04 Feb The Top Five Arctic Cruises
The Top Five Arctic Cruises
Alex Burridge-Managing Director Arctic Travel Centre
The Arctic (from the Greek arktikos meaning ‘near the bear, northern’) is a vast region North of 66° 34’N encompassing Greenland, Svalbard and the North of Canada (as well a Franz Josef land and Russia). It is home to several unique animals and birds, and has a human history dating back many thousands of years.
Whether it is any of the regions amazing wildlife (Polar bears, walrus, musk ox, puffins), the incredible landscapes, the colourful communities found on Greenland or simply the Polar ice cap that draws you hear here – you’ll go home with some incredible memories.
Here we’ve selected our Top 5 Arctic cruises. They showcase the incredible diversity of the Arctic.
# 1 NORTH POLE
There a few voyages that take you somewhere so few people ever visit. You’ll see Polar bears along the way and watch in awe as this unique ship powers its way through ice up to 3 metres thick. It’s a mesmerizing experience to stand out on deck and look down in awe. With luck you will also see Polar bears; which have been seen very close to the North Pole, 700km from the nearest land.
SHIP: LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
Polar bears love sea ice, as that’s where they can find their favourite prey, seals. This one was about 450km from land – a big male.
Multi-year sea ice covers the top of the world, more than 3.5 million square kilometres.
Often at least 3 metres thick (and where there are ridges up to 20 metres thick) a very powerful and unique ship is
required to safely navigate to the Top Of The World.
Le Commandant Charcot is that is unique and currently the only ship capable of reaching the North Pole with guests.
#2 SVALBARD CIRCUMNAVIGATION AND KVITOYA
Sometimes more time simply means greater opportunity to see and encounter more; more wildlife (polar bears, walrus, arctic fox, seals and many species of bird) and more stunning land, sea and icescapes. This Arctic Cruise aims to get above 80 degrees North and with good ice conditions also visits Kvitoya (again few people ever have this opportunity or experience), which is covered by an ice-cap and home to many Polar bears. It’s also the resting place for Andree’s Arctic Balloon Expedition (1897).
SHIP: SEA SPIRIT
Polar bear on the shore of Kvitoya – ice-cap in the background.
Walrus are also often seen on Kvitoya – they have favourite haul-out sites which the expedition will aim to visit, conditions permitting.
In the summer months the Arctic Fox loses most of it’s white fur (as it would stand out once snow and ice have receded). Just like foxes here they can be found close to human settlements.
The classic and legendary voyage, visiting places that Roald Amundsen would have experienced when he discovered the Northwest Passage on his 1903-1906 voyage as well as other sites of interest from the ill-fated Franklin expedition in 1845. Arctic wildlife can be seen throughout the voyage. You’ll also have the opportunity visit Inuit communities and learn about their ancient culture.
Two options, a 17 day Northwest Passage cruise ending in Cambridge Bay on-board Ocean Explorer, and if you have the time the 29 day Traversing the Northwest Passage on the Sylvia Earle ends in Nome – just as Roald Amundsen did in 1906.
SHIPS:
OCEAN EXPLORER
SYLVIA EARLE
These Beechey Island graves mark the site of where some of Franklin’s men were buried – they over-wintered here in 1845. It’s hard not to be moved by the remarkable story that these grave stones are part of.
The Sylvia Earle ‘parked’ off of Devon Island in the Canadian High Arctic.
Polar bears can be found throughout the journey.
#4. WILD LANDSCAPES OF WEST GREENLAND
Greenland is a place of enormous contrasts, mostly covered by the world’s 2nd largest ice cap there’s a lot of white and the towns and villages are a blaze of colour. Massive fjord systems offer stunning views and Disco Bay offers up some amazing icebergs and hopefully a few whales.
SHIP:
SYLVIA EARLE
The names of some villages are as difficult to pronounce as they are to get to. Many are found in magnificent settings.
These Inuit sculptures are found in Nuuk – Greenland’s capital.
A cruise into the Iceberg littered Disko Bay is yet another memorable excursion
#5. UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS; EXPLORING ICELAND AND EAST GREENLAND
The East Coast of Greenland is home to Scoresby Sund an incredibly beautiful fjord complex. You’ll also visit East Greenland’s most northerly community, Ittoqqortoormiit. More stunning vistas will greet you at Kong Oscar Fjord. With good conditions some great hikes will further enhance this expedition cruise.
SHIP:
ULTRAMARINE
Icebergs, glaciers and ancient rocks.
Icebergs in Scoresby Sund.
Often hard to spot – Musk Oxen make their home in Northeast Greenland National Park.
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