Best Cruising the Poles - Arctic and Antarctic Small Ship Expedition Cruises for 2025-2026

All Antarctica Cruises

10 Best Antarctica Cruise Ideas for 2025-2026

All Antarctica Cruises

All Arctic Cruises

10 Best Arctic Cruise Ideas for 2025-2026

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Arctic Sights and Northern Lights	$8,395	11	Sep 07, 2026	Embark on an 11-day expedition to and from Reykjavik aboard the Sea Spirit, exploring Iceland's landmarks and Greenland's stunning Scoresby Sund. Experience Inuit culture, witness the Northern Lights, and enjoy whale watching back in Iceland. 0
Greenland & Wild Labrador	$9,495	15	Sep 17, 2025	During this 15-day expedition cruise on the Ocean Endeavor, see both the beauty of Greenland and the charm of Newfoundland. From Greenland, cruise through northern Canada, exploring French and Viking influences. Visit two different Canadian National Parks, see landscapes that blow your mind, and learn a lot about the cultural connections to the land. 0
Canada’s Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands	$13,295	12	Sep 09, 2025	Join a 12-day adventure cruise around the Canadian High Arctic aboard the Ultramarine. See the unique wonders and the breathtaking environment at the top of the world through adventure activities like helicopter flightseeing, wildlife tracking, and trekking. 0
Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route	$18,395	17	Aug 26, 2025	Embark on a 17-day cruise from Reykjavik to Calgary aboard Ultramarine, retracing the Franklin Expedition's path in the Northwest Passage. Explore the Canadian High Arctic and Greenland, discover Inuit communities, hike colorful tundra, and encounter diverse wildlife. 0
Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route	$21,795	17	Aug 17, 2026	Join this 17-day adventure from Reykjavik to Calgary aboard Ocean Explorer, exploring the stunning landscapes of Greenland and Canada’s Arctic. Travel through Greenland’s breathtaking fjords, stop at remote towns like Nuuk and Maniitsoq, and witness spectacular wildlife in Canada’s High Arctic. 0
Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic	$21,795	17	Aug 31, 2026	Sail on this 17-day Arctic cruise aboard Ocean Explorer, starting in Calgary, and journey through Canada's High Arctic and Greenland. Explore stunning regions like Beechey Island, Radstock Bay, and Arctic Bay. Cruise through Smith Sound before arriving in Greenland, where you’ll visit Qaanaaq, Uummannaq, and the Ilulissat Icefjord. 0
Into the Northwest Passage	$23,995	17	Aug 26, 2026	Set sail on this 17-day Into the Northwest Passage cruise aboard Exploris One. Explore Ilulissat Icefjord, Devon Island, and historic Beechey Island. Witness incredible wildlife, from polar bears and muskoxen to narwhals and belugas. Cruise among towering glaciers, sail through Bellot Strait and discover the fascinating history of Arctic explorers. 0
Northwest Passage to Newfoundland: Glaciers, Mountains, and Wildlife	$13,195	16	Sep 18, 2025	Embark on a 16-day expedition cruise aboard the Ultramarine, covering 2,500 nautical miles from the Northwest Passage to Newfoundland and Labrador. Explore remote areas, including Beechey Island, Icy Arm Fjord, Qikiiqtarjuaq, Cape Mercy, Torngat Mountains, L’Anse aux Meadows, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, and St. John’s. 0
The Northwest Passage (Westbound)	$24,795	16	Aug 25, 2025	Join a 16-day Arctic expedition aboard the Greg Mortimer, starting with a flight to Nuuk. Explore stunning landscapes, Inuit communities, and the Northwest Passage, concluding your adventure in Cambridge Bay before flying to Calgary. 0
Jewels of the Arctic	$19,695	15	Jul 12, 2025	Join a 15-day expedition cruise aboard the Greg Mortimer from Oslo to Reykjavik. Explore Svalbard's endless daylight, meet polar bears and sea ice walruses, and hear guillemot calls. Venture through East Greenland's Scoresbysund, visit remote Ittoqqortoormiit and glide amidst stunning icebergs. 0

All Antarctica Tours

Explore Antarctica

Antarctica Travel Planner

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime to the white continent. Most Antarctica cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina. Some flight/cruise combinations, which cut a few day's sailing time off the voyage, start from Punta Arenas, Chile. A few cruises even venture to New Zealand and South Africa.

