L'Arctique est une vaste région, et non un pays unique. Le Svalbard, le Groenland et d'autres itinéraires nordiques ont des règles d'entrée, des communautés et des habitats fauniques différents. La glace et les restrictions locales façonnent chaque débarquement d'expédition.
Un voyage à travers la côte glacée du Svalbard et la région environnante révèle toute la dimension du paysage. Ton navire relie les sites côtiers, tandis que les excursions guidées révèlent ces détails qu'il est facile de manquer depuis le pont.
Choisis les escales réelles du programme, pas seulement le nom de la destination. Les itinéraires qui incluent la toundra arctique peuvent offrir un équilibre différent entre nature et culture par rapport à ceux centrés sur l'exploration de la banquise. Les activités, les permis et les niveaux de marche requis varient selon le voyage.
When to go
Best time to travel: seasons & weather
Match your Arctic route to the season, the shore experiences you want and local conditions. Coastal regions can differ considerably within the same destination.
Shore-excursion season in Arctic at a glance
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
ExcellentGoodOff-season
Excellent, peak season (Jun – Aug)
Midnight sun and retreating ice: polar bears, walrus, reindeer and tundra flowers on Svalbard and Greenland landings.
Good, shoulder season (May & Sep)
Edges of the season bring more ice or autumn colours and fewer sailings.
Off-season (Oct – Apr)
Polar night and pack ice; no expedition cruises.
Typical patterns for planning shore excursions; weather varies year to year and is never guaranteed.
Peak season · Jun – Aug
Midnight sun and retreating ice: polar bears, walrus, reindeer and tundra flowers on Svalbard and Greenland landings.
Shoulder season · May & Sep
Edges of the season bring more ice or autumn colours and fewer sailings.
Season & shore-walk conditions
Jan
Limited
37 mm
Limited
Feb
Limited
38 mm
Limited
Mar
Limited
37 mm
Limited
Apr
Limited
27 mm
Limited
May
Variable
28 mm
Seasonal
Jun
Peak
21 mm
Seasonal
Jul
Peak
40 mm
Seasonal
Aug
Peak
56 mm
Seasonal
Sep
Variable
60 mm
Seasonal
Oct
Limited
43 mm
Limited
Nov
Limited
45 mm
Limited
Dec
Limited
46 mm
Limited
Season & shore-walk conditions
Typical pattern
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Shore conditions
Limited
Limited
Limited
Limited
Variable
Peak
Peak
Peak
Variable
Limited
Limited
Limited
Rain / snow · mm
37
38
37
27
28
21
40
56
60
43
45
46
Cruises
Limited
Limited
Limited
Limited
Seasonal
Seasonal
Seasonal
Seasonal
Seasonal
Limited
Limited
Limited
Temperatures describe Longyearbyen, Svalbard. Greenland and other Arctic regions differ substantially. Cruise operation depends on the published itinerary, not the weather rating.
Air temperatures through the year
Average daily highAverage daily low
Temperatures in Longyearbyen, Svalbard shift clearly through the year: July is the warmest month with average highs near 9°C, while March is the coolest at around -10°C, a swing of roughly 19°C. Nights typically run about 3°C below the daytime high, so a layer for evenings is worth packing. The months between these extremes warm up and cool down gradually rather than abruptly.
Longyearbyen, Svalbard · 2015–2024. Monthly averages, rounded for planning; not a forecast or a local station measurement. Rainfall includes water-equivalent snowfall where relevant.
Wildlife on land & along the coast
Meet the locals
The most memorable encounters often happen at walking pace. Animals live in specific habitats, so the places on your route matter as much as the month. Follow local wildlife distances and your guide.
Wildlife is wild: sightings, courtship displays and nesting activity cannot be guaranteed. Species occur in different parts of the region, not at every landing.
These are examples of places and experiences, not a promised itinerary. Look for the actual landing names and included transfers in your ship’s day-by-day program.
01 · Paysages côtiers
Côte glacée du Svalbard
Les glaciers et les eaux côtières froides offrent de superbes paysages à explorer, l'accès étant dicté par la glace et la faune.
Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.
02 · Patrimoine local
Toundra arctique
Le court été fait éclore des plantes rases sur des sols fragiles. Marche uniquement là où on te l'indique.
Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.
03 · Exploration guidée
Falaises aux oiseaux
Les grandes colonies d'oiseaux marins peuvent être observées à une distance de sécurité sans les déranger.
Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.
04 · Nature à terre
Fjords d'icebergs du Groenland
Les itinéraires au Groenland peuvent inclure des fjords parsemés d'icebergs, dont l'accès dépend des conditions locales.
Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.
05 · Expériences insulaires
Exploration de la banquise
L'exploration en navire ou en Zodiac à proximité des glaces exige de la flexibilité et des décisions prises par des experts de l'expédition.
Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.
06 · Points forts de l'itinéraire
Communautés nordiques
Les visites des communautés varient à travers l'Arctique. Respecte tes hôtes, la propriété privée et les coutumes locales.
Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.
Glace & pergélisol
Les glaciers, la banquise et les sols gelés façonnent les côtes, soumises à de rapides changements saisonniers.
