Exploring the Arctic on an Adventure Cruise

There are few places left on Earth that feel truly remote, but Arctic cruises offer a rare chance to explore one of them. Whether you want to sail past towering glaciers, see polar bears in the wild, or set foot on an untouched island, this type of trip will stay with you forever. The Arctic is unpredictable, awe-inspiring, and beautifully silent. It's also more accessible than you might think.

What to Expect on Arctic Cruises

Adventure cruises to the Arctic are nothing like a typical holiday at sea. Smaller vessels mean you can reach places that big ships can't, offering close-up views of icebergs, fjords, and wildlife. You're not just a passenger—you're an explorer.

Daily excursions might include:

• Zodiac boat landings on ice-strewn beaches
• Guided hikes across tundra landscapes
• Photography sessions with expert guides
• Visits to Inuit communities

The Arctic summer—late June to early September—is the best time to go. That’s when ice has melted enough to allow access, and the wildlife is most active. Midnight sun means long days for exploration.

Destinations You Can Explore on Arctic Cruises

Svalbard: Norway's Frozen Kingdom

Located midway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is one of the most popular stops on Arctic cruises. With dramatic mountain scenery, calving glaciers, and a large population of polar bears, it feels almost otherworldly.

Wildlife lovers will also enjoy spotting walrus, reindeer, and Arctic foxes. Cruises often depart from Longyearbyen, a quirky town that's surprisingly well-equipped with cosy cafes and museums.

If you'd like to extend your time here, consider staying at the Funken Lodge. This stylish boutique hotel blends Arctic chic with warm Norwegian hospitality. Expect fur throws, excellent wine, and glacier views.

We can offer a range of deals on accommodation and cruise packages for Svalbard. Ask us about current offers.

Greenland: A Land of Ice and Colour

Greenland combines vast icy wilderness with colourful coastal settlements. Cruises here might stop at Ilulissat, where you'll see one of the most active glaciers in the world, or Nuuk, Greenland's small but lively capital.

You'll have the chance to kayak among icebergs, visit traditional Inuit villages, and learn about life above the Arctic Circle.

The Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat is a unique stay—it’s the world’s most northerly four-star hotel, with rooms overlooking ice-filled Disko Bay. If you want something unforgettable, book one of the igloo cabins perched on the shoreline.



Ask us about the exclusive cruise and hotel combinations available for Greenland. We have access to a variety of supplier offers.

The Canadian High Arctic: Remote and Wild

This region includes the islands and waterways of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. If you're looking for real wilderness, this is where you'll find it.

You may visit places like Baffin Island, Devon Island, or Beechey Island—where the ill-fated Franklin expedition left its mark. These areas are rich in history and home to narwhals, musk oxen, and even beluga whales.

Cruises here are often led by expert naturalists and historians, making them ideal for travellers who want to learn while they explore.

Before or after your cruise, consider a stay at Frobisher Inn in Iqaluit. It’s a comfortable base for Arctic travellers with great views and hearty local cuisine.

Our team can help you combine cruise itineraries with hotel stays and flight routes. Ask about package options to suit your schedule.

Iceland and the Arctic Circle

While not as far north as Svalbard or Greenland, Iceland is often a starting or stopping point for Arctic cruises. Some itineraries include the Westfjords or the Arctic Circle island of Grímsey.

Iceland offers a softer entry to the Arctic, with geothermal pools, active volcanoes, and a lively arts scene.

Stay at ION Adventure Hotel near Thingvellir National Park if you’re extending your trip. It’s sleek, remote, and built into lava fields. You can even spot the Northern Lights from the hot tub.

Let us know if you’d like to see what offers are available for Icelandic pre- or post-cruise stays.

Wildlife Encounters That Take Your Breath Away

One of the main draws of Arctic cruises is the wildlife. The region is home to:

• Polar bears
• Arctic foxes
• Reindeer
• Seals and walrus
• Whales (beluga, humpback, bowhead)
• A wide range of seabirds including puffins and guillemots

You'll often get surprisingly close. Zodiacs bring you to the edge of ice floes, and onshore excursions are conducted with guides who prioritise both your safety and the animals’ wellbeing.

Seeing a polar bear hunt on the ice or hearing a glacier crack and fall into the sea—these are the kinds of moments that make Arctic cruises unforgettable.

Your Booking Protection with Jamie Wake Travel

Booking Arctic cruises with Jamie Wake Travel comes with peace of mind.

As a member of Protected Trust Services, all client funds are fully protected until your holiday is completed.

We also hold an ATOL licence, which means that your holiday is protected should any part of it be disrupted due to supplier failure.

Every tailor-made holiday we create includes Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance. You’re covered even if an airline or cruise line experiences unexpected issues. In a region as remote as the Arctic, that kind of protection is more than just reassuring—it’s essential.

Jamie Says:

"An Arctic cruise is one of the last true adventures. It's humbling, moving, and unforgettable. We know how to match the right itinerary to each traveller, and our protection gives you total peace of mind. Let us take care of the details, so you can focus on the magic."

What to Pack for Arctic Cruises

Packing for an Arctic cruise means preparing for cold, changeable weather. Most cruise lines supply parkas and boots, but you’ll want to bring:

• Layered clothing (merino wool works well)
• Waterproof trousers and gloves
• Binoculars
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (the glare off ice is strong)
• Dry bags for electronics

Evenings onboard are relaxed. Some ships offer fine dining, lectures, or spa facilities—but there’s no need for formalwear.

Choosing the Right Arctic Cruise for You

Not all Arctic cruises are the same. Some focus on wildlife, others on culture or history. Here’s how to choose:

• Wildlife focus: Choose Svalbard or the Canadian Arctic
• Culture and people: Greenland and Nunavut include visits to Inuit communities
• Photography: Look for cruises with expert photographers on board
• Luxury vs. expedition: Decide if you want comfort or rugged authenticity

Tell us your travel style and we’ll guide you to the best match. With access to over 200 suppliers and a personal travel service, we build trips around you.

Cruise Ship Comforts in the Arctic

Expedition ships today are more comfortable than ever. Many include ensuite cabins, observation lounges, hot tubs, and even saunas. Some ships carry fewer than 100 passengers, which allows access to narrow fjords and better wildlife sightings.

Vessels often carry kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkelling equipment for the more adventurous. Some even have helicopters or submarines for aerial or underwater exploration.

We can recommend the right ship based on your interests and comfort level.

Immersive Experiences That Go Beyond the Cruise

Arctic cruises offer more than beautiful views. Many cruise lines offer extra activities that let you connect deeply with the landscape.

• Citizen science: Help researchers monitor ice melt or wildlife activity. These initiatives often contribute to real-world climate research, like those collected by the British Antarctic Survey, helping scientists track changes in polar environments.
• Workshops: Take part in Arctic photography or nature journaling.
• Lectures: Learn from glaciologists, ornithologists, or historians.



These experiences give your holiday meaning. They turn a trip into a journey.

Booking With Jamie Wake Travel

Arctic cruises are unlike any other trip, and you deserve a travel agency that gets every detail right. At Jamie Wake Travel, we:

• Tailor-make every holiday
• Provide a personal travel service
• Work only with trusted suppliers
• Protect every booking through PTS and ATOL

Our expert team will help plan the perfect Arctic escape. Whether you want to cruise with scientists or sip champagne from a hot tub while icebergs drift past, we can make it happen.

You can now create and book bespoke holidays on our website that are as unique as you are. Use the holiday search function available on every page—or simply get in touch.

Call us today on 01495 400005 or use the holiday enquiry form on our website. We’re just a message away if you'd rather leave the planning up to us.

Frequently Asked Questions