Arctic vs Antarctic Expedition Cruise: Which Should You Pick?


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BELLA FALK

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Arctic vs Antarctic Expedition Cruise: a cruise ship in Antarctica in front of a snowy mountain
A cruise to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience

If you’re a lover of wide-open spaces, nature and wildlife like me, the frozen ends of our planet are probably the bucket list dream – packed with snow-draped landscapes, icebergs the size of tower blocks, close-up wildlife encounters, and few other people around to annoy you.

And especially now, with climate change, the ice melting, landscapes changing and wildlife disappearing – for many of us, the urgency to do an Antarctica or Arctic cruise has become even more of a priority. 

But if you’re planning a polar expedition cruise, you’re probably facing one big question. Arctic vs Antarctica: which should you choose?

An Arctic cruise ship parked in a fjord in front of a glacier in Svalbard
Head on an Arctic cruise to see fjords and glaciers

As someone who’s been to both, I’m here to help. 

In this article, I’ll explain the differences between an Antarctica vs Arctic cruise, from wildlife to landscapes and from experiences to cost, to hopefully help you decide which remote icescape matches your travel goals.

(Whether any of us should be going at all? That’s a separate question, and one I’ll address later in this post. I’ll leave that decision up to you.)

Save this Antarctica vs Arctic Pin for later
Save this Antarctica vs Arctic Pin for later

About my Antarctica and Arctic cruise experience

I’m lucky enough to have travelled to both the Arctic and Antarctica. 

My first trip was over New Year 2019, just before Covid hit, when I did a 19-day Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula trip with Quark Expeditions. 

This was not a work trip – I saved up and booked this bucket-list adventure 18 months in advance to get the best deal.

When I got back, I wrote a tonne of Antarctica blog posts, which you can find here if you want more of an in-depth look. 

More recently, over Christmas and New Year 2025, I travelled to East Antarctica on a 23-day voyage with Aurora Expeditions.

Me, the writer, standing on my seventh continent - Antarctica - holding an Antarctica flag
That’s me, standing on my seventh continent: Antarctica

I’ve also been to the Arctic twice. Last year I visited Churchill in the Canadian Arctic to see polar bears and beluga whales on a land-based ‘Canadian safari’ trip, hosted by Frontiers North Adventures. 

I also did an Arctic cruise earlier this year – another work trip, hosted by Swan Hellenic on their 8-day Svalbard Explorer cruise around the main island of Spitsbergen. There’ll be blog posts about that one coming as soon as I have time.

So this post is based on my real, lived experiences of visiting both the Arctic and Antarctica, and every photo was taken by me (except the ones I’m in!). 

Now I’ve clarified that, let’s get started.

The writer (me), this time in Svalbard on an Arctic cruise, sitting on the front of a zodiac with a glacier behind
Also me, this time in Svalbard on an Arctic cruise

Where are Antarctica and the Arctic?

When choosing between the Arctic or Antarctica for your expedition cruise, perhaps the first thing to consider is how far you want to travel.

The Arctic isn’t a single country. Technically, the Arctic is defined as the northernmost region of the Earth, centred around the North Pole and featuring polar conditions, flora and fauna. 

Sometimes the word is used to describe everything north of the Arctic Circle, a line of latitude at 66 degrees north. 

It’s a region that includes parts of eight nations: Norway, Canada, Greenland (which belongs to Denmark), Iceland, Finland, Sweden, the USA (Alaska) and Russia. Some of it is inhabited by people from those countries, including indigenous peoples.

Most Arctic cruises visit Svalbard (Norway), Greenland or northern Canada, with a few departing from Iceland. You can also do flight/land tours, without getting on a ship at all.

This makes the Arctic relatively easy to reach from Europe and North America, with multiple flight options, shorter travel times and cheaper prices. 

Tourists take photos of the view above the town of Longyearbyen in Svalbard, Norway, Arctic
I arrived in Svalbard via the airport at Longyearbyen, about a 2-hour flight from Copenhagen

Antarctica sits at the very bottom of the globe, south of the Antarctic Circle at 66 degrees south, and entirely surrounded by the Southern Ocean. 