Toundra fragile
Les petits arbustes, mousses et lichens poussent lentement et sont vulnérables au piétinement.
Règles pour la faune & les communautés
La sécurité face aux ours polaires, les distances d'observation de la faune et les restrictions de débarquement dépendent de chaque région. Suis les consignes du chef d'expédition et des autorités locales.
Choose places before cabins
Which Arctic route is right for you?
Route labels vary between operators. Compare the actual ports, landings and shore programs, not just the regional name.
Svalbard
Les itinéraires au départ de Longyearbyen se concentrent sur une nature insulaire sauvage et réglementée.
Côte du Groenland
Choisis la côte spécifique du Groenland, le point d'accès et les communautés à visiter pour ton itinéraire.
Autres expéditions en Arctique
Les itinéraires combinant l'Islande ou l'Arctique canadien nécessitent des formalités d'entrée et d'accès spécifiques.
Explore the cruise ships already in our collection. Compare cabins, guest numbers and day-by-day routes; daily prices appear only when current pricing is available.
18 published cruise ships. Ships remain listed even when departure dates are not yet available.
Svalbard voyages start in Longyearbyen (LYR) via Oslo; Greenland via Copenhagen or Reykjavík (KEF).
LYR
Flight gateway
Svalbard · Longyearbyen
Choose this airport only if it suits your confirmed embarkation port. Confirm the onward flight or harbour transfer from Svalbard with your operator before booking.
KEF
Flight gateway
Keflavík International
An Iceland gateway, not a Greenland arrival airport. Confirm the actual Greenland airport and whether the onward service uses Keflavík or Reykjavík Airport. Allow a buffer night for limited connections.
Connections & onward transfers
Onward journey
Flights are limited, so arrive one day early.
Arrive early, protect your departure
We recommend reaching the embarkation town at least one day before departure. Allow more time for remote destinations, separate flights, ferries or long transfers, and follow any earlier arrival or briefing required by your operator.
Confirm the embarkation town, harbour meeting point and check-in time before buying flights.
Ask which airport transfer, ferry or domestic connection is included in the cruise.
Book flexible connections where possible and allow extra time for remote routes.
The airports listed are alternatives for different routes, not confirmed flights for this ship. Check the port, meeting time and transfers in your final travel documents.
Flight schedules and entry requirements change. Confirm current arrangements with your operator before booking.
Before you set sail
A little preparation makes a big difference
Pack for the landings
Waterproof outer layers and warm insulating clothing
Operator-approved boots for wet landings, with clean soles
Warm gloves, hat and sun protection for snow and ice
Binoculars, camera protection and spare batteries
Personal medication and motion-sickness advice before departure
Respect the destination
Follow local guides, landing permissions and protected-area rules
Keep the required distance from wildlife and avoid nesting or resting areas
Never feed or touch animals; do not collect natural objects
Clean footwear and equipment before sensitive island landings
Respect local dress, community invitations and photography permission
Discuss health, mobility and dietary needs before choosing a route. Remote areas may have limited medical facilities; travel insurance should cover your activities and any necessary evacuation.
Good to know
Arctic cruise questions
When is the best time for a Arctic cruise?
Midnight sun and retreating ice: polar bears, walrus, reindeer and tundra flowers on Svalbard and Greenland landings. Edges of the season bring more ice or autumn colours and fewer sailings. The climate chart describes Longyearbyen, Svalbard; conditions elsewhere on the route can differ.
Which Arctic route should I choose?
Svalbard: Les itinéraires au départ de Longyearbyen se concentrent sur une nature insulaire sauvage et réglementée. Côte du Groenland: Choisis la côte spécifique du Groenland, le point d'accès et les communautés à visiter pour ton itinéraire. Autres expéditions en Arctique: Les itinéraires combinant l'Islande ou l'Arctique canadien nécessitent des formalités d'entrée et d'accès spécifiques.
Are shore excursions included?
Check the inclusions and actual day-by-day program. Visits such as Côte glacée du Svalbard or Toundra arctique require the right route; park entry, transfers and optional activities may cost extra.
What wildlife can I see in Arctic?
The region supports species such as Ours polaire, Morse, Renard polaire. Different species use different habitats; not every animal occurs at every port. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Do I need to be an experienced hiker?
Not necessarily, but uneven paths, steps and wet transfers can be demanding. Ask about the exact walking distances, terrain and assistance before choosing your voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Weather, sea state, tides, ice, permits and wildlife protection can change landings. Your captain and expedition team determine safe alternatives.
What entry documents do I need for Arctic?
Check the entry requirements for every country on your itinerary, including embarkation, disembarkation and transit countries. Requirements depend on your nationality and travel documents. Ask the relevant consulates about visas, electronic travel authorisations and passport validity before travelling.
Polar regions are not a single immigration jurisdiction. The countries on your confirmed route determine the entry rules; check your departure gateway and every landing country separately.
When should I arrive before the cruise?
Reach the confirmed embarkation town at least one day early, or earlier if your operator requires briefing nights. Allow extra time for domestic flights, ferries and remote gateways.
Planifie ton voyage
Your Arctic story starts here
Find the ship, route and travel dates that suit you.