The Arctic is a diverse and extraordinary travel destination: an expedition cruise to the northernmost reaches of the world is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Poseidon Expeditions invites you aboard the comfortable Sea Spirit, where you will join our team of experts and esteemed crew in a journey into the icy wilderness. Tidewater glaciers, polar bears and whales, northern lights and majestic scenery are some of the wonders you’ll get to see.

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Secrets of a Remote Arctic Island

Jan Mayen is a name synonymous with isolation and inaccessibility. This small, lonely island is located in the northernmost reaches of the Atlantic Ocean, 280 miles (450 km) east of Greenland and 340 miles (550 km) north of Iceland. At 71°N, Jan Mayen is inside the Arctic Circle and is very much in the Arctic zone. Though it is an integral part of the Kingdom of Norway and there are people living on the island year round, there is no way for a tourist to get to Jan Mayen other than by cruise ship or yacht. Though the island’s stunning scenery and abundant birdlife would easily place it among the world’s top wilderness tourism destinations, only a few hundred people make it to the island each year because of the infrequency of cruises. Read on to learn about the fascinating natural and human history of one of the most remote islands in the world.

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A few species gather in huge numbers at Arctic seabird colonies

One special feature of the High Arctic is the staggering number of seabirds that colonize coastal cliffs during the summer breeding season. Tens of millions of seabirds return to Greenland, Svalbard and Franz Josef Land every summer to take advantage of secure nesting locations near abundant food supplies in these wilderness areas. Some colonies contain over a million birds. Competition for nesting space, piracy of food, and predation of chicks are facts of life in these towering avian cities. An Arctic expedition cruise is the best way to experience seabird colonies and all their spectacular wildlife drama. Look out for these common seabird species on a cruise to Greenland, Svalbard or Franz Josef Land

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When we ask our passengers what was the highlight of their Arctic expedition cruise, the answers vary. Some name amazing nature, some - abundant wildlife, and others - polar history. There is no rights or wrongs: when all of these elements combine, the Arctic is born, diverse, pristine and divergent.  On Arctic cruises with Poseidon Expeditions, we travel to different destinations in search of different things.

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What to Know Before Going to Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen (sometimes spelled Spitzbergen) is the largest island in the Norwegian High Arctic territory of Svalbard. Though one is technically a part of the other, the names Spitsbergen and Svalbard are often used interchangeably. Apart from Longyearbyen and a handful of other small settlements, the island is completely pristine and characteristic of a true polar wilderness. Spitsbergen is a great place to start your discovery of the Arctic. Whereas attractions in most of the Arctic are usually spread far and wide across impossibly vast landscapes, a diversity of the Arctic’s most iconic wildlife and historical treasures can be found in Spitsbergen with relative ease on a comfortable cruise without long sea crossings. Here is some tourism information to consider when planning your Spitsbergen cruise.

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Reaching the North Pole for the first time is overwhelming: you will literally be standing at the top of the world, and everywhere you look is south. This glorious moment will be shared with other like-minded passengers and our team of polar experts. On this North Pole voyage, we were lucky to have Huw Lewis-Jones on board. He is a renowned historian and polar author, formerly a Curator of Art at the Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge. Huw says that the ever-changing Arctic never ceases to amaze no matter how many times you visit.

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When Is The Best Time To See The Northern Lights?

If you’ve ever traveled far north, you’ve probably been asked, “Did you see the northern lights?” The lights, are on nearly every traveler’s wish list. Even if you’ve seen photos or videos of this natural phenomena, there is nothing like experiencing them in person. If you’re planning to travel and the northern lights are one of your must-sees, considering the time of year is essential. While your location will be a factor in whether you’re able to see the lights (they’re more visible the higher north you travel on the globe), the time of year also affects your chance of experiencing the awesome beauty of this spectacle. Knowing the best time to visit the northern lights will help you determine when to plan your trip.

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It may be difficult to imagine the famously cold Arctic having seasons. While its summer might not be equivalent to that of Mexico or sunny California, Arctic seasons have distinct variance in climate, wildlife activity and overall environment.

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The polar regions are the ultimate destination for active travel lovers. From hiking to camping and kayaking, every expedition day is filled with unscripted adventures and new worlds to conquer. A kayak can take you right where the action is, allowing you to venture further into the maze of ethereal glaciers and towering icebergs, paddling in the placid waters along with whales, penguins, and marine mammals. You’re in for dramatic scenery, close encounters with the abundant wildlife and a chance to become one with nature.

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