Antarctica is a continent – a huge landmass entirely covered by snow and ice and sometimes described as a polar desert because it’s extremely windy and gets very little precipitation (in the form of snow, not rain).

It doesn’t belong to any country and there are no indigenous populations.

Instead it’s governed by the Antarctic Treaty, co-signed by 54 nations who have agreed that the land should be shared peacefully and used only for scientific research (though as the ice melts and the land becomes more accessible for exploitation, that may change). 

Most Antarctica cruises travel to the Antarctic Peninsula, a finger of land sticking out from the main continent. They usually depart from Ushuaia, a small town at the very bottom tip of Argentina, or Punta Arenas in Chile – both reached via an internal flight (usually from Buenos Aires or Santiago).

Or if you want to reduce your time at sea you can also fly over the notorious Drake Passage and join your cruise ship in Antarctica.

For the more adventurous, East Antarctica cruises usually depart from Dunedin or Invercargill in New Zealand or Hobart in Australia.

Me, the writer, posing with the town sign of Ushuaia in Argentina, en route to join my Antarctica cruise
My journey to Antarctica began in the southernmost city of Ushuaia, in Argentina

Accessibility verdict

If you’re looking for a polar destination that’s quicker and easier to reach, with plenty of choice, the Arctic is the clear winner. 

But if you’re after an adventure to the ends of the Earth, Antarctica’s extreme remoteness gives it extra drama and appeal.

Icy mountains, a blue glacier, and a seal resting on the ice in Antarctica
Antarctica’s extreme remoteness can be offputting for some, or a bonus feature

Seasons and weather in the Arctic or Antarctica

When deciding between Arctic vs Antarctic travel, you’ll also need to think about when you want to go. 

For both, travel is mainly during the summer months (polar winters are extremely cold and challenging!) – which obviously differ between the northern and southern hemispheres. 

Arctic expedition cruises run during the northern summer, typically from late May to early September, when the sea ice retreats enough to allow navigation. 

That far north, the sun barely (or never) sets, so you can expect long days under the midnight sun, especially in June and July. 

Temperatures can range from about 0°C to surprisingly mild summer days, depending on your location. This year in Svalbard, we saw bright sunshine and up to 10°C on our trip. And it’s getting warmer.

If you’re chasing polar bears and Northern Lights, you can also visit parts of the Arctic in the autumn and winter months, when polar bears gather around Churchill, and the long dark nights make for amazing Aurora viewing.

The front of our ship SH Vega, in a fjord in Svalbard with calm sea and blue sky
We had some beautiful mild sunny days on my Arctic cruise in Svalbard

In Antarctica, cruise season only runs during the southern summer (winter in the US and UK) from late October to March. 

If you go early in the season, you’ll get pristine, untouched snow and dramatic icebergs, while late-season trips often mean more active wildlife and slightly milder conditions.

Me, on a zodiac in Antarctica wearing just a light windproof jacket and no hat
I travelled to Antarctica over New Year. Some days it was mild enough not to need a parka or hat

Seasonal verdict

If you want to escape the heat of a European summer, and maybe combine your trip with other destinations in Europe or North America – head to the Arctic.

But if you hate the long, dark days of a northern hemisphere winter, make like a migratory bird and fly south to Antarctica.

Read more: Doing The Freezing Polar Plunge In Antarctica

Colourful flowers on the tundra in Churchill, Arctic Canada
In summer the Arctic tundra bursts into colour

Wildlife encounters: polar bears or penguins?

This may be the key deciding factor for many people trying to choose between an Antarctica vs Arctic trip.

Both regions offer amazing wildlife sightings, but what you’ll see is entirely different. Bears or penguins? Unfortunately, you can only pick one.

In the Arctic, the polar bear is the undisputed star. Spotting one in its natural habitat, pacing across the ice or resting on rocks, is a heart-stopping moment that stays with you forever. 

But they are quite hard to see. Polar bears are usually solitary, can be quite hard to spot, and there are rules about how close you can get – both for their protection and because they are dangerous! 

Bears are not the only animals you may see. You might find walruses hauled out on rocky shores, Arctic foxes hunting for the eggs of ground-nesting birds, beluga whales or even a narwhal (if you’re very lucky!), reindeer or caribou browsing on the tundra, and clouds of seabirds clustered on cliffs.

