Polar Cruise Ships – The Complete Guide

If you are looking to explore the spectacular surroundings of the icy Northern realms on an unforgettable Arctic holiday, cruiseships offer the best way to take in the sights – and we have a variety of excellent vessels waiting to welcome you onboard! A cruise is truly the best way to uncover the untouched beauty that this remote region has to offer, and whether you are planning a luxury excursion or want to make sure that your trip is packed full of adventure, it is easy to find the right cruise operator for you. 

Not all vessels are the same, and you’ll want to choose one that ticks all your boxes from budget to passenger size and atmosphere. To help you find the type of Arctic Circle cruise that will offer you the experience you are looking for we’ve put together an overview of each group and examples of their ships.

Mid Range Arctic Vessels

Unlike a traditional cruise vessel, these mid range ships offer enough space to prevent cabin fever and accommodate sufficient passengers to make them more economical. They aren’t so massive, however, that your opportunities for landings are limited by having to take turns with the other passengers. 

MV Plancius

It is often the case that our Arctic Circle cruise ships lived a former life as a research centre before taking curious travellers around the world. That’s the case with MV Plancius, which originally functioned as a Dutch oceanographic research boat. This means that it’s well-equipped for the harsh weather that you might encounter in this frozen world. The stent and bow are ice-strengthened and, alongside the usual facilities such as a lounger, bar, dining room, and library, there’s also a lecture theatre. 

Despite being able to carry more passengers, the guests are still limited to 116, which means it will never be overcrowded. You and your fellow passengers will be looked after by 45 wonderful staff and crewmembers.

MV Ortelius

The MV Ortelius was also a research ship with roots in Russia, and it too has been ice-strengthened making it ideal for polar explorations. Since her time as a scientific hub, she’s been entirely refurbished to offer a selection of quality suites and cabins. You will have the option of private or shared rooms, depending on availability. The guest count on board is set at 106 passengers, and the Ortelius offers two dining rooms and plenty of open deck space for whale watching. But the real treat is the helicopter land pad which is perfect if you’re looking to add a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter excursion over the Arctic circle. Cruise ships have never been so well equipped!

First Class Arctic Cruise Ships

Just because you’re looking for real adventure doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort. These First Class expedition vessels emphasise high-level service and onboard facilities. If passenger numbers mean that it’s only possible to offer 1 daily landing per passenger then these vessels will have other invigorating Arctic activities available such as sea ice kayaking.

Sea Spirit

The Sea Spirit can accommodate up to 114 passengers, and every cabin boasts windows with incredible sea views, its own en-suite and even satellite phone access. If you’re lucky, you may even get yourself a room with a private balcony – just imagine sipping your morning coffee and spotting a whale in the freezing waters!

This larger vessel allows for more facilities such as a spacious dining room, gym and even a hot tub. Again, there is plenty of deck space for you to stretch your legs and admire the view, and this ship offers an open bridge policy. Although it is larger and heavier, the Sea Spirit is much faster than the mid-range vessels mentioned above, reaching a cruising speed of 15.5 knots.

Ultramarine

When it comes to redefining the Arctic Circle cruise holiday, the Ultramarine leads the way. This brand new boat is changing what’s possible on a polar expedition, and if you ever thought heated flooring would be quite nice while exploring the Arctic, then the Ultramarine is the ship for you. 

You shouldn’t worry, though, that luxury compromises on authenticity because it really doesn’t. As a passenger on the Ultramarine you are guaranteed to enjoy just as many close encounters with wildlife and scenery as you would expect on any of the smaller vessels.

Before we get to the accommodation, there’s so much on offer to excite the intrepid explorer in you. This vessel boasts more outdoor wildlife viewing platforms than most, providing incredible opportunities for unique sightings and photo opportunities. Furthermore, with two helicopters the activities on offer are out of this world. From aerial flightseeing to camping on ice, kayaking to cross-country skiing – whatever gets your adrenaline pumping, the Ultramarine has got it.

Besides the thrill-seeking opportunities, the facilities are out of this world. You will have seven different cabin styles to choose from, but all include private bathrooms (with those coveted heated floors), premium beds, windows and flat-screen TVs.

