Arctic

Charactered, wild, contrasting

You’ll be blown away by the rich diversity of this stunning ice paradise. While Antarctica is a single land mass, the nations which comprise the Arctic are the United States, Canada, Greenland, and a handful of Scandinavian countries. Vast yes, but you can easily explore this awe-inspiring land, where icy blue waters are strewn with giant icebergs and glaciers, on a luxury Arctic cruise. Naturalists, photographers, and hikers are repeatedly drawn to the Arctic Circle for its awe-inspiring natural sites and endemic wildlife. Nowhere else on earth will you see a polar bear in its natural habitat, nor have you a chance to bump into a near-mythical narwhal. Reindeer, seals, and whales; arctic foxes and arctic wolves. Vast wilderness and cosy towns with famous Scandi hygge, and iconic landmarks in faraway places.

Arctic with AE Expeditions

AE Expeditions was founded by the first Australian to scale Everest, Greg Mortimer, 30 years ago. Since then, this cruise line has honed their craft in creating adventures out of nothing; helping intrepid holidaymakers explore the unexplored with groundbreaking itineraries and awe-inspiring destinations. Venture 80° north for a real Arctic adventure; see walrus, guillemots, puffins, reindeer, arctic foxes, and whales in their natural habitat. Zodiac past ice blue craters and jaw-dropping fjords. This is a real adventure, curated by a legendary adventurer.

What activities can I do?

Whale watching, polar bear spotting, and chilling with walruses are all everyday Arctic activities. Kayak amongst icebergs and watch glaciers crash into the sea from a Zodiac.

Where’s best to go?

The polar bear is king in Svalbard. Iceland is known as the Land of Fire and Ice for its epic volcanoes and vast ice fields. If you want to see the beautiful Aurora Borealis dancing across the sky, West Greenland is the place. Prince Leopold Island’s bird cliffs are sheer and epic. Santa Claus in Lapland? The list is endless.

Arctic in numbers

• 8 countries sit in the Arctic circle • In 1958 they discovered there was no landmass underneath the Arctic

Ocean sea ice • 1/6 of the earth’s surface is the Arctic • Arctic glaciers make up 20% of the earth’s freshwater supply • 30 days of constant daylight in June in the Land of the Midnight Sun • 14 million square kilometres; the Arctic Ocean is the smallest on earth • There are around 22,000 wild polar bears left in the Arctic

Svalbard Odyssey

23RD JULY 2023 - 12 NIGHTS

AE Expeditions | Greg Mortimer | Fly Cruise

Highlights: Longyearbyen, Svalbard Archipelago, Longyearbyen

Includes: Save up to 25%: Flights & overseas transfers, pre-cruise hotel stays, premium beverages, zodiac landing tours

Prices from £9,450pp

Galápagos Islands

Diverse, enchanting, different.

Around 900 miles west of continental Ecuador, the Galápagos archipelago is an isolated sanctuary of biodiversity straddling the equator. It’s like nowhere else on earth, with minimal human population but a whole world of fascinating flora and fauna, some endemic. These enchanting islands are a kaleidoscope of nature, and it was Charles Darwin’s fascination with them that led to the Theory of Everything and our perception of life changing. Discover this rugged UNESCO World Heritage site for yourself, searching the same nooks and crannies as Darwin did. Unique landscapes made up of ancient volcanic rock are home to some of the most spectacular creatures to roam Earth. Mythical giant tortoises, huge iguanas, and bluefooted boobies with their bizarre mating dance. Find lazy sea lions lolloping along the shore line and pesky penguins not far from them.

Galápagos Islands with Celebrity Cruises

Every space within Celebrity Flora is outward facing as you gaze toward these fantastical isles; the Galápagos are always at the centre of attention, whichever way the ship faces. The idea is to completely immerse cruisers in their island experience. By using natural materials that have been inspired by this unique part of the world, you’ll truly feel at home with the endemic flora and fauna that make these islands unique. Eco-friendly of course, solar panels and a virtual anchor limit Flora’s footprint in such a precious area.

What’s the weather like?

Given that these islands sit on the equator, the temperature is actually quite comfortable. Land temperatures range from 26°C to 30°C.

What can I expect?

This is one of the most remote places on earth. A luxury cruise makes an infamously uncomfortable place to get to lavishly comfortable. You’ll interact with a vast range of wildlife, some endemic. You’ll brush up on your knowledge with expert guides providing seminars, walks, and talks. You can expect total immersion in your surroundings.

Galápagos Islands in numbers

• 25,000 people live there • 19 islands or inlets in the archipelago • 4 inhabited islands • 9,000 confirmed unique species of animal • 17 animal species are endemic • The first cruise ship to dock here landed in 1934 • 21 volcanoes on the archipelago

Caption here Daphne Island

10 Night Galápagos Outer Loop

8TH SEPTEMBER 2023 - 10 NIGHTS

Celebrity Cruises | Flora | Fly Cruise

Highlights: Quito, Baltra, Daphne Island, Punta Suarez

Includes: Save up to 25%: Flights and overseas transfers, 3 nights pre and post cruise hotel stays, zodiac landing tours, unlimited premium beverages

Prices from Was £12,094pp Now £8,988pp