Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Jul 22 - Aug 6 2025
15 Nights
Price from per person
£33,160
We offer the largest selection of cruises to the North Pole and our in-house team have first hand expereince of travelling onboard Le Commandant Charcot, so we can offer you the best advice to plan your expedition.
Our North Pole expedition cruises allow you to sail through the pack ice on the luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot. Step on the ice floe at 90 degrees north and be one of the few people to have ever made that acheivement.
A North Pole cruise is not just a trip; it's a genuine polar expedition into one of the most remote, inaccessible and breathtaking places on our planet that very few have ever been to.
Follow in the footsteps of the early explorers and join one of our polar expeditions to the Far North.
Price from per person
Price from per person
Price from per person
There's nothing quite like the thrill of standing at the top of the world where the lines of longitude meet and few have ever been.
A North Pole cruise takes you through the vast sea of moving ice in the Arctic Ocean. It is fantastic to see these natural wonders up close from the comfort of a cruise ship.
Cruising through the Arctic waters allows you to see high Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, walruses, ringed seals, and various bird species.
For the ultimate explorer, a new itinerary allows you to cross the Arctic Ocean and visit the magnetic and Geographical North Pole. This ultimate voyage sails from Nome in Alaska through the pack ice to the North Pole and then onto Longyearbyen in Svalbard.
Part of the North Pole cruise experience is the icebreaker on which the voyage takes place. Fine dining, comfortable cabins with great views, an on-deck hot pool, a wellness centre and a highly experienced guide team.
Sea ice formations and unexplored polar wilderness.
Polar Bears, humpback whales, walruses and seals are some of the species frequently seen.Â
Visit a remote fjord and the Inuit settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit, one of Greenland's most isolated communities.
Stand at the top of the world, surrounded by ice and under the Arctic sun that never sets.
Due to the thick sea ice and harsh winter weather conditions, the North Pole can only be reached in the Arctic Summer.
Geographic North Pole Cruises start in Paris with a charter flight to Longyearbyen in Svalbard and end in Reykjavik in Iceland. Paris and Reykjavik have international airports with regular connections to the UK, Europe and the USA.
Transarctic North Pole Cruises start in Seattle with a charter flight to Nome, Alaska, where the ship expedition begins. This expedition ends in Longyearbyen, with a charter flight to Paris as the final destination. Seattle has an international airport with good connections across the USA, the UK, and Europe.
Travel by luxury icebreaker ship from Longyearbyen is the most popular way for guests to visit the North Pole. The sea ice starts north of Svalbard and goes to the North Pole.
See our guide for how to get to the North Pole, including flying.
North Pole cruises run during the Arctic summer from late June to early September. This is the best time to reach the North Pole and explore the Arctic.
The weather is milder in the summer, and the sea ice is navigable on an icebreaker to the North Pole.
Summer is the peak season for Arctic wildlife. During this time, you can better see polar bears, seals, whales, and bird species.
See our When to Visit The North Pole Guide for more information.
We are North Pole experts, and our team has extensive firsthand expertise in expedition cruising. Each year, we help our guests fulfil their dream of reaching the North Pole.
We offer the largest selection of North Pole Cruises and can advise you on different itineraries and trip lengths.
We have firsthand experience of visiting the North Pole and cruising on Le Commandant Charcot and can answer any questions you may have.
We include 100% financial protection free of charge so you can travel confidently.
A cruise to the North Pole is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and we are here to help you plan and prepare for your extraordinary voyage to one of the world's most remote and captivating destinations.
A North Pole Cruise in 2024 starts from £37,860 per person for a shared cabin on a 17-day voyage to the Geographic North Pole and Scoresby Sund. The Owner’s suite on the Luxury Icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot costs over £100,000 per person.
To find out more please see our guide How Much Does A North Pole Cruise Cost?
A North Pole cruise is 17 – 20 days, depending on the itinerary.
The Geographic North Pole expedition, which takes 17 days and includes 16 nights on the ship, involves travelling from Longyearbyen to the North Pole, then to Scoresby Sund, and back to Reykjavik.
The Transarctic expedition from Nome to Longyearbyen is 21 days with 20 nights on the ship.
You won’t see the Northern Lights during the 24 hours of daylight between April and mid-August, as they are only visible during the dark hours. For the best chance to see the Northern Lights, we recommend a trip in September when the darkness sets in.
A North Pole Cruise includes accommodation in comfortable cabins, meals, expert guides, guest lecturers as per itinerary, Zodiac cruises and excursions and specified charter flights.
Check the tour page of your chosen itinerary for full inclusions.
Financial security is key for our clients, so all bookings with North Pole Cruises come with 100% financial protection. We also include supplier failure insurance free of charge for extra peace of mind, so you have the best possible protection on your booking.
When you book your chosen itinerary, the payment options will be quoted.
Typical payment terms are a 30% deposit when booking to secure your cabin and a balance due 90 days before departure.
We accept credit cards or bank transfers.
Kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, and polar plunge are available on some North Pole cruises, but they are subject to availability and weather conditions. Please check with us during booking to see what activities are available.
The North Pole cruises occur in the Arctic summer between late June and early September. The climate and weather in the Arctic can vary greatly, so it’s essential to be prepared. Here’s a detailed guide to the weather, temperatures and climate you can expect on a North Pole cruise:
Arctic Summer Climate:
The Arctic summer is warmer than the harsh winters.
During this time, the Arctic has 24 hours of daylight, known as the “Midnight Sun”.” The sun doesn’t set for several weeks.
Temperature:
Summer temperatures in the Arctic can vary, but on warmer days, they should be just above freezing, around 50°F (10°C).
However, weather can change quickly, cold snaps can occur, and temperatures drop below freezing.
Ice and Sea Ice:
During your cruise, you will encounter different types of ice, including pack ice and icebergs.
The icebreaker is designed to go through ice and has a strengthened hull to withstand ice contact.
Precipitation:
Rain, snow and fog can occur during your cruise. These conditions can reduce visibility and make outdoor activities difficult.
Precipitation is highly unpredictable.
Cruise Itinerary and Flexibility:
Due to changing ice and weather conditions, North Pole cruises require flexibility in the itinerary.
The expedition team and captain will adjust the schedule to ensure your safe arrival at the North Pole and a memorable experience.
Safety First:
Safety is the number one priority on any North Pole cruise. The expedition team, captain, and crew are highly trained in Arctic navigation and safety procedures.
Follow the safety instructions and guidelines from the expedition team and ship’s crew.
Find our more in our guide to North Pole Weather & Climate.
Advance planning is essential as expeditions are often booked a year in advance. Start planning your North Pole Cruise at least 18 months before departure to ensure you have the best choice of itineraries and cabins.
Booking in advance is vital, as expeditions are often sold out a year in advance. Plan your North Pole Cruise at least 18 months before departure to get the best itineraries and cabins.
A North Pole expedition is an adventure of a lifetime to the top of the world, the Geographic North Pole. It’s not just about reaching a destination but about experiencing the raw power and beauty of the Arctic Ocean and its inhabitants. Imagine sailing through the Arctic Circle, surrounded by endless sea ice and ice floes, with the chance to see polar bears and arctic foxes in their natural habitat.
On a North Pole expedition, you’ll sail to one of Earth’s most remote and hostile places. You’ll kayak through icy waters, take a polar plunge, and fly in a hot air balloon above the Arctic landscape. Every moment will be breathtaking and unforgettable. A North Pole expedition is a lifetime journey that will leave you in awe of nature.
First, contact our polar travel advisors, who will help you choose your itinerary and provide you with availability and pricing for your chosen trip.
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