Luxury Arctic Expedition Ships

When it comes to the ultimate Arctic Circle cruise, these purpose-built expedition vessels offer top-of-the-range onboard facilities and high-end service levels that are hard to beat.

Greg Mortimer

Something to take into consideration when planning your Arctic Circle cruise is the environmental impact. There’s a reason why this remote part of the world remains relatively untouched and that’s thanks to innovations such as those integrated into the Greg Mortimer ship. This new purpose-built expedition ship has been built to withstand the strongest winds and waves, using the ULSTEIN X-BOW, a novel nautical technology that reduces vibrations and motion at sea, which not only reduces the journey’s environmental impact but also makes the journey safer and more comfortable for passengers.

This cutting-edge technology reduces the ship’s carbon emissions by reducing the amount of fuel required to power it. Every aspect of the Greg Mortimer’s design has been crafted with the strict environmental standards of the Polar Code in mind. The custom-made viewing and Zodiac platforms minimise the intrusion of human presence, whether you’re looking for wildlife on deck or on the water. Plus, the facilities are top-notch too! Luxury cabins, a large dining room, a library and Wellness Centre complete with a sauna and spa mean that there’s a perfect balance between expedition and relaxation.

M/V Hondius

The Hondius expedition vessel is unique in that it is the first civilian ship on the planet to receive a Polar Class 6 notation, which means it complies with (and exceeds) the obligatory requirements of the Polar Code. Although it provides more than comfortable accommodation for 174 guests, the well-being of the surrounding environment has also been taken into careful consideration. Its sheltered Zodiac boarding zone means that any land-based activities can be carried out quickly, easily, and with the least impact on the natural habitat.

But your comfort is not forgotten! The M/V Hondius offers some of the very best accommodation in polar exploration, with a variety of suites to choose from. Some include suites with four portholes while others have their own private balcony. If you’re interested in the research being carried out in this part of the world, there is a whole deck dedicated to lectures and presentations, which will take your Arctic Circle cruise to the next level.

Arctic Adventure Vessels

Although smaller, these intimate ships and yachts foster a sense of camaraderie and adventure whilst still being luxuriously furnished.

Wilderness Legacy

The Wilderness Legacy may be smaller, offering room for just 86 guests, but she is mighty. This beautiful ship is perfect for travellers who enjoy comfort but want to put adventure first when it comes to their Arctic Circle cruise. With four decks to enjoy, she is perfect for exploring the remotest regions of the frozen world in a more intimate setting. As well as two hot tubs on the largest deck, visitors can enjoy an open bridge, a spacious indoor lounge, a games room and a welcoming bar. Each cabin features a view window, a private bathroom and very comfortable beds – a warm welcome after a day of adventure.

Safari Quest

Safari Quest is the smallest vessel we’ve introduced yet! In fact, with room for only 22 guests, she’s more of a yacht but she’s incredibly well-equipped for a cosy, Arctic exploration. Each of the eleven cabins, boasting either a viewing window or a balcony, has been thoughtfully furnished to maximise the sense of space whilst still remaining comfy. Despite being small, Safari Quest still has room to offer facilities such as a hot tub, fitness equipment and a lounge and bar.

Sailing Vessels in the Arctic

Sailing vessels are for the true thrill-seekers looking for a hands-on sailing experience. While the accommodation is low-key, the adventure is the opposite! Perfect for intimate small groups.

SV Noorderlicht

Compared to the previous boats, this is something of a grandfather having been built in 1910. But the two-masted SV Noorderlicht schooner is prepared for the at-times challenging conditions of the Arctic Circle. Cruise boats like this have true character and are fitted with ten basic cabins complete with twin bunks and shared bathrooms. You will feel like a real explorer, and the sense of camaraderie on these smaller launches is like nothing else. Nonetheless, there is still room for a bar and dining lounge.

SV Rembrandt Van Rijn

She may be a bit younger than SV Noorderlicht but the SV Rembrandt Van Rijn is still something of an antique, having first launched in 1922. However, with age comes experience (and a few updates as well) and this three-masted schooner offers passengers a true taste of being at sea on an expedition. There is room for 34 guests in twin cabins as well as a dining room, lecture space and even a separate bar. With a large deck space, there are also plenty of opportunities to try your hand as a crew member and help out with the sailing duties.

