Ice formation on trees in Arctic

The Arctic, and especially its hub, the North Pole, was once reserved, as Theo Cruz quipped, for “the hard-bitten and the frostbitten.” But we explore the Arctic’s epic vastness in a leisurely comfort that enhances the joy of its stunning sights and rare experiences, and lets us revel in the attainment of the top of the world.

We voyage throughout the Arctic on ice-strengthened expedition ships and mighty Russian icebreakers which are tough as nails outside, but with cruise-ship-like accoutrement inside—and keep busy with onboard lectures, helicopter trips (off the icebreaker), visits to the bridge, wildlife sightings, and the drama of ice and light that makes the Arctic so fiercely compelling. We find the truth of Barry Lopez’s observation in Arctic Dreams that while tundra may “initially appear barren, [it] can open suddenly like a corona of a flower, when any intimacy with it is sought.” And if our journey takes us to the North Pole, we might even follow the example of the great photographer-writer Galen Rowell and “dance a circle through 24 time zones and drink toasts.”

Those of us taking part in a voyage on some of the smaller expedition ships, those who are inclined to get a more up-close and intimate look may even want to venture out on our sea kayaks.
Arctic Luxury Tour Map
High Arctic: Canada and Greenland High Arctic, Ellesmere, and Greenland
Overview:

• Departures: Aug
• 14 Days of Expeditionary Voyaging & Hiking
• From $13,990

Spitsbergen Explorer Spitsbergen (Svalbard) Explorer
Overview:
• Departures Jun - Aug
• 8-15 Days of Expeditionary Voyaging
• And other islands of the archipelago
• From $2690
Walruses near Resolute Bay Tanquary Fjord and Ellesmere Island
Overview:

• Departures: Aug
• 16 Days of Expeditionary Voyaging & Hiking
• From $13,990

Kapitan Khlebnikov icebreaker in the Arctic The End of an Era: Antarctica and the Arctic aboard the Khlebnikov
Overview:
• Departures: Jul 2010 - Jan 2012
• 14 - 66 Days of Expeditionary Voyaging
• From $13,990
North Pole The North Pole
Overview:
• Departures: July
• 17 Days of Expeditionary Voyaging
• Aboard the icebreaker ship 50-Year Victory
• From $22,690
Bering Strait ice formation The Northwest Passage
Overview:

• Departures: July
• 19 Days of Expeditionary Voyaging
• From $16,490

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