Arctic Cruises
Your Complete Guide to Arctic Cruises – Compare Itineraries, Prices & Top Cruise Lines Easily
Arctic Cruises offer the chance to explore one of the world’s most breathtaking and remote regions. At Hello Cruise, we make it easy to compare the best Arctic cruise deals from trusted UK agents in one place, saving you time and helping you book with confidence. Whether you want to sail from the UK, join a fly-cruise, or embark on an expedition from ports like Reykjavík or Tromsø there’s an Arctic itinerary to suit. From glaciers and fjords to polar bears and whales, an Arctic cruise promises a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the top of the world. If you are seeking the magic of the midnight sun and the thrill of voyaging further north, check out our Arctic Circle Cruises for more inspiration.
What Is an Arctic Cruise?
An Arctic cruise is a voyage to the remote northern polar regions, typically sailing above the Arctic Circle to destinations such as Svalbard, Greenland, Arctic Norway and Iceland’s northern coast. Unlike mainstream ocean cruises, many Arctic sailings are expedition-style, using smaller ships designed to navigate icy waters and reach isolated landscapes. Arctic cruises focus on wildlife, dramatic scenery and exploration rather than large port cities. Depending on the itinerary, travellers may see glaciers, icebergs, polar bears, whales and vast tundra landscapes. Sailings usually operate between May and September when sea ice conditions allow safe navigation, although some Norway coastal voyages run year-round. Arctic cruises can depart from ports in Norway, Iceland or occasionally the UK, and range from luxury expedition experiences to more traditional cruise formats that cross the Arctic Circle.
Arctic Cruise Itineraries
Arctic cruise itineraries vary widely, giving you the chance to explore different parts of the High North. Many begin in Norway, sailing from Tromsø, Bergen, or Longyearbyen in Svalbard to explore glaciers, fjords, and the famous North Cape. Others depart from Iceland’s Reykjavík, combining volcanic landscapes with Greenland’s vast ice fjords. Expedition itineraries may include Greenland, the Canadian Arctic, or even the legendary Northwest Passage. For UK travellers, there are also sailings direct from Southampton, Liverpool, and other ports, which travel north through Norway and Iceland before crossing into the Arctic Circle. Every itinerary offers a mix of dramatic scenery, fascinating cultures, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Arctic Cruise Deals
An Arctic cruise is a dream trip, but with Hello Cruise you don’t need to overspend to make it happen. We compare the latest Arctic cruise deals from leading UK agents, so you can see who’s offering the lowest fares and the best value. From early booking savings and last-minute discounts to special promotions on luxury expedition ships, you’ll find a wide range of options right here. Whether you’re after a short itinerary to the North Cape or a once-in-a-lifetime expedition into Svalbard and Greenland, Hello Cruise makes it easy to find the perfect deal without searching countless websites.
