When we say Arctic, we actually mean the Arctic Ocean. This ocean is six times larger than the Mediterranean and has coastlines on the continents of Europe, Asia and America. The best travel conditions can be found in the Arctic summer from June to September. This is when the climate is mild and the animal kingdom at its richest. With our small expedition ships and the Zodiacs, get right up close to discover vast landscapes, deep fjords, mighty glaciers and bizarre ice and rock formations.
Cruises to the Arctic take place in the Arctic summer (i.e. between the end of May and the end of September) when the temperatures are milder and the animals are active. There are, however, different highlights within this period. From May, the ice begins to break up and several migratory birds return to breed. Polar bears and walruses return to the coastline after the winter while seals and whales return to the water. June to August is the main season for cruises to the Arctic. The sea has thawed far enough and a variety of animals bring the Arctic to life, including polar bears, reindeer, Arctic foxes and various species of bird such as puffins. Early summer is the time of year when these species mate, hunt and raise their young. From August, there is less sea ice, which means that the Northwest Passage, one of the last great adventures of our time, is accessible. In September, the days become shorter and the ice begins to form again. The autumn colours bathe the Arctic in a special atmosphere, and there is a good chance of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Our pure Spitsbergen cruises start or end in Tromso/Norway or Longyearbyen/Spitsbergen. You can reach both with a charter flight included in the cruise-only price, which is operated exclusively for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises (flight time from Germany around four hours). Other cruises combine Spitsbergen with Iceland, Norway or Greenland. Almost all of our Greenland cruises start or end in Kangerlussuaq/Greenland, which you can also reach on a charter flight operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises (flight time from Germany around five hours). Our Arctic cruises that start or end in Hamburg are particularly easy to reach.
This depends on how much time you have and which regions you want to see. Whichever cruise you choose, all routes promise a high level of adventure. We do not include special expeditions such as the Northwest Passage in our programme every year. You should allow plenty of time for this.
Fluctuations in the weather and climate are not uncommon in the Arctic. When our expedition ships travel to the Arctic, we are in the Arctic summer – the warmer months. The climate in the coastal regions is also milder than in inland areas. From May to August, temperatures generally range between 0 and +7 °C (32 and 44 °F) in Spitsbergen and in the Canadian Arctic; between +10 and +18 °C (50 and 64 °F) in Iceland; and between 0 and +15 °C (32 and 59 °F) in Greenland. In the Arctic summer, the sun hardly sets, if at all.
Everybody experiences cold and wet conditions differently. Polar explorers of the past generally wore three layers of clothing, an approach still followed by visitors to the region today. The innermost layer – in direct contact with the body – absorbs sweat. Thermal underwear is best for this layer. Our feet often get coldest first, so be sure to bring thick woollen socks and good insulating insoles for your rubber boots. The second layer – consisting of hard-wearing trousers and a wool or fleece jumper – keeps your body warm. The third layer protects you from wind and rain. Waterproof trousers are essential for this, as there will be light spray on Zodiac rides (travelling in expedition rubber boats). Your jacket should be made of thick, water-repellent fabric with a hood and several pockets. Mittens are better at keeping your hands warm than gloves. You will also need a warm hat. Good sunglasses will protect your eyes, and oil-based creams will protect your face and lips (look for high SPF). You will be provided with a warm parka and rubber boots on board during your cruise to save space in your luggage.
No two days are the same in the Arctic. The course is repeatedly adjusted according to the weather and ice conditions. To give you an idea of what an expedition day might look like, we recommend taking a look at our travel diaries.
Generally, you should be in good physical condition for an Arctic expedition. All landings in the Arctic take place with the Zodiacs. You must therefore be able to get in and out of the expedition rubber boat independently, often in windy conditions. The shore activities also require a reasonable level of physical fitness. Surfaces can be slippery, rocky or frozen – you must be steady on your feet.
When it comes to an expedition cruise, bigger is not necessarily better. Our small, state-of-the-art ships with the highest ice class for passenger ships (PC 6) are extremely manoeuvrable and have a small draught. This means that we can keep going to places where larger ships have to turn back. It also means that we are extremely flexible in line with the weather and ice conditions, offering you multiple landings a day and allowing more time per landing.
The Arctic is a fragile environment, and it is important to travel responsibly and to respect nature. For that reason, our aim on cruises with our new expedition class is to preserve vulnerable habitats. Preparations for your Arctic expedition should therefore particularly include thinking about the correct way to behave. There will be a specific briefing about this on board at the start of each expedition. Our experts and experienced guides will show you the most sustainable ways to experience the flora and fauna in a conscious and respectful way when you reach the area. No smoking is permitted in the Zodiacs (expedition rubber boats) or in protected nature reserves. We leave no rubbish behind and take away nothing more than memories and photos. Further information can be found on the AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) website https://www.aeco.no/.
Greenland
Discover the home of musk oxen, reindeer and Arctic foxes. The west coast is characterised by imposing glaciers, small Inuit settlements and lush tundra. Crowned by Disko Bay, where countless icebergs drift slowly through the water. The rarely visited east coast fascinates with its remoteness, mighty mountains and the largest fjord system in the world.
Spitsbergen
Myth, magic and nautical challenge. On a flexible route determined by the extremes of nature, with luck you can observe whales, walruses and possibly the king of the Arctic from a respectful distance from the Zodiac or from the deck. Bizarre coastlines, high peaks and deep fjords provide a home for Arctic wildlife.
Canadian Arctic
In the north of the American continent lies a world of bizarre beauty - the Canadian Arctic. Shining blue ice is reflected in the winding arms of water. With a bit of luck, you can spot huge musk oxen, whales and polar bears. A reverent silence lies over the vast tundra. Past snow-covered rock, where the dramatic nature casts its spell over you, you can feel the spirit of famous pioneers everywhere.
Iceland
A world of hot and cold contrasts: bubbling springs, mighty glaciers, thundering waterfalls. Experience the unique way of life and culture of the Icelanders as well as the diverse animal kingdom. Lively puffins and other seabirds will amaze you with their flying skills. There is also a good chance of spotting majestic whales in their natural habitat.
Northwest Passage
The Northwest Passage, around 5,800 kilometres long, connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean and leads across the Arctic Ocean through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. To this day, gripping legends and sagas surround the adventure of the famous sea route. On hardly any other route are the history of exploration, the present and the future closer together.
