Top Rated Polar expeditions cruise Tours Across the Globe
The best Polar expeditions cruise trips through-out the world. We offer over 90 Polar expeditions cruise trips with more than 170 reviews from the best destination experts only.
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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.
Set sail for an adventure like no other. Spend 14 days following in the wake of Captain Cook as you cross the Antarctic Circle, home to the midnight sun and towering icebergs. On board the well-appointed Ocean Nova, leave Ushuaia and civilisation behind and journey towards the hauntingly beautiful icy wilderness of the Antarctic Continent. Experience the thrill of witnessing seals lie on ice floes, whales breaching the frigid waters and penguins patrolling the rocky shoreline in vast numbers. Enjoy jaw-dropping views witnessed by seldom few as you explore ice-filled bays by Zodiac, landing on Antarctica itself for onshore excursions.
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.
Celebrate new year’s eve as you enter a world of snow and ice on an epic journey to Antarctica – the continent that has long captivated explorers. Set sail aboard the comfortable Ocean Nova on an 11-day voyage, looking out for marine wildlife like penguins, seals and whales as well as a huge array of birdlife. Explore an icy wilderness with an expert Expedition Team, set against a backdrop of towering icebergs, snow-capped peaks, imposing glaciers and ice-strewn waters. Make excursions to the South Shetland Islands, the Weddell Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula on Zodiacs, learning about the geology, history and wildlife of the area. Be swept away by the incredible, once-in-a-lifetime panoramas. This is the Great White Continent!
Immerse yourself in Greenland’s otherworldly beauty and remote communities on this 14-day Artic voyage. Hop aboard the Ultramarine and sail south from Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, admiring the spectacular east and west coast. Stop into the Greenland Ice Sheet, explore its surroundings and take the chance to step foot on the impressive body of ice. Meet the locals of Aappilattoq, swapping stories and sharing a meal, then keep an eye out for humpback whales and polar bears along the east coast. For a remote wilderness as vast as this, a team of experts by your side and helicopter and Zodiac landings, you won’t be short of places to explore!
Spitsbergen, Greenland, and Iceland—all in one seamless journey. The Three Arctic Islands: Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland (Southbound) tour is a relaxed, 15-day polar expedition that begins in Helsinki and concludes in Reykjavik. Marvel at the stark beauty of the Svalbard Archipelago, drift past Greenland’s vast fjords and glacial walls, and cross the Denmark Strait to Iceland’s rugged shores.
This guided group adventure is accessible to travelers of all ages and fitness levels, featuring educational presentations on polar history and wildlife, plus Zodiac excursions for up-close wildlife spotting. The tour’s unique selling point is its rare opportunity to traverse three Arctic nations in a single voyage, allowing guests to witness immense icebergs, rare seabirds, and the enduring spirit of Arctic exploration—all while enjoying the comfort of a modern expedition ship.
Embrace the icy allure of the Arctic on the "Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway"—a ten-day polar expedition cruise round-trip from Helsinki. Discover Spitsbergen’s wild, unspoiled landscapes, where polar bears, walruses, and seabird colonies thrive.
Stroll the flowering tundra at the base of the 14th of July Glacier, explore the dramatic cliffs of Alkefjellet, and step back in time at the abandoned whaling sites of Smeerenburg. Along the rugged western coast, untouched fjords and shifting shades of ice await your discovery.
The tour’s unique highlight? A rich blend of Arctic history, geology, and breathtaking wildlife encounters—offering an immersive perspective on one of the world’s most remote and captivating environments.
The genesis for this adventure dates to November 24, 2003, the day Quark Expeditions became the first operator to successfully lead a total solar eclipse voyage in remote Antarctica.
On that day, we provided 100 people, from 17 different nations, the experience of becoming the first-ever humans to witness a total solar eclipse in Antarctica. Now we’ve decided to achieve a comparable feat in the Arctic. However, with innovation as our DNA, we set out to make it distinct from any other eclipse-viewing experience in the industry.
We’ve assembled a taskforce of eclipse experts, a meteorologist and members of our Expedition Team to research the geography, terrain, angles of the sun, and Arctic weather patterns to prepare for one of the rarest experiences on the planet – observing a total solar eclipse in the High Arctic.
