Polar cruises
Untamed, unpredictable, unbelievable and not to be underestimated; this is polar travel
From one frozen end of the world to its icy northern counterpart, our polar regions are about as otherworldly as you can get. Whether you’re swayed by the penguin-inhabited Antarctica or the polar bear realm of the Arctic, a trip to either end of the Earth is a trip of a lifetime.
Our polar cruises
Where you can go
Truly the last frontier, a trip to Antarctica means venturing into a frozen wilderness where the wild carries on without care. No matter if you’re venturing due south to claim the badge of all seven continents visited, or you’ve got your eye on an icy, penguin and whale-filled expedition, the realm of Antarctica is an avid adventurer’s final challenge.
A land of dancing northern lights and resilient winter species. Where humans have made settlements among the ice fjords and history is laid into each stone, the top of the world is truly a northern frontier. Whether you’re here to paddle between icebergs or search for the elusive polar bear, one thing’s for sure: there’s an Arctic oasis up ahead.
Polar activities
Wildlife you may encounter
There aren’t many species capable of surviving in the cold climates of our north and south poles. Those that can have adapted into the cute, carnivorous, tusked, toothy, feathered or furry. Species of the Arctic include everything from the predatory polar bear to the storybook Svalbard reindeer. Wildlife in Antarctica ranges from the iconic penguin to the largest animal on Earth: the blue whale.
Why choose us
Polar regions have harsh and often unpredictable climates. That’s why all voyages are sturdy expedition vessels to get you there in style without compromising safety.
Along with being experienced polar seafarers, our team are also experts in everything polar. From glaciologists to ornithologists, soak up the onboard knowledge from your crew.
Our polar adventures get you off the ship and on the ground. With excursions ranging from iceberg kayaking to hiking over glaciers – you’ll be right in the action.
They may be expedition cruises but you’ll be as well taken care of on board as you are onshore. All ships serve three meals a day and include 24/7 refreshments.
From the Arctic to Antarctica, we’re committed to the highest level of safety. We undergo regular safety audits and adhere to international maritime regulations.
We’re thoroughly committed to the practice and promotion of safe and environmentally responsible travel in Antarctica and the Arctic.
Polar highlights
While you can still get relatively close to the Antarctic wilderness from aboard the Ocean Endeavour, a speedy Zodiac, or on land itself, there’s nothing quite like gently making your way over the ocean’s ice-clogged surface on a kayak. Fully immerse yourself in the wonders of this region by paddling through the freezing waters, taking in the sheer size and stature of floating icebergs and glistening glaciers along the way.
Whether you’re watching from the back of a dog sled in Greenland or from the deck of the Ocean Adventurer in Norway, the natural phenomenon that is the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) will capture your travel-loving heart in ways that nothing else will. While there’s a scientific way to explain the dancing colours, once you set your sights on them, you’ll believe they’re nothing short of a miracle.
Unique to Antarctica is its most adorable and noisiest residents – the penguins. From the cute Adelie, Gentoo and chinstrap penguins to the regal emperor, macaroni and king penguins, you’ll return home an avid bird watcher. And for those looking to go the extra mile, why not face the chill of the penguin habitat for yourself with a penguin plunge into the frosty Antarctica waters? That’s one thing to brag about when you get home!
The Arctic is home to an incredible array of species that have adapted to thrive in this icy environment. From the double-tusked walruses to the single-tusked narwhals, add in musk oxen, Arctic wolves, bearded seals, Svalbard reindeer and a handful of feathered and furry friends – the northern shores are full of all manner of weird and wonderful wildlife. Arctic animals aren’t to be missed - but can be if you don’t spot them in time!
Our polar ships
We know you want to be as comfortable as possible while cruising on board, which is why we’ve chosen vessels equipped with modern conveniences that make each voyage a true pleasure. Each ship boasts onboard chefs to prepare a range of hearty, quality meals, and onboard experts to ensure you spend more time seeing the sights and less time thumbing through a guidebook.
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Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)
Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)
Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)
Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)
Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)