Ocean Cruise Tours & Trips in Arctic / North Pole
Explore a wide diversity of ocean cruise tours through Arctic / North Pole. We have 36 adventures that vary from 7 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
- Wild Wonders of the Arctic - 8 days
- West Svalbard
- Glaciers & Wildlife of Svalbard
- Greenland to Hudson Bay & the Canadian Arctic 2027
- North Spitzbergen Explorer
- Around Spitsbergen - in the Realm of the Polar Bear and the Ice
- Greenland Disko Bay Discovered - 7 Days
- In the Realm of the Polar Bear
- Spitsbergen - Adventure
- Spitsbergen Circumnavigation on Small Ships
Wild Wonders of the Arctic - 8 days
“Excellent tour, staff went above and beyond to make the tour as memorable as possible.”
Lynette, traveled in June
Ocean Albatros hosts a seven-night cruise from Longyearbyen through Arctic waters. The itinerary includes Kongsfjord's glaciers, floating ice formations, and Dutch whaling settlements, with full-board dining and Zodiac excursions.
Duration 8 days Destinations Longyearbyen, Nordaustlandet Island, Sjuoyane, Kongsfjorden, Ny Aalesund, Oslo Age Range Ages 12+ Operator On The Go Tours From
- US$9,890
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
- US$10,295
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$18,624
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.
Duration 17 days Destinations Denmark, Greenland, Canada Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $22,015
16% off- US$18,455
Duration 8 days Destinations Longyearbyen, Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park, Monacobreen Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
16% off- US$4,870
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
16% off- US$6,381
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.
Duration 7 days Destinations Kangerlussuaq, Sisimiut, Qeqertarsuaq, Disko Island, Disko Bay, Eqip Sermia, Ilulissat, Itilleq, Copenhagen Age Range Ages 12+ Operator On The Go Tours From
16% off- US$12,155
Duration 10 days Destinations Longyearbyen, Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park, Nordre Isfjorden National Park, Ny Aalesund, Smeerenburgfjorden Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Poseidon Expeditions From
16% off- US$10,295
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
16% off- US$7,826
Duration 12 days Destinations Longyearbyen, Ny Aalesund, Monacobreen, Alkefjellet, Nordaustlandet Island, Barentsoya, Hornsund Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
16% off- US$8,721
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What people love about Ocean Cruise Tours in Arctic / North Pole
Excellent tour, staff went above and beyond to make the tour as memorable as possible
Wild Wonders of the Arctic - 8 days
- Realm of the Polar Bear
After having been to stunning Antarctica with the G Expedition, I never expected the Arctic to be as beautiful and diverse as it was. BUT I have to admit this trip totally blew me away! Driving though the pack ice spotting a polar bear eating a seal, walking on a massive glacier, admiring the huge mountain ranges, exploring the arctic flora on lush fields covered with alpine flowers, lakes, looking for ancient fossils in a desert area still covered by snow, walking next to calm reindeers eating grass, driving next to gigantic rock formations covered with nesting birds, watching at a polar bear sunbathing and swimming, taking photographs of massive sleeping walruses on the beach or cruising around bizarre icebergs watching at calving glaciers with seals popping next to our zodiac boats. We were lucky to have such perfect weather conditions and the sun seemed to follow the ship every day. The G Expedition team was absolutely brilliant. Everyone was very passionate about their work and tried to give us the best possible experience. The team offered lots of interesting lectures on marine life, polar bears, birds, history etc. as many specialists and scientists on board. The atmosphere on board is very friendly and relaxed and people feel very welcomed. The food and service were absolutely outstanding so watch out, you might gain some weight (or you go to the gym on board). Don't forget to take your swimwear as those guys will let you even jump into the Arctic waters (a must activity in my opinion) and don't worry there is a sauna where you can relax after this! The size of this ship and it's knowledgable team are the perfect combination for people who want to get the real expedition feeling. An absolute unforgettable experience on board the G Expedition and I'm already looking forward to be back on the ship as soon as possible!
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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