In addition, you’ll discover the natural wonders of the Westfjords – the unsung wonder of West Iceland. Our journey also takes us into the immense Northeast Greenland National Park, where we cruise the 70mi (110km) King Oscar Fjord. You’ll also get to unleash your inner adventurer on thrilling heli-flightseeing adventures over remote Greenland on Ultramarine’s state-of-the-art helicopters.
Special Guests
David Baron: The veteran science journalist, broadcaster and umbraphile – who has witnessed nine total solar eclipses across the globe – is also the author of the award-winning American Eclipse: A Nation’s Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World. Baron has travelled to every continent and more than 50 countries for work and pleasure.
Michael Zeiler: The highly respected author, geographer and eclipse cartographer is a member of the International Astronomical Union Working Group on Solar Eclipses – with an asteroid named in his honour. Zeiler has been witnessing solar eclipses since 1991 and was among the first to develop eclipse maps online.
Patagonia’s wild wonders await on the Essential Patagonia: Fjords & Torres del Paine expedition, a 15-day journey from Buenos Aires to Santiago. Designed for experienced travelers seeking an easy yet enriching adventure, this guided trip weaves through Argentina and Chile’s breathtaking landscapes, including the renowned Torres del Paine National Park, Isla Marta, and majestic southern fjords.
Traverse dramatic coastlines via Zodiac cruises and soar over pristine terrain on a helicopter flightseeing excursion—experiences that reveal Patagonia’s untouched beauty from every angle. Encounter Magellanic penguins, South American sea lions, and the elusive Southern Elephant seal as you explore blue-hued tidewater glaciers and remote wilderness.
This tour’s unique selling point is its immersive blend of wildlife-rich expeditions and exclusive vantage points, allowing you to retrace Charles Darwin’s legendary footsteps in complete comfort. With all logistics—accommodation, meals, and transfers—expertly arranged, you’re free to soak in the splendor of Patagonia’s fjords and national parks on this once-in-a-lifetime polar adventure.
Buenos Aires, Santiago, Torres del Paine National Park, Isla Marta, Ushuaia, Cape Horn, Diego Ramírez Islands, Garibaldi Glacier, Águila Glacier, Puerto Natales
Chase the extraordinary across Iceland’s Vestfjords and Greenland’s untamed northeast coast on the "Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland" tour. Crafted for experienced travelers seeking insight and comfort, this 11-day guided polar expedition and cruise begins and ends in Reykjavik, inviting you into a world of towering fjords and remote Arctic wilderness. Navigate through the world’s largest fjord system, observe iconic arctic wildlife, and stand in awe of massive icebergs and dramatic bird cliffs. A highlight for many is the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights painting the night sky—a spectacle that draws adventurers from around the globe.
Beyond the landscapes, immerse yourself in Inuit culture at Ittoqqortoormiit, explore ancient Thule sites, and gain firsthand appreciation for the region’s rich history and traditions. With expert guides leading the way and all accommodations, meals, and transport included, this easy-paced expedition ensures comfort without sacrificing discovery. The unique selling point of this tour package lies in its rare access to both cultural encounters and raw, untouched arctic scenery, making it an unforgettable journey for those who crave both adventure and meaningful connection.
Imagine gazing out the airplane window for your first unforgettable view of Antarctica’s icy expanse. The Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North tour offers experienced travelers the rare opportunity to bypass the lengthy sea crossing with a three-hour flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, landing you directly on the White Continent. Your polar expedition continues by ship—delivering you to the heart of Antarctica’s dramatic wilderness, teeming with playful penguins, curious seals, and breathtaking vistas. On the return, sail across the legendary Drake Passage, retracing the footsteps of intrepid explorers and soaking in the thrill of this historic route. Each day promises new surprises, from unique wildlife encounters to awe-inspiring natural wonders. This guided group tour includes comfortable accommodations, meals, and seamless transport, ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in the adventure. The standout feature: experiencing Antarctica’s grandeur both from the air and the sea, combining efficiency with the unparalleled excitement of a full polar exploration trip.
