Arctic Cruises
The magnificent North awaits...
Named for the bears of the shining Ursa Major and Minor constellations above, the Arctic remains one of the least-explored realms on Earth. Within the Arctic Circle on the northernmost part of our planet, your cruise will take you through ice and snow and shining light, with the Aurora Borealis above casting unforgettable views on the frigid waters below. Discover immense natural beauty and incredible wildlife, and prepare for a voyage you'll treasure for a lifetime. To truly experience this region, an expedition voyage is recommended.
Featured Cruises
Spitsbergen Highlights: Journey into the Arctic Wilderness
- 18 May 2025 - 25 May 2025
- 6 Nights Ultramarine
- Fly Cruise
7 nights including British Airways flights from £6,437 per person for suite cabin
Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights
- 03 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025
- 10 Nights Ocean Explorer
- 1 Nights in Reykjavik
- Fly Cruise
11 nights including flights from £9,200 per person for balcony cabin
Iceland's Westfjords & North Coast
- 27 Jul 2025 - 05 Aug 2025
- 8 Nights Sylvia Earle
- Flights included
9 nights including flights from £6,796 per person for outside cabin
Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen
- 29 Apr 2025 - 12 May 2025
- 13 Nights Ultramarine
- Fly Cruise
13 nights including flights from £9,985 per person for suite cabin
Encounter with the Last Guardians of the North Pole
- 05 Apr 2025 - 17 Apr 2025
- 12 Nights Le Commandant Charcot
- Fly Cruise
12 nights including flights from £18,000 per person for balcony cabin
Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland
- 06 Jul 2025 - 19 Jul 2025
- 12 Nights Ultramarine
- Fly Cruise
13 nights including British Airways flights from £9,430 per person for suite cabin
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 ABTOT protected, ensuring the peace of mind you need to enjoy this voyage to the fullest.
Ports of Call & Places to Explore
North Pole
Specialist expedition ships that call at the North Pole are few and far between, requiring the power to break sea ice on the way there. Listen to the crunch of the pack ice as you cruise towards this polar wonder, becoming one of only a few hundred people on Earth who come here each year. Gaze upon a frozen wilderness that so few people have ever seen, and toast the experience with a glass of bubbly.
Iceland
Around the North of this incredible country, the young mountain peaks that protrude from the land are jagged and dramatic, creating incredible scenery for any visitors. Magnificent landscapes are abound no matter which of Iceland's shores you see, with an outstandingly diverse population of bird and sea life just waiting for you to discover. And of course, no trip to Iceland would be complete without a visit to the spectacular Blue Lagoon, named after it's vibrant waters.
Norway
Home to Svalbard, one of the northernmost settlements on the planet, this is the ideal port of call for anyone wishing to spot polar bears and arctic foxes. As possibly the best place on Earth to spot these beautiful animals in the wild, go ashore and try your luck. You can even take a tour of the ice on a dog sled, pulled by a well-trained crew of working canines and their handlers.
Greenland
Called the largest island in the world, Greenland's coast is home to towering glaciers and stunning fjords, a landscape of icy beauty only enhanced by the opportunities it holds. Discover the cultural marvels of the Inuit communities here, or spot the incomparable wildlife that wanders the wilderness. Polar bears, musk oxen, walrus, whales and more can be seen here, making Greenland a haven for animal-lovers.
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Talk to our experts
Our dedicated team brings years of expertise to curating unforgettable cruise holidays, ensuring that every aspect of your voyage is nothing short of perfection.