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 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
- Glaciers & Wildlife of Svalbard
- Best of Svalbard
- Arctic Sights and Northern Lights
- Iceland to Greenland & the Glaciers of Disko Bay 2027
- Kurs Nord: Über den Polarkreis
- Solar Eclipse over East Greenland
- Spitsbergen Adventure: Arctic Expedition to 80° North
- Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland Solar Eclipse Departure - M/V Greg Mortimer (Solar)
- Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland - M/V Greg Mortimer
- Circumnavigating Svalbard — The Ultimate Expedition (13 Days)
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, Svalbard Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From
Deal- US$35,600
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, Spitsbergen Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Poseidon Expeditions From $10,195
25% Off- US$7,646You save $2,549
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 $12,195
25% Off- US$9,146You save $3,049
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
Deal- US$45,720
The Arctic waters between Reykjavik and Svalbard unfold over 11 nights. Whales breach in Hornvik Bay, volcanic Jan Mayen Island rises from the sea, and Spitsbergen's ice-filled fjords beckon. Full-board meals and expert lectures enhance the voyage.
No departure dates availableDuration 9 days Destinations Iceland, Norway, Svalbard Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen 
MV Hondius takes guests through Spitsbergen's Raudfjord and Greenland's Alpefjord for around $10,200. The voyage features Scoresby Sound's massive fjord system, a solar eclipse viewing, and Zodiac excursions to Sydkap Island's icebergs.
Duration 14 days Destinations Svalbard, Norway, Greenland, Iceland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator Inventia From
Deal- US$13,321
No departure dates availableDuration 9 days Destinations Tromso, Longyearbyen Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator journaway DACH 
No departure dates availableDuration 15 days Destinations Norway, Greenland, Iceland Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! 
No departure dates availableDuration 15 days Destinations Norway, Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! 
No departure dates availableDuration 13 days Destinations Oslo, Longyearbyen, Hornsund, Bellsund, Nordre Isfjorden National Park Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Hurtigruten
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."