Ocean Cruise Tours & Trips in Arctic / North Pole
Explore a wide diversity of ocean cruise tours through Arctic / North Pole. We have 44 adventures that vary from 8 days to 32 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
- Best of Svalbard
- Spitsbergen Circumnavigation on Small Ships
- Glaciers & Wildlife of Svalbard
- West Svalbard (11 Days)
- Arctic Sights and Northern Lights
- Greenland to Hudson Bay & the Canadian Arctic 2027
- Ultimate Greenland, Hudson Bay & North Canada’s Wildlife
- Ultimate Iceland to Canada: Wildlife & Glaciers
- North Spitzbergen Explorer
- Spitsbergen - Adventure
M/V Sea Spirit's varied suite options complement Svalbard's pristine waters. Marine mammal watching in Isfjorden, views of Bråsvellbreen's ice cliff, and Zodiac trips to remote shores fill the days. Expert guides lead Northwest Spitsbergen National Park activities.
Duration 12 days Destinations Longyearbyen, Nordaustlandet Island, Bråsvellbreen, Alkefjellet, Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park, Ny Aalesund Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Poseidon Expeditions From $10,195
25% Off- US$7,646You save $2,549
Duration 12 days Destinations Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, Svalbard Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
25% Off- US$9,040
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
This route takes you through four national parks, starting with South Spitsbergen's glaciers that flow into Hornsund and continuing to Northwest Spitsbergen's dramatic peaks and calving ice. You'll stop at Ny Ålesund, one of Earth's northernmost settlements with Arctic research stations, then head to the polar pack ice edge.
Duration 11 days Destinations Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Spitsbergen, Hornsund, Bellsund Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Poseidon Expeditions From $9,395
25% Off- US$7,046You save $2,349
M/V Sea Spirit offers a luxury Arctic cruise from Reykjavík through Denmark Strait to Scoresby Sund's dramatic fjords. Total costs around $17,000. Features suite accommodation, gourmet dining, and expert-led excursions through pristine polar waters with whale watching opportunities.
Duration 11 days Destinations Reykjavik, Ittoqqortoormiit Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Poseidon Expeditions From $8,395
25% Off- US$6,296You save $2,099
Scenic Eclipse sails through the Arctic / North Pole region to Greenland's Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier in Ilulissat where massive icebergs calve into the sea, then navigates the 75-kilometer Evighed Fjord with its towering jagged peaks and active glaciers. Hudson Strait's icy waters host beluga whales and polar bears at Monumental Island, then Lady Franklin Island's Archean rock cliffs rise along Baffin Island's rugged southern coast. Zodiac trips wind through the Lower Savage Islands' labyrinth of channels, home to Arctic foxes, walruses, and thriving seabird colonies, with guidance from the 20-member Discovery Team throughout this remote wilderness itinerary.
No departure dates availableDuration 17 days Destinations Denmark, Greenland, Canada Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours 
Scenic Eclipse carries just 200 guests through remote Arctic waters, following Hudson Strait where Henry Hudson sailed back in 1610 and passing massive icebergs in Disko Bay. Zodiac trips around Monumental Island bring you close to walrus colonies, you'll kayak through Saglek Fjord, and seabird colonies line Cap Wolstenholme's cliffs. Inuit communities like Iqaluit and Kinngait (Cape Dorset) appear along the way, polar bear viewing happens in Churchill, and the route continues through Hudson Bay to Halifax. All-inclusive fine dining at Lumière is part of the package.
Duration 32 days Destinations Denmark, Greenland, Canada, USA Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $117,155
19% Off- US$94,310You save $22,845
Scenic Eclipse sails through the Arctic and North Atlantic, navigating Evighed Fjord's 75-kilometer stretch of active glaciers and Disko Bay's iceberg-filled waters where beluga whales swim. Churchill, the polar bear capital of the world, sits along the route, and walrus colonies gather at Monumental Island while Hudson Strait's fast-moving icy waters flow past.
Duration 29 days Destinations Iceland, Greenland, Canada Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From
19% Off- US$100,000
Duration 8 days Destinations Longyearbyen, Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park, Monacobreen Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator Inventia From
19% Off- US$4,816
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
19% Off- US$7,879
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."