Destination
Arctic Circle & Greenland
Explore the Far North with Intimate, Expert-Led Expeditions The Arctic Circle is one of the most remote and otherworldly regions on Earth—a land of dramatic glaciers, towering fjords, drifting pack ice, and rich Inuit heritage. From the pristine wilderness of Greenland to the rugged shores of Svalbard, Iceland, and the Canadian High Arctic, this vast polar frontier offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience nature in its most raw and powerful form. At Small Ship Travel, we specialize in carefully curated small ship expeditions to the Arctic and Greenland, working exclusively with trusted cruise operators known for their environmental stewardship, scientific programming, and high guest-to-guide ratios. Aboard ice-strengthened expedition vessels carrying between 100 and 200 guests, you'll venture deep into the Arctic—far beyond the reach of traditional cruising. Whether you're tracking polar bears across the sea ice, cruising among Greenland’s icebergs, or exploring Norse ruins and Inuit communities, our team will help you find the ideal voyage, ship, and season for your interests and level of adventure.
We proudly partner with leading expedition operators known for their safety standards, expert guides, and immersive programming. These lines specialize in polar exploration, offering meaningful travel with a focus on conservation and cultural respect. Quark Expeditions Quark is a polar pioneer with decades of experience in Arctic exploration. Their fleet includes ships like Ultramarine and Ocean Explorer, offering helicopter excursions, polar kayaking, and in-depth wildlife tracking, led by top-tier polar experts. Silversea Expeditions Silversea delivers Arctic adventure with ultra-luxury amenities, including all-suite accommodations, butler service, and expert-led Zodiac excursions. Their itineraries explore Greenland, Svalbard, and the Canadian Arctic with scientific depth and comfort. Ponant Ponant’s eco-conscious expedition ships visit Greenland, the North Pole, and the Norwegian Arctic, combining refined onboard elegance with rich cultural and environmental programming. Ships like Le Commandant Charcot bring advanced polar technology and sustainability innovation. HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) HX offers science-forward Arctic voyages, including climate research initiatives and citizen science programs. Their hybrid-powered vessels are among the most sustainable in polar cruising, and itineraries span Greenland, Svalbard, and Iceland. Scenic Eclipse This sleek expedition yacht brings a luxury superyacht experience to the Arctic, with helicopters, submarines, and a discovery team of polar specialists. Scenic Eclipse is ideal for guests seeking adventure without compromise on comfort. Oceanwide Expeditions Known for adventurous, hands-on expeditions, Oceanwide operates small, ice-strengthened ships like Hondius and Ortelius. Their itineraries are ideal for travelers looking for camping, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife photography in remote areas. Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic With a strong educational ethos, Lindblad offers immersive Arctic programs supported by National Geographic scientists, photographers, and historians. Ideal for families, photographers, and curious minds.
Arctic exploration is all about access and adaptability, which is why small ships are essential. These agile vessels are purpose-built for polar navigation, equipped with Zodiacs for remote landings, and staffed by naturalists, historians, and scientists who enrich your journey with deep knowledge and insight.
With fewer guests onboard, you’ll enjoy flexible itineraries, quieter landings, and more time ashore—whether that means kayaking in iceberg-filled bays, hiking across Arctic tundra, or simply sitting in silence as a glacier calves into the sea. The intimacy of small ship cruising allows for deeper immersion in the landscapes, wildlife, and cultures of the North.
The Arctic cruise season runs from May through September, with each month offering unique highlights depending on the region:
May–June
Ideal for Svalbard and the Norwegian Arctic, when sea ice is still intact, offering prime polar bear sightings and dramatic snow-covered landscapes. Migratory birds return to the region, and pack ice adds to the drama of the scenery.
July–August
High summer is perfect for Greenland and the Canadian Arctic, when ice has receded and more remote channels are accessible. It’s also the best time to explore Inuit communities, see whales and walruses, and enjoy the Midnight Sun.
September
Late-season sailings may offer sightings of the Northern Lights, as well as stunning tundra color changes and fewer ships. Wildlife remains active, and conditions are excellent for photographers
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.
At Small Ship Travel, we understand that the Arctic is a destination of extremes—and requires expert planning and trusted operators. We’ve handpicked a portfolio of world-class expedition lines that meet our high standards for safety, sustainability, and guest experience.
Our advisors will help you choose the right ship, region, and season based on your travel goals—whether it’s a luxury voyage through Greenland, a polar bear expedition in Svalbard, or a cultural journey in the Canadian Arctic. As a Virtuoso-affiliated agency through Travel Experts, a member, we provide exclusive benefits, including upgrades, onboard credits, and access to rare voyages.
We also offer complete travel planning, including international air, hotel stays in embarkation cities like Reykjavik, Longyearbyen, and Kangerlussuaq, and post-cruise extensions in Iceland, Norway, or Scotland.
Get in the mood for cruising by reading our travel guides, recommendations and cruise reviews.
River cruising offers a seamless and luxurious way to experience Europe’s most historic and scenic waterways, from the fairy-tale castles of the Rhine to the imperial capitals of the Danube and the artistic treasures of the Seine. Unlike ocean cruises, these intimate voyages bring travelers directly into the heart of medieval villages, grand cities, and world-renowned wine regions, allowing for deeper cultural immersion. Along the way, passengers can explore UNESCO-listed landmarks, savor locally inspired cuisine, and enjoy exclusive excursions, from private château tours to classical concerts in Vienna.
