Where once the intention to go on a cruise into the deep, majestic isolation of the Polar regions might have had your loved ones intervening, now it’s a holiday that’s gaining serious traction with intrepid travellers worldwide.
Indeed, the tagline “the most inhospitable places on the planet” now represents a certain sense of come hither rather than a warning to disengage, and for those who answer that siren’s call, breathtaking beauty, remote wilderness, crystalline icebergs, and remarkable wildlife encounters all await.
But how best to explore these extreme regions? By boat, of course. Here, we’ve pulled together a rundown of 9 of the most spectacular polar cruise experiences to consider for 2024. Don’t forget to pack your thermals!
The Majestic Antarctic Peninsula
Embarking on an Antarctic cruise is like venturing into a mystical wonderland of towering ice sculptures, captivating shades of blue and white, and abundant wildlife. Witness the majestic whales breaching in the icy waters, colonies of penguins waddling about, and seals lazing on the ice floes.
A cruise of the Antarctic Peninsula typically begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina. Known as the ‘End of the World’, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. It is a key departure point for cruises heading to the Antarctic Peninsula due to its location on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, the gateway to the Drake Passage and Antarctica.
Cultural Greenland
Greenland offers a heady mix of culture, pristine landscapes, and spellbinding icebergs. Expeditions on quaint fishing villages introduce guests to the warm Inuit culture and folklore. The Greenland Northern Lights experience is both a rarity and unrivalled anywhere on the planet, the aurora borealis dancing across the sky making for the most entrancing of polar experiences.
A typical schedule of a Greenland cruise might look a little like this:
Day 1: Departure from Reykjavik, Iceland. Setting sail through the Denmark Strait.
Day 2 – 3: Crossing the Denmark Strait. These days are spent at sea, taking part in lectures, getting to know fellow travellers, and preparing for the first landing in Greenland.
Day 4: Exploration of East Greenland. This might include hiking to discover the area’s flora and fauna, zodiac cruising to see icebergs up close, or visiting remote settlements. As the night falls, keep an eye out for the dancing Northern Lights.
Day 5: Visiting Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote inhabited community in the western hemisphere. Interact with locals and learn about traditional Inuit culture.
Day 6 – 7: Sailing through Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system. Opportunities to spot seals, seabirds, and perhaps even the elusive polar bear.
Day 8 – 9: Exploring the northern coast, possibly visiting places like Qaanaaq and Thule, rich in ancient and modern Inuit history.
Day 10 – 12: Crossing the Davis Strait and exploring the stunning west coast of Greenland, including time in the vibrant capital, Nuuk.
Day 13 – 14: Sailing through the Sisimiut district, with the chance to see humpback whales, orcas, and fin whales. A possible visit to Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its enormous icebergs.
Day 15: Disembarking in Kangerlussuaq, and taking a flight back to Reykjavik.
The Otherworldly Northeast Passage
Immerse in the captivating beauty of the Northeast Passage. Traversing this rarely navigated route offers glimpses of otherworldly landscapes, from the Siberian coastline with its enormous ice formations to remote Tundra islands.
The voyage typically begins from the majestic landscapes of Tromso, Norway, through the labyrinth of islands and ice towards the Russian Arctic. The journey uncovers ethereal sites such as the UNESCO-listed Vega Archipelago and Novaya Zemlya, an archipelago shrouded in the mysteries of the Cold War.
Sailing along the Siberian coastline, vast ice formations and towering glaciers make a breathtaking sight. The Tundra Islands, home to a variety of Arctic wildlife, teem with walrus, Arctic foxes, and scores of migratory bird species. The journey offers an unparalleled opportunity to spot the iconic polar bear in its natural habitat.
Characteristic to this route are also remote Siberian villages, where guests might experience indigenous cultures, such as the Nenets and Chukchi, and gain insights about their traditional ways of life. The culmination of the journey might include the observation of enchanting Northern Lights, weather permitting, adding a mystical touch to the journey.
The Adventurous Ross Sea, Antarctica
The Ross Sea provides an adrenaline-charged polar experience. The voyage includes the historic huts of the early Antarctic explorers and the Transantarctic Mountain range’s awe-inspiring view. An unexpected bonus – witness Emperor Penguins in their natural habitat.
The Sublime Mysticism Of The Norwegian Fjords
The Norwegian fjords’ ascent is an experience replete with cascading waterfalls, vertiginous cliffs, and cosy coastal villages. Navigating the fjords provides extraordinary vistas of rural Norway and the possibility of spotting the elusive Arctic fox and reindeer.
The Icy Desolation Of Ellesmere Island, Canada
Ellesmere Island’s hauntingly beautiful wilderness is intensely remote yet full of life. This harsh Arctic landscape is home to unique wildlife such as musk oxen, Arctic wolves, and the breathtaking narwhals.
Departing from Resolute Bay in Nunavut, a common starting point, the journey weaves through the channels and waterways of the High Arctic. The cruise may dock at Grise Fiord, the northernmost community in Canada, offering an opportunity to interact with the local Inuit population.
Navigating around the coast of Devon Island, before crossing Hell Gate to reach the spectacular landscapes of Ellesmere Island. Expect epic views of towering ice cliffs and fjords, teeming with walruses, seals and perhaps the elusive narwhal. Some cruises may also offer zodiac excursions for up-close inspections of the glacier fronts, or hiking expeditions to explore the unique tundra ecosystem.
The return journey often includes a visit to Beechey Island, famed as the resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845-46 British Arctic Expedition. The adventure concludes by returning to Resolute Bay, marking an end to this extraordinary exploration of Canada’s Arctic wilderness.
The Arctic Svalbard Archipelago
The Svalbard Archipelago is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. The landscape hosts an array of remarkable Arctic species, including polar bears, the ghostly beluga whales, and flocks of migratory birds.
A cruise of the Arctic Svalbard Archipelago typically begins and ends in Longyearbyen, the largest settlement and administrative centre of Svalbard, Norway. It is quite common for cruisers to fly into Longyearbyen’s airport from mainland Norway.
The Historic Northwest Passage
Trace the paths of legendary explorers through the Northwest Passage, which is rich in both wildlife and history. Marvel at the awe-inspiring glaciers, encounter Arctic wildlife and learn about the Inuit culture’s rich tapestry.
A cruise journey through this historic passage often kicks off in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. This voyage, steeped in history and magnificent scenery, lays out a path across the top of the North American continent, culminating in Nome, Alaska.
Unspoiled South Georgia & The Falklands
The untouched beauty of South Georgia and the Falklands offers an array of spectacular wildlife like King Penguins, elephant seals, and various species of birds. The combination of rugged landscapes and historic sites make these destinations a treasure for the nature lover and history buff alike.
A cruise of South Georgia & The Falklands would typically be scheduled during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months, between October and March, to take advantage of milder weather and plentiful wildlife. The voyage might last anywhere between 10 to 20 days, depending on the specific itinerary. Conscientious travellers will need to plan accordingly as these cruises are not available all year round due to the harsh winter conditions of the region.
The Bottom Line
Embarking on a polar cruise is undoubtedly an experience to savour, filled with jaw-dropping scenery and diverse wildlife encounters. In 2024, these 9 spectacular polar cruise experiences are primed to offer voyages of a lifetime. We’ll see you on deck?