Celebrity Apex
Cruise: Southampton – Haugesund – Flåm – Olden – Crossing the Arctic Circle – Tromsø – Honningsvåg – Crossing the Arctic Circle – Molde – Ålesund – Geiranger – Zeebrugge – Southampton
Celebrity Apex
Cruise: Southampton – Zeebrugge – Flåm – Crossing the Arctic Circle – Tromsø – Honningsvåg – Crossing the Arctic Circle – Ålesund – Olden – Rotterdam – Southampton
Celebrity Apex
Cruise: Southampton – Stavanger – Ålesund – Olden – Crossing the Arctic Circle – Tromsø – Honningsvåg – Crossing the Arctic Circle – Trondheim – Molde – Geiranger – Bergen – Southampton
Aurora
Cruise: Southampton – Åndalsnes – Cruising by Romsdalfjord – Bodø – Bodø – Narvik – Narvik – Tromsø – Tromsø – Stavanger – Southampton
Queen Mary 2
Cruise: Southampton – Trondheim – Tromsø – Tromsø – Åndalsnes – Bergen – Southampton
Aurora
Cruise: Southampton – Ålesund – Bodø – Bodø – Narvik – Narvik – Tromsø – Tromsø – Tromsø – Haugesund – Southampton
Celebrity Apex
Cruise: Southampton – Zeebrugge – Flåm – Geiranger – Crossing the Arctic Circle – Tromsø – Honningsvåg – Crossing the Arctic Circle – Trondheim – Ålesund – Olden – Bergen – Southampton
Celebrity Apex
Cruise: Southampton – Lerwick, Shetland Islands – Molde – Crossing the Arctic Circle – Tromsø – Honningsvåg – Crossing the Arctic Circle – Geiranger – Olden – Flåm – Haugesund – Zeebrugge – Southampton
Queen Mary 2
Cruise: New York, New York – Southampton – Olden – Innvikfjorden – Nordfjord – Ålesund – Trondheim – Tromsø – Honningsvåg – North Cape – Åndalsnes – Kristiansand – Southampton – New York, New York
Queen Mary 2
Cruise: Southampton – Olden – Innvikfjorden – Nordfjord – Ålesund – Trondheim – Tromsø – Honningsvåg – North Cape – Åndalsnes – Kristiansand – Southampton
Arctic Cruise Lines
A wide range of cruise lines sail to the Arctic. Silversea and Seabourn are known for luxury expedition ships. Holland America, Princess, Cunard, and P&O Cruises offer longer scenic itineraries to the North Cape, Iceland, and Greenland, sailing from UK and European ports. Fred. Olsen and Ambassador also provide excellent Arctic options from regional UK departures such as Liverpool and Rosyth. Whether you’re after an expedition voyage or a classic cruise ship experience, Hello Cruise helps you compare them all in one place.
Featured Arctic Cruise Ships
Featured Offer
Arctic Circle Cruises from Southampton
On board the stunning Celebrity Apex
Types of Arctic Cruises
There are several ways to experience the Arctic, depending on your style of travel. Expedition cruises use smaller, ice-strengthened ships with Zodiacs and expert guides, allowing you to step ashore and explore remote landscapes. Luxury cruises combine scenic cruising through Norway, Iceland, and Greenland with five-star service, spacious suites, and gourmet dining. For those seeking better value, there are also cheap Arctic cruises and occasional discounted itineraries that make this region more accessible. UK travellers can choose between sailing directly from UK ports or taking a fly-cruise to join a ship in Norway, Iceland, or Greenland for more time in the Arctic itself.
Arctic Cruise FAQs
Can you cruise to the Arctic from the UK?
Yes. Many itineraries sail directly from ports such as Southampton, Dover, Liverpool, or Rosyth, travelling north to Norway, Iceland, and Greenland before reaching the Arctic Circle. See Arctic cruises sailing from UK
When is the best time to cruise the Arctic?
The cruise season runs from June to September, with July and August offering the best chance of good weather, wildlife sightings, and the midnight sun.
Do Arctic cruises visit Iceland and Greenland?
Yes. Many itineraries include Iceland’s ports such as Reykjavík and Akureyri, as well as Greenland’s highlights like Nuuk, Ilulissat, and Sisimiut.
What wildlife can I see on an Arctic cruise?
Depending on your itinerary, you might spot polar bears, walruses, whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, and countless seabirds.
Are Arctic cruises only for expedition travellers?
No. While expedition ships are popular, larger cruise lines also offer scenic itineraries to the Arctic Circle with full cruise ship facilities.
Arctic Cruise Advice
When planning an Arctic cruise, it’s important to think about timing. The main season runs from June to September, when the region enjoys long days and milder conditions. Pack layers and waterproof gear, as weather can change quickly even in summer. Expedition cruises often involve active excursions, so be prepared for Zodiac rides and walks on uneven terrain. If you want to maximise wildlife sightings, consider itineraries to Svalbard for polar bears or Greenland for whales and seabirds. Early booking is key for the best choice of cabins and itineraries, but last-minute deals can sometimes offer big savings.
