Thinking about planning an adventurous holiday to the Polar regions, but not sure where to start? Our step-by-step guide breaks down the things to consider as you prepare for a Polar exploration, focusing on expedition voyages to the Arctic and Antarctica. From choosing where to go and when to navigating the choice of ships available and as well as practical insights on price and flexibility, read on to get started.
1. Deciding where to go on a Polar voyage
Polar adventures don’t always begin with a destination in mind. They might begin with something more emotive. A long held desire to follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers in journeying to world’s most remote corners. As the idea germinates into something more tangible, where to go becomes the first big question to ask yourself?
Both the Arctic and Antarctica offer incredible wildlife, fascinating history and a dazzling backdrop of mountains, glaciers and icebergs. But do you want a frozen ocean or an icy continent; polar bears or penguins; Inuit culture or polar heroes? If you question your sea legs, the coastal waters around Svalbard may suit you more than reaching the Great White Continent sailing the Drake Passage – a challenging stretch of water between South America and Antarctica. In both the Arctic and Antarctica you can unleash your inner ornithologist and become a citizen scientist and unexpected phytoplankton expert.
Our polar specialists will be happy to offer first-hand advice to help you decide but here’s a snapshot of the places you can visit. Once you’ve decided between north or south, you can narrow down your choice further.
Trips to the Arctic
In the Arctic, consider Spitsbergen for abundant wildlife and mountainous scenery, head to Greenland for icebergs and Inuits, or explore the Canadian Arctic for a wealth of polar history and indigenous culture. Some longer voyages, combine two areas, such as the Northwest Passage which follows a route from East Greenland to Arctic Canada.
Expect to marvel at dramatic cliffs teaming with birdlife, watch walrus hauled out on icefloes and reindeer on the tundra. You may well encounter whales at sea and perhaps polar bears prowling the shoreline.
–> Discover more about the Arctic
Antarctica trips
Heading south the Antarctic Peninsula is the ideal destination for first timers, combining spectacular scenery with penguins galore. A longer voyage can also take in the remote, wildlife-rich islands of the Falklands and South Georgia. Or head to even more remote East Antarctica to follow in the footsteps of legendary polar explorers at the Ross Ice Shelf.
Penguins in abundance are both comical and captivating. Seals are often boisterous and vocal and the icebergs are exquisite. Keep a lookout for orcas on the hunt and humpbacks or minke may surface.
–> Discover more about Antarctica
2. The best time to visit the Polar regions
Expedition voyages operate during the summer months, when wildlife is most active, temperatures more comfortable and daylight hours long. The summer melt in polar regions allows ships to navigate ice-chilled waters. The Arctic season is predominantly May-September, whilst Antarctica can be visited between November and March.
For each region, different periods of the season offer slightly different experiences centred around wildlife behaviour and ice conditions. Ask our specialists for their recommendations or for in-depth information, read our online guides.
–> Best time to visit the Arctic
–> Best time to visit Antarctica
3. Choosing a Polar expedition ship
Travelling by ship is the best way to travel around the Polar regions. Expedition voyages allow you to reach otherwise inaccessible areas with a warm and comfortable bed at the end of the day. Moving on each day means you will explore a wider variety of landscapes and increase your chances of wildlife encounters.
Small ships
We only work with operators and ships that follow strict safety protocols and environmental rules – such as boot cleaning biosecurity procedures after each landing – that not only protect passengers, but the fragile environments being navigated. Visitors to Antarctica must follow strict environmental rules regarding wildlife interaction.
Each of our ships carries under 200 passengers and in some cases as few as only 50. Travelling on small ships maximises your time ashore and makes for a much more intimate immersion in the polar regions. Life onboard is informal and follows a similar pattern on all ships blending time cruising, lectures and daily shore landings or Zodiac cruises interspersed with moments of quiet contemplation on deck.
Your choice of ship will likely be determined by price, duration and the travel dates available. There is something to suit every taste and budget, from ‘minimal frills’ expedition ships to more luxurious vessels complete with Jacuzzi and spacious suites. Some ships also offer optional activities such as kayaking, paddle-boarding and overnight camping. Our team can talk you through the various options or read our dedicated guide on how to pick your perfect polar expedition vessel.
