Quick answer
Arctic expeditions sail June to September: Svalbard for polar bears and walrus in June–August, Greenland's icebergs and fjords in July–September, and the Northwest Passage in August–September.
- Cruise season
- Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
- Best months
- Jul, Aug
- Typical length
- 8–21 nights
- Main departure ports
- Longyearbyen, Kangerlussuaq, Reykjavík, Oslo
- Popular ports
- Longyearbyen, Ny-Ålesund, Ilulissat, Disko Bay, Scoresby Sund, Jan Mayen, Northwest Passage
- Cruise lines sailing here
- 18
Why cruise here
- Polar bears on the pack ice
- Midnight sun
- Ilulissat Icefjord (UNESCO)
Weather by month in Longyearbyen
Long-term averages for planning — not a forecast. Cruise season Best months
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg high °C | -13 | -13 | -13 | -9 | -2 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 2 | -4 | -8 | -11 |
| Avg low °C | -20 | -20 | -20 | -16 | -7 | 0 | 4 | 3 | -1 | -8 | -14 | -17 |
Ports of call
- Longyearbyen
- Ny-Ålesund
- Ilulissat
- Disko Bay
- Scoresby Sund
- Jan Mayen
- Northwest Passage
Sailings & fares
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Cruise lines sailing Arctic, Svalbard & Greenland
Premium ocean cruises
Luxury & ultra-luxury cruises
Expedition & polar cruises
Visas for Arctic, Svalbard & Greenland cruises
Svalbard is visa-free in principle, but you fly in via mainland Norway (Schengen). Greenland has its own rules; flights usually connect via Denmark or Iceland.
Guides: Schengen visa (Europe).
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to cruise Arctic, Svalbard & Greenland?
The cruise season is Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep; the best months are July, August.
Do I need a visa for a Arctic, Svalbard & Greenland cruise?
Svalbard is visa-free in principle, but you fly in via mainland Norway (Schengen). Greenland has its own rules; flights usually connect via Denmark or Iceland.
How long is a typical Arctic, Svalbard & Greenland cruise?
Most are 8–21 nights, usually from Longyearbyen, Kangerlussuaq, Reykjavík.
Which cruise lines sail Arctic, Svalbard & Greenland?
Viking (ocean & expedition), Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Seabourn, Ponant, Swan Hellenic, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic, HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), Quark Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions, Poseidon Expeditions, Atlas Ocean Voyages and 6 more.