A polar bear on the shoreline in Svalbard, shot from 500 metres away with a big zoom lens, then cropped
This photo of a polar bear was taken from 500 metres away and then heavily cropped

Antarctica, on the other hand, is all about the penguins. Here, enormous colonies spread over the cliffsides, filling the air with cackling and the smell of guano. 

And because penguins are not dangerous and often curious, you can get pretty close to them.

Alongside the penguins, seals are commonly spotted resting on ice floes, whales including humpbacks and orcas may come and inspect your zodiac, and your ship will likely be followed by albatrosses and petrels wheeling in its wake.

Read more: 32 Awesome Animals In Antarctica (And Birds Too!)

Gentoo penguins on an iceberg in Antarctica - one of the reasons to choose Antarctica or Arctic cruises
It’s easy to photograph penguins in Antarctica

Wildlife verdict

Ultimately, your choice between Arctic or Antarctica for wildlife comes down to what excites you most: the thrill of seeing a polar bear in the wild, or the joy of standing amidst hundreds of penguins in one of the most remote places on Earth.

As a photographer, I found the incredible abundance of wildlife in Antarctica (and especially South Georgia), overwhelming, while in the Arctic it was more of a challenge to find subjects and get close enough to take a decent photo. 

This just makes me want to go back to both! To Antarctica for more penguins, seals and whales, and to the Arctic on a dedicated small-ship photography cruise. 

But if polar bears are your priority, ditch the cruise idea altogether and go to Churchill in Canada. 

Read more: The Canadian Big Five: The Most Iconic Animals In Canada

A Weddell seal sleeps in the snow in Antarctica
We saw more seals in Antarctica than we did in the Arctic

Landscapes and scenery: fjords and icebergs

While both the north and south polar regions are similarly cold and frozen, the Arctic vs Antarctic landscapes are surprisingly different.

The Arctic is made up of islands, mountains and flat empty tundra, with glaciers spilling into deep fjords, and snow-capped peaks rising into the sky.

There are small towns and villages too, such as the brightly-painted fishing villages of Greenland and the remote outposts of Churchill in Canada and Longyearbyen in Svalbard. 

Depending on when you visit, not all of it will be covered with snow. I was a bit surprised by how brown or green everything was on both my Arctic trips, as I was expecting to see more snow. 

But I did love the summer colours of the Arctic tundra – the bright pink and purple fireweed, and the vivid greens and oranges of the moss and lichen.

Two visitors look out over a landscape in Svalbard, Arctic. There is snow on the tops of the mountains.
Some of the landscapes in Svalbard were much less snowy than I was expecting

Antarctica, on the other hand, is stark monochrome.

Pretty much all we saw was ice, and the occasional stretch of barren, grey rock. The defining colours here are blue, grey and white – huge ice shelves, craggy grey cliffs, and majestic turquoise icebergs, sculpted into bizarre, twisted shapes by the wind and waves. 

There are no trees, no flowers, and unless you also go to the Falklands or South Georgia, almost no human habitation. Just endless wilderness with very few signs of life.

Snow-covered cliffs and blue ice in Antarctica
The scenery in Antarctica is dramatic and breathtaking

Landscapes verdict

How do you choose between the joyful summer colours of the Arctic and the chill, dramatic wildness of Antarctica? 

I loved them both (but I never did get that photo I wanted of a white polar bear sitting in a patch of pink fireweed, so I think I need to go back to the Arctic!). 

Read more: 30 Antarctica Questions And Answers: What To Know Before You Go

Pink fireweed at sunset in Churchill, Canada
I loved the colours and light in the Arctic in the summer. This was taken in Churchill, Canada.

Culture and history

If, like me, you’re a lover of history, ancient sites, and culture, this could be another important factor in choosing between the Arctic or Antarctica.

The Arctic has been home to indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Inuit and other First Nations communities in Canada and Greenland, the Sámi people of northern Scandinavia, and others have adapted to life in these extreme environments with extraordinary survival skills. 

Visiting the Arctic can include exploring settlements and research stations, meeting local people and learning about their traditions. 

