Picking the right time of year to embark on an Arctic or Antarctica cruise is paramount to making the most of your time in these remote regions. The cruise seasons runs during the summer period of these destinations, during which time the ice is melted, allowing easier access into the narrower straits, wildlife is at its most majestic and the weather is at its most endurable.

Arctic

The Arctic cruise season runs from June to September – a period in which the sea ice is broken up, allowing purpose-built vessels to explore the region’s more remote areas more easily. In late May and June, a cruise to the Arctic region offers you the best chance to spot narwhals and the opportunity to experience the midnight sun.

July and August is the optimal time for spotting polar bears, whales and walrus. In September, you may be lucky enough to spot the ethereal northern lights. Temperatures range between 3°C and 13°C in the summer.

Antarctica

The Antarctica cruise season runs from November to March, when days are at their longest. The opportunity to plough through sea ice is at the beginning of the season, spot migrating whales in December, and for the chance to watch fluffy penguin chicks test the waters for the first time, visit from January onwards. View our guide to the ‘Best Time to Visit Antarctica’, for more information.

Arctic

Incredible wildlife that you may be lucky enough to encounter in the Arctic includes narwhals, orcas walruses, reindeer, and polar bears.

Where to go for the best chance of sighting:

• Narwhals – more prevalent in Canada’s Northwest Passage, and the waters surrounding northern Greenland. These animals are known as “unicorns of the sea”, owing to their long canine tooth that can grow up to 10 feet long. This unusual tooth growth mostly occurs in males and creates the look of long protruding task.

• Orcas – though notoriously difficult to spot, these ‘killer whales’ can be found in Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland. Orcas are becoming more frequent visitors to areas of the Arctic, due to melting sea ice, thereby creating more pathways for orcas to access. Pods of orcas congregate in the fjords of Northern Norway during the winter months as they arrive to feed on Norwegian spring-spawning herring.

• Atlantic walruses – these magnificent creatures can be found in Svalbard, the Canadian Arctic, and Alaska. Thanks to their thick layer of blubber, walruses are well adjusted to weather the harsh atmosphere of the northern Arctic. Walruses prefer to rest on ice, but in summer, once the ice has receded they can be found on sandy beaches.

• Reindeer – these beautiful animals are found in Tromso (Norway), Rovaniemi (Finland), and Svalbard. All reindeer in Lapland are raised by the Sami (Lappish) people. Meanwhile in Svalbard, you can spot the Svalbard reindeer inside Longyearbyen town centre, in the nearby valley of Adventdalen, and across the island’s vast tundra expanse.

• Arctic fox – also known as a white fox, polar fox or snow fox. These cunning animals can survive temperatures as low as -50°C. The fox’s coat changes colour in accordance with the seasons - adopting a brown or gray appearance that provides cover among the summer tundra's rocks and plants. The best places to spot the arctic fox is in northwest Iceland, Svalbard in Norway, and other parts of Greenland.

Antarctica

A visit to Antarctica might enable you to spot remarkable wildlife such as penguins, seals, and whales.

Where to go for the best chance of sighting:

• Penguins – the most commonly seen species in Antarctica include emperor penguins, chinstrap penguins, king penguins, gentoo penguins and adelie penguins. The Antarctica Peninsula, South Georgia Island, and South Shetland Island are particular penguin hotspots.

• Seals – the Antarctic Peninsula is known for being home to Weddell seals and crabeater seals. Leopard seals can be spotted near to penguin colonies in various parts around the Antarctic Peninsula including Cuverville Island and Neko Harbour. Elephant seals can be spotted on beaches of Patagonia, as well as the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Over a million fur seals breed on the island of South Georgia.

• Humpback whales – this species of whale is the most common in Antarctica. These playful creatures are often spotted in hotspots such as Wilhelmina Bay and the Lemaire Channel. Sightings of the blue whale – the world’s largest animals – are also possible, although much less frequently seen in Antarctica’s waters. Killer whale ‘orcas’ are also known for frequenting these waters.

• Albatrosses – these magnificent seabirds of the Southern Ocean, including the Wandering Albatross, Black-browed Albatross, and Grey-headed Albatross, can be found in the Antarctic. You can look out for these on your Antarctic cruise, as early as when you begin your journey across the Drake Passage. Using their long, thin wings, measuring up to 11.5 feet, these majestic birds can glide for hours across stretches of the open sea.

The Arctic

Northwest Passage

Journey back in time to the height of Arctic exploration and retrace the footsteps of legendary explorers determined to find the fabled Northwest Passage. The passage is situated about 500 miles north of the Arctic Circle, weaving through thousands of Canadian Arctic islands, reachable by specialised expedition ships.

Greenland

Seldom visited by tourists, get up close to colossal ice sculptures, towering cliffs and immerse yourself in indigenous Inuit culture as well as a wealth of human history. Greenland also hosts an impressive array of wildlife including muskox, the mighty polar bear and beluga whale. If you are lucky, you may also spot the enchanting narwhal, a species of toothed whale native to the Arctic.

