Photography in the Arctic
The landscape is vast and beautiful. The wildlife is rare and humbling. You'll want to remember these moments forever, so get to know your camera.
Discover MoreIt's easy to overlook the practical side of an adventure to the Arctic and the small day-to-day details that make life easy whilst you are away. This guide will help you prepare for everything from sockets and WIFI to dietary requirements.
There are regions where you will be able to pick up a phone signal, and it has been known for people to be watching a blue whale near Longyearbyen and talking to friends in the UK at the same time. That said, coverage is patchy at the very best and should not be relied on.
On land-based trips, you can expect some mobile phone signal. Networks are improving all the time, especially around settlements.
Looking out over the bow
Before you travel, check the costs of using your cell phone abroad, to avoid incurring high costs for calls and texts on your trip.
Connectivity while travelling to the Arctic has drastically improved in recent years. On all Arctic vessels, you will be able to use email at any time by pre-purchasing a data card.
Many ships now have quite good WIFI, although it's likely to be localized with the strongest signal in the public areas and reception may be impaired from your cabin, depending on its location.
Ship library
Most ships use European plugs. Often trips will involve hotels on land in more than one country, we would always recommend taking a worldwide adapter so you are covered in all eventualities.
Going hungry is one thing you definitely don't need to worry about on your trip. Even at the end of the world, your meals will be well thought out, with choices at every sitting, and abundant food.
Land-based expeditions tend to be fully catered for but the food is often very simple, reflecting the remoteness of your location.
Remember to write any requirements on your pre-travel forms, and in case of a strong food allergy, we recommend you introduce yourself to the Hotel Manager or Head Waiter before the first meal.
The landscape is vast and beautiful. The wildlife is rare and humbling. You'll want to remember these moments forever, so get to know your camera.
Discover MoreReading a few key pieces of literature before and during your trip can significantly change your perception of this extraordinary corner of the world.
Discover MoreUntil you reach the Arctic, it can be hard to imagine exactly what it will be like. We hope our guides and videos give you a taste of what to expect.
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