Our Favourite Arctic Expedition Ships

One of the benefits our customers enjoy is our team’s first-hand experience. We’ll share our opinions and recommendations with you to craft that perfect trip. So it naturally follows that we each have our favourites when it comes to vessels that cruise the Arctic.

Sylvia Earle

One of our highlights for many reasons, the Sylvia Earle ship is unlike any other boat we’ve come across. Aside from her beauty and incredible facilities, the ship honouring accomplished marine biologist Sylvia Earle has one of the lowest polluting engines in the world and utilises cutting-edge technology designed to protect the natural environment. She has been designed to not only look after the surrounding habitats but also to ensure that every passenger is safe and sound and the journey is smooth, thanks again to the ULSTEIN X-BOW.

When it comes to comfort onboard, the Sylvia Earle features a beautiful Glass Atrium Lounge which offers incredible panoramic views. If that wasn’t enough, there’s even a swimming pool, gym, sauna and plenty of bars and lounges to relax in after a long, adventure packed day. 

Ocean Albatros

We love the Albatros for its innovation and green credentials. Another spanking new boat, she is built to the highest standards of the Polar Code and is ideal for polar cruising thanks to its X-Bow-Infinity class, providing the most stable of journeys even in awful weather. She is a low-energy yacht and has more than a 50% lower carbon footprint when compared to traditional expedition ships.

As well as the thoughtful design features, the Ocean Albatros is stylishly furnished and offers 95 rooms and suites, offering 9 different styles to choose from. There are even a few cabins dedicated to the solo traveller.

Ocean Victory

The Ocean Victory wins a place in our hearts for similar reasons to the Albatros; both are part of the Green Initiative Program and are low-energy which means they use electronic control to optimise fuel consumption and speed. As well as offering some of the most modern features you’ll find in polar exploration, the Victory has 93 comfortably furnished rooms and suites, all offering unobstructed sea views and nearly everyone will have a balcony. 

There are also several communal areas to mingle with your fellow passengers, including restaurants, an open-air swimming pool, a Nordic Bar, a barbeque deck and more!

Le Commandant Charcot

We had to mention our love of Le Commandant Charcot because there simply is no other ship like her. This vessel takes luxury and eco-travelling on an Arctic Circle cruise to the highest level. Not only is it designed for high specs but it is the very first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship powered by liquefied natural gas.

However, it’s the facilities on offer that win Commandant Charcot a place in our hearts. She offers travellers a stunning indoor swimming pool, spa, panoramic restaurant, lounge bar, observation lounge and plenty more! The 135 luxury cabins are generous with space and each has been designed to evoke the sense of cruising on a private yacht. What’s not to love?

Some of Our Most Popular Arctic Experiences

If these vessel descriptions have whet your appetite to explore the White Continent you should now consider some of the activities you can experience on these adventures.

Zodiac Excursions

An Arctic zodiac trip gives you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the surrounding environment during an Arctic Circle cruise – and might even get you close up and personal with some of the incredible wildlife. You and a group of up to 16 people will be able to zoom around frozen bays or glide quietly past floating hunks of ice that creak as you pass them. This is fun for everyone!

Polar Bear Watching

Polar bears are emblematic of the White Continent, so spotting your first one will be an unforgettable moment and is often at the top of passengers’ wishlists during an Arctic Circle cruise. There are a number of itineraries that offer polar bear watching as an activity and your guides will know exactly when and where you need to be to see them.

Northern Lights

A photograph will never do this mystical spectacle justice and for many travellers, witnessing these magical lights is a moving moment. While there are a few locations around the world to watch the Northern Lights, there’s nothing quite like breathing in the cold Arctic air and looking up at the night sky filled with colour. We can help put together a trip that will give you the best chance of a sighting of this incredible natural phenomenon.

Landscape Photography

Whether you are a pro or an amateur, the frozen world of white is a photographer’s paradise. With vast landscapes, fantastic wildlife, and plenty of otherworldly scenes, Arctic Circle photography during an Arctic Circle cruise is an activity that everyone can try out.

For more help on finding the perfect expedition vessel for your trip to the Arctic, speak to our expert team by calling 0800 195 3385 or emailing info@wildfoottravel.websitepro.hosting. We are sure to find the perfect vessel, and trip, to meet all of your requirements.

