Arctic Expedition Cruises

The capacity for the Expedition ship is 128 passengers. In addition, there will be at least 14 expedition experts on board — specialising in everything from ornithology to marine biology — as well as various supporting staff too.

There are 70 different cabins on board the Expedition cruise, with all rooms housing en-suite bathrooms with added toiletries and ocean-facing portholes or windows. Suites will include a double bed and larger sea-view windows, while multishare twin and triple cabins provide travellers with a more sociable and budget-friendly option too.

Yes there is — however, data usage charges will apply.

The electrical current provided on board is 220 volts, which can be accessed using standard European two-pin plugs. Travellers arriving from other regions using different voltages or plugs will want to bring a universal travel adapter.

The new 102 metre (335 ft) long ship features a dining room, large presentation lounge, library, gym, gift shop, laundry facilities, medical centre with a licenced doctor, sun deck, two Jacuzzis, barbecue facilities, and an observation deck. There’s also a round-the-clock coffee, tea, and beverage station, as well as an onboard bar.

The new ship is also built with an Ice Class 1A for reinforced safety and maneuverability through the ice, as well as a refurbished propulsion system. We estimate that the overall carbon footprint per person per day will drop by up to 30% with the addition of the new ship.

G Adventures prides itself on operating a small-passenger program so that we can offer the benefits of small group exploration. Whether landing ashore or exploring the region by Zodiac, we aim to get all of our guests off the vessel twice a day to allow our guests more opportunities to experience all the beauty and wonders of the Arctic region first hand.

That being said, bear in mind that mother nature may have her own plans! We're operating in a natural environment that is subject to unpredictable factors such as wildlife and extreme weather, but with a team that encompasses decades of Arctic experience, we pride ourselves on being able to adapt and run the best program possible for our guests.

No. The Expedition offers complimentary waterproof boots for all guests. Essential for walking on ice, these pull-on boots are yours for the duration of your voyage. As some sizes might not be available, please check your trip details document before you travel for further information. You can find this on the individual tour page you have chosen.

The new expedition cruise is well heated throughout, so while on board, you won’t need to wrap up warm. However, on excursions, waterproof pants/trousers are mandatory. We also recommend bringing waterproof clothing, hats, gloves, and layered, warm clothing for the trip — as well as binoculars and a decent camera too.

Visa requirements may change, so for the most up to date information we recommend using our Entry Requirements tool.

There are no specific vaccination requirements to enter the Arctic region. However, as advice can often change, please check out our Expedition Health Protocols page for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.

The Arctic region experiences extreme seasonal variations in temperature, sunlight, and weather patterns throughout the year. Summer (June to August) temperatures typically range from 0 to 10°C (32 to 50°F), occasionally reaching 20°C (68°F) in lower Arctic regions like northern Scandinavia and Alaska. This is also when the sun never sets, meaning you’ll experience 24-hour daylight.

Winters (December to February) are very cold and dark, with temperatures ranging from -40 to -10°C (-40 to 14°F) — the sun doesn’t rise for weeks to months, depending on the latitude. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) lie somewhere in between the two, with daylight increasing or decreasing depending on the two.

The best time to visit the Arctic tends to be during the Summer months (June to August). The weather is at its best, the temperatures are mild, and you’ll be able to experience 24 hours of sunshine a day. This is when the Arctic expedition cruise runs, and this is when wildlife spotting is at its best.

While nothing is guaranteed, on a cruise here you have a good chance of spotting walruses, humpback whales, belugas, Arctic foxes, snowy owls, and puffins. If you’re really lucky, you might actually be able to spot polar bears too.

You’ll need layered, waterproof, and windproof clothing when travelling to the Arctic. Waterproof pants/trousers are mandatory, and we recommend you bring woolly hats, gloves, walking boots, and anything else that would make you comfortable in cold weather.

You should also bring sunscreen and moisturiser, as it can get very sunny and dry here during the summer months. For more information and a more detailed Packing List, please download the Trip Details document available on the trip summary page of each individual tour.

It really depends on what trip you’re joining. Most of our Arctic expeditions begin and end in Longyearbyen in Svalbard, Norway — though one of our cruises also ends in Reykjavík, Iceland.

In a word — yes, you might get seasick. We can’t guarantee that you will enjoy calm seas throughout your trip, so we’d recommend bringing seasickness medication for the entirety of the trip. If you are unsure of which type to bring, then please consult your physician or doctor prior to travel.

In a word — yes. Travel insurance is mandatory for joining any of our trips, and that includes Arctic expeditions and cruises. You’ll need to make sure that all of the activities included on the tour are covered, and we also strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, and loss of luggage and personal effects too. You can find out more about insurance via our Health and Protocols page.

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping your expedition experts and support staff. Please note that all payments on board the Expedition are cashless. Credit cards are accepted and the currency for all purchases is USD $.

All of our Arctic expeditions have a medical centre with a licenced doctor onboard in case of any emergencies.

All of our Arctic trips require a moderate level of fitness due to the onshore excursions, which all include a little bit of walking across uneven terrain. You can find out more via each individual trip page.

Our Arctic expedition cruises last anywhere from between 7 and 15 nights.