Visit the North Pole in the Summertime
While most people think of taking a Caribbean cruise during the cold months of winter, not nearly as many people consider adventuring to the Arctic in the warmer months of the year. However, if you want to explore the northern tundra, then summer is, no doubt, the best time to go. So, if you’ve been taking your regular summer excursion to, say, a nearby lake or park, that’s fine. But you’ll be able to experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey by taking an Arctic cruise in the summertime.
Take a Two-week Cruise
Indeed, summer is a great time for cruise travel, particularly in the month of June as you’ll be able to view Arctic wildlife, such as walruses and polar bears. Go later in the summer and you’ll be able to see Arctic wildflowers or view the grazing caribou. Arctic Cruises can last up to two weeks, so you’ll be able to do a lot of exploring during that period of time.
Birders and Photographers Take Note
Typically, an Arctic cruise will involve visiting such islands as Iceland, Greenland, and Spitsbergen. Spitsbergen, which is the biggest of the Svalbard Islands under the rule of Norway, is well-known for its beautiful yet austere landscape and interesting wildlife. See glaciers and fjords and such Arctic animals as the polar bear, whale and walrus, and even the reindeer. If you are a birder, you’ll enjoy watching the gulls that inhabit the areas as well as the kittiwakes, long-tailed ducks, and Arctic terms.
Summer Temperatures in the Arctic
So, how warm does it get in the Arctic in June? Typically, during the summer, temperatures can be likened to a pleasant winter’s day in the northern states of the U.S. Therefore, on the Fahrenheit scale, temperatures can range from about 15 to 50 degrees, which translates to minus 10 to plus 10 degrees Celsius. However, the Midnight Sun keeps things warmed up a bit, shining 24 hours each day from the later part of March to the latter part of September. Some cruises will provide you with a parka too to keep you warm and comfortable and from shivering.
A Way to Keep Cool during the Summer Months
In addition, cruise expeditions can include camping, polar bear tracking, and kayaking. So, why not take advantage of seeing the Arctic first-hand and go on a cruise this year? It’s certainly one way that one can keep cool during the warmer parts of the year.