The North Pole Port Guides

• Cape Flora
• Franz Josef Land
• Kvitoya (White Island)
• Longyearbyen
• Ny-Alesund
• Pack Ice of the Arctic Ocean

Travelling to the North Pole by small expedition ship is the most viable option, and currently happens only in the summer months from July to September.  This offers the most comfortable sailing conditions, and potential opportunities to see polar bears, seals, and other wildlife on route to the Pole.  As the region heats up, it is predicted that from 2040 onwards the Arctic may be ice-free in the summer months which may change the nature of the experience dramatically, given the stark beauty of the ice architecture. 

Summer in the Arctic is likely to have temperatures around zero degrees Celsius (32 F) although it’s always useful to be aware that as soon as it gets windy, the subsequent windchill is what can make it feel much, much colder. So, make sure you plan for adaptability and have appropriate clothing in layers. 

To ensure that expedition cruises and tourism in the Arctic are carried out with the utmost consideration for the natural environment, local cultures and cultural remains, we recommend that you check that the operator is a member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and conforms to its guidelines.

https://www.aeco.no/guidelines/visitor-guidelines/

Anyone visiting the North Pole undoubtedly will have an impact on the environment. We  recommend educating yourself so that you can be better informed about the implications of a changing climate.  https://arctic-council.org/explore/topics/climate/ 

For the North Pole we recommend a specialist polar expedition ship that is suitable for traversing through the shifting ice flow. The landscape is constantly changing due to the wind conditions affecting the movement of the ice. An expedition ship that is classified as Polar Class and able to break through the pack ice is recommended for this type of expedition cruise. 

With increasing regulations in place for any ship sailing in the Arctic region, some are now hybrid-electric polar exploration ships powered by liquefied natural gas and electric batteries. This results in reduced emissions and means they can switch between the different sources of power when needed. 

Expedition cruises may also be activity focused on route to the North Pole with zodiac cruises, kayaking and citizen science too, so ships that have the equipment and good zodiac boats ratio to guests are recommended. It is also important to check that the activities you want to do are offered on the expedition you are looking at and that the Activity Guides are confirmed, and what type of clothing or equipment is provided. 

We would also suggest a ship that has good space on deck as you will want to spend a lot of time outside, and check for the access points from the ship’s mud room (wet area where outdoor clothing and boots are stored) to the zodiacs. 

Capturing photographs of the ice and the wildlife will be essential and often there are specialist Expedition Team members who are able to assist and provide advice.

There are a variety of ships that offer expedition cruises to the North Pole, and some focus just as much on luxury and comfort as they do on the adventure and outdoor elements and prices will vary accordingly.   

Expedition ships on Arctic itineraries may also include stops in Alaska, Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard, and Russia. It is worth considering if there are other locations that you would like to visit along the way and plan accordingly. 

The most popular activities on a North Pole expedition cruise will take place outdoors and may include a polar plunge where you can jump into the icy water with your swimsuit on and experience the Arctic in a unique manner.  There also may be  kayaking which is supervised by expedition guides, snowshoeing or hiking, and zodiac cruises in areas of open water, to observe wildlife up close. It's worth checking to see what is included as some activities may be optional or only for those with previous experience.