Here, you’ll find hotel rooms over cabins, fine dining, and generally, a more comfortable experience - for a price! If you want to splurge and spend your trip to the Arctic in a more relaxed environment, a luxury ship will provide modern and comfortable rooms with a sleek design, and a generally more upscale experience. Luxury polar cruise ships accommodate double the amount of passengers as an expedition ship (160), and are more focused on comfort. You may not have access to amenities such as an onboard gym or luxury cabin, but you’ll definitely have a life-changing experience when you explore the Arctic on an expedition cruise ship! If you’re looking to see the Arctic the way scientists and explorers have in the past, this is the boat type for you. If you’re dreaming of cruising in the Arctic, one of the first choices you’ll have to make is in regards to your ship! There are two main types of cruise ships that will take visitors across the Arctic, and both of them offer vastly different experiences.Įxpedition cruise ships are former working ships, providing an authentic experience with few frills, and accommodating about 80 passengers at a time. Which Arctic cruise ship is right for you?
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This exhilarating adventure is not to be missed by those looking to explore the region in-depth! Learn more about zodiac cruising.
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In more populated areas, such as Norway, for example, there are ski resorts that cater to every age and ability level, so whether it’s your first slope or you hundredth, you’ll be able to enjoy yourself.Ī zodiac is a small, inflatable motorboat with a very low centre of gravity which allows it to quickly weave between blocks of ice so visitors can get a closer, more intimate look at everything there is to see on the waters of the Arctic. Take a cruise to various locations, or charter a boat and hop from island to glacier to iceberg.Ī quintessential Arctic activity, there are plenty of opportunities for skiing in the Arctic. This travel style combines the luxury and fun of a cruise with the heart-racing adventure that comes with exploring the Arctic. Polar cruising has become increasingly popular recently, and with good reason. Do your research to determine the best way to keep your equipment safe in extreme temperatures, and in protected areas, ask before taking photos.
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There are plenty of amazing photo opportunities in the Arctic, from polar bears and their cubs to massive Viking warships to the Northern Lights, there are sure to be plenty of sights you’ll want to remember forever. Visitors dreaming of catching a glimpse of this natural phenomenon are encouraged to visit in the autumn and winter. However, some operators will have options for even further into the month: after all, when there’s always snow on the ground, there’s no bad time for snowy activities!įrom mid-April until mid-August, the northern lights are unable to be seen, as they need complete darkness to appear and this is the period of midnight sun throughout the Arctic. In the far north, the season for dog sledding tends to be from mid-November until late April. From sleeping under the stars in Iceland to cosying up in a cabin under the northern lights in Finland, there are plenty of ways to get your camping fix in the Arctic! While this activity can be seen as a bit extreme, there are dozens of options for camping and glamping in the Arctic. Another activity best done in the summer, make sure you follow any posted signs, and, as always, follow the recommendation of your guide to make sure your hike is safely away from any danger. Imagine cutting through crisp, clear water, paddling alongside a massive iceberg, or even having a whale swim beside you! Note that kayaking can only be done in the summer months, when some of the Arctic ice has melted and it’s safe to travel through the water.įrom dormant volcanoes to black sand beaches to jaw-dropping mountains, hiking in the Arctic is as unique as it is rewarding. Just make sure to always listen to your guide and follow any extra safety precautions they suggest.Ī peaceful way to get up close and personal with the Arctic, kayaking is a popular activity for visitors and locals alike. Some of the best places to go polar bear watching include Svalbard in Norway Churchill, Manitoba Greenland and Kaktovik, Alaska. While polar bears can be fiercely territorial, seeing these magnificent animals up close in the wild is an experience that will stay with you forever.