There are many things to consider when choosing your polar expedition cruise. It's important to decide what you want to see, as different times of the season offer different opportunities. And selecting the right ship for you depends on what you want from your cruise.

Do you want a traditional expedition or a more luxurious experience? Do you want to experience the thrill of navigating through sea ice, or would you prefer late-season "warmth"?

It is also important to consider whether you are confident in booking your expedition cruise directly with the cruise line or would prefer the help of a travel agent with polar expertise to help guide you with an objective view of your options. 

You have decided to travel to the polar regions, the rest requires good planning and excellent support. 

Antarctica

Antarctica cruises usually start in Ushuaia, sailing across the Drake Passage, which takes around two days to cross. This notorious body of water between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands can be rough to sail over (Drake Shake) or exceptionally smooth (Drake Lake). During the crossing, you will see whales and seabirds, including the wandering albatross, with the largest wingspan of any living bird.

Some operators will offer a flight option over the Drake Passage or a combination of sailing one way and flying the other. Flights usually take off from Punta Arenas, Chile, with the cruise line chartering a small aircraft to King George Island on the Antarctic Peninsular, where you'll meet your ship.

Weather conditions must be perfect for these flights, as there is no airport on King George Island, and the pilot must see the runway to land physically. You may be delayed by a few days before you fly or at the end of your journey at disembarkation. We recommend you allow some contingency in your travel plans to allow for these, especially the return leg and your return scheduled flights. 

The Antarctic Peninsula is abundant with wildlife. There are penguin colonies (gentoo, chinstrap, and adelie), leopard, elephant, and fur seals. The region is packed with krill, which in turn attracts hundreds of whales. You will see snow-capped landscapes, majestic mountains, huge glaciers and incredible icebergs. In addition, numerous historical sites with expedition and scientific huts have been left for decades with tins of food, clothing, and interesting artifacts.

In early season (late October/November), the snow will be pristine, with residual sea ice. This is the perfect time for photography enthusiasts. Some operators offer camping on the ice at this time of the season. 

Peak season (December/January) is teeming with wildlife and penguin colonies are crowded with downy chicks. The days are slightly warmer, exposing the rocky terrain. 

Late season (February/March): Young penguins will begin to take their first steps into the water. This is peak whale-watching time. Days start to fade, with spectacular sunsets and sunrises, although you can see these at other times, too.

South Georgia and The Falkland Islands

Some companies offer an itinerary just to South Georgia, and some combine the Antarctic Peninsula with South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. 

Both Islands are home to thousands of penguin rookeries (including the charismatic king penguin), seal colonies and abundant wildlife. 

In South Georgia, you will also explore Grytviken and raise a toast at the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Some operators also offer a two to three-day expedition on foot, following his footsteps across South Georgia.

The Arctic: Unlike Antarctica, the Arctic is an ocean surrounded by continents and is usually defined as the areas within the Arctic Circle (66° 34′ North). Where you choose to visit will depend on what you want to see. The polar summer spans from May to September. Unlike in Antarctica, where wildlife is abundant, in the Arctic you have to look for wildlife. We recommend a good pair of binoculars.

Svalbard: In this Norwegian archipelago you can expect dramatic landscapes, stunning fjords and rugged mountain ranges. Arctic tundra is full of alpine flora and fossil-rich beaches and endless daylight highlights the colours and contrasts of Svalbard’s glaciers, sea ice, and majestic mountains. Arctic birds nest here in the summer months and giant sea cliffs become covered with Arctic birds: kittiwakes, terns, puffins and guillemots. Arctic foxes, bearded seals, beluga whales, walruses and polar bears may be spotted. Old hunting huts and whaling stations speak of the region's history.

Greenland is situated between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans and is one of the last great wildernesses. It is abundant with wildlife, including one of the largest populations of musk ox, polar bears, blue, fin, and humpback whales, and Arctic foxes and birds.

East Greenland: This remote part of Greenland has giant icebergs and deep fjords within Scoresbysund, the world's largest and deepest fjord.

