Sarah Bretz, ContributorAtlas Ocean Voyages has announced details on its 2026 Arctic cruising season, which will feature six and seven-night expeditions and include pre-cruise hotel stays for the first time.
Onboard World Voyager and World Navigator, the season will also discover new ports exploring the remote Skjoldungen Island in Greenland, the heart of Icelandic culture in Stykkishólmur, and “miniature Norway” from Senja, the island of adventure.
All expeditions departing from Longyearbyen and Kangerlussuaq include a pre-cruise hotel stay.
Shorter Svalbard Expeditions
Guests embark on a seven-night expedition from Tromsø to Longyearbyen, featuring ports along the Norwegian coast such as Hammerfest and Skarsvåg (North Cape), before culminating in the landscapes of Svalbard departing May 22, 2026. A six or seven-night roundtrip Longyearbyen expedition is available for departures on May 29th, June 5th, and June 11th.
Iceland and Greenland
Expeditions will continue visiting Greenland in 2026, a favorite offering allowing travelers to explore Svalbard, Iceland, and Greenland in one journey. Travelers can choose from expeditions of 10 to 15 nights. There are two departures in July, five in August, and one in September 2026.
Norway
There will be two departures featuring the Norwegian fjords and Svalbard departing June 18th and July 19th.
Included Private Jet Service
On expeditions embarking or concluding in Longyearbyen or Kangerlussuaq, guests will enjoy an inclusive charter flight inclusion. Expeditions departing or ending in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, include charter air flights from Oslo, Norway to Longyearbyen, making it easier for guests to begin or end their expedition. Voyages departing or ending in Kangerlussuaq will include charter air flights from New York City’s JFK airport.
Included Pre-Cruise Hotel
For the 2026 Arctic polar expeditions, a complimentary pre-cruise hotel night is included for all departures from Longyearbyen, with accommodations provided in Oslo, Norway the night before the charter flight. Additionally, for the August 31st departure from Kangerlussuaq, a pre-cruise hotel stay will be offered in New York the night before the charter flight.
Cultural Immersions
Every 2026 Polar Expedition by Atlas includes a free Cultural Immersion experience, offering guests unique insights into local communities. Examples include visits to Indigenous villages like Ittoqqortoormiit, Paimutt, or Ilulisat in Greenland, where guests can engage with local traditions, taste regional treats, and explore cultural nuances. In Longyearbyen, travelers can enjoy a panoramic drive and a welcome aboard event featuring an insightful talk on local life, complemented by delicacies such as reindeer canapés, coal mine beer, and regional chocolate.
Adventure activities include free Zodiac sightseeing safaris, allowing for up-close-and-personal experiences with stunning landscapes and wildlife. There will also be landings ashore with the cruise line’s expedition team guiding, plus the opportunity to take a polar plunge. Each guest will receive a complimentary parka to take home.
Comments
Have you ever been on a cruise that goes above the Arctic Circle and if not, is it on your bucket list? Would you consider doing an expedition cruise with Altas Ocean Voyages? Drop us an anchor below and share your thoughts and experiences!
