An arctic cruise promises the trip of a lifetime in the earth’s least explored regions. It truly is bucket-list worthy, and it’s also more versatile than you think.
Take a look at these top 5 cruise destinations in the Arctic, and discover a whole new world of adventure.
Canadian High Arctic
An arctic cruise is like no other cruise you’ve ever experienced, and there are a surprising number of fascinating destinations within your reach. One of these top destinations that await you on your arctic cruise is the Canadian High Arctic.
This archipelago lies to the north of the continental mainland. It is the Earth’s largest High Arctic area aside from Greenland. Baffin Island and Ellesmere Island are just two of the better-known islands amongst more than an astonishing 30 000 (although the majority of these are minor islands).
And there’s so much more to see than ice and sea. Animal lovers can look forward to whales, seals, walruses, and of course, polar bears.
A cruise through the Canadian High Arctic presents a chance for North Americans to access a whole new world without straying too far from theirs.
The North Pole
There are different ways to get to Antarctica, which contains the geographic south pole. But what about the north pole? Is that possible too? Yes, it’s absolutely possible, although far fewer people have traveled to this region than the rest of the world’s destinations.
Want to be one of the lucky ones who do? Book an arctic cruise that will take you to the top of the world. This was a distant dream until recently, as most people don’t have access to an icebreaker ship to make the journey.
But this dream is now a reality, and adventure seekers just like you can now travel to the North Pole. And you’ll be in good company when you get there. Despite the isolation and the cold, a surprising number of wildlife sightings are possible.
A North Pole Arctic cruise is the ideal fix for the intrepid traveler and the adrenaline junkie. This trip will stand out as one of the most memorable vacations of your life.
The Scandinavian Island Of Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen is Northern Norway’s only permanently populated island on the Svalbard archipelago. Bordering the Arctic Ocean, the Norwegian Sea, and the Greenland Sea, it’s the obvious choice for an educational and exciting arctic cruise.
One of the best ways to get there is from Helsinki in Finland. So this can be the perfect start (or culmination) of an epic Scandinavian vacation.
One of the best reasons to give in to your travel cravings is the opportunity to have different experiences and learn new things. So treat yourself and your family to the ultimate educational vacation. Include a Spitsbergen Arctic tour on your travel itinerary.
Do you love polar bears? We understand, who doesn’t want to see these amazing creatures with their own eyes? You’ll see these beautiful Arctic beasts on a Spitsbergen tour, but that’s not all. You may also catch a glimpse of whales, walruses, and a fascinating variety of seabirds.
Remote Russian Arctic Islands
There are a large number of Russian Arctic islands throughout the Arctic Ocean. Explore the remote Franz Josef Land for an exceptional polar adventure, or the arctic archipelagos of Severnaya Zemlya and Novaya Zemlya.
Roughly half the population of the world’s Arctic regions can be found in the Russian Arctic. That said, many of these territories remain uninhabited and unspoiled.
Besides a few scientists carrying out important research, you may be one of the very few people who ever get to see some of these remarkable icy zones. But when we say uninhabited, we don’t mean completely desolate. The lack of human settlements is more than made up for by the many types of wildlife, perfectly adapted for life in the cold and on the ice.
In Severnaya Zemlya, wolves run the show. And Arctic foxes abound in the harsh conditions of Novaya Zemlya. In the Russian Arctic, top historical sites including former Soviet Union polar stations will appeal to the history buffs among you.
Greenland
Travel to Greenland will expose you to stunning scenery, untouched natural beauty, and the fascinating Inuit culture. Located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, this island is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Despite its name, Greenland is mostly covered with ice and snow. It was not necessarily always so. Greenland may well have been greener in prehistoric times. Today, though, more than 80% is snowy white. Yet despite this stark terrain, the magnificence of Greenland’s glaciers, Fjords, and wilderness will delight any nature lover.
Like the Canadian High Arctic, Greenland has its fair share of animal treasures too. You’ll spot reindeer, musk oxen, and even sea eagles in this land of ice and snow. And who needs an onboard cruise ship extravaganza when you can experience the Aurora Borealis?
Also known as the Northern Lights, it is the ultimate light show, brought to you by Mother Nature. Greenland offers the chance for Arctic exploration, with the chance to learn more about remote cultures and wildlife. It is truly the best family vacation to be had in the Arctic region.
