your toes, especially if you are planning on joining excursions. Many Arctic cruises do have gear and equipment on-hand for guests, but they likely won\u2019t provide your jackets and boots.<\/span><\/p>\n

For summer trips, Arctic cruise companies recommend breathable fabrics you can layer, windproof jackets, and waterproof boots.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sightings of adorable wildlife aren’t uncommon in the Arctic | \u00a9 Jonatan Pie\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What Permits, Visas, and Vaccinations Do I Need to visit the Arctic?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Permits<\/b><\/h4>\n

Unlike Antarctica, you do not need a permit to go on an Arctic cruise or join day excursions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Visas<\/b><\/h4>\n

Travellers with US and Canadian passports do not need a visa when visiting Greenland, Iceland, Finland, and the Scandinavian countries for up to 90 days. Such is also the case for UK and Australian passport holders. For all other nationalities, please check with the embassies in your countries. Keep in mind that some Arctic cruise companies are able to assist you with visa processing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vaccinations<\/b><\/h4>\n

Make sure you are up to date with your routine vaccinations before your travel. That includes measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, and polio. A flu shot might also come in handy.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to See and Experience on an Arctic Cruise?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Attractions<\/b><\/h4>\n

Different Arctic cruises offer different stops, but here are the best and most popular ones.<\/span><\/p>\n