Canadian Arctic

As remote as it is beautiful, the Canadian Arctic is one of the world’s least discovered frontiers and is home to the infamous Northwest Passage. Discover some of the most impressive glaciated landscapes our planet has to offer, along with a hugely diverse offering of land and marine wildlife including caribou, arctic foxes and polar bears.

Svalbard

The silent majesty of this spectacular peninsula lights up under the midnight sun and offers a wealth of natural and historic sites. The region’s wildlife includes the elusive polar bear, grazing reindeer, arctic fox, and vast bird colonies nesting on the rocky outcrops. Out at sea, look out for lounging walrus and spouting whales as you gently glide past colourful icebergs and mighty glaciers.

Antarctica

Gateways to Antarctica

The vast majority of Antarctica cruises depart from the southern tip of South America. Incorporating a holiday in Argentina or Chile before your Polar expedition is a popular and convenient option, as Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams in Chile and Ushuaia in Argentina are the main gateways to Antarctica.

Antarctic Peninsula

Reaching out from Antarctica towards the tip of South America, the Antarctic Peninsula is the most accessible part of the mainland and will feature on any Antarctica cruise. Gaze in awe at towering icebergs painted in shades of white and blue, saw-toothed mountains and incredible wildlife including unimaginably large penguin rookeries, inquisitive seals and huge whales breaching from icy waters.

Falkland Islands

Enjoy biological diversity and extraordinary scenery where penguins and albatross are abundant, and nest on the rugged coastline carved by the wild seas of the South Atlantic. The distinctly British capital of Stanley has quaint cottages, local pubs, a post office, and opportunities to mingle with the hardy locals whose colourful houses provide a sharp contrast to the grey seas that surround them.

South Georgia

South Georgia is home to many marvels including the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, historic whaling stations, towering snow-covered mountains, extensive beaches, and low-lying grassland. These attract an astounding concentration of wildlife including a huge colony of king penguins, impressive elephant seals, and the spectacular wandering albatross.

Both regions are characterised and well-known for their soaring glaciers and sweeping ice sheets.

Arctic

Many barren parts of the Arctic are covered by tundra, a collage of hardy miniature flowers, shrubs and other plants that endure the harshest of elements and can be found in areas, such as Northern Europe, Scandinavia, northern Alaska and large coastal regions of Greenland. In the summer, however, you can find areas that are home to rolling verdant hillsides and wildflowers, such as Svalbard, Greenland and northern Alaska. Between all the various regions that make up the Arctic, the landscapes you could encounter are considerably more varied than in Antarctica.

Antarctica

The Antarctica continent is covered with an ice sheet covering 14,200,000 km2, meaning it holds 90% of the world’s ice. The landscapes you can look forward to on a cruise to Antarctica include ice, snow and rock. Popular areas include the Lemaire Channel, a stunning 6.8 mile strait in Antarctica where you can experience calm, reflective waters and striking ice cliffs. The Antarctic peninsula is another top scenic spot, where many Antarctica cruises begin, known for its rugged, sharp rock ridges and snow-capped mountains.

Arctic

The Arctic is known for its deep history and culture. Earliest inhabitants to the arctic include paleolithic hunters around 30,000 years ago. Native populations that have endured the harsh elements of the Arctic for centuries include the Sámi of Northern Scandinavia, the Yakuts of Siberia, and the Inuit of Greenland and Canada.

To survive the extreme elements, some indigenous inhabitants of the Arctic region have developed tools, technologies and modes of transportation that in some cases are still used today. Travelling by husky and reindeer, along with wearing clothing that insulate them as much as possible, such as sealskin, caribou fur along with traditional parkas, are all methods that help sustain the populations in these regions.

While nowadays the communities that inhabit the Canadian Arctic and Greenland mostly live in modern houses in Inuit towns, in bygone times traditional igloos (snow house), sod houses (a permanent or semi-permanent home built with stone or earth walls), and tupiq (animal skin tent, with skin stretched over a bone or wood frame) were the main forms of shelter.

Antarctica

There are no permanent residents in Antarctica and it was only relatively recently discovered in 1820. However, scientists, researchers and support staff visit the continent for periods of time, predominantly between October and March, to gain an insight into the environment, wildlife and climate of the area.

Port Lockroy, Scott's Hut, and Shackleton’s Hut are the three main historic spots that can be visited in Antarctica – all being preserved to honour the remarkable human endurance and scientific achievement that they symbolise. Port Lockroy is a historic British base featuring the world’s southernmost public post office.

Scott’s hut is known as one of the early huts that the first adventurers, such as Captain Robert Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton, employed as bases for their explorations. Built in 1908, Shackleton’s Hut was used to house 15 men throughout the dark Antarctic winter, serving as the starting point for their attempt on the South Pole.

