Reaching the Geographic North Pole is one of the most extraordinary travel experiences on Earth. A North Pole expedition cruise takes you deep into the High Arctic, navigating vast pack ice to stand at 90° North, where every direction is south.
Travelling aboard a purpose-built luxury icebreaker, this once-in-a-lifetime journey combines genuine polar exploration with exceptional comfort, expert leadership, and unparalleled access to one of the most remote places on the planet.
Starting at
£32,495
Starting at £32,495
A North Pole expedition cruise is a true adventure in the purest sense. Departing from the Arctic and pushing north through constantly shifting sea ice, your journey is shaped by nature, ice conditions, and the experience of your expedition team.
Days are spent navigating the frozen Arctic Ocean, stepping onto the ice at the top of the world, learning from polar experts, and watching for wildlife such as polar bears, seals, and Arctic seabirds. This is exploration-led travel, carefully designed for those seeking something genuinely rare.
Flights
Overnight in Paris
Accommodation aboard a luxury icebreaker expedition ship
All meals on board, including fine dining
Expert expedition team and onboard lectures
All Zodiac and ice landing activities (weather and ice permitting)
Use of expedition gear such as rubber boots
Port transfers and embarkation services
Selected onboard beverages and services (ship dependent)
Return Flights From UK to Paris and Paris to Longyearbyen
12 day round trip cruise to the Geographic North Pole
Fine dining onboard the ship
This North Pole expedition cruise is a true journey of exploration, beginning in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and pushing north through drifting pack ice to the very top of the world. Sailing aboard a powerful icebreaker, you will navigate remote coastlines, vast frozen seas, and pristine polar landscapes before reaching the Geographic North Pole at 90° North.
Along the way, the voyage offers opportunities to observe Arctic wildlife, explore historic polar outposts, and experience the raw beauty of one of the least accessible regions on Earth. Each day is shaped by ice conditions and nature itself, making every expedition unique.
Depart from your home destination and fly to Paris, where you will spend the night ahead of your Arctic expedition. This overnight stay ensures a relaxed and well-paced start to your journey.
Fly from Paris to Longyearbyen, the capital of the Svalbard archipelago and one of the northernmost settlements in the world. Surrounded by mountains and glaciers, Longyearbyen marks the edge of civilisation.
In the late afternoon, embark your expedition ship and settle into your cabin. As the ship departs Isfjorden, your North Pole expedition cruise officially begins.
Sail along the dramatic coastline of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago and the final landmass before the Arctic Ocean opens into permanent ice.
Jagged peaks, immense glaciers, and deep fjords define the scenery. From the deck, watch for seabirds and marine life thriving in the cold Arctic waters.
Over the next few days, your ship pushes north into the pack ice of the Arctic Ocean. This immense frozen world is constantly changing, with pressure ridges, open leads, and sculpted ice formations shaping the landscape.
Your icebreaker follows natural channels through the ice, offering exceptional opportunities to observe the dynamics of the polar environment and wildlife such as seals and, occasionally, polar bears.
At the heart of the voyage lies the ultimate destination: the Geographic North Pole, located at latitude 90° North, where all meridians meet.
Here, surrounded by floating sea ice and with no land in sight, you reach the top of the world. Weather and ice conditions permitting, guests may step onto the ice itself — a moment achieved by only a small number of travellers globally.
Begin the journey south, navigating once again through the Arctic ice floe. Changing ice conditions reveal new formations and wildlife sightings, offering a different perspective on this remote environment.
Onboard talks and observation from deck continue to deepen your understanding of polar exploration during the return voyage.
Arrive at Ny-Ålesund, one of the world’s northernmost settlements and an important international research hub. Once a mining town, it later became a key departure point for historic Arctic expeditions.
Visit the museum and the renowned post office, often cited as the northernmost in the world, before continuing your voyage.
Explore the remote north-western region of Spitsbergen, an area known for its dramatic fjords, glaciers, and mountainous terrain. Zodiac excursions and shore landings (conditions permitting) allow close encounters with this pristine Arctic wilderness.
This region is rich in wildlife, with potential sightings including whales, seals, walrus, Arctic foxes, seabirds, and, with luck, polar bears
Return to Longyearbyen in the morning and disembark your ship. Fly back to Paris, where you will spend the night before continuing your journey home.
After breakfast, continue on your onward flight from Paris to your home destination, concluding your North Pole expedition.
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At Arctic Direct, we create luxury Arctic holidays that go beyond the ordinary. From staying in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights to sledding across frozen landscapes with a team of huskies, our packages include flights, premium accommodations, and unforgettable activities. With expert planning, financial protection, and 24/7 support, you can book with complete confidence.
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With years of expertise, our Arctic specialists design bespoke itineraries, from polar bear tracking to glass igloo stays, ensuring every journey is personalised to your travel style.
Our packages cover flights, premium accommodations, and unforgettable Arctic experiences like husky sledding and Northern Lights tours, so you know exactly what you’re paying for – no hidden surprises.
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Yes. Weather and ice conditions permitting, the expedition aims to reach the Geographic North Pole at 90° North, where guests can step onto the sea ice itself.
Yes. While this is a genuine expedition, no prior polar experience is required. Activities are designed to be accessible, with expert guidance throughout.
Wildlife sightings may include polar bears, Arctic foxes, seals, and a variety of seabirds. Sightings depend on conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
A moderate level of mobility is required for getting in and out of Zodiacs and walking on uneven ice, but activities are not extreme.
Whether you’re seeking a heart-pumping adventure, a peaceful retreat, or a truly unique Arctic experience, we have the perfect journey waiting for you. Chase the Northern Lights from the warmth of a cosy glass igloo, embark on an exhilarating husky sledding expedition across snow-dusted trails, or spend the night in a one-of-a-kind ice hotel surrounded by pristine ice sculptures. Every itinerary is carefully crafted to immerse you in the enchanting beauty of the Arctic, offering everything from luxurious retreats to family-friendly explorations.
