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Imagine spotting polar bears and penguins, all on one cruise. Or, hearing Inuit throat-singing in the Canadian Arctic before drinking ale in a Falkland Islands pub—and only unpacking once. As travelers clamor for even more adventuresome voyages, expedition lines are beginning to test the waters with the first-ever pole-to-pole itineraries.
Take Seabourn, an ultra-luxury line debuting its first such cruise in 2027. “Travelers are seeking voyages going beyond traditional cruising that are immersive, rarely repeated, and part of something very few will ever experience,” says Robin West, Seabourn’s vice president of expedition operations and planning. “2027 presents the perfect alignment of guest interest and operational capability to bring it to life.”
Only two cruise lines currently offer these epic, multi-month Arctic-to-Antarctic voyages. Condé Nast Traveler travel specialist Mary Curry says that midsize and larger ships are just now entering the space. “Ships typically visit the Arctic in June to September and then head south to start their Antarctic season in early November,” she says. “For travelers who want to get a taste of everything, it makes sense to fill the time in between with interesting stops in the Caribbean and South America, giving travelers the opportunity to see the change of ecosystems in real time,” adds Curry.
Pole-to-pole cruises can vary in ports, lengths, and costs. Amenities also fluctuate; voyages may include airfare, pre-cruise hotel stays, and transfers, along with some or most shore excursions and activities, Wi-Fi, and some alcohol. Such sails can stretch from 81 to 94 days with entry pricing ranging from $72,995 to $94,499. While prices are steep, cruise lines add perks like business class airfare, shipboard credit, and excursions led by seasoned experts.
Here, the cruise lines offering Arctic-to-Antarctic voyages in 2027 and 2028. Consider booking pole-to-pole cruises far ahead. With the success of these voyages (Viking’s 2025 itinerary sold out, 2026 is waitlisted), count on more expedition lines expanding into this market.
Seabourn
Seabourn debuts its 94-day Grand Expedition: Pole to Pole sailing August 17 to November 19, 2027, visiting 14 countries. The luxury line taps 264-passenger Seabourn Venture for this journey. What a cushy way to go: The all-suite expedition ship features an infinity pool, spa, fitness center, eight dining experiences including 24-hour suite service, two custom-built submarines, eight double sea kayaks, 24 zodiacs, and 23 expert expedition team members. Abundant complimentary amenities include wines and spirits, Wi-Fi, caviar service, shore excursions, and gratuities. Passengers receive custom parkas, one complimentary submarine dive, and up to $10,000 in shipboard credit. All suites feature verandas, with accommodations beginning with a 355-square-foot Veranda Suite including the balcony, double-sink baths, extra-large walk-in closet, and fully stocked bar and refrigerator. Penthouse suites and above offer separate bedrooms, while Owners suites and above include four-seater dining tables, spacious living areas, and oversized verandas, and can run 1,023 square feet.
This cruise begins with a Reykjavik overnight and a charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, first exploring the vast Arctic wilderness and wildlife—just a few hundred miles short of the North Pole—before visiting balmy Caribbean islands like Montserrat, Barbados, and Trinidad. After crossing the Equator, Seabourn Venture lingers in Brazil, at intriguing ports like Salvador da Bahia with its colorful Afro-Brazilian culture, and bustling Rio de Janeiro. Then it’s off to Montevideo, the Falkland Islands, subantarctic South Georgia Islands, and Antarctica, concluding in Ushuaia, Argentina.
Cruisers can also join an abbreviated 82-day Grand Expedition: Arctic to Antarctica, August 29 to November 19, 2027. (94-Day Grand Expedition from $94,499; 82-Day Grand Expedition, from $80,009)
Viking
Passengers boarding 378-passenger Viking Octantis on September 9, 2027 sail the 81-day Arctic to Antarctic Explorer journey visiting 10 countries. This cozy, elegant expedition ship offers the Scandinavian design and amenities Viking devotees admire. The library, curated by an esteemed London bookshop and Cambridge University, houses tomes on various destinations the ship visits. Dining highlights include Norwegian homestyle Mamsen’s and Manfredi’s Italian restaurant. Another beloved functional perk: Viking’s special operation boats can be launched through the in-ship marina on a stable slipway shielded from elements.
Entry staterooms offer 215-square-foot Nordic Balcony cabins, with king beds, large bathrooms with heated floors and anti-fog mirror, and drying closets. The huge 1,238-square-foot Owner’s Suite possesses a boardroom, pantry, large private garden lounge area, and private library, with wine and music collections curated by Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen.
This cruise begins in Nuuk, Greenland, traversing the Canadian High Arctic and Great Lakes before taking in the fall foliage of Halifax, Quebec City, and Toronto. Cruising the St. Lawrence River and New York is next, followed by the Bahamas, Jamaica and a Panama Canal transit. Then, sail south to Santiago, float by Chilean fjords and glaciers, and at last, arrive to Antarctica. The cruise concludes in Ushuaia, Argentina.
Amenities include business class airfare, transfers, $4,000 per couple shipboard credit, included excursion in each port, plus complimentary Zodiac, special operation boats and kayaks, keepsake expedition jacket, complimentary visa service, and beverage package.
Viking has opened bookings for its Viking Octantis 81-day, 10 country voyage from Nuuk, Greenland to Ushuaia, Argentina (September 15, 2028 to December 4, 2028) featuring the same itinerary and amenities. (2027 sail from $72,995; 2028 sail from $74,995)
