Top Northern Sweden Cruises: Explore the Arctic by Sea

Have you ever thought about swapping city streets for open water and actually feeling that crisp, clean air fill your lungs? Maybe trading packed trains for the steady rhythm of a ship’s engine? It’s almost like trading your everyday existence for an adventure, as there are few travel choices that really provide that sense of escaping into the great outdoors like a cruise, you know? Well, when thinking of cruises, sure, images of the Caribbean and the Mediterranean may pop into view first, but hey, Northern Sweden seriously offers something just a little different. A trip on one of these cruises can bring about truly unforgettable vistas, chances for adventure, and some genuinely tranquil spots far away from everything. Let’s talk a little bit about some pretty awesome options, then.

1. Hurtigruten’s Coastal Voyage: A Classic Exploration

The Hurtigruten voyage, you know, it’s kind of famous and pretty much seen as an iconic way to witness the amazing Nordic coast. Since, I believe, the late 19th century, these ships have been moving along this very route, going from city to city, delivering supplies and, you know, folks, too it’s almost like it’s ingrained into their history, as they have become an integral lifeline for those remote communities. A roundtrip cruise from Bergen will sail right along the Norwegian coast, after which, very, very few others can hold a candle to. Although, bear in mind, it’s really close by, a great addition can be adding flights/transportation up to Northern Sweden for the beginning of this tour, and with that you can see some additional remote cities. The Swedish coastline actually hugs the sea for over 3200 kilometers, so it’s almost like this whole trip feels grand in scale, where you’ll be looking at jaw-dropping fjords, and of course you could pass by a few beautiful places as well. If you’re extremely lucky, there is also the possibility to get a glimpse of the Northern Lights. I mean, come on, the aurora borealis… It’s really an event of a lifetime, as a sight of them dancing across the Arctic sky could actually inspire anyone!

What tends to set Hurtigruten apart? The casual vibe of it actually makes it really accessible. There are so many excursions that happen to make things pretty unforgettable. Fancy a dog-sledding adventure? Or, might be a snowmobile trip? As I was saying, it really depends on when you’re travelling. But what I’m trying to get at is that it has many experiences that would fit the more adventuring travelers.

2. Arctic Sailing Adventure with Swan Hellenic

For someone who actually likes a more intimate setting and getting rather close to the action, perhaps a sailing adventure would be very fitting, actually? Swan Hellenic could be said to concentrate on bringing that sort of exclusive experience, taking you way, way off the typical tourist tracks. With small expedition ships, only a couple hundred or so could be joining you, meaning more individual attention and also the feeling you have actually seen more. Think about it, getting up close to wildlife and being privy to hidden gems? You would need a small ship for that, it’s almost like fitting you to places larger ships couldn’t ever reach, basically.

As a matter of fact, what could your days really look like, though? Picture this, going to the bridge to chat with the captain, and discussing that night’s possible Northern Light display! Or instead you could ask your local guides questions regarding the Sami Culture, or something different. Anyway, let’s try to look at the positives here, Swan Hellenic prides itself, rather, on employing really skillful expedition teams that will enhance every landing and every visit. You’d gain more insight into local environments and, really, that’s what could add to it all. Plus the luxury aboard isn’t too shabby as well.

3. Ponant’s Luxury Expedition Cruises

Ponant Cruises? Perhaps a match if, might be, you like a bit more polish to your experience? A touch of, might be, “je ne sais quoi,” really? These happen to offer expeditions designed for a truly small number, bringing actually exclusive access, might be, to this part of Scandinavia. Picture yourself sipping on your cocktail looking out over the Arctic Ocean, that, to me, sounds dreamy! Now, while their expeditions do highlight nature and spotting wildlife (you might be spotting a polar bear), its the, sort of, lifestyle on board that might be their selling point, you know?

What makes them stand apart? Well, they do offer trips that really concentrate on particular topics; those being gastronomy and culture. The idea? To broaden how you interpret your surrounding environments and connect in a more substantial manner with Sweden and her history. The fact they take up to 200ish people on each ship it’s almost that the crew tend to know people by their first name!

4. Aurora Expeditions: For the Adventurous Souls

Looking to get that heart actually racing? For something perhaps really centered on excitement and discovering remote spots, Aurora Expeditions is the way to go, and perhaps you’d want to give it a shot? You find a rather awesome mix here when taking a good hard look. Not only are people experiencing the splendor that northern Sweden is actually able to offer, and yet you also get to mix this, as a matter of fact, with the latest in technology, so, basically, this can enhance every outing.

One of their main differences, or so you might claim, seems to be their appreciation for the ecosystem; there might be just very few better! Before even landing, they are certain you comprehend everything from the polar environments through how best to, sort of, ensure you actually create a sustainable visit; so if eco-tourism would be important to someone, really there probably would only be a very few better ones. So too it’s almost something very thought provoking! So, if you care about making a trip more responsible, this just might be for you!

5. Small Ship Sailing with G Adventures

Okay, G Adventures actually takes us in another direction. For actually small groups and experiences focusing rather on connections to locals and a sense of doing good while taking a holiday? Maybe actually that could fit what you fancy doing. These actually would be more casual. Expect, sort of, relaxed clothing, great companionship, maybe perhaps a sustainable travel edge? Basically they seem geared towards community support as well as seeing the key highlights.

Okay so how might these play out, and by that, very few examples would suffice? Potentially seeing Sami communities that, literally, only a small percentage of people actually visit; it’s almost like there’s not really many tourists there! Or maybe something you would literally boast of to colleagues later on? To go out kayaking amongst the many isles in the midnight sunlight seems truly unforgettable! Well maybe there’s not really many better stories you’ll ever tell!

Actually as opposed to all others, G Adventures appears centered more to people eager to “give back.” You could contribute in many small actions; shopping local crafts; that happen to directly help native economies, maybe you visit those very villages which are distant and could benefit significantly, or alternatively, supporting more family-based business over multinational groups. That to me may have its positives. As I was saying, what a difference!