South Georgia

During the breeding season, South Georgia's northern tip may have more wildlife per square meter than any other place on Earth. Visited on a limited number of cruises to Antarctica, travelers encounter a sea of thousands of black and white king penguins and albatrosses. Glide silently in sea kayaks and spot seals, seabirds, and yes, more penguins.

Ross Sea

Explore the seldom-visited Ross Sea on Antarctic cruises of around 30 days leaving from both Ushuaia, Argentina, & New Zealand. Retrace the steps of great explorers like Shackleton, Ross, and Scott as you pass through the "Forgotten Islands" and the remote Macquarie Island.

Falkland Islands

The remote Falklands are frequently visited on a cruise to Antarctica, though some stay longer and are rewarded by a unique culture that mixes both British and South American traditions with astounding wilderness and landscapes.

Arctic

10 Best Luxury Cruises of the Arctic for 2025-2026

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Inuit Spring of Ammassalik	$23,920	11	May 04, 2026	Embark on this 11-day cruise aboard Le Commandant Charcot, exploring the hypnotic and icy landscapes of the Ammassalik and Blosseville regions. 0
Arctic Odyssey	$10,095	14	Aug 10, 2025	Embark on a 14-day expedition aboard the Sea Spirit, starting in Longyearbyen with visits to the Svalbard Museum and stunning landscapes. Explore Svalbard's wildlife, sail to East Greenland's fjords, visit an Inuit village, and experience Iceland's dramatic Westfjords before concluding in Reykjavik. 0
Arctic Odyssey	$15,695	14	Aug 14, 2026	Join this 14-day cruise on the MV Sea Spirit from Reykjavik, experiencing vibrant culture and Icelandic cuisine. Sail through Faxafloi, spotting whales, then explore remote West Fjords, East Greenland, and Svalbard, ending in Longyearbyen. 0
Arctic Odyssey Under a Solar Eclipse	$13,795	14	Aug 02, 2026	Embark on a 14-day expedition aboard the Sea Spirit, starting in Longyearbyen, and experience the midnight sun while exploring Svalbard's stunning fjords and wildlife. Witness a rare total solar eclipse in the Arctic, then sail to Iceland's breathtaking Westfjords before concluding your adventure in Reykjavik. 0
West Greenland Ice Odyssey: Glaciers and Icebergs	$8,695	10	Aug 10, 2025	Embark on a 10-day expedition cruise from Reykjavik, Iceland aboard the Ultramarine. Visit towns like Sisimiut and Ilulissat, each rich in culture. Glide past colossal glaciers and sculpted icebergs, with ample opportunities to spot wildlife. 0
Total Solar Eclipse: Iceland to Greenland	$16,095	13	Aug 06, 2026	Join a 13-day Arctic expedition aboard Ultramarine. Discover Iceland's Westfjords, explore Greenland's Scoresby Sound and witness the stunning solar eclipse. Visit remote fjords, glaciers, and historical Viking settlements. This unique journey offers Zodiac excursions, expert-led talks, and stunning landscapes. 0
Icelandic Mosaic	$7,170	8	Jul 28, 2025	Le Bellot hosts this 8-day Arctic cruise of Iceland, departing from the artistic capital city of Reykjavik. Bird lovers rejoice at the wealth of seabirds, especially at Grimsey Island. You'll also witness the beautiful Ísafjörður, nestled in a dramatic landscape of volcanoes, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks, all while learning about the local culture. 0
Traversing the Northwest Passage	$44,395	29	Aug 27, 2025	Join a 29-day expedition cruise on the Sylvia Earle through the Northwest Passage, inspired by Roald Amundsen's journey. Experience Arctic Canada's stunning landscapes, wildlife, and local cultures while navigating challenging pack ice. 0
In the Ice of the Arctic, from Greenland to Svalbard	$37,420	17	May 28, 2026	Join Le Commandant Charcot on this 17-day cruise exploring the north-east of Greenland, inaccessible to traditional ships in early summer, before cruising to Svalbard and its untouched landscapes. 0
Arctic Odyssey	$10,095	14	Aug 22, 2025	Join this 14-day cruise on the MV Sea Spirit from Reykjavik, experiencing vibrant culture and Icelandic cuisine. Sail through Faxafloi, spotting whales, then explore remote West Fjords, East Greenland, and Svalbard, ending in Longyearbyen. 0

