Last Places
Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen - ReykjavÃk
July 26 - Aug 11 2024
16 Nights
Price from per person
£40,010
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Introduction To North Pole Cruises
Our hand-picked North Pole Cruises offer a remarkable chance to sail through the pack ice on a purpose-built luxury icebreaker and step foot on the frozen sea at 90 degrees north - the top of the world.Â
An expedition cruise to the North Pole is not just a journey; it's an extraordinary odyssey into one of our planet's most pristine, elusive, and awe-inspiring environments.
The North Pole is one of Earth's most remote and inaccessible places, making it a dream destination for any explorer. Witness pristine and untouched polar wilderness, icy seascapes, and unique wildlife on this journey into the heart of the Arctic.
Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Jul 7 - Jul 22 2025
15 Nights
Price from per person
£31,170
Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Aug 21 - Sep 5 2025
15 Nights
Price from per person
£31,170
Highlights Of A North Pole Cruise
Why Visit?
1
Stand on the sea ice at 90° North
Nothing can beat the exhilarating feeling of standing on top of the world in a place where the lines of longitude meet and few have ever visited.
2
Explore one of the Earth's greatest frontiers
A cruise to the North Pole takes you through the frozen Arctic Ocean, a vast expanse of ever-changing ice formations. Witnessing these incredible natural wonders up close from the comfort of a cruise ship is a truly awe-inspiring experience.
3
Search For Polar Bears and Wildlife
The Arctic sea ice is home to diverse wildlife, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and various bird species. Cruising through the Arctic waters allows you to witness these awe-inspiring animals in their natural habitat.
4
Traverse the Entire Arctic and Visit 2 North Poles
For true explorers, a new itinerary offers the possibility to traverse the entire Arctic Ocean and visit both the magnetic and Geographical North Pole. This epic voyage sails from Nome in Alaska through the pack ice to the North Pole and then onto Longyearbyen in Svalbard.
5
Luxury Icebreaker Experience
A part of the North Pole cruise experience is the icebreaker the voyage takes place on. Picture fine dining, well-appointed cabins with epic views, an on-deck hot pool, a wellness centre, not to mention a highly experienced guide team.Â
What To See On A North Pole Cruise
Epic Ice & Polar Wilderness
Endless sea ice formations and an unexplored, constantly shifting polar wilderness.
Wildlife
Polar Bears, humpback whales, walruses and seals can all be seen in their natural habitat.
Scoresby Sund
Explore a remote fjord and visit the remote Inuit settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit, one of Greenland's most isolated communities.
Midnight Sun
Imagine standing at the world's top, surrounded by a sea of ice, under the endless Arctic sun.
Getting To Your North Pole Cruise
Due to the thick sea ice and harsh weather conditions during the winter, reaching the North Pole is only possible in the Arctic Summer. Â
Geographic North Pole Cruises commence 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 commence in Seattle with a charter flight to Nome in Alaska, where the ship expedition begins. This expedition ends in Longyearbyen with a charter flight to Paris as the final endpoint. Seattle has an international airport with good connections across the USA, the UK, and Europe.Â
Travelling by luxury icebreaker ship from Longyearbyen is the favorite route for guests visiting the North Pole. The sea ice begins at the North of Svalbard and extends to the North Pole.Â
Please see our guide for the various ways to reach the North Pole, including flying.
Best Time To Go On A North Pole Cruise
North Pole cruises operate during the Arctic summer from late June to early September. This period offers the most favourable conditions for reaching the North Pole and exploring the Arctic region.
During the summer, milder weather allows safe passage through the navigable sea ice on an icebreaker to the North Pole.Â
Summer is the peak season for Arctic wildlife activity. You have a better chance of spotting polar bears, seals, whales, and bird species during this time.
Please see our When to Visit The North Pole Guide for a complete guide on which month to choose.
Types Of North Pole Cruise
Luxury North Pole Cruises From Svalbard
Embark on a luxury icebreaker cruise to the North Pole sailing from Svalbard in Norway through the pack ice to reach 90 degrees north.
North Pole & Scoresby Sund Cruises
Sail to the North Pole from Svalbard and then explore Scoresby Sund located on Greenland's remote east coast, before sailing to Reykjavik in Iceland.
Trans Arctic Via The North Pole
For the explorers, join an epic expedition to sail across the top of the world from Nome in Alaska to Svalbard via the Geographic and Magnetic North Poles.
North Pole Cruises With No Single Supplement
Are you a single traveller looking to make an epic voyage to the North Pole? Please see our North Pole cruises with no single supplement here.
Places To Explore On A North Pole Cruise
Geographic North Pole
Located on top of the Earth, the Geographic North Pole is a point in the frozen Arctic Ocean that few curious explorers visit every year.
Scoresby Sund
Home to some of the most captivating landscapes on the planet, Scoresby Sund is the longest natural fjord system on Earth, with gigantic icebergs and steep-sided fjords.
Svalbard
Situated in the high Arctic, Svalbard is an archipelago famous for its abundant wildlife including countless polar bears.
Alaska
Nome in Alaska marks the start or end of our Trans-Arctic North Pole Cruises and is the perfect place to explore.
