Luxury Cruising Reaches The Arctic

Sounding like a superhero, the wonderfully named Captain Arctic will soon begin sailing in the far north.

Credit: Captain Arctic

Due to be launched in November 2026, this is one of the most exciting ships to enter the polar expedition fleet in a very long time, with an innovative design and luxury at its core; the 36 guests on each sailing will be the most comfortable to ever explore Arctic waters. And, as you would hope for a vessel exploring pristine waters, Captain Arctic combines wind and solar power, reducing emissions by an impressive 90 percent - setting new standards in sustainable cruising.

Furthermore, the ship will operate with a strict zero-waste policy, prioritising environmentally responsible practices at every stage. But these eco-credentials don't mean that there has been any scrimping on luxury as the ship’s elegant design includes a serene paired-back Scandi-styled lounge, a rejuvenating sauna (with a window, to watch the ice drifting past) and 16 luxury suites.

Click to enlarge | Images courtesy of Captain Arctic

Currently being built in Mauritius, the polar ship will be powered largely by the sun and wind, using five 114ft-high aluminium solar sails that can be retracted like a Swiss Army knife when needed. Heating will be provided by burning recycled wooden waste pellets and create a voyage without any noise, vibration or smell.

Interestingly, there won’t be any Wi-Fi on board because, according to co-founder and captain Sophie Galvagnon, it “shifts the way guests travel. They are more present, more open, more alive”.

The polar explorer will operate in northern Norway and around Greenland, and itineraries will include Northern Lights photography, whale spotting and Arctic clean-up initiatives.