Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Aug 21 - Sep 5 2025
15 Nights
Price from per person
£31,170
The cost of a North Pole cruise starts at £35,140 ($48,220) per person in 2025. The prices increase depending on your choice of suite and chosen cruise date.
In this post, I explain the costs of a cruise to the North Pole, considerations about whether the trip you want to take is worth it, and offer my tips for getting the best price for your trip.
For most, a North Pole cruise is just a dream, but the select few who choose to take the plunge and go on this adventure are rewarded with an incredible journey to one of the least visited places on Earth.
Each year we help our guests fulfil their dream and reach the North Pole. Please reach out to our Travel Experience Team to find out more.
Reaching the North Pole is no easy task; only around 700 people reach the North Pole each year by cruise ship. A North Pole cruise is an adventure that can only be done on purpose-built icebreaker ships with a small number of guests per voyage. Here are some of the costs.
The Arctic is notorious for its harsh conditions and tough maritime environment. The sea ice in the Arctic is up to 3 meters thick and requires icebreaker ships designed for such conditions with reinforced hulls and advanced navigation systems. Building, maintaining, and operating these ships adds to the overall expedition cost.
A North Pole cruise is an Arctic expedition that requires a purpose-built expedition ship, an experienced polar crew, and brave guests with the time and money to obtain this privileged experience. Expedition ships are designed to navigate the Arctic ice and offer a unique experience to explore the most northerly regions above the Arctic Circle.
Modern icebreakers are designed with luxury in mind. Ships like Le Commandant Charcot only take 240 guests per voyage with a team of over 200 staff and expedition guides. Guests have an exclusive experience on a highly specialist ship that can navigate through sea ice and reach places that regular expedition ships can’t.
The Arctic is not habitable for most of the year. To reach the North Pole by ship, there is only a short window of opportunity during the Arctic summer when the ice conditions are manageable, and there are 24 hours of daylight. This short operating season means only a few North Pole Cruises can operate yearly.
The scarcity and exclusivity of being at the top of the world means North Pole cruises are always in high demand each year. The uniqueness of the expedition and the luxury of an icebreaker ship mean the price is premium for an experience like no other.
For those brave enough to take the plunge on this unique adventure, the cost is not just a transaction but a ticket to a world at the top of the planet.
For those looking for an epic adventure, this investment includes luxury accommodation, fine dining, curated excursions and the privilege of being at the North Pole.
Price from per person
Price from per person
Price from per person
A North Pole cruise is worth it for the fantastic experience of the Arctic and being at the North Pole. Ultimately, it’s down to personal preferences, interests and how much you value the unique experience. Here are some things to consider:
Being at the North Pole is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If the idea of visiting the top of the world appeals to you, the exclusivity of the experience will make the investment worth it.
A North Pole cruise is for you if you love adventure and exploring off the beaten track. Luxury icebreakers have Zodiacs for exploring the vast sea ice floes and are led by a team of expert guides. Learning about the Arctic’s pristine landscapes and wildlife is all part of the experience.
The High Arctic has stunning scenery, from vast ice floes to unique wildlife like polar bears and seals. On the 50 Years of Victory, a hot air balloon ride is a unique activity offered during the cruise, providing a breathtaking aerial perspective of the vast ice landscape. If you love nature and are in awe of the polar landscapes, then a North Pole cruise is a sensory feast. Navigating through ice-covered waters is a one-off experience.
Reaching the North Pole is a badge of honour for many travellers. If achieving a rare and exclusive travel milestone is important to you, then the sense of achievement and the stories to tell will make a North Pole Cruise worth it.
Until recently, reaching the North Pole on a working icebreaker ship with limited amenities was the only option. With Le Commandant Charcot, however, reaching the North Pole in 5-star comfort and luxury is possible, making the experience even more appealing to the luxury traveller.
A North Pole cruise is an investment, but the rewards are some of the highest of any travel experience on the planet. If being at the top of the world and experiencing the beauty of the Arctic appeals to you, then the experience may be priceless. Ultimately, deciding if a North Pole cruise is worth it is up to you.
The high costs associated with North Pole trips are evident in the pricing for a North Pole Cruise in 2025, which starts at £37,860 ($46,300, €43,380) per person for a shared double suite for a 17-day expedition to the Geographic North Pole and Scoresby Sund. The ultimate luxury in the owner’s suite on the luxurious Icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot is over £100,000 (€114,000, $122,000) per person.
Our experienced Travel Experience Team has firsthand knowledge and is here to help you plan your North Pole cruise. To get to the North, you can embark on various expedition cruises departing from Murmansk and Svalbard, with detailed itineraries covering travel durations, wildlife exploration, and unique Arctic navigation experiences. We will help you choose your itinerary, explain the differences between the voyages and help you select your cabin based on your preferences. We can also tell you what’s included and what’s optional. We’re always happy to answer any questions you have.
All bookings made with us at North Pole Cruises are 100% financially protected. We include supplier failure insurance free of charge so you are fully protected. We also guarantee the best price from the operator when booking.
Enquire to book or ask a question.
See our North Pole Packing list.
North Pole cruises on Le Commandant Charcot offer a unique kayaking experience amongst the ice floes and icebergs. Unlike historical expeditions to the South Pole, such as Roald Amundsen’s achievement of being the first person to reach the South Pole on foot in 1911, North Pole cruises focus on sailing adventure activities rather than an extreme expedition.
Other activities may zodiac excursions, hiking, and wildlife-watching which are all included in the price.
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