Arctic Cruises
Arctic · Small-ship exploration

Arctic Cruises

Glace, toundra et côtes des îles du nord

Small ships

Personal, guided voyages

Choose your season

Jun – Aug

Shore experiences

On your confirmed itinerary

Nature & wildlife

Coasts, trails & island habitats

Glace, toundra et côtes des îles du nord

The destination is the experience

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.
Côte glacée du Svalbard

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

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

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
-20°C-11°C-2°C6°C15°CJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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.

Show all other animals

Every shore tells a different story

Shore excursions worth planning around

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

Glace & pergélisol

Les glaciers, la banquise et les sols gelés façonnent les côtes, soumises à de rapides changements saisonniers.

Toundra fragile

Toundra fragile

Les petits arbustes, mousses et lichens poussent lentement et sont vulnérables au piétinement.

Règles pour la faune & les communautés

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

Svalbard

Les itinéraires au départ de Longyearbyen se concentrent sur une nature insulaire sauvage et réglementée.

Côte du Groenland

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

Autres expéditions en Arctique

Les itinéraires combinant l'Islande ou l'Arctique canadien nécessitent des formalités d'entrée et d'accès spécifiques.

View Arctic cruise departures

Your base between shore days

Arctic cruise ships

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.

Flights & arrival

How to get to Arctic

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
Communautés nordiques

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.

  • Small-ship exploration
  • Individual shore programs
  • Routes for your travel season