Rub shoulders with reindeer in Spitsbergen

Spitsbergen is one of the most interesting destinations in the northern hemisphere. It is part of Svalbard and is its only permanently-populated island. Svalbard belongs to northern Norway, with Spitsbergen being the 36th-largest island in the world. It also borders the Arctic Ocean, as well as the Norweigan and Greenland Seas. Here at WILDFOOT, we can assist if you have ever considered Arctic cruises in Spitsbergen.

Find out more about our holidays and tours in Svalbard

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Spitsbergen was a whaling base before it became a hotbed for coal mining. It is now heavily associated with both tourism and research, with residents and visitors travelling from settlement to settlement via boats, aircraft and snowmobiles. It is home to a vast range of seabirds as well as reindeer, Polar bears and marine mammals. Spitsbergen is also where you can find six national parks, and is loved for its mainly untouched character.

The island also features various mountains, fjords and glaciers. So wild and remote is this part of the Arctic, that there are 3,000 polar bears roaming around Spitsbergen. As there are no roads connecting the settlements, Spitsbergen is also necessarily home to around 4,000 snowmobiles. There are no sunrises for four months, between October and March, and when the sun finally does resurface, its return is marked by Solfestuka, a weeklong celebration that consists of parties, exhibitions and music.

Longyearbyen is one of the busiest parts of the region, a place where reindeer rub shoulders with humans on a regular basis. Spitsbergen is also known as the home of the world’s most northernmost gourmet restaurant, which has more than 20,000 bottles of wine and has received the equivalent of the Michelin star for the quality of its cuisine.

Here at WILDFOOT, we’re waiting to hear from you if you’re interested in exploring Spitsbergen. We offer a range of unique packages that allow you to experience the glory of Spitsbergen and see it with your own eyes. Our team members are experts when it comes to what the region has to offer and are keen to help you to plan the perfect expedition to Spitsbergen.

We can even take you around Spitsbergen by sailing ship, so why not enquire today about what might just be a journey never to be forgotten?

Highlights of Arctic Cruises to the Svalbard Archipelago

Thanks to our experienced and knowledgeable team here at Wildfoot Travel we can offer our customers the very best bespoke Arctic adventures. Every one of us has travelled extensively to the regions offered in our packages. Planning an adventurous holiday for your next getaway or looking for a wildlife bonanza in the Alaskan wilderness? Our expert guides who are on board the vessel know where all the best spots are to see a polar bear or when’s the best time to explore the ice on a sea kayak. 

a polar bear hunting on the arctic shoreline

It’s fair to say that the remote nature of many parts of the Arctic is key to their appeal and, in our experience, it doesn’t get more remote than the archipelago of Svalbard. Holidays to this region, and in particular, the island of Spitsbergen, are guaranteed to make memories that will last your lifetime. The world’s most northern permanently inhabited area bar a few military bases, this particular part of Norway has plenty to recommend it, even for veteran travellers of the Arctic.

Find out more about our holidays and tours in Svalbard

What draws visitors to the Arctic?

Why should you personally mull over joining one of the Arctic cruises to this remote destination on offer from WILDFOOT? In our opinion it’s the chance to catch sight of striking aspects of Arctic nature, including a good variety of native plants and animals, that should be a major draw.

The Svalbard holidays put together by our experienced team offer opportunities to see the kind of glaciers and mountains that give the Arctic region its iconic character. After all, the name Spitsbergen from the original German, means ‘pointed mountains’. However, look more carefully and you should soon also be able to spot polar bears, which are one of the island’s biggest tourist attractions, and other local animals like foxes, seals, walruses and reindeer.

Landscape and Wildlife

Forlandet 

Svalbard holidays aren’t really complete if you don’t experience a hike on one of the islands in the archipelago. From the choice on offer, Forlandet is one of the most breathtaking. This small island is the westernmost piece of land that you can reach in this region – the next stop after this is Greenland! The landscape is defined by spectacular alpine mountains that surround the vast coastal plains below. It’s quite a harsh-looking vista, which makes for incredible photo opportunities and even better hiking routes.

