What to Expect Aboard a Polar Cruise

Setting out for the Arctic or Antarctica is, by definition, an expedition — but increasingly, expedition ships offer a surprising amount of comfort and enrichment onboard. Below is a rough “day in the life” of what you might expect, and how various shipboard amenities help you rest, recharge, and get the most from your polar journey.

On your embarkation day, you’ll board the ship (often in a port like Ushuaia, Tromsø, or Longyearbyen) and settle into your cabin. Early on, there will be a mandatory safety briefing and orientation to the ship’s layout. You’ll likely receive a daily “program” (print, posted, or app-based) that outlines excursions, lecture schedules, optional wellness or enrichment activities, and dining times.

You may also get fitted with or pick up (if provided) gear like rubber boots or outerwear for shore excursions (often there is a “mudroom” or gear room for that purpose).

Once underway, the ship will start its journey toward the ice, and life aboard begins in earnest.

Because expedition cruising is about both nature and comfort, the day is split between active excursions (e.g. zodiac cruises, landings, snowshoe walks, kayaking) and shipboard downtime / enrichment. The ship’s design and amenities aim to support both.

Below is a breakdown of the kinds of amenities and activities you may find, and how travelers tend to use them.

One of the nicest surprises for many travelers is realizing that polar ships often include wellness spaces akin to what you’d find in a luxury resort — albeit in more compact form.

• Jacuzzi / hot tubs: Several ships offer outdoor or partially sheltered hot tubs. Immersing in warm water while surrounded by ice or ocean views can be an unforgettable experience.

• Spa / wellness center: A spa area (massage rooms, treatment rooms) is often available for a fee (or as part of a premium cabin package). Perfect after a chilly expedition day or to soothe sore muscles.

• Sauna / steam rooms: Many ships include a sauna — sometimes a panoramic sauna overlooking ice or ocean views.

• Gym / fitness center: Expect a compact but functional gym with cardio machines (treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike), free weights or resistance bands, and space for floor work.

• Yoga / stretching / movement classes: On many ships, fitness or wellness staff will lead optional yoga, stretching, or mobility sessions in a dedicated room or multi-purpose studio. These are gentle, lower-impact classes—ideal for loosening up before or after expedition days, especially when seas are moderate.

These wellness offerings are not “extras” in the sense of being secondary — lots of travelers plan their onboard time around them. If you expect to exercise or relax daily, this helps you maintain vitality through the voyage.

Because the polar regions are remote, onboard lectures and guided content become key to connecting with the places you visit. Expect:

• Lectures & presentations A dedicated lecture lounge or theater is standard. Expedition staff (naturalists, marine biologists, glaciologists, historians, photographers) will give talks on wildlife, climate, geology, expedition safety, navigation, and the human history of polar regions. These are typically scheduled daily in mid-morning or late afternoon slots, especially on sea days.

• Evening programming / social events After dinner, some ships host more informal events — crew-oriented storytelling, Q&A with expedition team, film nights, slideshows of the day’s photos, or interactive sessions. Some vessels even host dance nights, karaoke, or themed cultural events.

• Light movement / stretch / dance classes On more wellness-oriented expedition ships, you may find dance (ballroom, tango, or more casual dancing) or light movement classes (e.g. stretch breaks, tai chi) to keep the body loose, especially after long zodiac rides or walks. These are typically optional and tailored to vessel size and demand.

• Social lounges, observation rooms Ships often have lounges or observation decks where passengers can mingle, read, sip coffee or tea, enjoy panoramic views, or chat with staff and fellow travelers. These areas are also useful for quiet reflection, watching for wildlife, or observing lights in the sky if conditions are favorable.

Feeding a ship of expeditioners is a delicate balance of hearty, nourishing fare and an elevated dining experience. Here’s what to expect:

• Multiple dining venues: Many polar ships offer more than one dining option: a main dining room (or two) and sometimes open-deck dining or al fresco meals when weather permits.

• Dietary accommodations: Most expedition lines are accustomed to dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies) and will ask for preferences in advance.

• Beverages & bar: A ship will have a bar (or bars) that serves nonalcoholic drinks (tea, coffee, sodas, juices) and often alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, cocktails). Guests typically pay for alcoholic beverages separately unless they are included.

Meals are not just sustenance — they’re also daily opportunities to connect, share stories of excursions, meet new people, swap photos, and hear early notes from the expedition guides or captain.

You might wonder: in the face of spectacular polar landscapes, do exercise classes, yoga, or spa really matter? Absolutely! Here’s why:

• Recovery and well-being After a long landing or wet zodiac ride, your body will thank you for gentle stretching, the warmth of a sauna, or a relaxing massage.

• Mental balance Lectures and enrichment activities deepen your understanding of what you observe, turning the trip from “seeing cool icebergs” into a journey of meaning and insight.

• Community & shared experience Meals, social evenings, and shared classes create bonds among travelers, making the trip more social and memorable.

• Flexibility in rough weather On days when weather prevents landings, you have a comfortable “fallback” — exercise, wellness, lectures — to stay engaged.

In short, a polar expedition ship is your base camp in the wildest places on Earth — a place to rest, recharge, learn, and reflect — not just a moving vehicle. In that dual role, the ship’s amenities make a big difference in turning a visit to Antarctica or the Arctic into a deeply rewarding, comfortable, and balanced experience.