Embarking on an Arctic cruise is an experience of a lifetime. Below, discover The Sybarite's pick of the best polar journeys.
The Arctic isn’t a last-minute destination that you can book in a hurry. Planning is absolutely vital. People fly halfway around the world just to see the vast expanse of frosted white stretching in every direction.
During the summer months, a phenomenon known as "midnight sun" occurs where the sun never sets below the horizon. In winter, meanwhile, darker skies take hold, providing the ultimate backdrop for the fabled northern lights.
While the landscape is unforgettable, what makes this destination particularly special is the journey itself, particularly aboard a luxury cruise ship. These striking vessels are built to slip through the ice while keeping travellers toasty and warm. Read on to discover The Sybarite's guide to the best luxury Arctic cruises.
The Top 10 Luxury Arctic Cruises
1. Ponant Le Commandant Charcot
This is the world’s first luxury hybrid-powered icebreaker. A striking vessel, Le Commandant Charcot boasts an ice-class rating of PC2 that can take passengers all the way to 90° North. Few people have ever stood there, and fewer still have done so with a glass of Champagne onboard Le Commandant Charcot. The jewel in the crown? The Nuna - the one and only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea, which offers a decadent menu designed by the popular Michelin-starred chef.
Silversea feels much smaller, almost private. The cabins open onto balconies, pulling the Arctic light straight in. Elsewhere, Zodiac boat excursions, kayaking, and guided wildlife viewing opportunities bring out your inner explorer. Here, authentic adventure melds seamlessly with luxurious comfort.
3. Seabourn Venture
While Seabourn's ultra-luxurious cruise ships look sleek, almost like private yachts, the decks hide surprises including a medley of submarines, kayaks and Zodiacs. One moment, you are sliding across the tranquil Arctic Ocean, the next you are descending into a green-lit world where the Arctic almost seems alien. On board, the pace is slowed down, providing guests with ample opportunity to relax and take everything in.
On the Ultramarine, helicopters rise straight from the deck, carrying you over glaciers that appear to stretch on for miles. Despite being built for polar exploration, there's also a softness to Ultramarine. On the deck, there are plenty of quiet spaces to kick back and relax, including lounge areas, bars, a spa and a sauna. The focus here is on discovering new places, and then finding a place to steady yourself before the next adventure.
5. Hurtigruten HX Expeditions – MS Roald Amundsen
Named after a Norwegian explorer, the MS Roald Amundsen is paving the way for sustainable cruise ships. As one of two fully hybrid ships in the fleet, the vessel is equipped with technology that reduces the ship's fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 20%. Inside, elegant woods and dramatic glass details catch the eye. There's a science centre, multiple restaurants, a fitness room and a pool. Evenings might be spent watching the magical sunset, sharing stories with fellow travellers about Arctic explorers, or with a naturalist discussing the region's wildlife.
6. Lindblad Expeditions & National Geographic – Endurance
On Endurance, you tend to bump into experts wherever you go (naturalists, photographers, scientists, etc). It carries the National Geographic name and embodies its spirit. During the evenings, people wait quietly out on the special observational decks, hoping to catch a glimpse of the northern lights which sees bands of green flickering through the night sky.
Crystal Endeavor looks like a yacht with its sleek, curved lines. Highlights include the glass observation lounges, exclusive private verandas and stellar dining options where the dishes feel like they should belong in the heart of a buzzing city. Crystal Endeavor's main drawcard, however, is its unique cruise routes. Intrepid guests can explore rarely-visited places such as Svalbard’s cliffs or Greenland’s white sweep.
8. Scenic Eclipse II
Scenic Eclipse II doesn’t look like the kind of ship you'd associate with cruise adventures. To put it plainly, it’s a resort or premium “Discovery Yacht” that prides itself on space, comfort and luxurious wide balconies. The sheer scale is surprising. Guests can expect wide corridors, luxury finishes and generous suites. Beyond this, there's also an emphasis on wellness. Scenic Eclipse II boasts a gym, a sauna, and a spa offering a roster of spa treatments.
9. Aurora Expeditions – Sylvia Earle
Named after the oceanographer, Sylvia Earle is a smaller ship with a maximum capacity of 130 passengers. It's designed for much smaller groups, which in turn makes the experience feel more intimate. Here, you can spend your time immersed in the science centre, unwinding in the premium spa, or engrossed in the lecture centre.
10. Oceanwide Expeditions – Hondius
Hondius isn’t gigantic, but that's part of its charm. The cabins feel close to the Arctic waters, the hallways don’t seem endless, and there's a dining room where you start to recognise every face after spending just a day or two onboard the ship. The routes are flexible: fjords one morning, ice edges the next, the captain adjusting as the Arctic shifts around you.
While most trips typically ask you to choose between adventure and comfort, luxury cruises in the Arctic offer both. Picture waking up in a suite with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, coffee in hand, and outside there are ice formations drifting past, maybe a polar bear moving in the distance.
These luxury ships allow travellers to explore remote locations that are otherwise near-impossible to reach. They go to fjords that twist deep into the coast and visit unique islands, some with no docks.
And woven through it all, pure craftsmanship and luxurious details. Think hybrid engines, exquisite menus and opulent interiors.
It depends what you want to glean from the Arctic region. Summers are all about long nights, calmer seas, and abundant wildlife. Winter, meanwhile, is much darker and colder, but with a stronger chance of spotting the northern lights.
Most run into the tens of thousands, though it depends on the duration of the trip, the destination, and the style of cruise ship.
Polar bears and arctic foxes if you’re lucky. Usually, however, you can witness walruses, whales, seals, seabirds, and reindeer.
Yes. These ships are built to handle icy polar conditions. Plus, the crew and local guides know how to read weather most of us wouldn’t even notice.
Ideally, you should pack lots of layers, waterproof clothing, plus a pair of sturdy boots. While some ships hand out parkas and loan boots, it's best to be prepared and bring all of the essentials.
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