London - The best time to cruise the Arctic is spring and summer, but book now — these once-in- a-lifetime trips fill up quickly.
LIGHT FANTASTIC
ADVENTURES abound on the Arctic Highlights cruise from orca whale spotting to swishing across the ice led by a team of huskies.
INSIDER TIP: Local fishermen bring their catch onboard and might show you a monster king crab — they can grow up to 2m long.
DETAILS: From £749 (about R16 000) for five to six nights departing March 13, including flights, and half-board. (hurtigruten.co.uk).
REINDEER WATCHING
SILVERSEA’S Silver Explorer voyage calls in at Norway’s Gjesværstappan Islands, known for the puffin colony, before heading into the Arctic.
INSIDER TIP: Spot reindeer on land expeditions and be on deck when the ship rounds the North Cape — a sheer cliff rises 950ft out of the Arctic Ocean.
DETAILS: The 12-day roundtrip starts on June 11, from £6 250 per person based on double occupancy.
(silversea.com).
WHALE WONDER
SEEK the magnificent bowhead whale on a chilly safari rounding the giant icebergs of Disko Bay on western Greenland in a schooner.
INSIDER TIP: Marvel at the sheer scale of icebergs on a kayak tour, paddling through the icy waters.
DETAILS: The nine-night voyage departs on May 23, 2016 and costs from £2 670pp for flights, accommodation and full-board (discover-the-world.co.uk).
Daily Mail