The region is also rich in the history of Arctic and North Pole exploration, from the doomed British Expedition in 1845 led by Captain Sir John Franklin, to the daring polar voyages of Roald Amundsen.

In Svalbard, I spent time in the town of Longyearbyen (the museum is excellent), and the former coal mining village of Ny Ålesund which is now a polar research station.

In the Canadian Arctic, I stayed in Churchill, which was originally founded as an outpost for fur traders and is home to fewer than 1000 people.  

Read more: A Canadian Safari Review: See Canada’s Big Five In Manitoba

The former coal mining town of Ny Alesund on Svalbard, Arctic Norway
The former coal mining town of Ny Ålesund on Svalbard

Antarctica, meanwhile, has no permanent residents and no indigenous culture. The only people here are temporary inhabitants: scientists and support staff at research stations scattered across the continent. 

Human history is recent and mainly defined by the ‘Heroic Age of Exploration’, when pioneers like Ernest Shackleton, Robert Falcon Scott, and Douglas Mawson raced to be the first discover new areas and map the continent. Not much remains of these expeditions, though on some trips you may be able to visit what remains of their expedition huts.

This does change if you include the Falklands and South Georgia in your Antarctica itinerary.

The Falklands are a British Overseas Territory, home to about 3600 people. 

South Georgia has no permanent residents, but it used to be a major whaling centre, and the rusted remains of several whaling stations still dot the coastline.

Read more: 70+ Stunning South Georgia Photography Tips

A fur seal sits in front of rusted machinery at a whaling station in South Georgia
A fur seal sits in front of rusted machinery at a whaling station in South Georgia

History and culture verdict 

If you want to include people and history as part of your trip, the Arctic is probably the place to go. 

But if you’re more into empty landscapes and abundant wildlife, head to Antarctica. 

That said, I did also love learning about the incredible Shackleton story (Endurance, about his doomed voyage, is a must-read!) and visiting his grave on South Georgia, where I also found the whaling stations morbidly fascinating. 

And on my trip to East Antarctica I learned all about the exploits of Sir Douglas Mawson, though unfortunately sea ice prevented us from landing and visiting his expedition huts.

Read more: 70+ Stunning South Georgia Photography Tips

A statue of explorer Roald Amundsen stands at a polar research settlement in Svalbard
A statue of explorer Roald Amundsen stands at a polar research settlement in Svalbard

Activities and excursions

Both Arctic and Antarctic cruises are not just about what you can see, they’re also about what you can do. 

And while there’s overlap – all trips will offer zodiac cruises and opportunities to walk around landing sites – there are also differences in the adventures on offer.

As you might expect from the previous section, activities in the Arctic can be as much about people and culture as they are about landscapes and wildlife.

In Svalbard, we visited the excellent Longyearbyen museum and a scientific research base. In Churchill we had the opportunity to go dog sledding and visit the Itsanitaq Museum of Inuit culture.

In some places, you can kayak alongside beluga whales, explore tiny villages, or even snorkel in icy waters. The variety comes from the fact that the Arctic includes multiple countries, each with its own unique settings and traditions.

Passengers disembarking a zodiac in Svalbard on an Arctic cruise
Both Arctic and Antarctica cruises involve landings by zodiac. This was in Svalbard.

In Antarctica, the focus is on the beauty and wildlife of the continent itself. Mainly you’ll be alternating between zodiac rides, weaving between icebergs looking for seals and whales, or landing on remote islands to visit penguin colonies. 

Some voyages also offer the chance to paddle a kayak through glassy, iceberg-studded waters or even camp overnight on the ice, which to me sounds a bit too chilly for comfort!

On either an Antarctic vs Arctic cruise you can go kayaking
On my Antarctic cruise we were able to go kayaking in the icy waters

Activities verdict

Both Antarctic and Arctic cruises offer brilliant activities, designed to get you as close as possible to the environment while respecting the fragile ecosystems you’ve come to see. 

I found the activities in the Arctic to be a bit more varied – but in Antarctica I never once got bored of looking at penguins! 

