Life onboard an Arctic cruise ship
Arctic cruise vessels might be dwarfed by the type of cruise ships most people are familiar with, but when it comes to adventure, they go super-size. These are expedition cruises, so while the ship and cabins are perfectly comfortable with all the amenities you will need, don’t expect a selection of bars, nightclubs and rows of glittering gift shops that you really don’t. On an Arctic cruise, you are always focused outwards rather than inwards, either on the observation decks or exploring the area by smaller Zodiac boats and on foot, really aiming to make the very most of your limited time in an incredible location. Hours may pass with not much happening when you’re traveling, but just soaking up the quiet, the seascapes, the birdlife and the icebergs means boredom is never an issue.
There are different types of ship available including robust vessels that offer more basic amenities, but are suitable for venturing into very remote areas with the ability to break through stiff ice, and state-of-the-art ships that feel a lot more luxurious. Passenger numbers vary between 50 and 250, so it’s very sociable but not the sort of buzzing beehive you get on a mega-cruise. Another incentive to getting to know your fellow passengers is that you can expect to be out of mobile and internet range for long periods of time.
All of our Arctic cruise vacations are operated by suppliers that take a responsible approach to the environment, doing their best to minimise water and electricity use and waste production, but travelers can do their part by taking short showers, ensuring lights in cabins are turned off and not bringing along any excess packaging that then has to be disposed of.
There are different types of ship available including robust vessels that offer more basic amenities, but are suitable for venturing into very remote areas with the ability to break through stiff ice, and state-of-the-art ships that feel a lot more luxurious. Passenger numbers vary between 50 and 250, so it’s very sociable but not the sort of buzzing beehive you get on a mega-cruise. Another incentive to getting to know your fellow passengers is that you can expect to be out of mobile and internet range for long periods of time.
All of our Arctic cruise vacations are operated by suppliers that take a responsible approach to the environment, doing their best to minimise water and electricity use and waste production, but travelers can do their part by taking short showers, ensuring lights in cabins are turned off and not bringing along any excess packaging that then has to be disposed of.
You’ll be provided with a typical itinerary, but it needs keeping in mind that itineraries are purposefully kept fairly loose and vague, simply because daily activities will always depend on the weather, the amount of ice and whether any wildlife appears in the vicinity. Expert lectures on topics such as polar bears, conservation, glaciers or marine biology are given during slower periods, and you’re free to attend as many or as few of these as you like.
While moving around onboard, it’s recommended that you wear layered clothing, and carry around a ‘go bag’ holding everything you’ll need for the day such as sun protection, extra camera battery and binoculars. That way, if a polar bear or a narwhal suddenly turns up, you don’t need to waste valuable minutes racing back to your cabin.
The sea in the Arctic is generally calm, but can become rougher during bad weather, so if you have a tendency towards seasickness then it’s advisable to bring along a good supply of any medication you find works for you. Sunscreen is another essential.
Daytime activities
Dramatic, soul-stirring landscapes are par for the course in the Arctic. Expedition cruises sail along deep fjords, through ice floes and narrow channels, along island coasts lined with flowering tundra, basalt cliffs, mountain peaks and glaciers calving icebergs. The wildlife of course is entirely unpredictable, but every ship has expert spotters aboard, giving you the best possible chance of seeing anything from Arctic fox to polar bears and seals.
You will typically spend a substantial part of each day on the ship’s observation decks, which can be open or enclosed, but there will usually be daily activities on land as well. In both instances you will be accompanied at all times by expert expedition staff that have years of experience. Activities are very well organised, with transport by Zodiac rigid-hull boats, and armed guards occupying high ground throughout to keep an eye out for polar bears (if one does approach, guards make every effort to scare it away with flares or gunshots, and groups return to the ship if they can’t).
You will typically spend a substantial part of each day on the ship’s observation decks, which can be open or enclosed, but there will usually be daily activities on land as well. In both instances you will be accompanied at all times by expert expedition staff that have years of experience. Activities are very well organised, with transport by Zodiac rigid-hull boats, and armed guards occupying high ground throughout to keep an eye out for polar bears (if one does approach, guards make every effort to scare it away with flares or gunshots, and groups return to the ship if they can’t).
Off-ship activities include Zodiac cruises around icebergs and glaciers, guided nature hikes to see colonies of nesting birds or walruses, kayaking, the famous ‘Polar plunge’(!), and visits to sites of historic and cultural significance such as memorials to early Arctic expeditions or the remnants of whaling camps with their heat-blackened blubber ovens.
Zodiac boats ferry passengers back and forth from ship to land in groups of around 12, and it’s a very methodical process to ensure everyone boards safely. If the weather is just too rough to make land, then other onboard activities such as an impromptu talk will be organised while the ship sails into another position.
