Arctic expedition
Embarking on an Arctic expedition offers an unmatched journey to the remote and pristine polar regions. Oceanwide Expeditions invites travelers to experience a true expedition Arctic adventure, where ice-clad landscapes, wildlife, and the thrill of discovery converge. Our voyages are designed to immerse guests in the wonders of the Arctic, combining expert-led activities with comfortable, purpose-built ships.
Discover the Arctic circle
An expedition cruise through the Arctic Circle takes you to breathtaking destinations such as Greenland, Svalbard, and Iceland. Sail past towering glaciers and navigate through sea ice aboard our ice-strengthened expedition ship. Each journey is crafted to maximize shore excursions, offering opportunities to explore fjords, encounter walrus and polar bears, and witness the endless expanse of the Arctic Ocean. For itineraries visiting Greenland, travelers can experience the vast Greenland ice sheet and engage with Greenlandic culture. Similarly, a cruise to Iceland opens the gateway to volcanic landscapes and dramatic coastlines.
Expert-led polar exploration
Our expedition team consists of seasoned polar guides, naturalists, and marine researchers who bring the Arctic to life. Through presentations and hands-on excursions, guests learn about polar and marine research, Inuit heritage, and the delicate balance of polar ecosystems. Small ship sizes allow frequent Zodiac landings and immersive experiences, from kayaking between icebergs to observing whales in their natural habitat. Those seeking adventure can join activities like mountaineering or camping, making this a true polar adventure.
Svalbard Archipelago and Northwest Greenland
Sail to the remote Svalbard archipelago, where polar landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see. Navigate pack ice and spot wildlife including polar bears and Arctic foxes. Expeditions to northwest Greenland bring travelers closer to the open polar sea, remote Inuit settlements, and spectacular glaciers. These journeys provide insight into the Arctic’s untouched environment and the challenges of polar survival.
Adventure on the water
An Arctic cruise aboard Oceanwide Expeditions’ vessels ensures comfort and flexibility. Ice-strengthened ships like m/v Ortelius, m/v Plancius, and m/v Hondius are built for polar exploration and equipped with Zodiacs for swift landings. Some expeditions even include helicopters for aerial views. Activities range from kayaking among icebergs to hiking across fjords and snowshoeing over glaciers. Every voyage emphasizes safety, allowing guests to reach the edges of the Arctic Ocean and experience the full scope of arctic ice and pack ice conditions.
Unique polar experiences
Travelers can follow in the footsteps of historic explorers such as Peary, reach the North Magnetic Pole, or witness the wonders of the Arctic firsthand. The Arctic’s dramatic environment offers encounters with walruses, polar bears, and whales, while opportunities to learn about Inuit culture and local Greenlandic communities enrich the journey. Guests also gain insight into scientific work being conducted in polar regions, from polar and marine research to environmental conservation.
Planning your Arctic expedition
Preparation is essential for a successful Arctic adventure. A practical packing list includes insulated outerwear, sturdy parkas, and footwear suitable for icy conditions. Guests benefit from guidance provided by our experienced staff, who ensure each activity suits different fitness and experience levels. Expeditions typically begin or end in Longyearbyen, offering a gateway to the Svalbard archipelago and other polar destinations. For those seeking a longer polar journey, Oceanwide Expeditions also offers Arctic cruises covering multiple regions. Travelers interested in extending their journey can also consider a trip to the Jan Mayen Islands.
Connecting Arctic and Antarctic exploration
For travelers interested in further polar adventures, Oceanwide Expeditions provides Antarctica expeditions with similar immersive experiences. Each voyage, whether in the Arctic or Antarctic, emphasizes environmental stewardship, responsible tourism, and unforgettable moments in some of the world’s most remote landscapes.
Experience the adventure of a lifetime
Oceanwide Expeditions offers more than a cruise, it’s an adventure of a lifetime into the heart of polar regions. Guests can kayak alongside icebergs, explore glaciers, and witness wildlife up close. Our expeditions are crafted to balance adventure with comfort, education with exploration, and safety with thrill. Whether journeying through Greenland, Iceland, or the Arctic Ocean, every moment is designed to provide a deeper understanding of these fragile ecosystems and the polar landscapes that define them. Start planning your journey today and explore our expedition cruise options.
Cruises to the Arctic
22 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean – Northwest Iceland - Spitsbergen Explorer
29 May - 20 Jun, 2026
•Tripcode: HDS02D26
Leaving Iceland's magical fjords and the isle of Grimsey behind, voyage into the pack ice of the Denmark Strait and stop by remote Jan Mayen before navigating pack ice on your way to Spitsbergen. Watching for iconic wildlife along the way, you'll venture...
Arctic Ocean – Northwest Iceland - Pack Ice – Grimsey – Jan Mayen – Ice Edge – Spitsbergen
29 May - 13 Jun, 2026
•Tripcode: HDS02C26
This unique Arctic adventure takes you from Iceland's magical fjords and the isle of Grimsey into the pack ice of Greenland's rugged coastline, before exploring wild and remote Jan Mayen and delving into the Greenland Sea's pack ice. Finish your adventure...