Read more: An Antarctica Clothing List: What to Pack

Kayaking in the Arctic on the most perfect calm, sunny day
We also went kayaking in the Arctic on the most perfect calm, sunny day

Cruise itineraries and duration

There are masses of options for routes, itineraries and duration on both Antarctica vs Arctic trips.

Thanks to the range of countries and routes on offer, Arctic itineraries vary widely. Some focus on a single area, like Svalbard, and might last a week or ten days. 

Others are longer, linking destinations such as Greenland, Iceland, and the Canadian Arctic, sometimes stretching to three weeks. 

Because the Arctic is closer to populated areas, it’s also possible to combine your expedition with other travel such as exploring Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, or Norway’s fjords.

I only spent a few days in Churchill, and my trip to Svalbard was 7 nights/8 days. So it’s possible to have an amazing Arctic experience in a relatively short visit. 

Swan Hellenic's SH Vega ship anchored in a fjord with two passengers standing on the shore
I travelled to Svalbard (Norwegian Arctic) on this cruise ship with Swan Hellenic

Antarctic itineraries tend to be longer, and mainly focus around the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands. 

The most common voyage is a ten- to twelve-day cruise to the Peninsula, which includes crossing the infamous Drake Passage. 

The first trip I did also included the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, and lasted 19 days. If you really want the maximum experience (and can manage the cost), this is the one I’d recommend.

For those who prefer to skip the Drake Passage, you can choose to fly to King George Island and then board your expedition ship there.

My second trip, to East Antarctica, was 22-23 days, and involved many more days at sea and fewer landings. That’s because it’s much further, and the conditions and sea ice can make things more challenging.

Read more: The Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition: Our Epic Itinerary

Two passengers on deck, at sea in Antarctica
Antarctica cruises can include entire days spent at sea

Duration and route verdict 

Arctic vs Antarctic route planning often comes down to how much time you have and how far you want to go.

The Arctic offers more choice and variety, while Antarctica trips tend to be longer, with more days at sea, due to the greater distances travelled.

Note that in both destinations, your itinerary is never fixed – routes and destinations may change daily (or even midway through the day) due to weather or wildlife factors. So being flexible is key!

Penguins and snow-capped peaks on South Georgia
My Antarctica expedition cruise also included the stunning island of South Georgia

Fitness and accessibility

When deciding between Antarctica vs Arctic for an expedition cruise, it’s worth thinking about your physical comfort and fitness. 

In both locations you will need to have a reasonable level of mobility, to be able to get in and out of zodiacs and walk around on land wearing bulky clothing. But there are still differences in how easy (or challenging) the experience might be.

In the Arctic, travel distances are generally shorter. Many landings are on rocky beaches, tundra, or gently sloping shorelines, which can be easier for those with limited mobility compared to Antarctica’s sometimes icy or snow-covered terrain. 

Arctic cruises generally avoid long open-sea crossings, though weather can still be unpredictable.

Because the Arctic is closer to major transportation hubs, the journey to your departure point is often less demanding, with shorter travel days and less time spent at sea.

Visitors walking around on a hillside in Svalbard, Norway, on an Arctic cruise
On both Antarctica or Arctic trips you’ll need to be fit enough to walk around and up some hills

In Antarctica the logistics can be more physically demanding.

Reaching the continent almost always involves crossing the Drake Passage: a two-day stretch of often extremely rough sea between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula. 

Once there, shore excursions often involve walking on snow or ice, which can be slippery and uneven.

You are also much further away from a hospital, should one be needed – though cruise ships always have a doctor and some medical facilities on board. 

Passengers in a zodiac looking at some seals on the ice
In both the Arctic or Antarctica you’ll need to be able to get in and out of zodiacs

Fitness and accessibility verdict

For travellers with health concerns or mobility limitations, the Arctic is probably a better option, with more comfortable conditions and closer access to healthcare should you need it.

But if you’re in good health and eager for the challenge of remote exploration, Antarctica rewards the effort with its jaw-dropping isolation and grandeur. 

In either case, it’s best to discuss your requirements with your cruise operator as they are all extremely experienced in welcoming guests of all abilities.

Guests wearing parkas and lifejackets on a zodiac in Antarctica
Travelling to the Arctic or Antarctica does require some effort and discomfort – but it’s worth it!

