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A mother polar bear and her young relax on the Arctic landscape

Franz Josef Land Arctic Expeditions & Icebreaker Cruises

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Board an expedition cruise to Franz Josef Land, where quintessential High Arctic wildlife such as Polar bears, walruses, beluga whales, and seabirds flourish. Franz Josef Land is usually accessed via cruises that visit Norway's Svalbard and are frequently visited on expeditions to the North Pole. Only Russian scientists and military personnel live on these 190 islands in the Barents Sea. Admire massive tidewater glaciers and icebergs, as ice floes and sea ice cover 85% of Franz Josef Land. Explore unusual stone spheres on Champ Island. Cape Fligely on Rudolf Island is the Eastern Hemisphere's northernmost land point. Ready to walk in the footsteps of the explorer Fridtjof Nansen? Contact Adventure Life Arctic specialists to plan your expedition to Franz Josef Land.

Franz Josef departures been suspended due to the conflict in Ukraine.

Best Arctic Cruise Ships for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
MV Plancius $2,450 Jun 03, 2025 Built in 1976 and reconstructed in 2008, the MV Plancius is fully equipped for polar expedition cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica, and accommodates 112 passengers in 54 comfortable cabins.
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Greg Mortimer $11,295 Apr 19, 2025 With only 132 passengers on board, Greg Mortimer reimagines arctic expedition, tropical, and European cruises for the future. Modern, comfortable, and designed with guests in mind, this ship represents a major increase in the capability of sailing.
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Le Commandant Charcot $3,680 Apr 05, 2025 The polar explorer ship Le Commandant Charcot travels to remote regions of the Arctic and Antarctic. This expedition ship is unique because of its revolutionary and environmentally friendly design.
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Seabourn Venture $11,249 May 08, 2025 At Seabourn, we are passionate about travel. We believe that traveling for pleasure has a redemptive power that enriches people's lives. And we believe that people should travel well.
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Sylvia Earle $9,395 Jul 04, 2025 Designed for low-impact voyages featuring a fuel-efficient Ulstein X-Bow®, reduced air emissions and light pollution, and virtual anchoring for protection of the sea floor. The ship honors the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. This ship will channel her marine-conservation ethos into a fully immersive on-board guest experience, not only in the Polar regions but in other destinations as the ship sails between the Arctic and the Antarctic.
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Ortelius $3,050 Jun 12, 2025 The ice-strengthened vessel Ortelius is an excellent ship for Polar expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica, providing us with possibilities to adventure remote locations such as the Ross Sea in the Antarctic and Franz Josef Land in the Arctic.
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National Geographic Endurance $11,160 Apr 02, 2025 Embark on an exhilarating adventure aboard the National Geographic Endurance, a marvel of maritime engineering designed specifically for year-round expeditions into the heart of the Arctic's icy embrace. With an impressive PC5 Category A ice class rating, the highest ever achieved by a cruise ship accommodating just 126 guests, this vessel promises unparalleled access to some of the planet's most remote and pristine environments. The ship's revolutionary sloping X-bow cuts through the choppiest of seas with remarkable grace, significantly reducing onboard movement and ensuring a smoother, more comfortable voyage. This innovative design not only enhances the journey but also boosts fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, underscoring a commitment to preserving the delicate ecosystems it explores. Experience the thrill of navigating through towering icebergs and witness the untouched splendor of the Arctic, all while enjoying the intimate, luxurious setting of the National Geographic Endurance. This is more than a cruise; it's a gateway to epic landscapes and an intimate encounter with the wild, where every moment is charged with the potential for discovery and awe.
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MV Hondius $2,350 Apr 15, 2025 The MV Hondius ship is designed to sail to the polar regions as much as possible while impacting them as little as possible accommodating 174 passengers cruising to Antarctica.
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National Geographic Resolution $15,204 May 13, 2025 New in 2021, The National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation 126-passager expedition ship purpose-built for polar exploration in comfort with an extremely smooth ride even on the world's roughest, most demanding seas. National Geographic is legendary for immersive trips focusing on the ecology of the polar regions.
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Sea Spirit $5,595 May 06, 2025 Explore polar regions in style and comfort aboard the all-suite Sea Spirit. Providing spacious accommodations for a maximum of 114 passengers, the Sea Spirit also provides the maneuverability and friendly atmosphere of a small ship.
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