Captain Arctic

Expeditionary Ship
Ice Rating: 1A

Unmissable. Both for her iconic 35-metre-high solar sails, which help cut CO₂ emissions by 90% compared to similar vessels, and for the adventures she unlocks. Built to explore the depths of polar wilderness without leaving a trace, the Captain Arctic marries understated luxury with unscripted exploration.

Board Captain Arctic to Svalbard, departing 7-16 May 2027 for a 10-day expedition with wildlife photographer and polar bear specialist Florian Ledoux. Alternatively, explore East Greenland to see cathedral icebergs in Scoresby Sound fjord, meet Eastern Inuit communities and join specialist guides on hikes, kayak excursions and zodiac cruises, departing 9-18 September 2027. Speak to our experts for more information.

The Captain Arctic is born to go beyond the horizon and uncover the extraordinary. Hosting just 36 passengers, her intimate atmosphere and luxurious cabins provide a comfortable retreat from your adventures, while Nordic meals and shared tables encourage you to share stories from the ice. Environmental care is at the heart of this ship, from small passenger numbers that limit disturbance ashore to wastewater treatment and heating fuelled by recycled wood pellets.

Why we like Captain Arctic

Despite the fierce weather and imposing landscapes, the Arctic is a fragile world. The Captain Arctic understands this. She approaches adventure with a simple conviction: exploration should never mean exploitation. Whether paddling a kayak, braving the freezing waters for a swim, or setting out on foot, each encounter invites a deeper understanding of these wild places and the care they demand. The open bridge brings you closer to the journey, with opportunities to talk to the captain and crew and gain a better understanding of the Arctic waters.

Activities

Outdoor adventures include zodiac excursions, polar plunges, snowshoe hiking, walking on glaciers, paddle boarding between icebergs, kayaking and meeting Inuit communities. During excursions, keep an eye out for polar bears, walrus, Arctic fox, musk ox, seals, puffins and bird life, reindeer, orcas and humpback whales.

Where does the Captain Arctic cruise?

Aboard the Captain Arctic cruise around Svalbard, and discover the northernmost archipelago on Earth, venture to Norway to see orcas in the clear Arctic waters or experience Inuit culture in Greenland.

Sustainability

The Captain Arctic has two rules, discover the unforgettable, and leave no trace. Harnessing wind and solar power, this vessel is designed to reduce CO₂ emissions by 90% compared with most cruise ships in the region. Onboard systems turn seawater into fresh water, treat wastewater and heat the ship using recycled wood pellets. Its most striking feature, the 35-metre-high solar sails, built with 2000 square metres of solar panels, which can be retracted during the harshest weather, providing clean energy for the ship. Its ‘Beyond Tourism’ commitments extend to scientific research and coastal clean-ups. From 2027, Selar aims to remove at least five tonnes of plastic annually from Svalbard’s shores through ‘Clean Up Svalbard’.

Cruises and Voyages
Polar Adventures
Polar Bears
Polar Cruises
Groups
Expert-Led Group Tours

Passengers:	36
Length:	70 metres
Crew:	24
Cabins:	19
Cruising speed:	7-11 knots
Tenders:	5 Zodiacs, 10 Paddle boards, 10 Kayaks
Ice rating:	1A

Download Deckplan

Group tour

Antarctica

South Georgia, Falklands and Antarctica with Friends of the Scott Polar Research Institute

In partnership with The Friends of The Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI), join our March 2028 Antarctica expedition, a remarkable voyage through the wild landscapes of the Southern Ocean. This journey takes in the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and…

Captain Arctic

Why we like Captain Arctic

Activities

Where does the Captain Arctic cruise?

Sustainability

Onboard experiences

Ship Information

Holiday Inspiration

Holiday Inspiration

Alternative boats

MV Aureum

Terra Nova Adventurer

Heritage Explorer

Polar Pioneer

Why Choose Steppes?

Vessel Ice Rating Comparison Chart.