Cost comparison: What’s your budget?

This is one of the main factors in deciding between Antarctica vs Arctic

While neither is a cheap holiday, there can be huge differences in pricing and value.

Arctic cruises tend to be less expensive because distances are shorter, everything is more accessible, and there are loads of itineraries to choose from.

A week-long Svalbard expedition might start from a few thousand dollars, while longer or more remote voyages to Greenland or the Canadian Arctic can rise significantly. Ship size, levels of comfort, and included excursions all affect the price you’ll pay. 

My 8-day Svalbard cruise with Swan Hellenic is currently advertised from $7950.

But due to competition, lots of cruises don’t sell out, which means you can get some incredible last-minute bargains too. 

Swan Hellenic cruise ship SH Vega in the Arctic
I travelled on SH Vega, which was extremely comfortable and well-appointed, with only 150 guests

Antarctic cruises are more expensive due to the longer distances, specialised ships designed for challenging conditions, and limited departures. 

Even the most affordable trips to the Antarctic Peninsula often start above $5,000–$6,000 per person, with premium itineraries to South Georgia or the Ross Sea costing considerably more. 

Fly-cruise options tend to add to the price, though they save time and avoid the Drake Passage.

If you see super affordable Antarctic cruises, it probably means it’s a massive ship and you won’t be able to do any excursions or landings, so think carefully about if you’d be happy with that. 

The 19-day Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica trip with Quark Expeditions that I did is currently advertised from $29,831 USD per person (I didn’t pay nearly this much, but it was a while ago!)

A Quark Expeditions cruise ship in Antarctica
My Antarctica expedition with Quark was not cheap – but it was worth it!

Budget verdict

While it’s possible to do a super luxury Arctic cruise, you can usually save significant money by going to the Arctic instead of Antarctica. So if you want a more affordable experience, that’s the option for you. 

But if you can afford to pay more, go to Antarctica! 

My stateroom aboard SH Vega on an Arctic cruise in Svalbard
My stateroom aboard SH Vega with Swan Hellenic was very luxurious

Comfort and ship experience

While adventure is the heart of an Arctic or Antarctic expedition, the ship you choose will shape your experience just as much as the destination itself.

In the Arctic, ships range from tiny micro-expedition cruises carrying just 12 passengers, to larger ones with a few hundred on board. 

You may even see giant cruise ships with several thousand passengers – such as the one we saw in the port at Longyearbyen – but these are very limited to where they can go and where you can disembark.

In Svalbard, the new regulations limit ships to a maximum of 200 passengers, ensuring that visits remain low-impact and manageable. 

Levels of luxury can vary, with some ships offering fairly simple comforts, and others fitted with gyms, hot tubs, swimming pools and fine dining.

My Arctic cruise ship even had a hot tub, spa and sauna
My Arctic cruise ship even had a hot tub, spa and sauna

In Antarctica, there are similarly strict rules on ship sizes and landings.

In most landing sites, only 100 people are allowed on shore at any time, meaning that ships with more than 200 guests struggle to get everyone ashore. 

For the best, most hands-on experience, look for a ship with fewer than 200 passengers, to allow for more frequent landings and zodiac cruises.

Ships need to be bigger and more rugged to cope with the harsher conditions and the tough Drake Crossing passage, so you won’t find 12-person micro-cruise ships here. 

Mega cruise ships do visit Antarctica, but only for scenic cruises with no landings. Don’t be fooled by too-good-to-be-true prices – if it’s cheap, it probably means it’s a big ship and you won’t be able to get off. 

The lounge and library aboard my Antarctica cruise: not quite as fancy, but still very comfortable
My Antarctic expedition ship was not quite as fancy, but still very comfortable

Ship experience verdict

Generally, the ship experience is less about the destination and more about the company you travel with. 

So it’s important to do your research and decide what luxuries you’re willing to forego to save money. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for.

All the good companies offer cozy lounges, panoramic observation decks, expert lectures, and all-inclusive meals.

Whether you then choose to pay more for a smaller, more personal ship experience, or for one with 5* cuisine and an on-board spa, is up to you.

