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Travel beyond the ordinary and discover a world of towering glaciers, drifting icebergs, remote fjords, Arctic wildlife and fascinating northern cultures.
A PONANT Arctic cruise offers an extraordinary way to explore some of the world's most remote landscapes while enjoying the comfort and elegance of a luxury small expedition ship. From the dramatic shores of Greenland and Svalbard to the volcanic landscapes of Iceland and the remote wilderness of Arctic Canada, every voyage offers a different perspective on the Far North.
Whether you are dreaming of seeing a polar bear in the wild, sailing among enormous icebergs, meeting local communities or travelling in the footsteps of legendary explorers, there is an Arctic journey waiting to be discovered.
Call 1300 799 758 and speak with our PONANT experts about your Arctic adventure.
At a Glance
| Experience | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Destinations | Greenland, Svalbard, Iceland, Norway and Arctic Canada |
| Wildlife | Polar bears, walruses, seals, whales, Arctic foxes and seabirds |
| Scenery | Glaciers, icebergs, fjords, tundra, sea ice, mountains and volcanic landscapes |
| Experiences | Zodiac excursions, shore landings, wildlife observation, hiking and cultural encounters |
| Cruise Style | Luxury small-ship expedition cruising |
| Featured Ships | PONANT expedition ships, including Le Lyrial, L'Austral and Le Commandant Charcot, depending on the itinerary |
| Best For | Wildlife lovers, photographers, adventurous travellers, first-time expedition guests and experienced polar explorers |
| Best Travel Period | The Arctic cruise season varies by destination and itinerary, with different months offering different wildlife, light and ice conditions |
Embarking on a PONANT Arctic Cruise offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that transports you to the untouched wilderness of the polar north, a region that few have the privilege to explore. PONANT, a leader in luxury expedition cruising, provides guests with an extraordinary combination of adventure, elegance, and eco-conscious exploration. Here’s why you should book an Arctic journey with PONANT.
A small expedition ship provides a more intimate way to discover the Arctic.
Rather than simply visiting large ports, PONANT voyages can take you through remote fjords, icy waterways and isolated coastal regions. Depending on the itinerary and conditions, you may step ashore in places where the surrounding wilderness stretches far beyond the horizon.
From the immense landscapes of Greenland to the remote islands of Svalbard, the Arctic constantly changes around you.
Wildlife is one of the great reasons to travel north.
Depending on your itinerary and local conditions, you may encounter:
- Polar bears
- Walruses
- Seals
- Whales
- Arctic foxes
- Reindeer and other Arctic wildlife
- Seabirds and migratory species
A wildlife encounter is never guaranteed. That uncertainty is part of the expedition experience.
You may spend one morning watching seabirds circle towering cliffs and the next searching the sea ice for signs of a polar bear.
Few sights compare with the scale and beauty of the Arctic's ice.
Watch enormous glaciers meet the sea, sail alongside icebergs or observe sea ice stretching across the horizon. In Greenland and Svalbard, the relationship between land, ocean and ice creates landscapes that can appear almost otherworldly.
Bring your camera — but remember to spend some time simply looking.
The Arctic is not an empty wilderness.
It is home to communities with deep connections to the land, sea and changing seasons. Selected PONANT voyages provide opportunities to discover local cultures and meet communities in Greenland and the Canadian Arctic.
These encounters can add another dimension to an Arctic journey, helping travellers understand the people, traditions and histories that have shaped life in the Far North.
Choosing an Arctic cruise begins with choosing the experience you want.
Some destinations are famous for glaciers and icebergs. Others are better suited to wildlife, cultural encounters, dramatic scenery or more ambitious polar exploration.
Greenland: Icebergs, Fjords and Inuit Culture
Greenland offers one of the most spectacular introductions to the Arctic.
Imagine sailing past enormous icebergs, entering dramatic fjords and approaching remote communities surrounded by immense northern landscapes.
Greenland cruises can combine ice, wildlife, culture and exploration, making the destination particularly appealing to travellers who want variety from their Arctic expedition.
PONANT currently offers numerous Greenland itineraries, including voyages linking Greenland with Svalbard, Iceland and Arctic Canada.
👉 Explore more PONANT Greenland Cruises →
Svalbard: The High Arctic Wilderness
Svalbard is one of the world's most remarkable High Arctic destinations.
Located far north of mainland Norway, the archipelago offers dramatic mountains, glaciers, fjords, sea ice and abundant seabird colonies.
It is also one of the destinations where travellers may have opportunities to encounter polar bears and walruses in their natural environment.
PONANT's current Arctic itineraries include dedicated Svalbard voyages as well as longer expeditions connecting Svalbard with Greenland and Iceland.
Iceland: Fire, Ice and the Far North
Iceland provides a fascinating contrast to the high Arctic.
Volcanic landscapes, rugged coastlines, waterfalls and geothermal environments create a destination where fire and ice exist side by side.
Iceland can also serve as an embarkation or disembarkation point for longer Arctic expeditions connecting the country with Greenland and Svalbard. Current PONANT itineraries include voyages between Reykjavík and Longyearbyen.
