Polar Cruises

Journey to the Ends of the Earth by Small Ship

Polar cruises represent the pinnacle of expedition travel—voyages to the Earth’s most remote and pristine environments: the Arctic and Antarctica. These journeys offer travelers a rare opportunity to witness extraordinary wildlife, dramatic ice formations, and vast, untouched wilderness in the company of expert guides and scientists.

At Small Ship Travel, we curate a world-class portfolio of polar expeditions aboard small expedition ships designed specifically for navigation in ice-covered waters. These vessels carry fewer guests, prioritize safety and sustainability, and offer the flexibility needed to fully engage with these dynamic environments. Whether cruising through the ice floes of Svalbard or setting foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, polar cruises deliver an unmatched blend of adventure, education, and environmental stewardship.

Why Choose a Small Ship for Polar Exploration

In polar regions, smaller ships offer more than comfort—they provide access and opportunity. Unlike larger vessels restricted by environmental regulations and size limitations, small expedition ships are permitted to make landings in sensitive ecosystems and respond quickly to changing weather or wildlife sightings.

Key benefits include:

• Fewer than 200 guests onboard, ensuring an intimate and focused expedition experience
• Frequent shore landings via Zodiac, often twice daily, with low guest-to-guide ratios
• Deep enrichment through onboard lectures by glaciologists, marine biologists, ornithologists, and historians
• Advanced polar-class technology for safe navigation in ice-covered waters
• Opportunities for kayaking, ice hiking, photography workshops, and even polar plunges
• A more flexible, responsive itinerary shaped by daily conditions and wildlife activity

Destinations: Arctic and Antarctic Voyages

Antarctica

• Antarctic Peninsula: towering icebergs, penguin colonies, and dramatic landscapes
• South Georgia Island: historic whaling stations, king penguins, and Shackleton’s legacy
• Falkland Islands: windswept beaches, nesting albatrosses, and colonial history
• Weddell Sea and Ross Sea: deeper explorations with scientific and historical focus

The Arctic

• Svalbard (Spitsbergen): polar bears, walrus haul-outs, and glaciers
• Greenland: dramatic fjords, Inuit settlements, and ice-filled bays
• Canadian Arctic: Northwest Passage, indigenous history, and isolated ice realms
• Russian Arctic: Franz Josef Land and the remote northeast passage
• Iceland and Arctic Norway: gateway voyages with volcanic and coastal contrasts

Each itinerary is timed to seasonal wildlife migrations and optimal light for photography and visibility.

Featured Polar Cruise Operators

We partner with the leading names in polar exploration, offering a range of styles from classic expedition to ultra-luxury:

• Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic
• Silversea Expeditions
• Ponant
• Swan Hellenic
• Scenic

Some vessels include helicopters or submersibles for aerial and underwater exploration, while others focus on scientific partnerships and conservation-based programming.

Booking with Small Ship Travel

Planning a polar cruise requires specialized insight. Our team assists with every step, including:

• Selecting the right operator, vessel, and departure based on your travel goals
• Advising on optimal timeframes for wildlife, ice conditions, and light
• Coordinating pre- and post-expedition travel in South America, Norway, or Canada
• Supporting solo travelers, private charters, and multigenerational groups

We only work with trusted, environmentally responsible cruise lines that meet or exceed global sustainability standards in polar regions.

Begin Your Polar Journey

A polar cruise is unlike any other voyage—raw, profound, and often life-changing. Whether tracing the path of early explorers in the Northwest Passage or standing on the edge of the Antarctic continent, these journeys offer perspective, wonder, and lasting impact.