Arctic Cruises

Helpful Tips to Know Before You Go

• If you cruise in the summer, you'll experience the 'Land of the Midnight Sun', with the unique 24-hour daylight that is only possible at the planet's poles. This is a good time of year to visit more remote areas like the North Pole, when more of the ice has melted.
• If you want to see the Aurora Borealis, you will need to cruise in the winter months, where you'll also have the opportunity to engage in winter-based activities such as dog sledding.
• While you can spot incredible wildlife year-round, many animals tend to be more active in the warmer months. Polar bears and walrus, however, can often be spotted hunting during winter.
• Pack for the cold. Unsurprisingly, the Arctic Circle experiences very chilly temperatures, and the best thing to do in cold temperatures is wear a lot of layers. You'll want to bring a good waterproof and windproof coat, too.
• Sunglasses and high SPF suncream are essential, particularly for summer cruises to the Arctic. The sunlight reflects off of the ice and snow and can damage your eyes and skin.

Things to Do

• Spot unique and beautiful wildlife. From the seabirds that line the cliffs to the so-called king of bears that is the polar bear, the Arctic Circle is home to many animals that can't be found anywhere else on the planet. Spot bears and arctic foxes in Svalbard, musk oxen in Greenland, walruses across much of the Arctic, and sometimes humpback whales in the waters.
• Enjoy breathtaking scenery. Vast glaciers and jagged mountains await, with rugged stretches of coastline along countries like Iceland and Greenland providing a stunning contrast to the frozen landscapes of the North Pole. The North Pole is only reached by specialist expedition vessels. Take a helicopter or hot air balloon ride over these outstanding views, and witness some of the most remote places in the world with your own eyes.
• Go out on the waters. Many of your ports of call will offer kayak or zodiac boating opportunities, permitting you to explore the icy waters and discover secluded nooks and
• crannies that your cruise ship is too large to show you. Experienced cold-water divers can even take a scuba dive in some locales, seeing the deep blue of the Arctic waters from beneath the surface.
• Learn about the history of Arctic exploration, and local cultures. From the way of life of the Inuit cultures of Greenland to the many expeditions that succeeded or failed in the ice of the North, there's so much to learn and discover. Listen to expert talks on the famed Northwest Passage, learn the names of some of the famous doomed voyages of the past, and stand where so many explorers once yearned to tread.
• Discover Norway's incredible celestial light shows. Whether you're travelling in the winter months or in the summer, there's always beauty waiting in the sky. In the summer, watch the sun set over a world of glittering ice, turning the glaciers to pure gold...or, in the winter, watch the Northern Lights dance in the heavens above. No matter when you cruise, there's stunning views waiting for you. 
• Iceland is a little gem with its diverse landscapes that include stunning waterfalls and volcanoes. The Blue lagoon is a must see if you are visiting Iceland.

Why Book With Kenwood Travel

With over 45 years of experience in mastering the art of escape, we aspire to craft holidays that you'll cherish forever. A cruise to the Arctic is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we're dedicated to making utterly perfect for you, so we'll help you select the ideal itinerary for your cruise dreams. Your Arctic cruise with us is ATOL and ABTA protected, ensuring the peace of mind you need to enjoy this voyage to the fullest.