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Arctic Trip Reviews

16 Blog Posts

Arctic trip reviews written by our travelers and experts. Read personal travel stories and detailed accounts of the full Artic trip experience with helpful insight, advice, and trip testimonials to help you plan your cruise or land tour.

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Arctic travelers wearing yellow parkas explore the shores of the Svalbard archipelago on a cloudy day surrounded by snowy mountain range.

Read our Arctic trip reviews to get a real feel for what travel through this vast region is really like. The reviews below contain expert advice, personal travel stories and detailed accounts of the full trip experience. This collection aims to help travelers researching the Arctic to make an informed purchase and have an even better time during their expedition.

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Exterior shot of Douglas Mawson anchored in a bay off the coast of Australia on a cloudy day with calm seas

Expert Aboard: Douglas Mawson Ship Review

Our Director of Operations was aboard the inaugural sailing of the Douglas Mawson. Read on for his insight on what makes this 154-guest vessel stand out.

Justin Massoni
Justin Massoni Expert Since 2015
Sylvia Earle off in the distance in Antarctica with snow covered and giant icebergs and mountains on a cloudy calm day

Expert Aboard: Sylvia Earle Ship Review

What's it like aboard the Sylvia Earle ship? Learn about the service, sustainability, smooth ride, tips for choosing your cabin and more. Our expert's insights from her voyage in Antarctica will help you decide whether this ship's right for you, no matter where in the world she's sailing.

Jennifer Morse
Jennifer Morse Expert Since 2016
Small group of Polar Quest Svalbard travelers hike a rocky ridgeline among golden tundra backed by teal sea & a small ship.

Expert Review: Polar Quest Svalbard

Tiny ships, big moments. Get our expert's insights into how Polar Quest’s cozy, no-frills vessels (12-50 guests) deliver big on raw nature, abundant wildlife, standout guides & authentic adventure in Svalbard.

Mary Montalbano
Mary Montalbano Expert Since 2017

Expert Review: My Northwest Passage Cruise

Narwhals, musk ox and 2,300 nautical miles... read our expert's take on the top highlights from his Northwest Passage expedition that included time in Greenland.

Andrew Browning
Andrew Browning Expert Since 2007
Bridge of Hondius small antarctica expedition ship on a bright sunny day lookin gout at the large icebergs and snowy mountains.

Expert Aboard: MV Hondius Review 

Join our expert as she crosses the Drake Passage for her tenth time aboard Hondius. Learn what she thinks sets this ship apart from others in the polar regions, plus find more traveler reviews all on this page.

Lauren Pilholski
Lauren Pilholski Expert Since 2018
A Quark expedition guide raises a hand while driving a zodiac and speaking to a group of travelers in yellow jackets with an iceberg behind them

Quark Expeditions Reviews

Our in-house polar experts review Quark Expeditions from their time aboard multiple trips & ships in both poles. Then read traveler-written ratings on everything from food to expedition guides.

Lis Larson
Lis Larson Expert Since 2012
Ultramarine expedition cruise anchored in the distance while passengers ride in several zodiacs on a sunny day in Greenland.

Expert Aboard: Ultramarine Ship Review

Read a detailed ship review from our expert who was aboard Ultramarine, plus see traveler ratings on everything from the food & helicopters to his Greenland itinerary highlights.

Andrew Browning
Andrew Browning Expert Since 2007

Expert Review: Going to the North Pole

Hear from Adventure Specialist Taylor Cranney about what it’s really like at the North Pole in this review of her trip. See her impressions from 16 days at sea and who might be cut out for an expedition of this caliber.

Taylor Cranney
Taylor Cranney Expert Since 2017
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What activity options are available? What are the accommodations like? I want to see polar bears, where do I go? Our crew and guests have traveled by land and sea on Arctic expedition trips and share these fun but educational expert reviews and travel journals chock full of helpful information.

From Arctic cruises sailing the icy waters surrounding the Svalbard archipelago to Iceland cruises, epic North Pole expeditions and Arctic tours across Canadian tundra in search of polar bears—these trip reviews detail it all. After the reviews, keep scrolling for our top Arctic cruises and land tours as well as traveler testimonials evaluating the quality of accommodations, food, guides and overall experiences. With our expertise and firsthand reviews, find your perfect Arctic itinerary, or navigate to view all our trip reviews worldwide.

Arctic Trip Reviews & Testimonials from Our Travelers

  • “So Close to the Bears”

    This trip was amazing. We got so close to the bears it was shocking. I have always wanted to see a polar bear in the wild so this trip was a dream come true. AdventureSmith answered all my questions, and I had a lot of questions. The pre-departure information was…

    Tim S. San Diego, CA

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 4.0/5
    MEALS 4.0/5

  • “The Trip Ran Like Clockwork”

    Fulfilling all that was on the detailed expectations. The wilderness of the Arctic was the big plus and to be there in real life and not just seeing it via the TV screen was humbling. To go where there had never been habitation and nature ruled was awesome. The kayaking…

    Carol M. Essex, UK

    OVERALL 4.0/5
    LODGING 4.0/5
    MEALS 4.0/5

  • “Enjoyed Every Second!”

    Every aspect of this trip was outstanding. The expedition team, the staff aboard, all wonderful. A great adventure for an eighty one year old! Thanks for the opportunity.

    Pamela E. Hancock, NH

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “National Geographic Cruises Are My First Choice”

    National Geographic cruises are my first choice. My cousins travel a lot and invited me to consider this Norway trip. I have always wanted to go to Norway, so it was an easy choice.

    Pat R. Crawfordville, FL

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “Fabulous Wild Place in the World”

    Fabulous wild place in the world. East Greenland was spectacular. Wish I could have spent more time in Spitsbergen. Highly generous, honest, professional and intelligent crew.

    Phyllis R. Worland, WY

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “Trip Preparation Was Excellent”

    We felt lucky to see the animals we did and as many polar bears as we did. The trip preparation by AdventureSmith was excellent. We have used AdventureSmith a number of times and have been very satisfied with their service, and have recommended them to our family and friends.

    Richard L. Vista, CA

    OVERALL 4.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 4.0/5

Top-Rated Arctic Trips

Have our expert reviews and travel journals inspired you to add the Arctic to your bucket list? Whether you want to explore the Arctic by land or sea, we have an extensive and curated collection of Arctic trips to recommend. These Arctic cruises and land tours are top rated by our guests. Start browsing our trips then bring your questions to us. Our experts are standing by to help you research, select and book your Arctic expedition. Come explore this vast and spectacular region with us! 
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