4. Prepare to be flexible and embrace the unexpected
A Polar voyage itinerary is intended as a guideline only. Sea, ice and weather conditions dictate each day’s route and activities. Flexibility is key, but the experienced Expedition guides are experts in adapting to the ever-changing nature polar weather and sea conditions. They always have a Plan B, C or even Plan D up their sleeves.
Weather can change fast. What starts with blue skies and a perfect calm can shift into bitter cold and snow fall and of course, vice versa. Always be prepared for change especially with your clothing choices.
The Expedition team
The Team is made up of Expedition leaders and polar experts such as historians, ornithologists, geologists and marine biologists. There’s usually a photographer in the team too to pass on handy advice. All are trained in Zodiac driving and safety. And they are always on hand to share their knowledge and passion, answering questions and making sure that you get the most out of your voyage.
What is consistent is the rhythm of life onboard. Throughout the journey you can enjoy informative presentations and lectures, wildlife viewing from the deck, regular shore landings and iceberg cruises by Zodiac (rigid inflatable boats). Soak up the scenery under the long days of a Polar summer, browse through the ship’s library, chat with your fellow-passengers and enjoy hearty dining.
You can find out more about the specifics in our guide to expedition voyaging including an outline of daily routines, meals, and equipment provided.
5. What a Polar cruise price includes
Our expedition voyages include all meals, guide services, Zodiac cruises and shore landings. Some trips will also provide outer clothing, activities and even domestic flights e.g. between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia in Argentina. Optional activities such as kayaking and diving are extra cost, but should generally be pre-booked.
Inclusions do vary depending on the ship and even specific departures. Our polar specialists will be happy to talk you through your preferred options and provide a detailed holiday quote listing all applicable inclusions and exclusions that can’t be calculated in advance, such as local taxes. We quote international flights separately to ensure we can offer the best available fares accommodating your preferred route and airline.
We can also arrange accommodation or holiday extensions before or after your voyage.
6. Recommended fitness levels for a Polar cruise
The ships all carry an onboard doctor as part of the crew and the guides are trained in first-aid, but a reasonable level of health and fitness is required for all our expeditions as you will be travelling in remote regions far from sophisticated medical facilities.
Mobility is perhaps a better word than fitness. You want to be able to enjoy the polar experience to the full.
Climbing in and out of a Zodiac is a big part of the experience and requires a certain amount of agility. On shore, the terrain can be rough as there are no set trails but hikes are optional and there are usually short and longer walks offered.
Particularly on modern ships, the comfort level onboard is high and you can expect very comfortable accommodation.
7. Best time to book a polar voyage
With limited places available on many ships, we strongly advise booking as early as possible. This way you can secure your preferred itinerary and departure date, and also take advantage of the best airfares and early booking discounts.
8. Packing and kit needed
With early booking recommend, there’s usually plenty of time to prepare exactly what you need to pack for a Polar voyage. Once you have booked, you’ll be provided with an extensive kit list including useful tips like a cord for your sunglasses. Keeping one hand for the ship is a golden rule of expedition cruising.
For a top line takeaway, layering is key as well as waterproof and windproof outer layers. In many cases Expedition operators often provide heavy-duty parkas for polar cruises and warm, waterproof boots for the duration.
Why should I book with Discover the World?
We offer complete holiday protection, under our unique 100% guarantee.
Our team of experts can offer unbiased advice on a wide range of voyages and ships, based on a wealth of first-hand experience. In addition, we’re committed to working with leading travel partners in the conservation of the polar regions. We are Associate Members of IAATO and only work with IAATO or AECO accredited voyage operators. We are also proud benefactors of the South Georgia Heritage Trust.
–> Watch our 60-second video for a quick glimpse into what lies in store on an expedition voyage.
Taking the next step
If you’ve decided on your preferred itinerary, date and ship then get in touch with us for a detailed quote.
If you’d prefer to talk through the options available first, then just give us a call on 01737 214 250. Our team of polar specialists are on hand to help and will be happy to help you choose the best voyage for you. The adventure starts here!