19 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean - North Spitsbergen Explorer
25 May - 12 Jun, 2026
•Tripcode: OTL01D26
Sailing between our home port of Vlissingen and our most cherished Arctic archipelago, Svalbard, this expedition adventure visits the Scottish port of Aberdeen, the islands of Fair Isle and Jan Mayen, and the amazing Spitsbergen ice edge, giving you...
17 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean - North Spitsbergen Explorer
27 May - 12 Jun, 2026
•Tripcode: OTL02C26
Sailing between the Scottish port of Aberdeen and our most cherished Arctic archipelago, Svalbard, this expedition adventure visits the islands of Fair Isle and Jan Mayen, and the amazing Spitsbergen ice edge, giving you the chance to search for whales,...
Four Islands | Iceland- Northeast Greenland-Spitsbergen- Bear Island
25 Aug - 12 Sep, 2026
•Tripcode: PLA12C26
Chart an epic course from Iceland into the mazy fjords of Greenland and the beautiful world of the pack ice as you head north. Crossing the Greenland Sea, this combination cruise then takes you through the Svalbard Archipelago, exploring glaciers, mountains,...
Arctic cruise video
Latest blog and customer story
Why should I visit the Arctic in August on an expedition cruise?
In August, the Arctic becomes even more accessible, with long days, stable weather, and new destinations!
Around Spitsbergen, in the Realm of the Polar Bear & Ice
There are journeys and there are journeys. This trip is one that falls in the latter category. I look back on a fantastic experience, during which the awareness of human behavior on this vulnerable planet (and especially the Arctic) became very clear to me.
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the Arctic
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Arctic cruise reviews
The animal and landscape sceneries we're great nur the chinese guests being noisy and chaotic was very disappointing, annoying and shocking to me.they didn't respect nature and I hardly could enjoy the silence of the Arctic as advertised. The food and crew was adorable.
FAQ's about Arctic cruises
What should I take into account when travelling to the Arctic?
What checks should I undertake before going to the Arctic?
Which ships travels to the Arctic?
All of our motor vessels and our sailing vessel make Arctic trips.
When does Oceanwide Expeditions travel to the Arctic?
Our Arctic trips take place during the Northern Hemisphere summer.
Where is the Arctic?
The north Pole is the top point of earth. At the North Pole, night and day occurs continuously half the year. This depends on whether the pole is facing the sun or not.The North Pole is in the middle of the Arctic Ocean and is surrounded by Alaska, Canada, Greenland and Russia.
Who lives in the Arctic?
The Arctic is inhabited by different groups of people with mostly an European background. People from the surrounding countries live at the North Pole.
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About Arctic cruises
From Arctic exploration to Arctic cruises
The first explorers who set foot in the Arctic must have thought they had wandered onto a different planet. But though they were certainly astonished by the dramatic scenery and rich wildlife, their main concern was finding a northern trade route to the Indies.
Instead, they discovered Svalbard, then called Spitsbergen by Dutch captain Willem Barentsz, who named the island in 1596. But unlike the early Arctic explorers, our motivation on Arctic cruises is purely for the experience.
We lead cruises to the Arctic so that our passengers can enjoy one of the last truly wild places on Earth. Remote and occasionally hostile, these areas are home to countless eye-popping sights: fiery sunsets glowing over jagged glaciers, snowy peaks reflected up from water clear as glass, and exotic seabirds streaking the bright blue sky.
And let’s not forget one of the most awe-inspiring sights you might encounter on an Arctic cruise: the polar bear.
We make our expedition cruises to the Arctic during the summer, taking advantage of the milder temperatures and long hours of daylight – yet still this ruggedly beautiful landscape recalls to our minds those first brave voyages so many centuries ago.
Things to know before your Arctic cruise
- The Arctic is a region that extends into Canada, the US, Russia, Finland, Greenland, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland.
- Almost 4,000,000 people live in the Arctic, despite its severe conditions.
- The name “Arctic” comes from the Greek word ἀρκτικός (pronounced “arktikos”), which means “near the bear.” This refers to one or both of two constellations in the northern sky: Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.
- The Arctic Ocean is about 8,690,450 square km, larger than Europe.
- Until recently, it was unknown whether the Arctic’s massive ice sheet was on land or water. The answer was revealed in 1958 when the submarine USS Nautilus navigated under the ice, proving it was indeed over water.
- The coldest temperature ever recorded in the Arctic was around -68°C (-90°F) in Siberia.
- About 7% of the world’s fresh water is contained in Arctic glaciers.
Why take a cruise to the Arctic?
Despite having some of the wildest conditions on Earth, the Arctic offers many of the planet’s once-in-a-lifetime sights. An Arctic cruise takes you to the lands of the midnight sun, polar bear, northern lights, and so much more.
On your cruise to the Arctic, you can enjoy hiking, bird watching, whale spotting, snow shoeing, and firsthand contact with awe-inspiring wildlife and history.
Depending on which Arctic trip you take, you may be able to enjoy numerous outdoors activities in some of the most iconic locations to be found. And if you’d prefer an Arctic cruise on a smaller vessel, check out our Rembrandt van Rijn voyages.
Whatever your choice, joining one of our expedition cruises to the Arctic gives you the chance to experience one of the last true wildernesses on the planet. If you have any questions about our Arctic expedition, please feel free to contact us.