North Pole Cruise Ships
Le Commandant Charcot
245 Guests
PC2 Icebreaker
150 Meters
Le Commandant Charcot is a groundbreaking icebreaker notable for its cutting-edge technology, exceptional design, and luxurious onboard experience. As the first hybrid electric and LNG-powered icebreaker, it offers the most environmentally friendly way of reaching the North Pole.
50 Years of Victory
160 Guests
Icebreaker
160 Meters
50 Years of Victory is one of the most formidable icebreakers in the world, designed to navigate through the thickest Arctic ice. Used as a working ship during the winter months to keep sea lanes open, during the summer months, it offers guests a unique experience to journey to the North Pole on an authentic nuclear-powered ship.
Plan Your North Pole Cruise
Book Well in Advance: North Pole cruises have limited availability due to the short season and fill up quickly. To secure your spot, book your cruise well in advance.
Choose Your Itinerary: Different North Pole cruises offer a choice of destinations and activities. Choose a voyage that aligns with your interests, whether it's wildlife viewing, cultural experiences, or specific activities. Our Travel Experience Team are always happy to provide advice to help you choose.
Reserve Your Cabin With North Pole Cruises: Our Travel Experience Team will help you choose your trip, answer any questions and ensure you receive the best price at the time of booking.
Before the voyage, we will provide lots of helpful information, including packing lists, and support you during your journey if you have any issues. With every booking, we offer peace of mind with our 100% financial protection.
Travel Insurance: When booking, purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and evacuation from remote locations. Ensure that your policy explicitly covers polar travel.
Visiting 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.
North Pole Cruises FAQ
How Much Does A North Pole Cruise Cost?
The cost of a North Pole Cruise in 2024 starts from £37,860 ($48,233, €43,641) per person based on a shared cabin for a 17-day voyage to the Geographic North Pole and Scoresby Sund. Prices rise to over £100,000 ($127,400, €115,270) per person for the Owners suite on Luxury Icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot.
To find out more please see our guide How Much Does A North Pole Cruise Cost?
How Many Days is a North Pole Cruise?
A cruise to the North Pole is 17 – 20 days, depending on your chosen itinerary.Â
The Geographic North Pole expedition sailing from Longyearbyen to the North Pole and then Scoresby Sund and arriving in Reykjavik is a total of 17 days with 16 nights on the ship.Â
The Trans-Arctic expedition sailing from Nome to Longyearbyen takes 21 days with 20 nights on the ship.
Can I see the Northern Lights on a North Pole Cruise?
During the 24 hours of daylight between April and mid-August, you will not see the Northern Lights as they are only visible during the dark hours. For the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights, we recommend a trip in September when the darkness sets in.
What is included in a North Pole Cruise?
Each North Pole Cruise includes accommodation in well-appointed cabins, meals, expert guides, guest lecturers outlined in the itinerary, Zodiac cruises and excursions, and specified charter flights.
Please check the tour page of your chosen itinerary to see a complete list of inclusions.
What are the payment options?
We understand that financial security is paramount for our clients, which is why all bookings made with North Pole Cruises include 100% financial protection, and we include supplier failure insurance free of charge for extra peace of mind. This ensures you have the very best protection on your booking.Â
When booking for your chosen itinerary, the payment options will be quoted.
Typical payment terms are a 25% deposit when booking to reserve your cabin and the final balance payable 90 days before departure.Â
We accept payment via credit card or bank transfer.
What Additional Activities are offered?
Kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, and polar plunge are offered on selected North Pole cruises and are subject to availability and weather conditions. Please check with us during the booking process to check the availability of additional activities.
What is the Weather Like on A North Pole Cruise?
During the Arctic summer, cruising to the North Pole occurs between late June and early September. The climate and weather conditions in the Arctic vary considerably, so it’s crucial to be prepared.
Here’s a detailed guide on the weather, temperatures, and climate you can expect on a North Pole cruise:
Arctic Summer Climate
The Arctic summer is characterised by relatively milder temperatures compared to the harsh winters in the region.
During this time, the Arctic experiences 24-hour daylight, known as the “Midnight Sun.” This means the sun does not set for several weeks, creating an otherworldly experience.
Temperature:
Temperatures in the Arctic during summer can vary but generally expect them to range from just above freezing to around 50°F (10°C) on warmer days.
However, it’s essential to note that weather conditions can change rapidly, and cold snaps can occur, leading to sub-freezing temperatures.
Ice and Sea Ice:
During your cruise, you will encounter various types of ice, including pack ice and icebergs.
The icebreaker is built to navigate through ice and has a reinforced hull to withstand contact with ice.
Precipitation:
Rain, snow, and fog are all possible during your cruise. These conditions can reduce visibility and make outdoor activities challenging.
Precipitation is highly variable, and the weather can be unpredictable.
Cruise Itinerary and Flexibility:
Itineraries for North Pole cruises need flexibility due to changing ice and weather conditions.
The expedition team and captain will adapt the schedule to maximize your chances of safely reaching the North Pole and offer the best possible experience.
Safety
Safety is always the top priority on any North Pole cruise. The expedition team, captain, and crew are highly -trained in Arctic navigation and safety procedures.
Please 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.
When Should I Plan My North Pole Cruise?
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.
How do I book a North Pole Cruise?
The first step to booking your cruise is to contact our Travel Experience Team, who will be happy to help you with your choice of itinerary and provide you details about availability and pricing for your selected voyage.