Antarctica

10 Best Luxury Cruises of the Antarctic for 2025-2026

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Antarctica Complete	$32,295	23	Dec 20, 2025	Explore Antarctica along with South Georgia and the Falkland - Malvinas islands on this 23-day adventure cruise aboard the Sylvia Earle. Enjoy the wildlife experiences and the unique adventures while on this journey to the deep south. 0
Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia	$33,295	23	Jan 18, 2026	From the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) to South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula, you will have countless unforgettable moments on this adventure-packed, 23-day voyage aboard the Ultramarine. This epic Antarctica expedition includes all of the major Antarctic highlights you can imagine, full of significant milestones for any world traveler. 0
Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea - Fly/Sail	$20,095	13	Feb 17, 2026	Join a 13-day expedition cruise on the Sylvia Earle to explore the Weddell Sea in Antarctica, famous for its icebergs and historical significance. Experience the breathtaking wilderness as you navigate pack ice and encounter stunning tabular icebergs. 0
Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea: In Partnership with New Scientist Discovery - Fly/Sail	$20,395	13	Mar 02, 2027	Join a 13-day Weddell Sea Fly/Sail expedition on Sylvia Earle with New Scientist Discovery Tours, exploring Antarctica's remote regions rich in ice, wildlife, and history tied to Shackleton's Endurance expedition. Encounter seals, discover ancient fossils, and observe migrating whales while delving into polar science and the unique ecosystem. 0
Antarctica: Through the Lens - Fly/Sail Expedition	$20,895	12	Jan 25, 2027	Join a 12-day Antarctic Explorer Fly/Sail Expedition from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia aboard the Sylvia Earle. Discover stunning wildlife, majestic glaciers, and pristine landscapes as you cruise through the Antarctic Peninsula's icy bays. 0
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake	$17,895	8	Dec 01, 2026	Discover King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula on this 8-day polar adventure aboard World Voyager, skipping the Drake Passage for a seamless journey. Fly directly from Punta Arenas to Antarctica, where you’ll explore the pristine landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula. 0
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake	$18,295	8	Jan 04, 2026	Explore King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula, skipping the Drake Passage on this 8-day polar experience. Zodiac cruise in search of whales, seabirds, and astounding icebergs, and enjoy daily landing excursions in the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. 0
Christmas in Antarctica	$12,965	12	Dec 18, 2025	Celebrate the Christmas season and explore the majestic white continent. Enjoy abundant wildlife encounters and the striking panoramic landscape of the Antarctic Sound, Weddell Sea, and Antarctic Peninsula aboard the MS Seaventure on this 12-day cruise. 0
The Emperor Penguins of Weddell Sea	$30,850	14	Oct 30, 2025	Embark on a 14-day expedition to the Weddell Sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot and explore its pristine beauty and wildlife. Encounter glaciers, icebergs, and diverse wildlife while enjoying activities like kayaking, hiking, and snowshoeing. Expert guides lead you through this adventure. 0
Polar Circle Air Cruise	$24,995	10	Jan 30, 2026	Bypass the Drake Passage by flying directly to the South Shetland Islands. Exit the airplane to a world unlike any other on earth; ice-filled fjords, penguin rookeries, and great expanses of ice await. Sail as far south as possible in an attempt to reach the Polar Circle. Flexibility is key to a successful voyage as conditions can change quickly. 0

Best Arctic Cruises

Explore The Arctic

A polar bear climbs glacial ice in the Arctic

Arctic Travel Planner

Bundle up for your exploration of the mysterious Arctic on a once-in-a-lifetime cruise of the far north with Adventure Life. From June until October, small hull-hardened expedition ships navigate under the glow of the Aurora Borealis through the northernmost regions of our planet in search of polar bears, seabirds and other wildlife.