South Greenland: Expect a greener, more fertile landscape with imposing mountains and abundant glaciers. Prince Christian Sound is flanked by imposing mountains and there are ruins from the time of Viking explorer, Erik the Red.

West Greenland: The most populated region of the country, with small Inuit villages, including Sisimiut, famous for its old blue church featuring a whale jaw gate. It’s also home to Disko Bay, famed for whale watching, and the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Ice Fjord. Some operators offer a helicopter trip to view the fjord from above.

North Greenland: One of the best places to view the Northern Lights.

Northwest Passage: Rich in history of daring explorers to find a route from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean through the Canadian Arctic. At Nunavut on Beechey Island, you can visit the graves of two of the most famous explorers: Sir John Franklin and Roald Amundsen. Weather conditions here vary constantly, making it a true expedition. Wildlife is more challenging to spot here in the extreme environment.

Iceland: A rugged treeless landscape dotted with volcanoes, lava-strewn scenery, hot springs, calving glaciers and dramatic waterfalls. The country is rich in wildlife, including puffins and cetaceans.

For some, luxury and comfort will be most important, while for other travellers, a knowledgeable onboard team and a true active expedition experience will be more important. 

If budget is a key factor, you could choose an operator that will sail through the scenery of Antarctica. Although you will not actually step onto the seventh continent, you will be able to see its wonders and view wildlife from the deck. 

If you want a true, authentic expedition, you should be aware that passenger numbers able to land in Antarctica are capped at one hundred people at any time. This means some of the larger ships will not be able to allow everyone off the ship at the same time. If this is important to you, you should choose a ship with a lower number of passengers. 

Some operators have helicopters and submarines, allowing you to see the most remote places. These are generally on the more expensive cruise ships. 

In the Arctic, restrictions on ship sizes will be in place in some areas from 2025, meaning only small ship operators (less than two hundred passengers) will be able to visit Svalbard. 

In both Polar regions, smaller ships can also access shallower fjords, which means you will see more remote and wild destinations. 

The newer ships are also purpose-built, and many have advanced technology and environmentally friendly credentials. 

Some operators also offer activities such as kayaking or snorkelling in the polar regions, so it is important to choose operators offering these if an active expedition is key to you. 

Another important factor in your choice is how many Expedition guides are on board. I recommend no more than a ratio of 1 guide per 10 passengers. These guides will be leaders in their chosen field and impart a wealth of knowledge, from observations during a zodiac cruise or at an onboard lecture. A good operator will also have a professional photographer onboard to help you capture those amazing shots. 

You can book directly with most polar operators, but many prefer to book through a travel agent/reseller or tour operator.

A good agent will know the differences between operators and ships and can guide you in making the best decision for your requirements. It is expected to be offered the same fare, regardless of how you book and who you book through, as discounting is not encouraged or necessary in this life-changing travel sector and ultimately drives quality and sustainability down.

If you are based in the UK, ensure that whoever you book through is a member of an appropriate consumer protection association, such as ATOL. If you are based in another country, look for similar consumer protection.

Polar Expeditions can be booked at least two years in advance. Operators usually can hold a booking on your option for a few days (up to 7), which will have your cabin for you while you consider your options. After this time, you must pay a deposit if you decide to proceed with the booking.

The deposit amount differs between operators. Your fare balance will generally be due between 60 and 90 days before you depart.

All operators have different terms and conditions. Always check if you can change your booking once you've paid the deposit. Many operators have also made their conditions more flexible during COVID-19 recovery; some have retained this to encourage guests to return.

Just so you know, polar cruises can be amended and cancelled at the last minute, so please make sure you are comfortable with the booking conditions. Consider whether your cruise includes a charter flight to your embarkation point (King George Island, Antarctica, etc.).

Ship

Choosing the right ship will depend on what factors are important to you. Expedition-style ships vary considerably in size. Smaller ships will generally make more landings but may not be as luxurious as the larger ships, and you may feel motion sickness on smaller ships. If you suffer from motion sickness, it is also wise to choose a cabin on a lower deck in a central position. This is known as a mid-ship cabin or suite. 