Both the Arctic and Antarctica are known for their incredible cruises, and this is the most popular way to experience the breadth and variety of landscapes on offer. In the Arctic, you can also enjoy on land trips, including trips to Lapland, Svalbard and northern Canada. Here are some of the most popular activities and excursions in these areas:

Arctic

• Sea kayaking – Take to the water of the beautiful arctic seas and soak up the breathtaking rugged, polar landscape as you paddle through the calm waters in your stable double kayak. One of our most popular excursions in the arctic is this kayaking in Svalbard (Norway) tour.

• Nighttime reindeer sleigh ride - Experience a short sled ride through the snow and meet the reindeer, and if visiting in Lapland, learn more about the local Sami culture. If going at night, you may catch the Northern Lights shimmering overhead. Check out one of our popular Tromso (Norway) nighttime reindeer tours.

• Go husky dog sledding tour in Tromso - Ever imagined you could command your own team of huskies in the snowy Arctic? Well now’s your chance! Be trained on how to control your sled and drive your own team of huskies in pairs.

• Polar Bear and Walrus Safaris – cruise lines that visit the Arctic will often include opportunities to embark on a polar bear or walrus safari, either on-shore, or by boat.

• Tundra hiking – set off on foot into the rugged arctic terrain, looking out at the hardy flora and fauna to survive the extreme climate.

Antarctica

• Zodiac cruises – embark on small, motorized inflatable excursions used to transport passengers from expedition ships for water-level cruising and rocky shore landings. In Antarctica, on a zodiac trip, journey past breath-taking ice formations and icebergs, and visiting rarely seen bays and remote coves.

• Polar plunge - if polar plunges are one of the optional excursions offered on your cruise, we recommend getting into the Antarctic waters for this exhilarating experience that you won't soon be able to forget!

• Snow-shoeing – an easy and often necessary way to explore many of the coastlines of the Arctic Peninsula. Excursions typically last 2 to 3 hours, depending on the group’s general fitness levels. This is a great way to see some of the most remarkable views of Antarctica, up close.

• Camping on ice – offered only on select voyages, this once-in-a-lifetime experience provides campers with an extended period of time (8-10 hours) to be able to spot wildlife, watch icebergs, and admire the changing landscapes, compared to regular, shorter shore excursions lasting typically 2 – 3 hours.

Arctic

• Seasons of Svalbard - Experience the unique magic of wintery Svalbard, a land covered in darkness where the Northern Lights can be spotted dancing across the sky at any time of day. On this short winter break you’ll explore the polar wilderness from your cosy base in the most northern settlement in the world.

• Opulent Iceland Discovery - Stay in the world’s most northerly capital, bathe in the steaming waters of the Blue Lagoon, and embark on an all inclusive voyage with Regent Seven Seas Cruises® around the spectacular coastline of Iceland and the Faroe Islands.

• Alaska by Land & Sea - Although this tour doesn't exactly cross over into the Arctic Circle, it does pass nearby. Sit back and enjoy this all encompassing exploration of Alaska. Start your holiday in the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver before heading through the scenic Inside Passage to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Glacier Bay National Park, where 100 tonne icebergs meet the tidewater.

Antarctica

• Antarctica Classic in Depth - Like our "Antarctica Classic" tour, this 13-day expedition introduces you to the magic of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, but adds on two additional days to better explore its majesty.

• Highlights of Antarctica - Experience nature’s majesty and marvel at colossal glaciers and icebergs on this incredible Antarctica expedition cruise. Get up close to these stunning surroundings on ice-cruising and landing activities.

• Antarctica, the Falklands & South Georgia - Embark on an immersive voyage to one of the most life-changing places on Earth. Revel in the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, admire South Georgia’s staggering profusion of wildlife and fascinating history, and set foot on Earth’s last great wilderness frontier.

The Arctic's Most Popular Add-Ons

Extend your Arctic adventure and spend time in Norway's enchanting cities. Before your expedition, opt to visit Oslo and stroll along the waterfront filled with floating saunas, visit the Norwegian Opera House and Munch Museum, or perhaps wander the Royal Palace gardens. Further north, Tromso is a great addition to your holiday and is the ideal location to experience the Polar Night and some of the best Northern Lights viewing in the world. Alternatively, stay on Svalbard's mainland and explore Longyearbyen's local shops and restaurants as well as the Svalbard Museum, where you can learn about the history, flora and fauna of the region.

Antarctica's Most Popular Add-Ons

Extend your Antarctic adventure and discover the wonders of South America. From Ushuaia, Antarctica's gateway, perhaps fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, or Buenos Aires, Argentina, and explore these colourful cities before venturing to the mighty and majestic Iguazú Falls. Choose to spend time in extraordinary Patagonia before your expedition and discover the stunning glaciers and lakes of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile or Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. The Atacama Desert in Chile is another fantastic option and is a land of contrast, home to geysers and unique geological formations. It also boasts some of the clearest skies in the world, making it the ultimate stargazing spot.