Ocean Cruise Tours & Trips in Arctic / North Pole
Explore a wide diversity of ocean cruise tours through Arctic / North Pole. We have 37 adventures that vary from 8 days to 31 days. With the greatest number of departures in June, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best ocean cruise Arctic / North Pole tours
Compiled by
MelissaArctic / North Pole travel expert at TourRadar
- West Svalbard
- Glaciers & Wildlife of Svalbard
- Spitsbergen Circumnavigation on Small Ships
- Iceland to Greenland & the Glaciers of Disko Bay 2027
- Greenland Encompassed - 12 days
- Spitsbergen - Adventure
- Around Spitsbergen - in the Realm of the Polar Bear and the Ice
- North Spitzbergen Explorer
- Spitzbergen - North-East-Greece - Iceland: Northern Lights, Inuit and Long Hikes
- Greenland Disko Bay Discovered - 8 Days
The M/V Sea Spirit offers an intimate Arctic expedition with expert guides and gourmet dining. Float through Hornsund's dramatic fjords, visit Bellsund's historic whaling stations, and sail to the polar pack ice edge for optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.
Duration 10 days Destinations Longyearbyen, Sor-Spitsbergen National Park, Hornsund, Bellsund, Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park, Nordre Isfjorden National Park, Ny Aalesund Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Poseidon Expeditions From $12,095
25% Off- US$9,071You save $3,024
Sailing on Scenic Eclipse gives you access to around 10 dining spots including Koko's Asian Fusion, plus there's a large 550sqm Senses Spa with infrared saunas. Daily Zodiac excursions take you out to explore, and you can try kayaking around massive ice formations in quiet fjords while the midnight sun keeps everything bright.
Duration 14 days Destinations Oslo, Longyearbyen Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $23,245
20% Off- US$18,624You save $4,621
Duration 12 days Destinations Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, Svalbard Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
20% Off- US$8,882
The ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse sails through Arctic waters into Prince Christian Sound, a 100-kilometer passage with towering granite cliffs and active glaciers that's only open in summer. You'll see Dynjandi Waterfall cascading 100 meters down seven tiers in Iceland's Westfjords, then continue into Greenland's Disko Bay.
Duration 15 days Destinations Iceland, Greenland, Denmark Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $25,330
15% Off- US$21,516You save $3,814
MV Ocean Albatros sails Arctic waters, showcasing massive icebergs at Sermilik Fjord and Prince Christian Sound's peaks. The voyage features Evighedsfjorden's bird cliffs, whale watching in Davis Strait, and Zodiac adventures led by naturalist guides.
Duration 12 days Destinations Reykjavik, Tasiilaq, Íkáteq, Kuummiit, Sermilik Fjord, Skjoldungen, Dronning Marie Dal, Cape Farewell, Prins Christianssund, ItilleqSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator On The Go Tours From
15% Off- US$15,955
Duration 9 days Destinations Longyearbyen, Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park, Sor-Spitsbergen National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator Inventia From
15% Off- US$7,970
Duration 10 days Destinations Longyearbyen, Krossfjorden, Monacobreen, Sjuoyane, Lomfjordhalvoya, Alkefjellet, Nordaustlandet Island, Barentsoya, Hornsund, Sor-Spitsbergen National ParkSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator Inventia From
15% Off- US$6,214
Duration 8 days Destinations Longyearbyen, Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park, Monacobreen Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
15% Off- US$4,960
Duration 14 days Destinations Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
15% Off- US$10,433
The Ocean Albatros charts Greenland's dramatic coastline from Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat, crossing the Arctic Circle. The 1,175m heart-shaped mountain in Uummannaq stands sentinel as you sail the 160km Kangerlussuaq Fjord and approach the massive Eqip Sermia glacier. Expert guides lead tours through remote Arctic settlements while tracking whales and dolphins.
No departure dates availableDuration 8 days Destinations Reykjavik, Kangerlussuaq, Sisimiut, Qeqertarsuaq, Uummannaq, Ilulissat, Sarfannguit Age Range Ages 12+ Operator On The Go Tours
What our customers ask about Ocean Cruise Tours & Trips in Arctic / North Pole
When is the best time to take an Arctic Ocean Cruise?
Arctic Ocean cruises operate from June through September when ice conditions allow safe passage. The Disko Bay region in Greenland draws visitors in June-July with its midnight sun and icebergs at the Ilulissat Icefjord. Late August to early September brings chances to see the Northern Lights according to travelers. A TourRadar visitor reported "the ethereal aurora displays over Scoresby Sound were absolutely magical." Purpose-built vessels like the MS Fridtjof Nansen navigate varying ice conditions during this peak season.
What wildlife can I expect to see on an Arctic Ocean Cruise?
The Arctic waters host diverse wildlife year-round. Svalbard's northwestern waters are home to polar bears walruses bearded seon ice floes. Near Disko Bay humpback and fin whales feed in the nutrient-rich waters. One TourRadar traveler on a Poseidon Expeditions cruise shared: "We saw countless seabirds several polar bears hunting on the pack ice and even a pod of beluga whales - the expert guides knew exactly where to find them." The coastal cliffs attract Arctic terns kittiwakes and thick-billed guillemots.
What are the must-see highlights of an Arctic Ocean Cruise?
Key stops include the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord where glaciers meet sea and Disko Bay's ice formations. The narrow Prins Christian Sound offers fjord views while Scoresby Sound the world's largest fjord system showcases mountains and glaciers. Visitors often explore the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier and the historic town of Sisimiut. As one TourRadar traveler noted "The most impressive sight was sailing through Ilulissat Icefjord where the massive ice formations created an otherworldly landscape."
How physically demanding are Arctic Ocean Cruises?
The cruises suit various fitness levels with most activities rated easy to moderate. Onboard life is relaxed though shore trips via Zodiac boats need basic mobility. Optional excursions range from gentle walks to challenging hikes like those in Tasermiut Fjord or on the Greenland Ice Sheet. The Ultramarine and similar ships offer activities for different abilities. A TourRadar traveler noted "The expedition team was excellent at accommodating different fitness levels ensuring everyone could participate in some way."
How close can we get to polar bears and other wildlife?
Arctic cruise operators prioritize wildlife safety and maintain strict viewing distances. Ships observe polar bears in Northwest Svalbard Nature Reserve and the Polar Ice Edge from safe positions that still allow clear views and photos. Zodiac boats approach seals and walruses following AECO guidelines. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "The expedition team was excellent at finding polar bears and positioning the ship for optimal viewing while maintaining safe distances."
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