Aqua Expeditions is venturing into one of the world’s most captivating regions with the launch of its new Arctic voyages to Svalbard and the Arctic Circle. Beginning in May 2026, the company will introduce a series of exclusive itineraries ranging from five to fourteen nights, combining adventure, luxury, and environmental awareness. These new routes mark a milestone for the brand, expanding its reach to the northernmost corners of the globe and setting a new benchmark for expedition cruising.
Aqua Lares: The Jewel of Arctic Exploration
Leading the Arctic season will be Aqua Lares, the newest vessel in Aqua Expeditions’ fleet. Designed specifically for intimate exploration, the ship combines cutting-edge technology with modern luxury. Before reaching the Arctic, Aqua Lares will debut in the Seychelles with five-to-eleven-night voyages in early 2026, offering travelers a preview of the brand’s signature style and service.
When it enters Arctic service, Aqua Lares will carry only a select number of guests, ensuring personalized attention and comfort. With a guest-to-crew ratio of one-to-one, travelers will receive unmatched service throughout their voyage. The ship’s 33-member crew includes expert naturalists, chefs, and expedition guides who craft experiences that are both adventurous and indulgent.
Each voyage offers tailored excursions, from Zodiac tours through ice floes to guided hikes across Arctic tundra. Guests can kayak beside glaciers, paddleboard through icy fjords, or observe Arctic wildlife up close. Aqua Lares also features five private tenders, providing flexibility and exclusivity during shore landings.
Discovering Svalbard and the Norwegian Arctic
Aqua Expeditions’ Arctic itineraries begin in Longyearbyen or Tromsø, gateways to the Norwegian Arctic. Guests will explore Svalbard, a pristine wilderness of glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. The itineraries highlight iconic sites such as Alkehornet, Gravneset, and Smeerenburg, where travelers can witness polar bears roaming along ice edges and walruses lounging on drifting floes.
Zodiac excursions offer intimate encounters with the Arctic’s natural beauty. Travelers glide through silent waterways, spotting Arctic foxes, reindeer, and colonies of seabirds that thrive during the short polar summer. Scenic locations such as Raudfjord, Kongsfjorden, and the Lilliehöökbreen Glacier reveal the raw power and beauty of the Arctic landscape.
Other highlights include Van Keulenfjorden and Reinøya, where glaciers descend directly into the sea, creating breathtaking ice cliffs. The itineraries also visit Bear Island and Gjesværstappan, both renowned for their birdlife and natural splendor. These remote stops give travelers a rare chance to witness one of Earth’s last unspoiled frontiers.
Each journey aboard Aqua Lares blends exploration with indulgence. Between excursions, guests enjoy spa treatments, fine dining with locally inspired menus, and lectures led by Arctic experts. Every detail reflects Aqua Expeditions’ mission to merge discovery with sustainable luxury.
The Arctic and the Scottish Isles: A Dual-Destination Experience
Aqua Expeditions adds a distinctive twist with two exclusive itineraries that combine the Arctic Circle and Svalbard with the Scottish Isles. Departing from Glasgow, these voyages connect the icy wilderness of the north with the cultural richness of Scotland’s remote islands.
Guests will visit the Isle of Lewis, St. Kilda, Iona, and the Shetland Islands, uncovering a blend of Celtic history, rugged coastlines, and untouched landscapes. Highlights include the dramatic basalt columns of Staffa and the mystical Fingal’s Cave, both known for their geological wonders.
This dual-destination approach offers travelers the chance to experience two vastly different worlds in one seamless journey — the Arctic’s stark grandeur and Scotland’s historic beauty. It’s a rare opportunity for those who crave both adventure and culture.
Sustainability and Seasonality: Cruising with Purpose
Aqua Expeditions has built its reputation on eco-conscious exploration. The Arctic program continues this commitment by ensuring operations adhere to strict environmental standards. Each voyage follows responsible tourism practices designed to protect fragile ecosystems and minimize emissions.
The Arctic cruise season will operate annually from June through September, when conditions allow safe navigation and optimal wildlife viewing. During these months, guests can witness phenomena such as the midnight sun, when the Arctic sky remains illuminated twenty-four hours a day.
Rewarding Loyalty: The Circolo Aqua Guest Program
To enhance the guest experience, Aqua Expeditions has introduced the Circolo Aqua Loyalty Program. Travelers earn points, called Miles, with every voyage and can climb through four membership tiers — Voyager, Navigator, Explorer, and Legend. Members receive benefits such as priority bookings, private excursions, and exclusive onboard experiences.
This loyalty program reflects Aqua Expeditions’ dedication to cultivating long-term relationships with its travelers, ensuring that returning guests receive the recognition and rewards they deserve.
The Allure of Arctic Adventure
The Arctic holds an undeniable mystique — a place where ice and sea merge into a landscape both fragile and formidable. Aqua Expeditions captures this spirit with itineraries that balance excitement and serenity. Guests can stand before calving glaciers, observe whales surfacing through icy waters, and feel the stillness of a world few have ever seen.
Each voyage transforms from a simple trip into a personal journey of wonder and reflection. The combination of luxury, intimacy, and exploration positions Aqua Lares as one of the most exciting new vessels to enter the Arctic circuit.
A New Horizon for Luxury Exploration
Aqua Expeditions’ 2026 Arctic season represents a new era for high-end adventure travel. The Aqua Lares brings unmatched style and comfort to one of the planet’s most remote destinations. Its itineraries across Svalbard, the Arctic Circle, and the Scottish Isles redefine how travelers experience the polar regions.
Every moment — from kayaking beside icebergs to toasting under the midnight sun — celebrates the harmony between human exploration and natural wonder. Aqua Expeditions’ Arctic voyages prove that luxury and wilderness can coexist beautifully, offering travelers an experience that is both extraordinary and deeply meaningful.
As Aqua Expeditions prepares to sail into these uncharted waters, the Arctic’s story will unfold like never before — wild, majestic, and unforgettable.
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