Newer Expedition ships, with up-to-date equipment and facilities, will also offer a smoother experience and be better for the environment due to their engineering. However, the build of these ships also contributes to emissions and needs consideration. 

Some ships operate in different languages, so consider whether this is important to you too. Whereas the majority of traditional cruise companies are based on the English language, many expedition and adventure operators are based in other countries and will often lead with the primary language. 

Travel

You may need to stop at a city en route to the Arctic, as most flights to Arctic regions are early in the morning. For example, flights to Longyearbyen operate early in the morning, so you must stay a night in Oslo before and possibly after your itinerary. 

Most operators will sail from Ushuaia for travel to Antarctica, and again, you would need to stay a night beforehand in either Buenos Aires, Argentina, or Santiago, Chile. 

Most operators embark in the early evening and disembark around 8 – 9 a.m. However, you should allow a little time in case of any delays, and we would not recommend booking a return flight before midday.

Visas

UK passport holders do not require visas to travel to the polar regions. However, you should always check before travelling as entry requirements do often change: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Internet

Most ships offer Internet, often at a cost. Whilst many are offering connections to Starlink, you should be mindful that the areas you are travelling to are very remote, and you may not always get a good connection. If you need to work whilst you are onboard.

You should check that your operator is a member of these associations. 

IAATO – The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators

IAATO is an international member organisation founded in 1991. Its mission is to advocate and promote environmentally responsible travel to the Antarctic. Members agree to robust guidelines and a code of conduct. Regulations include site-specific guidelines, wildlife-watching protocols, and the highest possible operating standards in its mission to protect Antarctica whilst educating those who visit the continent. 

AECO – The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators

Founded in 2003, AECO is dedicated to managing responsible, environmentally friendly tourism to the Arctic. It encourages operators to use the highest quality guides and follow wildlife-watching guides to experience birds and nature without disturbance. AECO also collaborates with operators to reduce plastic pollution, promote clean seas, as well as engage with local communities. 

Responsible operators will also ensure have focused sustainability plans and milestones. Many are now carbon/climate neutral, and have robust protocols in place for waste management, locally sourced food, and work with local communities. ExplorEarth has added a sustainability filter so that you can search for trips and ships based on the credentials of responsible travel of the operators. 

Health, well-being, medical and insurance

When travelling to these remote polar regions you should ensure you are in good health. Most operators will require you to complete a medical form and ask if you can perform simple exercises, especially if you are embarking on zodiac tours, where you may be landing on uneven beaches, with rocky terrain. 

Most operators will have an onboard Doctor and treatment room for minor ailments. However, you should ensure that you have any medication with you. It’s also recommended that you take sea sickness tablets, especially for crossing the Drake Passage. 

You will be required to have Travel Insurance – with at least US$250,000 of cover, and it must include medical evacuation insurance for the polar regions. A good policy will also include trip cancellation, including for severe weather. In Antarctica ships sailing the Drake or charter flights that fly to King George Island can often be delayed due to bad weather. A good policy will also include trip interruption – if there’s rough weather, your ship may need to cross the Drake passage earlier.

If you are doing any additional activities, you should also check your insurance covers for this. 

Insurance companies that cover travel to Antarctica include (but are not exclusive to): World Nomads, Staysure

Citizen Science

Many operators take part in Citizen Science programs. These programs are interactive and enable travellers to share new discoveries and deepen their connection to the natural world. It’s a collaborative project and passengers actively contribute. Data collected is provided to the scientific communities and research projects. You may observe clouds for climate change, gather information on bird species, and ocean research.

Projects range from monitoring Whale flumes for Happywhale, collecting microplastics for The Big Microplastic Survey, collecting and analysing Phytoplankton for the Secchi Disk study 

For most activities, you will require some experience, owing to the remote and wild regions to which you are travelling. You will usually have to complete an application with your details and experience. Some operators let you sign up for these onboard, while others require you to prebook your space. You should check at the time of booking.

These activities mainly have an additional cost to your booking, and places will be limited, especially for specialist activities like kayaking and scuba diving. Most operators will provide your drysuits and equipment, but you should check what is included.