Our Ultimate Guide To Polar Cruises

• Epic Frontiers: Discover the wonders of Antarctica and the Arctic, from towering icebergs to wildlife encounters found nowhere else on the planet.

• Wildlife Encounters: Learn where to spot penguins, polar bears, whales and seabirds as you explore some of the most untouched landscapes on Earth.

• Journey Planning: Find out when to travel, what to pack, and which cruise lines and itineraries will give you the best polar experience.

Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? If you’ve ever dreamed of an extraordinary voyage to the ends of the Earth, then a cruise to the polar regions is the ultimate travel experience! Set sail on an awe-inspiring cruise to the Arctic or venture south to the last great wilderness, Antarctica.

Both destinations offer a sense of remoteness like nowhere else on Earth, with breathtaking, icy landscapes and unique wildlife that can all be witnessed from the comfort of a specially designed cruise ship. 

But there's lots to consider when planning a cruise ship polar adventure: when to go, what to pack, and which itinerary is right for you. That's where we come in.

This guide to polar cruises takes you through everything you need to know, including the best destinations, cruise lines and travel tips.

Where Can You Go On A Polar Cruise?

From penguins to polar bears, towering glaciers to endless shimmering horizons, each polar region offers a spectacular uniqueness. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between cruises to the Arctic and the Antarctic. 

Antarctica: Nature’s Untouched Masterpiece

Antarctica is unlike anywhere else on Earth: a vast frozen wilderness where glaciers stretch for miles, and the only locals you'll meet are penguins, seals, and whales, delighting visitors with their playful behaviours. Often considered Earth’s final frontier, Antarctica is a dream destination for many adventurers.

Must-See Destinations on an Antarctic cruise include:

The Antarctic Peninsula: From the Antarctic Sound, a wild stretch of icy waters with colossal, tabular icebergs, to the South Shetlands, an archipelago known for its volcanic landscapes and rugged coastlines thriving with wildlife, this region is one of the most popular and accessible for Antarctica cruises.

South Georgia Island:  Infamous for its link to Anglo-Irish polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, this 100-mile-long island also provides a remarkable wildlife spectacle. Home to massive colonies of King Penguins, beaches filled with fur seals and rare seabirds soaring in the skies above, South Georgia Island will have you continuously reaching for your camera to capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments. 

Drake Passage: The legendary stretch of ocean between South America and Antarctica, Drake Passage is where the convergence of three oceans creates anything from calm waters to towering swells. While the crossing can be rough, it can be a thrilling gateway to your Antarctic experience.

Many Antarctica cruises depart from South America, with popular departure ports including Ushuaia in Argentina and Punta Arenas in Chile. However, if you are looking to cruise from the UK to Antarctica, a few cruise lines can make this desire a reality. 

For example, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers an epic 76-night polar cruise itinerary that departs from Southampton to Antarctica, making stops in the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Brazil, Argentina and the Falkland Islands along the way. 

The Arctic: A World of Ice and Wildlife

An Arctic cruise will offer you an entirely different yet equally thrilling experience from its southern equivalent. Unlike Antarctica, the Arctic is inhabited by indigenous communities and is spread across eight countries. Here, you'll find majestic fjords, wildflower-speckled tundra, and captivating wildlife, including polar bears, reindeer, walruses and Arctic foxes.

Top destinations to visit when on a cruise to the Arctic include:

Norwegian Arctic (Svalbard): Head to this stunning Norwegian archipelago, almost 600 miles north of mainland Norway in the Arctic Ocean, for your best opportunity to spot polar bears as they roam the endless glaciers.  

Greenland and Northwest Passage: While massive icebergs and mountains continue to dominate the landscape in this part of the Arctic, it is also one of the best places to immerse yourself in the traditional Inuit culture, learning about this hardy way of life that goes back thousands of years.

Northern Norway: Sail along Norway's rugged coastline, stopping in the colourful city of Tromsø and up to the North Cape. Here, you encounter rare seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, cormorants and Arctic skua, often in their millions as they nest in the cliffs.  

If you are travelling from the UK, several cruise lines have itineraries from Southampton to the Arctic. For example, Celebrity Cruises and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers superb cruise holidays sailing from the UK to the Arctic Circle, visiting favoured stops around Norway.

For polar cruises to regions in North America, departure ports include Reykjavik in Iceland, Kangerlussuaq in Greenland, and northern UK cities such as Liverpool. MSC Cruises and Silversea Cruises are two leading operators in this region. 

Best Cruise Lines for Polar Expeditions

Polar cruising isn't just for hardcore adventurers. As well as expedition-style cruises, there's the luxury option, or a mix of both, ensuring a choice to suit your travelling style: 

Expedition-style polar cruises: HX (formerly Hurtigruten), Quark Expeditions, Ponant and Silversea offer great specialist Antarctic and Arctic expeditions with expert guides and immersive experiences.

Mainstream polar cruises: Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruise and Princess Cruises are three mainline cruise lines that offer cruise ship polar experiences to Antarctica, usually as part of longer itineraries. Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line, Cunard, MSC Cruises, and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines include cruises to the Arctic as part of their northern Europe itineraries.

Polar fly-cruises: If you’re looking for cheap polar fly cruises, many cruise lines offer more affordable fly-cruise options, allowing you to skip the long sea crossings and fly straight to your polar adventure. 

Cruise & stay polar cruises: If you want to extend your holiday in the region, take a look at cruise & stay polar cruises, where you can combine your sea itinerary with a pre- or post-cruise stay in one of the main destinations in places such as Greenland, Iceland or Norway

What Is the Best Time to Cruise The Polar Regions?

Since polar cruises are highly seasonal, the best time to visit depends on whether you're heading north or south.

If you want to see Antarctica, cruises run from November to March, with December and January offering the best wildlife viewing and long daylight hours. 

June to September is ideal for cruise holidays to the Arctic, with peak wildlife sightings in mid-summer. However, if you want to try and see the Northern Lights, these become more visible from late September. Some cruise lines, such as Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, continue to sail into the winter to offer guests the opportunity to see this spectacular phenomenon.

What To Wear On A Polar Cruise

Packing for a polar cruise requires careful planning. While some cruise ship polar operators may provide essential gear like waterproof boots and expedition jackets, you’ll still need some resilient, warm and waterproof layers to enjoy your trip.

Here are some key items you’ll need to pack:

• Insulated, waterproof outer layers, including a longer-length jacket and waterproof trousers

• Thermal base layers, such as Merino wool or synthetic fabrics

• Gloves, hat, and scarf to protect your extremities from the cold

• Sunglasses and sunscreen as the sun’s reflection on ice can be intense

• Waterproof backpack for shore excursions

Other Useful Tips For A Polar Cruise

A polar cruise is unique in many ways, meaning there are a few extra things to consider that are different from other cruise itineraries. For example: 

Consider what type of cruise works for you: Expedition-style cruises typically offer landings and wildlife encounters, while luxury options provide added comfort.

Prepare for rough seas: Bodies of water, such as the Drake Passage (Antarctica), can be notoriously rough. Motion sickness medication may help. Alternatively, consider a fly-cruise option to skip long ocean crossings.

Respect the wildlife and the environment: Be sure to follow all guidelines to protect these fragile ecosystems.

A polar cruise is more than just a holiday; it’s a chance to witness some of the most breathtaking, untouched landscapes on Earth. Whether you choose an Arctic cruise to see the Northern Lights and polar bears or embark on a cruise to Antarctica to experience towering icebergs and penguin colonies, this is an adventure that will stay with you forever.