Small ship Arctic cruises are not 'just a journey'; they are an intimate passage into one of the last great wildernesses on Earth. Unlike the crowded decks of large cruise liners, our vessels carry only 12 passengers, allowing you to feel the quiet majesty of the Arctic without distraction. Every sound of creaking ice, every ripple of a seal surfacing, and every wingbeat of a seabird overhead becomes part of your own personal story.

Why Choose a Small Ship?

Travel in the Arctic is defined by scale, and bigger is not always better. Small ships offer the freedom to navigate fjords, bays, and ice-choked channels that larger vessels cannot access. This means more time close to wildlife, more spontaneous landings, and more flexibility when the weather or wildlife dictates a change of course. The experience is slow, thoughtful, and rooted in respect for nature — no rushing through photo stops, no waiting in line, just pure connection with the environment around you.

Wildlife Encounters That Feel Personal

With our arctic cruises when you step off the vessel, you’re not one of hundreds — you’re one of a few. This makes every wildlife sighting feel more personal, whether it’s watching polar bears roam the ice, walruses resting on remote beaches, or Arctic foxes darting across the tundra. With only a handful of people ashore at a time, there’s space to breathe, to take in the silence, and to capture photographs without distraction. Our guides’ deep knowledge of animal behaviour also ensures that encounters are respectful and safe, both for you and for the wildlife.

Life On Board Wildlife Arctic Cruises

Aboard our small ships, comfort and camaraderie replace luxury excess. Cabins are cosy, meals are freshly prepared, and evenings are often spent gathered around the table sharing stories and reviewing photographs. With expedition leaders and expert photographers always available, you’ll learn techniques for capturing Arctic light and landscapes, and gain insights into the region’s ecology and history. This creates not just a holiday, but a true learning experience.

Sustainability at the Heart

The Arctic is fragile, and travelling lightly matters. Small ships leave a smaller footprint, both environmentally and culturally. With fewer passengers, we can practice low-impact landings, avoid disturbing wildlife, and support the long-term sustainability of the places we visit. Our philosophy is simple: to explore with care, leaving behind only memories and taking away only stories and photographs.

Seasons of the Arctic

Each season in the Arctic brings its own magic. In spring, the ice begins to loosen and wildlife emerges from the long winter. Summer offers endless days of midnight sun, with vibrant tundra flowers and migratory birds filling the skies. By late summer and early autumn, golden light returns, casting dramatic colours over glaciers and peaks. No matter when you sail, a small ship cruise ensures that you experience the character of the Arctic up close.

More Than a Cruise — A Journey of Connection

What sets our Arctic cruises apart is not just the ship size, but the philosophy behind them. We believe the Arctic should be approached with humility, curiosity, and respect. Travelling with us means joining a community of like-minded explorers who value authenticity over spectacle, depth over speed, and genuine connection over mass tourism.

Ice strengthened vessels

As an experienced operator of Arctic cruises and Svalbard tours, Arctic Wildlife Tours charters a variety of expedition vessels as well as running land-based camps. Our small ship Arctic cruises are designed to bring guests close to wildlife and the dramatic Arctic scenery in a way that larger vessels cannot. Every ship we use has an ice-strengthened hull, allowing safe travel in different ice conditions. We are continually refining and improving the range of ships we charter, ensuring our expeditions remain flexible and perfectly adapted to different purposes.

The strongest ice vessel

Our vessel, M/S Kvitungen, have a very high ice class as a SEALER, equivalent to ice class 1A super. Making it one of the strongest expedition ships operating in Svalbard. Ultimately, the most important factor in Arctic navigation is not only the vessel but the skill and experience of the crew. A highly knowledgeable skipper and team can often be more critical to safety and success than the ice class of the ship itself.