👉 Explore more PONANT Iceland Cruises →
Arctic Canada: Wildlife, Wilderness and the Northwest Passage
For travellers who want to venture farther into the Canadian Arctic, PONANT offers expeditions around Baffin Island, Nunavut and the Northwest Passage.
The region combines immense wilderness with opportunities to discover Inuit communities, remote islands and remarkable wildlife.
Depending on the voyage, you may encounter polar bears, whales, seals, Arctic foxes and seabirds while exploring landscapes shaped by ice and time.
👉 Explore more PONANT North Pole Cruises →
Zodiac Expeditions
Zodiac excursions can take you away from the main ship and closer to Arctic landscapes.
Depending on weather, sea and ice conditions, you may explore quiet bays, remote coastlines and areas inaccessible to larger vessels.
Wildlife Watching
Keep your binoculars close.
A day in the Arctic can bring unexpected encounters with whales, walruses, seabirds, seals or — if you're fortunate — a polar bear.
Hiking and Shore Exploration
Selected expeditions provide opportunities to step ashore and explore Arctic landscapes on foot.
Walk across tundra, photograph glaciers or simply experience the remarkable silence of the Far North.
Photography
The Arctic is a dream destination for photographers.
From wildlife and icebergs to dramatic skies, remote communities and constantly changing light, there is almost always something worth capturing.
Cultural Discovery
An Arctic journey can also introduce you to the people who call the region home.
Encounters with local and Inuit communities can provide a deeper understanding of northern traditions, history and life in challenging environments.
For travellers looking for an advanced polar expedition, Le Commandant Charcot is PONANT's specialised polar exploration ship.
It is designed to operate in demanding polar environments and features prominently in PONANT's more ambitious Arctic voyages.
Current itineraries include expeditions between Greenland and Svalbard, with voyages entering remote Arctic waters where very few ships can travel.
Best for: Experienced expedition travellers and guests seeking deeper polar exploration.
👉 Learn more about the ship features of Le Commandant Charcot →
Le Lyrial offers an elegant small-ship environment for Arctic expeditions.
Current PONANT itineraries include Svalbard voyages and longer journeys linking Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland.
Best for: Travellers seeking an intimate luxury expedition experience.
👉 Learn more about the ship features of Le Lyrial →
L'Austral is another PONANT ship operating on selected Arctic and Canadian Arctic itineraries.
Current PONANT Arctic Canada voyages include itineraries aboard L'Austral exploring regions associated with the Northwest Passage and Inuit communities.
Best for: Travellers interested in Greenland, Arctic Canada and longer cultural and expedition journeys.
👉 Learn more about the ship features of Le Austral →
Polar Bears
The polar bear is perhaps the ultimate symbol of the Arctic. Svalbard and parts of the Canadian Arctic offer opportunities to search for these magnificent animals in their natural environment.
Sightings are never guaranteed, which makes every encounter particularly special.
Walruses
Walruses can often be found resting on ice or rocky shores. Their distinctive appearance and behaviour make them a memorable wildlife encounter.
Whales
The Arctic waters are home to a variety of whale species, including humpback whales, bowhead whales and belugas, depending on the region and season.
Arctic Foxes
The elusive Arctic fox has adapted remarkably well to life in the Far North. Seeing one in the wild can be a particularly rewarding expedition moment.
Seabirds
From dramatic cliffs to remote islands, the Arctic supports extraordinary birdlife.
Thousands of seabirds can gather in colonies during the summer months.
An Arctic Cruise may take you to one of the most remote and extraordinary places on Earth, but planning your journey doesn’t have to feel daunting. Here are some frequently asked questions, answered by our PONANT experts to help you feel confident and ready for your adventure.
Have a read through these Arctic Cruise FAQs, and reach out to us any time: 1300 799 758.
A shorter Svalbard or Greenland itinerary can be an excellent introduction to Arctic expedition cruising. The best choice depends on whether your priority is wildlife, scenery, culture or a combination of experiences.
Polar bear sightings are possible in destinations such as Svalbard and the Canadian Arctic. However, polar bears are wild animals and sightings can never be guaranteed.
Yes. Greenland is one of PONANT's key Arctic destinations, with itineraries exploring its fjords, icebergs, glaciers, remote communities and surrounding waters.
Both are extraordinary polar experiences, but they offer very different landscapes, wildlife and cultures. The Arctic can include Greenland, Svalbard, Iceland and Arctic Canada, with opportunities to encounter polar bears and Inuit communities. Antarctica is renowned for penguins, vast ice landscapes and Southern Ocean wildlife.
Yes. The Arctic cruise season generally takes place during the warmer months, when conditions are more suitable for expedition cruising. Summer can also provide exceptionally long daylight hours and the midnight sun in northern regions.
Arctic cruises can suit a wide range of travellers. However, the activity level varies by itinerary. If you have specific mobility or activity requirements, speak with our PONANT experts before selecting your voyage.
PONANT Arctic voyages vary from shorter regional expeditions to longer journeys connecting destinations such as Greenland, Svalbard, Iceland and Arctic Canada. Current itineraries include 7-night Svalbard voyages as well as multi-week polar expeditions.
Your packing list will depend on the destination and season, but layered clothing, waterproof outerwear, warm footwear, gloves, a hat and sun protection are generally useful for Arctic expedition travel.
