Solo travel can be one of the most liberating and enriching ways to explore the world, and nowhere is this truer than in the remote, awe-inspiring wilds of the Arctic or Antarctica! Check out our current Arctic and Antarctic expedition cruise itineraries, and keep an eye out for solo travel deals and discounts!
When you embark on a polar expedition on your own, you give yourself the space to connect deeply with the majesty of nature and iconic wildlife and set your own pace of discovery. Away from the bustle of daily life, the extraordinary stillness of the ice and ancient, towering peaks invite reflection, wonder, and genuine immersion.
On an Oceanwide Expeditions voyage, you’re not simply observing the polar regions. You’re absorbing them. As a solo traveler, you can follow your own rhythm, choose your own activity level, and opt to fully embrace the quiet, pristine grandeur of the polar world in your own, unforgettable way.
Why the Oceanwide Expeditions Experience is Perfect for Solo Travel
With us, you might visit some of the most remote and far-flung corners of the Earth, but you’ll never feel isolated or out of place! On board our expedition vessels, you’ll find enthusiastic, curious, and like-minded travelers of all backgrounds, ages, and interests. From couples and friend groups to small travel groups and special interest organizations, you’ll find yourself among a refreshing mix of personalities.
Perhaps, you’ll encounter fellow birdwatchers or discover a new love for geology, photography, or polar history through your fellow guests. The small size of our ships and the authentic nature of our approach to expedition cruising foster genuine camaraderie. It’s easy to engage in conversation, make connections, and share Zodiac cruises and shore landings. But it’s equally easy to step back, pause, and watch the icebergs drift by, lost in your own thoughts.
Mix With Our International Expedition Team
The diverse range of personalities, backgrounds, interests, and experiences isn’t limited to your fellow guests! Your journey is guided by a dedicated team of expedition leaders, naturalists, and crew who live and breathe polar travel. They’re skilled not only in safe, high-quality logistics, but in creating shared moments of wonder. Whether spotting polar bears in the expanse of the pack ice, navigating Zodiacs and leading long hikes across the tundra, or simply being present as you appreciate the subtle hush of a polar night.
At breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or in the bar each evening, you’ll swap stories and have the opportunity to mingle. You’re not a guest – you’re part of the expedition!
Immersive Polar Activities for Solo Travelers
Because you’re travelling solo, you have the freedom to select from the activities that most resonate with you, especially on a Basecamp voyage, on which activities are included in the voyage price. You’re also not locked into your decision. If you feel like spending time absorbing the silence of the world around you instead of a kayaking session, the expedition is yours to mold!
There is something uniquely profound about the silence of the polar regions, the absence of human noise, the vast unspoiled landscapes, the slow drift of glaciers, the call of seabirds overhead. Solo travel amplifies this stillness. If you wish, you don’t need to be distracted by constant conversation or activity; instead, you can sit back, breathe in, and watch the light shift across the ice.
What to Expect When Traveling Solo to the Arctic or Antarctica
Travelling solo with Oceanwide means you’ll arrive among new friends and fellow adventurers rather than strangers in an unfamiliar group. With limited numbers of guests and deck plans designed to foster interaction, you’ll quickly find your place among the expedition family. Communal spaces such as the bar, viewing decks, and observation lounge are inviting and relaxing, offering connection and communication as well as the chance to unwind, relax, and dive into one of the books in our onboard libraries.
Aboard the ship, you have freedom to roam, from the viewing areas to the bridge, and there’s always a quiet corner to be found. You have freedom to join what you like, skip what you don’t, strike up conversations, or sit quietly with a mug of hot tea as icebergs drift by silently outside, or aurora bathes the observation lounge in ethereal light.
We champion responsible travel and place the well-being of the animals we encounter and the preservation of the landscapes we explore at the forefront of everything we do. We do not allow the use of drones on any of our expeditions and actively encourage all of our guests to remain respectful of wildlife through noise minimization and sticking to strict distance rules.
Why Solo Travel is the Perfect Way to Experience the Polar Regions
The polar regions are not about constant action, crowds, or heavy schedules. They are about discovery, silence, the unexpected, the wild and the untouched. You’ll form connections with new people, often lifelong friends, drawn together by the shared wonder of the moment.
Adventure awaits at the edges of the map. Are you ready to chase it on your own terms?
Arctic and Antarctic single-passenger travel FAQ
If you’re considering an Arctic or Antarctic cruise but are still undecided, read the answers to these frequently asked questions. It may make your decision a little easier.
- Is it possible to have a cabin all to myself?
Yes, it is possible for all but quad and triple cabins. The rate to have a cabin to yourself is 1.7x the price of a single berth.
- Who will I share a cabin with?
If you don’t book a cabin to yourself, you’ll share it with whoever happened to book the other berth. We always pair cabin mates with the same gender, however, keeping males and females together.
- Can I choose who I share a cabin with?
Not unless you have specifically booked together.
- When assigning cabin mates, do you keep in mind age and nationality?
No, we only consider gender when assigning cabin mates.
- If I book a berth in a shared cabin and there is no roommate, do I have to pay the single supplement fee?
No, you only pay for the berth you use.
- Is it likely that I’ll have a cabin to myself?
Sometimes, but it’s not particularly likely. If we’re not able to give you a cabin to yourself, we’ll ask if you mind sharing a cabin.