Baffin Island

Venture into the Arctic Circle and one of Canada's greatest wilderness regions in search of Polar Bears as you sail by fjords with glaciers that crash into the sea, or visit remote Inuit villages and learn about their ancient cultures on Baffin Island

Svalbard

The Norwegian island of Svalbard (Spitsbergen), 400 miles North of Norway and 600 miles south of the North Pole is the land of jagged mountains, fjords, giant glaciers, and the highlight of this region, the polar bear. Trek across the ice and explore the hardy wildlife and expansive landscapes via dinghies on an authentic Arctic expedition.

Greenland

Cross the Arctic circle as you float between ice floes and icebergs along dramatic coastlines and visit quaint villages. Explore the frozen icescapes of Greenland on an Arctic cruise through the Northwest passage or the European islands of Svalbard and Iceland. Day excursions include hikes across glaciers and panga navigations around fjords.

Northwest Passage

Trace the route of great explorers through the northernmost islands of Canada via the Northwest Passage. Experience Inuit culture and witness the rugged wildlife that calls this home, including thousands of seabirds, reindeer, polar bears and more, all as the Aurora Borealis light up the night sky.

Polar Regions Travel Guide

Kayak quiet waters as you sail to remote polar regions

Comparing the Two Polar Regions: Antarctica and Arctic Cruising

Many people assume that the Arctic and Antarctic are similar, just at different ends of the Earth. Vast differences in the environment, geography, climate, and wildlife may result in some rather surprising realizations of each destination.

Cruising Antarctica vs the Arctic - Advantages & Disadvantages

Are they similar? Or polar opposites?

Wildlife - Both sides have remarkable wildlife viewing opportunities. The icons of each pole - penguins in the south and polar bears in the north - don't disappoint. That is, unless the elusive polar bear escapes your view, which is a possibility depending on where you go. Penguins, in all their cuteness, will be seen by the thousands on any Antarctica cruise.

Travel - Both the Arctic and Antarctic are accessed by expedition cruises. Antarctica is accessed primarily from the southern tip of South America, while most in North America and Europe have quicker access to Arctic cruise ports. In general, the time commitment and cost of an Arctic cruise is considerably less than an Antarctic cruise.

Geography - The Arctic region is an ocean surrounded by continents, while the Antarctic is a continent surrounded by oceans. Antartica is also has the highest average altitude above sea level of any continent, largely because of 90% of the world's ice is piled upon the continent. Both poles are cold, but the South Pole is colder - by a long shot.

Arctic Overview

The Arctic brings to mind scenes of ice, snow, and barren stretches of land. Though it is a remote part of the world, it offers travelers so much more than these things! Intriguing culture, remarkable wildlife, fascinating history, and breathtaking landscape are all experienced during a visit to the Arctic.

Polar bear balances on the ice in the Arctic

Wildlife Guide to Polar Regions

Which polar region is home to penguins? Or how about those elusive narwhals? Before your travels, it will be helpful to learn more about the different species that inhabit the polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctica. You may be surprised to learn the differences!

Gorgeous views of Greenwich Island and the wildlife on shore.

Best Time of Year to Travel to Antarctica

The travel season in Antarctica is during the summer, which runs from November through March. January and February are considered the best months to go on an Antarctica cruise due to better weather and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Cruise the Arctic Svalbard Islands

Svalbard is an archipelago situated in the Arctic waters just north of Norway. The rugged terrain is largely covered by icepack & glaciers, granting opportunities for unique adventure activities. Rare wildlife sightings, tastes of local culture, & taking in awe-inspiring views are just a few of the things to look forward to.