While the flora is relatively scarce due to the tough conditions out here, you’ll still have the chance for some animal spotting. Many walrus make their home on the coast of Forlandet so keep your eyes peeled for a sighting.

Hornsund 

This lesser-known fjord is something of a known secret, due to its limited accessibility. However, we can arrange for you to travel on a cruise ship with a flexible itinerary so that you will have a good chance of witnessing this breathtaking world of ice, often described as one of the most spectacular corners of the west coast. Parts of the fjord are almost entirely surrounded by glaciers, making it feel as if you’ve been transported to another planet. Adding to this effect is the imposing peaks of mountains and the huge Sophiakammen rock wall. 

As well as the scenery you can catch sight of polar bears. Hornsund is only a few kilometres from the popular polar bear hangout, Hamburgbukta. As well as seeing the giant white bears in the summer months, there are also many seabirds for the twitchers among you.

Raudfjorden 

Located on the north coast, Raudfjorden boasts beautifully varied landscapes distinguished by an orange-red soil and boasts a particularly rich array of plant and animal life. Unlike Hornsund, the climate here is much more favourable, which means flora and fauna have a better chance of survival. The clay-coloured soil provides a viable home for plants such as the Purple saxifrage and another you’re probably familiar with: the Spider Plant.

If you’re a bird lover, we’ll make sure that we include a visit here.  Breeding Arctic terns, Common Eider and even a King Eider can be seen in fairly large numbers. Just be sure to respect the habitat of the birds during this season and keep your distance so as not to disturb them.

Glacier highlights

It might surprise you that around 5,000 years ago temperatures were warmer in this part of the world, about 4 degrees to be exact. Thanks to the colder climate in the last few millennia, conditions for glaciers and permafrost have been perfect. This means the glaciers that you’ll see on here are a lot younger than you might expect but that doesn’t make them any less impressive. Today, roughly 60% of the area’s landmass is covered by glaciers, a key feature that you cannot miss.

14th of July Glacier

Spitsbergen is glacier central, which means you have lots of fantastic opportunities to explore them. However, our team unanimously agrees that this glacier is particularly spectacular. Named after Bastille Day in France, the 14th of July Glacier is located in north-western Spitsbergen and surrounded by dark mountains, adding to the dramatic effect of the landscape. Whenever we find ourselves on an expedition to this area we are especially moved by the contrast of the white ice against the background. It’s simply breathtaking. During your visit, be sure to keep an eye out for the breeding puffins that make their home nearby.

Zodiac cruises along the edge of the Monaco Glacier

From our experience, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in this unique world than by taking to the water. Monacobreen (or Monaco Glacier) is the perfect destination for a zodiac cruise. There is simply nothing like the sound of creaking ice breaking the eerie silence as you move smoothly through the icebergs that float in the cold water. The scenery is stark, if you imagine Svalbard holidays to be full of vistas of vast ice walls and floating icebergs then this is the place you’d be imagining. We love to organise itineraries that include this once-in-a-lifetime experience, so if you’re interested, be sure to let us know.

History and Culture

Given that the population of about 2,600 is so small and so much of the nature remains untouched, you could be excused for reckoning that there can’t be much historical sightseeing to enjoy on any of WILDFOOT’s Arctic cruises. You would actually be wrong to reckon so!

Longyearbyen, with its population of roughly only 2,000, is tiny for what is a ‘capital city’. However, it is home to two museums, Svalbard Museum and the Spitsbergen Airship Museum, where you can check out exhibits related to significant Arctic expeditions. Outside Longyearbyen, you can even see two Lenin statues, a legacy of Soviet Union influence in the area.

Longyearbyen: A unique Arctic town

Situated in the valley between the shores of Adventfjorden, this unique settlement is surrounded by mountains and glaciers. Despite being the ‘metropolis’ of the area, there are only 40 kilometres of roads, which connect the town centre with different parts of the town. It might be small but it’s an important part of the archipelago offering a gateway to nearly all nature-based activities for most Svalbard holidays – and the wilderness of the Arctic can be found right in the centre of town.

As well as a friendly, international community, you’ll find all kinds of animals roaming the streets of Longyearbyen, so keep your wits about you. It might be wild reindeer but it’s not uncommon for polar bears to venture into the town, drawn in by the prospect of food.