Read more: I Spent 22 Days On The Douglas Mawson Ship: My Full Review

The expedition vessel SH Vega and the massive mega ship MSC Preziosa, both in Longyearbyen
The expedition vessel SH Vega and the massive mega ship MSC Preziosa, both in Longyearbyen

Arctic or Antarctica: which is best for photography?

As a photographer, this question was super important to me – and ultimately was the reason why I went to Antarctica first. 

Photographing Antarctica is about scale, remoteness, and crazy wildlife sightings.

The landscapes are vast and empty, with icebergs the size of buildings and open sea that goes on forever. It mainly feels monochrome – nothing but icy blue and brilliant white, with the occasional splash of orange or pink at sunrise and sunset. 

The wildlife photography here will blow your tiny mind: millions of penguins, seals sprawled on ice floes, whales breaching in mirror-like waters. Go here as a wildlife photographer, and you can die happy.

Read more: 60+ Awesome Antarctica Photography Tips

Penguins and huge walls of ice in Antarctica
I went crazy for the wildlife and landscapes in Antarctica

The Arctic, meanwhile, is more varied. The region’s mix of rugged dramatic mountain backdrops, jagged glaciers, colourful settlements and flowering summer tundra offers a wider range of photographic options.

But I found the wildlife photography more challenging. The animals seemed less abundant and more timid around boats and people.

Tight rules in Svalbard meant we had to stay a considerable distance away from polar bears and walruses, and overall we just seemed to see fewer birds and animals.

Arctic fox in Svalbard
We were lucky to see this one Arctic fox in Svalbard

Photography verdict

If you love a rich mix of subjects, with landscapes, animals, history and people, the Arctic might be your photographic paradise. 

But if you’re drawn to minimalism, plenty of negative space, and wildlife in pristine settings, Antarctica will deliver some of the most striking images you’ll ever take. 

Read more: The Best Camera Gear For Antarctic Photography

A tiny zodiac in front of huge icebergs on an Antarctica cruise
The sense of scale in Antarctica is like nowhere else on earth
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Antarctic or Arctic cruises: should you go?

One thing I think a lot of responsible travellers are wondering these days is: should we even be going to the polar regions at all?

These are some of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth, and both the Arctic and Antarctica face critical environmental challenges due to climate change and a surge in visitor numbers. 

To me, there’s something concerning about the apparent new rush to ‘see it before it’s gone’. 

In the Arctic, the sea ice is forming later and melting earlier, impacting species like polar bears and walrus. Visiting means potentially trampling on fragile landscapes or interrupting animals’ habitats and natural behaviours.

Warming temperatures mean glaciers are receding and permafrost is thawing, leading to greater risks of floods and avalanches.

Rules are being introduced to help manage visitor numbers and impact, and many operators believe that tourism still does more good than harm, because the tourism income means governments are less tempted to turn the land over for other forms of exploitation such as mining. 

An Arctic cruise ship in front of a snowy mountain with blue ice in the foreground.
There was still ice in the Arctic when I went, but for how much longer?

It’s a similar story in Antarctica, where strict environmental protocols are in place through the Antarctic Treaty System and IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators).

Visitor numbers are regulated, and all landings follow strict guidelines to avoid disturbing wildlife or introducing invasive species.

But with no indigenous population needing to earn a living from tourism, can we justify going there?

Shouldn’t we just leave the penguins in peace?

Read more: The 8 Types Of Penguins In Antarctica: A Photo Guide

A big group of king penguin adults and chicks in South Georgia
Would these guys be better off if humans stopped coming, or do they not care?

Ethical verdict

Even with the best rules and regulations, there’s no getting away from the fact that flying and cruising to the poles has a huge carbon footprint and environmental impact.

Only you can decide if you’re comfortable with that – and as someone who has been to both, I’d be very hypocritical if I told you not to go! 

What I will say is that whether you choose either the Arctic or Antarctica, please also choose to travel responsibly.

Pick an operator with strong sustainability practices, respect all the rules and regulations including wildlife viewing distances, and leave no trace of your visit. 

