Northern Europe Polar Expeditions and Cruise Trips 2025/2026
Great polar expeditions and cruise trips in Northern Europe in 2025/2026. Compare prices for 35+ polar expeditions and cruise tours with 100+ trip reviews. Book today and save up to 39% on Bookmundi.com!
Age
Discounts
Physical Rating
Departures
Accommodations
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
Journey from Greenland to Newfoundland on a 14-day polar cruise that bridges the Arctic and boreal worlds. Start in Reykjavik and venture through Ilulissat, Torngat Mountain National Park, Kangerlussuaq, and more, experiencing stark Arctic tundra and dense boreal forests. Encounter caribou, black bears, Arctic foxes, and peregrine falcons, and learn about Greenlandic, Inuit, and Viking histories. Explore East Coast hospitality in St. John’s, famed for its Celtic music, and visit three UNESCO World Heritage sites—including the legendary Viking ruins at l’Anse aux Meadows. This trip’s USP is its sweeping natural and cultural diversity, offering travelers a rare chance to explore contrasting biomes, ancient cultures, and spectacular wildlife on a single unforgettable voyage.
Reykjavik, Greenland Sea, Nain, L’Anse Aux Meadows, St John, St. John’s, Kangerlussuaq, Maniitsoq, Ilulissat, Pangnirtung, Cape Mercy, Torngat Mountain National Park
Circle the Arctic’s crown jewel on the "Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage" tour—a fourteen-day polar cruise that starts and finishes in Helsinki. Board the Ultramarine and set forth on a flexible schedule of daily excursions around Spitsbergen and the Svalbard archipelago.
With expert guides leading the way, seek out polar bears, Arctic foxes, and walruses in their natural habitat. Zodiac trips take you to glacier faces and remote islands near the North Pole, offering unparalleled photo opportunities and moments of awe.
This tour’s unique selling point? A comprehensive circumnavigation of Svalbard, delivering the ultimate polar wildlife and wilderness experience for travelers eager to explore the farthest reaches of the north.
Venture into the untouched wilderness of the Arctic on the 14-day Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland tour. From Reykjavik, cruise Iceland’s dramatic Westfjords and Greenland’s remote northeast coast, home to the world’s largest fjord system. Encounter Arctic wildlife and immerse yourself in Inuit culture at Ittoqqortoormiit. Stand among ancient Thule ruins, marvel at colossal icebergs and towering bird cliffs, and—if fortune smiles—witness the northern lights shimmering overhead. Perfect for those seeking relaxed adventure with rich cultural encounters, this trip’s standout feature is its seamless blend of wild Arctic exploration and the rare chance to experience Inuit traditions firsthand.
Iceland’s raw beauty unfolds on the Iceland Circumnavigation (Ultramarine), a 12-day cruise that begins and ends in Reykjavik. Explore the island’s volcanic landscapes, geysers, waterfalls, and fishing villages from aboard the state-of-the-art Ultramarine ship. Sightseeing, glacier-spotting, and volcano hunting are all part of the adventure, with activities ranging from coach tours and Zodiac excursions to kayaking and even helicopter flights over remote regions. Designed for travellers seeking easy-paced discovery, the trip’s unique selling point is the chance to experience Iceland’s extraordinary diversity from multiple vantage points—sea, land, and air—while enjoying the comfort and innovation of a modern polar vessel.
If there is such a thing as a “classic Arctic” expedition cruise, this is it. Get all the best of Spitsbergen by exploring the western edge of the island and venturing to some northern outlying areas home to Polar bears and walrus. Come across colonies of seabirds numbering into the thousands and watch for whales in the water. Packed with options for snowshoeing and sea-kayaking, this is the perfect expedition for exploring the “wildlife capital of the Arctic".
Experience a celestial phenomenon few ever witness on the "Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland Solar Eclipse Departure - M/V Greg Mortimer" cruise. This 15-day relaxed polar expedition sails from Oslo to Reykjavik, taking you through Svalbard’s wildlife-rich pack ice, East Greenland’s vast fjords, and the rugged beauty of Iceland. The highlight is an exclusive opportunity to observe a solar eclipse in Greenland, guided by former NASA astronaut Dr. Sandra H. Magnus, who offers captivating lectures linking space exploration and the polar world. With all logistics managed, this tour package’s unique advantage is its rare blend of Arctic exploration and cosmic wonder, making it truly once-in-a-lifetime for inquisitive, comfort-seeking adventurers.
From close-up encounters with icebergs and glaciers to the region's plentiful wildlife, this is a voyage of non-stop highlights. Always on the lookout for wildlife that live in this polar wilderness, you'll explore this landscape not only by ship but also on foot and via Zodiac. Roaming polar bears, lounging seals, grazing reindeer, and colonies of birds all co-exist in this harsh land that we only explore for a few months of the year.
Search for polar bears - the King of the Arctic is often seen patrolling the ice in search of food
See an intoxicating mix of wildlife - walruses, Arctic foxes, seals and sea birds
Discover deep fjords - enjoy ice blue glaciers & sculpted icebergs
Travel with expert naturalist guides - who will explain all about the wonders of the Arctic
Iceland is a remote volcanic island, with mind-blowing landscapes and fascinating culture. With most of the country uninhabited, much of Iceland's terrain consists of plateaux, mountain peaks and fertile lowlands. The landscape is characterised by volcanoes, thundering waterfalls, geysers and geothermal hot springs, all accompanied by black sand beaches, bubbling mud pools and lava fields. Enjoy dramatic deep fjords, ideal for Zodiac cruising and some of the largest glaciers in Europe, whilst soaking up the abundance of birdlife. A circumnavigation of Iceland, is an experience not to be missed.
Keep watch for blow holes, breaching and tail flukes - as we spot whales in Húsavik
Westfjords offer some of the remotest fjords, bays and pristine environments in Iceland - perfect
for kayaking, hiking and bird-watching
Visit Vatnajökull National Park - featuring Europe's largest glacier, glacial lagoons, colourful mountains and rich wildlife
Experience unparalleled adventure and discovery on this ultimate Antarctic voyage. Be transported to enthralling subantarctic islands, rich with human history and unique wildlife. Then venture into the deep south of the Antarctic Peninsula, crossing the coveted Antarctic Circle. Zodiac-cruise in vast ice-covered landscapes, visit lively penguin colonies, watch for whales and discover the rich history of this fascinating region.
Step ashore on the Antarctic continent - to unforgettable vistas, bustling penguins and curious seals
Raise a glass - as you cross the Antarctic Circle
Zodiac through glassy waters - gaze at the iridescent blues of gleaming icebergs
Stand in awe - at the world's largest king penguin rookeries
Hike along pebble beaches and climb tussock steps - with unexpected wildlife encounters at every turn
This itinerary is similar to the Realm of the Polar Bear, but with even more time dedicated to searching for the King of the Arctic. You will enjoy three additional days scoping the ice, oceans and tundra for polar bears, seeing plenty of glaciers and other arctic wildlife along the way. With the extra time, you may have the chance to circumnavigate the archipelago. You can really make the most of your Arctic adventure on this in-depth voyage.
Discover deep fjords - with icy blue glaciers & sculpted icebergs
Wildlife - enjoy spotting an array of sea birds, walrus, seals & polar bear
Regular Zodiac excursions - explore the rugged shoreline and elegant ice shapes
Arctic tundra - enjoy extensive walks, surrounded by beautiful glacial scenery