9 of the best Arctic expedition cruises

Expeditions to Greenland and the Canadian Arctic will have more of a focus on the human side of the Arctic, visiting small Inuit communities at the edge of the ice cap, and you'll explore spectacular fjords scattered with icebergs. Iceland also features on many itineraries, a fascinating destination that lies just outside the Arctic Circle. If you want to see the Northern Lights then there only a handful of options, usually operating in September/October or in the winter months.

As you might have guessed by now, an Arctic expedition cruise is very different to a regular cruise: your itinerary can change at short notice depending on the position of the ice, the weather and wildlife sightings nearby, and you'll be going ashore in small zodiac boats, usually hopping out directly into the shallows on remote beaches. The ship's onboard expedition team will help you to understand more about your surroundings through engaging talks and lectures, and you'll be accompanied ashore by experienced naturalist guides.

Travelling to the Arctic is not cheap, and there are a number of different operators competing for your custom. With this in mind, we've put together this guide to the best expedition cruise lines visiting the Arctic.

1. Silversea Expeditions

Silversea pioneered the luxury expedition cruise concept, and three of their ever-growing fleet of small ships currently ply the waters of the Arctic. Silver Cloud and Silver Wind carry 254 guests and 274 guests respectively, and were both classic cruise ships before being reimagined into expedition vessels. Silversea's newest addition is the 220-guest Silver Endeavour, orginally built for Crystal Cruises in 2021 and one of the world's most advanced luxury expedition ships.

Reasons to choose Silversea include superb all-inclusive value, with everything from meals and alcoholic drinks to butler service and a professionally produced voyage DVD included in your fare. Itineraries include in-depth explorations of the Svalbard archipelago, Greenland and the Canadian Arctic, Iceland and occasional transits of the Northwest Passage.

2. HX Expeditions

HX Expeditions operate several itineraries in the Arctic, from the usual Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland to intrepid longer journeys across the Northwest Passage. The aptly named 150-guest MS Spitsbergen operates Svalbard itineraries as well as sailings along the Norwegian coast, including some winter itineraries to see the Northern Lights.

The two newest ships in the fleet, MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen, are fully hybrid vessels and offer a modern base camp from which to explore the Arctic. They are larger than all of the ships in this list with a capacity of 490 guests and predominantly operate Greenland and Northwest Passage itineraries.

3. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

German cruise line Hapag-Lloyd have nearly three decades of experience in the polar regions, and a new chapter began in 2019 with the launch of two brand new expedition ships, Hanseatic Nature and Hanseatic Inspiration. A third new ship, Hanseatic Spirit, launched in 2021. Don't be put off if you don't speak German - all three are now operated as bilingual ships, with all communications in both English and German.

The style on board is contemporary and Nordic-inspired, with innovations including glass-bottomed balconies, a deck track at the bow for wildlife viewing, and a water-level marina at the back of the ship. The expedition operation is top notch, and destinations include an extensive Greenland and Arctic Canada programme.

4. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions has enjoyed a partnership with National Geographic since 2004 and in the last few years, cemented that partnership by becoming National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. Their small ships are packed full of tools for exploration, including remote-controlled submarines, hydrophones and sea kayaks, while the partnership means there is a National Geographic photographer on board every voyage.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is a great choice for serious explorers looking for an intimate and informal atmosphere on board; although not ultra-luxurious, this is not a cheap cruise either, with your fare invested in high-end hardware rather than butler service and free-flowing Champagne. Itineraries range from shorter Svalbard sailings to extended Greenland, Canadian Arctic and Northeast Passage expeditions.

5. Ponant Explorations

French cruise line Ponant rolled out six stylish yachts between 2018 and 2020, the Explorer class, with each ship carrying just 184 guests. The slightly older and slightly larger Boréal class yachts, which entered service between 2010 and 2015 and carry 264 guests, also operate in the Arctic, and offer the same combination of contemporary flair and technological innovation.

Even more exciting for polar explorers is Le Commandant Charcot, the world's first hybrid-powered luxury icebreaker, equipped with a PC6 class hull which allows her to travel into remote corners of Greenland, the Canadian Arctic and all the way to the North Pole itself!

6. Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions focus purely on the polar regions, with nearly 30 years' experience operating in this challenging environment.

The 199-guest Ultramarine is Quark's first new-build vessel, having launched in 2019, and is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters. You can expect an amazing array of excursions and activities including heli-hiking, helicopter flightseeing and camping on Greenland itineraries, although due to regulations, the helicopters do not operate in Svalbard. Quark also operate the 168-guest World Voyager and the 138-guest Ocean Explorer, the latter boasting an innovative X-Bow design for ultimate guest comfort.

7. Scenic

Scenic's much-anticipated discovery yacht, Scenic Eclipse, launched in 2019 to great fanfare. This sleek 228-guest vessel is one of the most luxurious expedition ships currently at sea, with stylish interiors, an amazing 10 different dining options and gadgets including two helicopters and a submarine. A second, near-identical ship, Scenic Eclipse II, launched in 2023.

Scenic Eclipse is the first in a new generation of expedition vessels, for those who want all the trappings of an ultra-luxury cruise ship while travelling in remote and inaccessible regions of the world. An extensive Arctic programme includes Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland, along with transits of the Northwest Passage.

8. Seabourn

Seabourn Venture launched in 2022 with Seabourn Pursuit following in 2023, two purpose-built expeditions ships from ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn. Seabourn previously dipped their toe in with their expedition-style 'Ventures by Seabourn' programme in Antarctica and Alaska, but the two expedition vessels expand their fleet in the expedition market significantly.

The experience on board matches the high standards Seabourn guests have come to expect, with personalised service, all-inclusive fares and chic interiors by designer Adam D. Tihany, as well as the added benefit of all-balcony accommodations. Operating eye-catching itineraries to Greenland, Iceland and the Canadian Arctic, they are a superb option for longer sailings combining different regions of the Arctic.

9. AE Expeditions

Polar specialists AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions) offer something a little bit different, with an unusual array of Arctic activities including snorkelling, scuba diving, rock climbing and stand-up paddleboarding.

AE's focus is on immersive experiences and off-the-beaten-track exploration rather than onboard luxury, although their innovative ships, the Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle, and Douglas Mawson represent a significant upgrade on their previous fleet in terms of hardware. These distinctive ships, with their revolutionary X-BOW design, offer a smoother sailing experience and reduced emissions, and explore destinations including Svalbard, Greenland and Canada.