Read more: Ethical Travel Photography: How To Capture With A Conscience

Blue ice in Antarctica
The ice sheets in Antarctica are impressive, but very fragile

Summary: Arctic vs Antarctic

So there we have it. I know this post ended up being long – but as usual I had a lot to say! Well done for making it to the end. 

Here’s a handy recap to remind you of all the things I’ve discussed. 

FeatureArcticAntarctica
Main WildlifePolar bears, walrus, arctic fox, beluga, guillemots, puffinsPenguins, seals, whales, albatross, petrels
LandscapeFjords, tundra, glaciers, coastal settlementsVast ice shelves, blue icebergs, pristine wilderness
CultureIndigenous communities, historic townsNo permanent residents, research stations only
Best SeasonLate May – early SeptemberLate October – March
AccessibilityMultiple gateways from Europe & North AmericaMainly via Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile
Cost RangeBroader range, more short itinerariesGenerally higher, longer trips
Adventure LevelCulture, history and naturePure wilderness 
Fitness & AccessibilityEasier logistics, shorter travel times, some gentler landingsLonger travel, seasickness more likely, more physically demanding
PhotographyVariety of landscapes, cultural elements, and long daylight hoursMonumental ice, pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife in dramatic settings
Views of mountains in Svalbard, Arctic, seen from a plane
Arriving into Svalbard by air

Ready to search your Arctic or Antarctic trip?

Taking an Antarctic or Arctic holiday is a huge, expensive decision, I know! It’s certainly not an impulse purchase.

I can definitely recommend both Quark Expeditions and Aurora Expeditions who I travelled with, but if you’d like to check out some other tour operators, routes and prices, click the links below.

Wherever you end up, I hope you have the most incredible adventure!

Me, the writer, enjoying the fresh air and views on my trip to Svalbard in the Arctic
Enjoying the fresh air and views on my trip to Svalbard in the Arctic

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My favourite travel tools and brands

To help you organise your trip, here’s a short list of some of the brands and tools I use over and over again when I’m planning my travels. You can see more on my Travel Resources page.

  • Booking.com: A huge range of hotels to choose from, often with free cancellation. If you book hotels regularly you can earn discounts. I’m on Genius Level 3 which gets me 20% off!
  • Expedia: Another great place to find hotels and Expedia also sell flights, car hire, and loads more all in one place.
  • Skyscanner: The only place I ever go to search for flights and compare prices.
  • Flight Centre: Booking a more complicated route? Let Flight Centre organise it for you (and deal with the drama when something goes wrong).
  • Priority Pass: I love having access to 1600+ airport lounges when I fly, allowing me to enjoy my time at the airport. Buy through my link and you get up to 20% off!
  • Airalo: Say goodbye to ridiculous mobile roaming charges. Did you know you can now buy ane-SIM, install it in your phone before you leave home, and then use data abroad at local prices? Game changer. Get US$3 credit with code BELLA5735.
  • TourRadar: If you prefer group travel and organised tours, TourRadar has a huge range of fantastic tours from respected operators. They’re very helpful and have 4.5 stars on TrustPilot.
  • Viator: Part of the TripAdvisor brand, Viator is another great place to search for group adventures and day trips.
  • GetYourGuide: A great place to find local tours and day trips in your destination.
  • Wex Photo Video: The UK’s best camera gear store.
  • Ellis Brigham: Looking for good quality backpacks, travel clothes and other gear? Ellis Brigham is where I buy almost all of mine.
  • Rentalcars.com: Part of the Booking.com family and the world’s largest online car rental service, with 24/7 customer service.
  • World Nomads Travel Insurance: I never ever travel without travel insurance and nor should you!

Where to next?

If you liked this polar expedition cruises post, check out some of my other adventure travel posts:

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Arctic vs Antarctic Pinterest Pin
Arctic vs Antarctic Pinterest Pin
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Bella is a multi-award-winning travel writer, wildlife photographer and science and history documentary director from London. Among many awards and nominations she won Blogger of the Year at the British Guild of Travel Writers’ Awards 2023 and Best Photography at the Travel Media Awards 2020. Her work has been published by National Geographic, Wanderlust, and BBC Travel among others. Her films have been shown around the world including on the BBC, Discovery and PBS.