Best Polar Regions Cruise Lines for 2025-2026

Ponant - has small capacity ships that can dock in private ports and offer stopovers in preserved polar locations. Onboard, this is translated through exceptional services, a multilingual crew, and bringing French know-how to the fore. The latest addition to its fleet, Le Commandant Charcot, the very first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration ship powered by liquified natural gas, is the epitome of responsible and sustainable sailing.
Aurora Expeditions - pioneered ship-based adventures 30 years ago with expedition cruises to Antarctica and remained committed to small, low-impact groups. Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle feature the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®, which allows the ship to cross oceans more comfortably and efficiently, and with expansive observation decks to bring you closer to the environment, inviting communal spaces and unsurpassed environmental credentials.
Quark Expeditions - headquartered in Seattle, is uncompromisingly polar, specializing in expeditions to the Antarctic and the Arctic. The newest addition to its fleet, the 199-guest Ultramarine is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, spacious suites, wellness amenities, and numerous outdoor wildlife viewing spaces.
Silversea Cruises - is a luxury cruise line with headquarters in Monaco and is a subsidiary of the Royal Caribbean Group that explores the elegant lifestyle of all-inclusive ultra-luxury polar cruising. With 20-brand new Zodiacs, four superlative restaurants in Antarctica, and a pole-to-pole expedition itinerary, Silver Cloud does break the ice between expedition and luxury.
Polar Latitudes - offers a wide variety of trips to Antarctica, including itineraries to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and Falkland Island. Its newest addition MS Seaventure features a 1-A Super ice-class rating, the highest ice class awarded to passenger's vessels. The ship offers all outside-facing staterooms, some with balconies and beautifully appointed dining areas, as well as al fresco dining on the Lido deck.
Oceanwide Expeditions - are pioneers of ship-based expeditions, inventors of Basecamp Antarctica, and one of the first companies to take travelers to the remote Arctic island of Spitsbergen. MV Hondius is the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world, optimized for the most innovative exploratory voyages throughout the Arctic.
Lindblad Expeditions - has an entire cast of expedition specialists that guide their polar expeditions: experienced sailors and ice masters, expedition leaders, naturalists, undersea specialists, top photographers, cultural specialists, historians, and professional filmmakers. National Geographic Resolution's most striking exterior feature is her distinctive profile, the patented X-Bow®, a game-changing design that guarantees the smoothest, most comfortable ride in all kinds of conditions; and since it eliminates bow impact, thus a quieter ride.
Antarctica 21 - is committed to creating the ideal Antarctic expedition, providing safe, convenient, comfortable access to a life-changing experience. Magellan Explorer, a new and modern expedition vessel custom-built for our Antarctic air-cruises, has a capacity for 73 guests accommodated in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins.
Poseidon Expeditions - has been a leading operator of polar expeditions in the cruise industry since 1999. Providing spacious suites for the accommodation of 114 passengers, the Sea Spirit has an ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiacs, and a set of retractable fin stabilizers for smoother sailing.
Heritage Expeditions - headquartered in Christchurch, New Zealand, was formed in 1985 to increase awareness and conservation of the natural world through responsible expedition travel. Heritage Adventurer is a pioneering expedition vessel often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Polar Exploration' due to her illustrious history and refined design.
Hurtigruten - is Svalbard's most experienced tour operator, tracing its roots back to the late 1800s, and offers year-round land-based adventures next to the North Pole. MS Fram uses the most advanced technology to make her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in Polar Regions.
Adventure Canada - is a family-owned business that makes learning fun, deepening cultural connections and scientific understanding of the world's farthest-flung arctic regions. The spacious, ice-strengthened Ocean Endeavour features twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, and stabilizers. A doctor, paramedic, medical clinic, and enhanced health regime offer peace of mind.
Iceland Pro Cruises - is part of the Iceland ProTravel Group, the leading tour operator in Europe, specializing in Iceland. The Ocean Diamond can enter fjords and bays too shallow for larger vessels. The ship features a range of modern onboard amenities and is staffed with outstanding officers and crew and bilingual expedition leaders and guides.