Breaching whales, polar bears on the prowl, other-worldly landscapes and cultures whose traditions date back to pre-history. No summer travel destination can give you an entirely new view of the world like an Arctic experience.
I can vouch for that because a Northwest Passage crossing I did on the luxury expediton ship Seabourn Venture last summer is still inspiring my dreams.
Seabourn Cruises has just announced a comprehensive series of in-depth expedition experiences in Canada, Iceland and Greenland in 2025. Any of them will not only change your definition of exotic but can also open your eyes to the sheer beauty of nature in parts of the world that so far have managed to stay pristine in a world that increasingly has been homogenized by human development.
Here are some images to whet your appetite and– thanks to Seabourn– 10 reasons why an Arctic expedition should be on your wish list:
Breathtaking landscapes – Towering glaciers, vast regions of tundra, rugged coastlines, and pristine fjords, showcase the raw beauty of the Arctic wilderness.
Unique wildlife encounters – Polar bears, walruses, seals, Arctic foxes and fascinating species of whales, provide incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.
Midnight Sun and Northern Lights – Each moment of exploration lasts a little longer as guests bask in the summer midnight sun. In late August and September, they can experience the mesmerizing phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis, painting the night sky with vibrant hues of green, purple and pink, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
Remote exploration – Only a handful of people have ever seen the remote destinations Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit visit. Designed and built for remote, diverse environments to PC6 Polar Class standards, the ships include the latest technology to extend their voyages to remote Arctic islands, secluded bays and hidden coves.
Cultural Immersion-– Guests will engage in educational lectures and presentations by an elite 24-person expedition team of onboard naturalists, scientists, and historians. Seabourn Conversations bring the history and culture of the Arctic communities to life and deepen guests’ understanding of Arctic ecology, geology and history. Off the ship, guests can interact with local communities, to learn about their rich cultural heritage and traditional lifestyles.
Expedition experiences – Inclusive Experiences at every stop include curated shore excursions, cultural tours, guided Zodiac cruises, hikes and nature walks. Optional guided Expedition Experiences include state-of-the-art, custom-built six-guest submarines, providing the option to extend the expedition further to view sea life and unexplored sea floors. Guests can also paddle through icy fjords and past remote islands on guided kayaking expeditions, gazing at glittering icebergs and marine wildlife for an exhilarating and immersive Arctic experience.
Polar plunge – A Signature Seabourn Experience if you’re looking for a thrill is a leap into the icy Arctic waters ever-so briefly, under the supervision of experienced crew members who help them out of the water. Afterward, there’s a heated whirlpool to warm up with a post-plunge cocktail.
Luxurious accommodations and accessories– Spacious, elegantly appointed suite featuring a pair of Swarovski binoculars and a heated gear wardrobe for expedition gear await guests as they return to the ship. There’s close to 30,000 square feet of outdoor deck space and special touches at every turn, as well as indoor guest areas with nearly 270-degree views.
Guests can take in sweeping Arctic views and wildlife in their complimentary parka on private verandas or via the 4K GSS camera that provide high-definition views of wildlife ashore that are streamed on in-suite televisions. And the dining is world class, even though you are thourands of miles from the nearest gourmet restaurant.
Options, including the Svalbard Experience – Seabourn offers an expanded range of itineraries in 2025, including Norway’s remote, vast uninhabited island, Svalbard. Guests can hike across stark, otherworldly landscapes guided by Seabourn’s Expedition team who will share insights on the unique plant life that thrives in this environment. They will admire rock formations and landscapes created by frost and water over time. There is even a chance to encounter Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, and interesting bird species while exploring the tundra.
Everything’s included, except the stress – The Seabourn All-Inclusive Expedition Difference provides guests with complimentary Wi-Fi powered by SpaceX’s Starlink, welcome Champagne and a stocked in-suite bar, world-class dining rivaling the finest restaurants anywhere, complimentary premium spirits and fine wines throughout the ship, and intuitive personalized service provided by Seabourn’s dedicated team all while only having to unpack once.
Seabourn Venture Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland itineraries in 2025 range from eight to 26 days in length from mid-May to mid-June. The ship will also offer a 12-day voyage to explore Greenland from Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq in late July 2025. The voyages will include pre- and/or post-cruise charter hotel stays in Edinburgh or Reykjavik.
Then, departing Aug. 6 and then Aug. 27, Seabourn Venture will offer back-to-back, 23-day voyages across the legendary Northwest Passage. Seabourn’s onboard historians and archeologists will share stories of the triumphs and tragedies of the famous expeditions of Franklin and Amundsen. Expedition experiences include an Arctic Circle Trail Hike in Sisimiut, Greenland; and a walk through the Sermermiut Valley to the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre in Ilulissat, Greenland and visits to hamlets in Nunavut, Canada.
Guests can also experience the Canadian Arctic and Labrador, during a 15-day voyage departing Aug. 18 from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to St. John’s, Newfoundland. During the voyage, guests will spend two days in the Torngat Mountains National Park: a pristine Arctic wilderness preserving rich indigenous heritage and breathtaking fjords. Other highlights include exploring the first Viking settlement in North America at L’Anse aux Meadows, and experiencing thriving Inuit culture in Pangnirtung and Nain.
Story by Wallace Immen, Executive Editor, The Cruisington Times
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