As well as the beauty and unique atmosphere of Longyearbyen, here are some interesting things that we thought you’d like to know before you visit:

  • There’s only one grocery store
  • Everyone takes their shoes off before entering hotels or restaurants (a tradition that goes back to the old mining days)
  • Whale watching from your window is a normal pastime
  • The streets are numbered instead of named

Ny-Ålesund: A scientific village

If you’re interested in explorers, then you’ll know Ny-Ålesund as the starting point for the Arctic exhibitions led by Roald Amundsen – you can still see the mooring that was used for the “Norge” airship. There’s lots to interest you in the world’s northernmost settlement, which only has about 40 residents throughout the year.

While its history is rooted in coal mining, today the village is used as a hub for scientists studying the surrounding landscape. It’s also the location of The Norwegian Mapping Authority’s geodetic station, which means the use of wifi and Bluetooth is prohibited. No Netflix here, we’re sorry to say. But it’s this radio silence that adds to the quirkiness of the village. Plus, it boasts the world’s most northern post office!

Danskoya 

This small island in the northwest corner of Spitsbergen is a popular destination on our Svalbard holidays for history lovers. Danskoya, meaning ‘Danish Island’, is world-renowned as the site where Salomon August Andree made two attempts to launch his hot air balloon (The Eagle) in 1896 and 1897. Tragically, he and two of his team were found dead in 1930 in Kvitoya. But the failed attempts didn’t do much to repel others from trying the same. In 1906, 1907 and 1909, American journalist Walter Wellman tried to reach the north pole in an airship that was to follow the same path as Andree; he failed on all attempts. However, both explorers left several artefacts which draw many tourists every year. We think it’s a truly incredible destination.

We wish we had the space to mention even more than this…

These are just a few tips for enhancing your experience after booking one of our Arctic cruises. There are so many other reasons to be excited about your trip but WILDFOOT can assist in making your journey one to remember.

Other Destinations to Combine with Our Svalbard Holidays

Many of our itineraries can be combined with other destinations. Here are a few of our personal favourites which we think would be a wonderful addition to your Arctic itinerary.

Greenland

A perfect destination to include on an Arctic Circle tour. We’ll sail you through the narrow channels and fjords of the coast on Zodiac excursions that give you access to the rich wildlife and fauna. In addition, Greenland’s iconic towns and villages nestled beneath the soaring peaks of the dramatic mountainscape, are bursting with Norse history and culture.

The members of our team who accompany you on these trips are as experienced in helping you spot the orcas, whales and eagles as they are in sharing the historical background that will enrich your visits to the local settlements.

Iceland

We often recommend that you start a holiday to the region from Reykjavik. Our team never tires of a chance to experience the vibrant capital city of Iceland and would be delighted to share its highlights with you. We also send many of our customers on the Golden Circle tour – an amazing way to kick off the adventure of a lifetime with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, its geysers and Gullfoss Falls. We’re certain that you’ll love visiting Iceland as much as we do.

Jan Mayen 

This mystical island has a long history and is characterised by the cloak of mist that rarely clears. It was first occupied in the 17th century by Dutch and English whalers, but today it’s used as the site of a meteorological station and a destination we love to add to the itineraries of our Svalbard holidays. Without a doubt, the scenery is the main draw to Jan Mayen. Its landscape is defined by a volcanic presence, which is never far away thanks to the active volcano, Beerenburg, in the north half of the island. In the southern part, you’ll find evidence of former eruptions, as the land is marked by huge lava flows, cinder cones and striped hillsides. If you’re looking for some unique photo opportunities, we’d highly recommend visiting this destination.

We can’t wait to help you find the perfect option from our range of Arctic holidays. Contact us with your wishlist and we’ll be sure to help you plan your dream adventure.

We recommend…

Nothing compares to the adventure and thrill of one of WILDFOOT’s inspirational Arctic packages. Our talented team use their experience and passion to ensure that every trip is personalised and bespoke, meaning that you’re guaranteed the adventure of a lifetime.

Svalbard Adventure

Including the very best that our Svalbard holidays have to offer. This voyage takes you through unique landscapes full of local wildlife. You can expect dramatic scenes of mountain-scapes and ice formations, plus plenty of opportunities for spotting creatures like the Arctic fox and the iconic Polar Bear.

