Touring the Arctic on a luxury cruise is undoubtedly one of the best ways to spend your holidays. That is especially true if you are an adventurous individual who enjoys exploring remote regions with beautiful landscapes and unique wildlife. A luxury cruise adds a layer of excitement to your tour by ensuring you get 5-star hotel-like accommodation and dining options while you immerse yourself in the scenic beauty and distinct nature of the Arctic region.

A few decades ago, only a few intrepid explorers, on their months-long expeditions, dared to visit the Arctic. Today, these remote wilds are accessible to any individual who would enjoy discovering new places. Plus, there are plenty of places to tour and things to see on your luxury cruise.

When preparing for a luxury Arctic cruise, it is essential to identify some of the areas to tour and things to see. Lucky for you, the region is home to plenty of beautiful tourist attractions. Here are some good examples to include on your list:

Svalbard Archipelago

Located in Norway, the Svalbard archipelago is one of the top tourist destinations in the Arctic region. It is a commonly visited area as well because it is easily accessible compared to the majority of the destinations in the area. Some of the things to see in this remote archipelago include polar bears and different bird species, including pink-footed geese and Arctic terns. It is also a prime location to see the northern lights, thanks to its far northerly location and 24-hour darkness during the winter.

Greenland

Greenland is virtually a paradise for any explorer touring the Arctic. It is a region filled with culture, history, beautiful landscapes and plenty of things to see. It is guaranteed to fill even the wildest to-see lists. You can start your sightseeing at Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre known primarily for its magnificent, towering icebergs. Afterward, explore the Scoresby Sund (the largest fjord system in the world), home to multiple steep mountains, huge icebergs and beautiful arctic wildlife.

The Northwest Passage

The Northwest Passage in Canada is perhaps better known for its crucial role as a trading route between Europe and Asia. However, that does not get in the way of it being a top tourist destination for luxury cruise ships. There are plenty of things to explore in this region. For example, the Lancaster Sound – is home to marine wildlife such as narwhals, bowhead and beluga whales. You can also visit Baffin Island to see walruses and polar bears. However, it is essential to note that the density of ice at the time of your visit will determine what route you will take and the things you will be able to see.

Jan Mayen Island

Jan Mayen Island in Norway is another perfect tourist destination for luxury cruise ships. Visitors of this region praise its remoteness and unique landscapes that provide a beautiful home to large colonies of seabirds. The Island is also the location of the northernmost active volcano, Beerenberg Volcano. With an impressive height of 2277 metres, this volcano offers a perfect view of the entire region.

The North Pole

A tour of the Arctic region would not be complete without travelling to the North Pole. Setting foot on the roof of the earth, where all the longitudes converge, is perhaps on top of every explorer’s bucket list, and a luxury cruise in this region offers exactly that. There is no land here, only a block of floating ice on the Arctic Ocean. So, cruise ships will visit in June or July when the temperatures are more favourable.

Conclusion

Besides these top destinations, your Arctic luxury cruise offers countless areas to explore. However, regardless of the location, you are promised beautiful scenery and unique wildlife to make your trip unforgettable. But remember, it is going to be cold – so bring plenty of warm clothing and get ready for an adventure like no other!

Image  supplied by ©Studio PONANT – Laurence Fischer