The polar regions are known by many names: the North and South Poles, Antarctica and the Arctic, the frozen frontiers, Earth’s extremities, and more. These names reflect their icy nature, extreme weather, and significant geographic and historical roles.
The name Arctic comes from the Greek word arktikos, meaning ‘near the bear,’ a fitting tribute to the elusive polar bear found in the region. In contrast, the Greeks were far less imaginative when naming Antarctica—the word antarktikos simply means ‘opposite the Arctic.’
No matter what you choose to call them, Antarctica and the Arctic represent two of Earth’s last great wildernesses. These frozen regions captivate travelers with their otherworldly landscapes, unique wildlife, and profound sense of isolation.
Expedition cruising has emerged as one of the most popular ways to explore these remote areas, allowing adventurers to experience their beauty and majesty up close. While both regions share similarities, they offer distinct differences, especially when it comes to travel and expedition cruising.
Geography and Climate: The Icy Divide
Antarctica and the Arctic are at opposite ends of the Earth. Antarctica is a vast, ice-covered continent, while the Arctic is a frozen ocean surrounded by northern countries, including Canada, Norway, Greenland, Russia, and the United States (Alaska). This fundamental difference shapes the experience in each region.
Antarctic Landscape
Known as the coldest, driest, and windiest continent, Antarctica features towering glaciers, rugged mountains, and immense ice shelves. Its endless white ice contrasts dramatically with the deep blue of the Southern Ocean.
Arctic Landscape
The Arctic offers more diverse landscapes. Its icy seas feature floating icebergs and pack ice, alongside tundra plains, rugged coastlines, and fjords. Depending on the location, travelers might see the dramatic mountains of Svalbard or the rolling tundra of Greenland and Canada.
In terms of climate, both regions are freezing, but Antarctica is generally colder. Winter temperatures in Antarctica can drop to -112°F, while Arctic summers hover around freezing.
Wildlife Encounters: An Abundance of Life
Both Antarctica and the Arctic host unique wildlife, but the species differ significantly.
Antarctic Wildlife
Antarctica is home to vast penguin colonies, including Emperor and Adelie penguins. Its shores are inhabited by seals like the Weddell and Leopard, while humpback and orca whales are common in the austral summer. Birds such as skuas and petrels also thrive here. Notably, Antarctica lacks land predators, making penguins unafraid of humans.
Arctic Wildlife
The Arctic is home to polar bears, the region’s apex predator, as well as Arctic foxes, walruses, and whales like belugas and narwhals. Birdlife includes puffins, guillemots, and other seabirds. Unlike Antarctica, the Arctic’s wildlife is more spread out across its diverse landscapes.
Expedition Cruising: The Journey of a Lifetime
Expedition cruises are the best way to explore these remote regions, offering access to otherwise unreachable locations. However, the cruising experience differs between the poles.
Antarctica
Cruises typically depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, crossing the rough Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula. Some operators offer flights to bypass the Drake and board directly on the continent. Itineraries focus on the peninsula’s rugged coastline, with Zodiac excursions to visit penguin colonies, glaciers, and research stations. Some cruises venture south to the Antarctic Circle or east to sub-Antarctic islands like South Georgia and the Falklands.
There’s also a luxury camp in Antarctica, accessible via private charter from Cape Town, South Africa. This camp offers unique experiences, such as visiting Emperor penguin colonies and the South Pole.
Arctic
Cruises in the Arctic begin from ports like Longyearbyen (Svalbard), Greenland, or Canada. Unlike Antarctica, the Arctic is inhabited, offering opportunities to visit indigenous communities and learn about Inuit culture. Depending on the route, cruises may explore the Northwest Passage or the icy waters of Greenland and Canada.
Ships in the Arctic maintain strict distancing guidelines to protect wildlife, especially polar bears, whose habitats are threatened by global warming.
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The polar regions experience extreme seasonal changes, with endless daylight in summer and total darkness in winter. Both regions are best visited during their respective summer seasons when conditions are mild.
Antarctica
The best time to visit is late October to early March during the austral summer. Early in the season offers pristine landscapes, while later months provide opportunities to see penguin chicks and whales.
Arctic
Arctic cruises operate from May to September. Wildlife is most visible during this period, and the Midnight Sun ensures nearly continuous daylight. Later in the season, visitors may even glimpse the Northern Lights.
Unique Experiences
While both regions offer unforgettable adventures, each provides unique highlights.
Antarctica
Antarctica is unmatched in its sense of isolation. Its human history is limited to explorers like Ernest Shackleton, and its vast emptiness and towering icebergs are humbling. Setting foot on the seventh continent is a bucket-list moment.
Arctic
On the other hand, the Arctic offers cultural immersion through visits to indigenous communities. Its landscapes are more varied, and the chance to see polar bears in their natural habitat is a major draw.
Choosing Your Polar Adventure
For those seeking untouched wilderness and vast glaciers, Antarctica is the ideal destination. If you prefer combining wildlife, diverse landscapes, and cultural encounters, the Arctic might be the better choice.
Ultimately, expedition cruising to either region offers a transformative journey to the planet’s most remote corners, promising memories to last a lifetime.