Scotland to Svalbard

This adventure includes all the highlights mentioned in this blog, such as the lush Shetland isles, the picturesque Faroe Islands and the remote Jan Mayen Island. This itinerary showcases the best that this isolated part of the world has to offer and is truly unforgettable.

Springtime in Svalbard

This unique voyage allows passengers to witness the changing of the seasons, as the winter landscapes transform into springtime, which is the perfect time to spot wildlife. You can expect to see reindeer, seals, walruses, Arctic foxes and even the magnificent polar bear, as well as plenty of birdlife.

West & North Svalbard in Luxury

If you want to travel with all the home comforts, this is the trip for you. Aboard a luxury vessel, you’ll discover the wonders of this beautiful part of the world. Sailing past ice floes and exploring in the Zodiac, there’s just as much as an adventure with a little more luxury.

Chukotka: the part of Arctic Russia that meets the United States

Any preconceptions that you have about Russia in general, you should probably cast entirely aside before you consider one of our Arctic cruises to the Russian Far East. This part of Russia is very different to the more well-known European part, being wild and sparsely-populated. A visit to Chukotka, in Russia’s northeastern tip, can be particularly eye-opening for its close proximity to the United States.

A land full of mountains and mystery

Travel to Chukotka on one of the Arctic cruises to the Russian Far East available from WILDFOOT, and you will get opportunities to see beautiful tundra and interact with indigenous Chukchi people… but not too many of them. This is not least because, although the area covers nearly 285,000 square miles, it has only about 50,000 inhabitants. However, the great remoteness and low population density of Chukotka gives it an enchanting sense of mystery.

A fascinatingly unique culture

As the area is easy to overlook, there can be a lot for you to discover during a trip to Chukotka. On the way there, you can get a better insight into the local culture by reading the classic writings of Yuri Rytkheu, who hugely influenced Chukchi literature. Then, once you get there, you can see amazing wildlife from rare birds like the spoon-billed sandpiper to whales and walruses. Brown bears abound and on Wrangel Island polar bears too.

Is that America you can see?

One of the most extraordinary moments you could experience in Chukotka is, on a clear day, seeing across the Bering Sea that separates Russia from the US state of Alaska. The divide of the Bering Strait here has an intriguing history; during the Cold War, it marked the only border between the Soviet Union and the USA, leading it to be dubbed the ‘Ice Curtain’. In 1987, American swimmer Lynne Cox did her bit to ease tensions by swimming over the  chilly border.

There is a lot more that you can see…

Chukotka is also a great place to start exploring the Russian Far East more generally. The adjacent province of Kamchatka, like Chukotka, is quiet, unspoilt and beautiful… and you can see it all for yourself after booking one of our Arctic cruises to the Russian Far East. Enquire now about our Arctic cruises to the Russian Far East here at WILDFOOT, to begin what could be quite simply one of the most incredible adventures of your life.

Images of Yellowstone National Park

John Swindell is currently on location in Yellowstone National Park. We don’t expect much communication from him due to the rurality, but he has managed to get an internet connection long enough to send us some photos.

The Best GPS Kit for Extreme Condition Expeditions

We all know that technology has become so incredible that the phone in your pocket is basically a super-computer you can carry around with you. Make a call, browse the internet, watch movies, play games, and, of course, use it as a GPS if you’re lost on the streets of a town you’ve never visited before.

But there’s one thing you can’t do. You can’t very well pop out your smartphone to calculate your location when you’re in the middle of, say, the rain-forest, at the peak of Everest, or wandering the snowy banks of the Arctic. Not because those areas haven’t been mapped – thanks to those geniuses at NASA and beyond, pretty much the whole world is under satellite surveillance – but because of the extremely hostile environment.

If you’re going off-road, you’ll need a GPS device capable of handling intense weather and unforgiving landscapes. Here’s our top picks for the best GPS for extreme conditions.

More about Arctic Biodiversity

If I asked you to name one of Earth’s most diverse ecosystems, chances are you’d say the Amazonian rainforest, or a coral reef. But above the Arctic Circle, an impossible amount of wildlife exists in harmony with the bitter cold temperature in a fragile ecosystem that is completely dependent on the changing of the seasons.