Evening activities
Evening meals are casual affairs, with no need to dress up, although if you have the space you might want one outfit for the final night. Following dinner, travelers will typically read or play cards and board games. Given the Arctic experiences 24-hour daylight during the summer months, you may find it useful to have an eye mask when you decide to turn in.
While the passengers sleep, the ship’s spotters remain watchful. If they sight something interesting such as a polar bear coming into view then unless you have requested otherwise you’ll be woken up and choose to head up on deck.
While the passengers sleep, the ship’s spotters remain watchful. If they sight something interesting such as a polar bear coming into view then unless you have requested otherwise you’ll be woken up and choose to head up on deck.
Our Arctic cruising Vacations
Arctic icebreaker cruise, Spitsbergen
Wildlife-focused, expert-led small ship Arctic cruises
From
£2880 to £20195
8 days
ex flights
Arctic sailing voyages, North Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen tall-ship wildlife and natural history sailing
From
€3980 to €4290
8 days
ex flights
Greenland voyage cruise and northern lights
The world's longest fjord & spectacular Aurora Borealis
From
€3950
9 days
ex flights
Spitsbergen cruise, 6 days
A 6 day 'taster voyage' to explore Spitsbergen's highlights
From
£1431 to £1705
6 days
ex flights
Svarlbard luxury cruise in the Arctic
Polar bears, glaciers and snow covered mountains in luxury
From
£4138 to £4914
11 days
ex flights
Spitsbergen 2 week cruise, in depth
Rugged, wild, unspoiled and utterly unforgettable
From
£7900
14 days
ex flights
Travel Team
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Sandra Kormann from our specialist travel company Intrepid on the practicalities of life onboard an Arctic cruise:
Cabins
“All cabins are en suite, and will usually but not always have either a porthole window or a balcony. If you’re sharing then the aim is to match you with people of the same gender and age group. The size of each cabin depends very much on the ship, whether it’s a standard Arctic expedition vessel or something more luxurious. For a twin on a standard vessel expect around 13 square metres, while superior cabins can be double that.”
Meals
“In most cases breakfasts and lunches are buffet meals, while dinners involve set menus. You may also have a couple of barbecues on the deck during your cruise. A big part of what makes these trips so unique and special is that expedition staff eat with the passengers, a fantastic opportunity to get to know them better and ask any questions you may have. Often the captain will dine with the passengers on the last night, and perhaps give a speech beforehand. You’ll be eating international cuisine for the most part.”
More about Arctic cruising
The best time to go on an Arctic cruise is during the summer months, when the sea ice melts enough to let ships pass, and the midnight sun bathes these northern lands - find out more with our month by month guide.
Our Arctic cruises travel guide reveals why the best way to explore is a small ship expedition cruise, and compares the different Arctic areas - with Northern Lights, Inuit art, dog sledding,and - of course - polar bears.
There are several Arctic cruise itineraries available, focusing on different regions and activities - wildlife features on any Arctic cruise, but use our interactive map to find out which species you are likely to see and where.
On a typical Arctic cruise the amenities are quite basic as the aim is to spend a lot of time on land - optional activities in the Arctic range from nature hikes to kayaking and even the chilling ‘Polar Plunge’!
Arctic wildlife cruises, with superb biologists and wildlife guides accompanying them, will help you spot polar bears, enormous walrus, fluffy Arctic foxes and several species of whales, plus birds, seals and orca.
The big ticket attraction on Arctic cruises is the chance to see polar bears and while sightings can never be guaranteed certain locations are more likely than others - read on to find out where to see polar bears on an Arctic cruise.
With at least 17 species seen in Arctic waters at different times of year, responsible whale watching in the Arctic has immense potential, and onboard experts are always at hand to explain what species and behaviours you’re witnessing.
An Arctic cruise is likely to be one of the most memorable vacations of your life, so it’s important to get it right - here's our advice on choosing a ship for an Arctic cruise so you have all you need to know before making a decision.
With comfortable but compact cabins, and various practicalities that you’ll need to prepare for, knowing what to pack for an Arctic cruise is essential to make the most of the space in your suitcase and ensure you bring all you need.
Deciding whether you ought to save or splurge on an Arctic cruise vacation is likely to be one of the biggest issues you face during the planning process - here are some of the ways you can either cut costs or supersize your trip.
Read on for the best Arctic cruises travel advice offered up by our vacation experts who have spent years working in the far north, with tips on which regions to visit, recommendations for twitchers and health and safety advice.
Responsible tourism in the Arctic is a thorny issue but taking a responsible Arctic cruise can help strengthen this region, its communities and wildlife against exploitation, climate change and land grabs - find out more below.
