Cruise Routes Reviews 

I contacted Polar Routes to source a trip to the arctic and NW Passage . Their representative James handled my enquiry from start to finish.He identified a number of alternatives routes and cruise lines that met my criteria. Once we selected on our preferred choice he completed all the fine details and confirmed the booking. I felt very confident with his first hand knowledge and expertise in the area and his regular updates on itinerary.
This was well proven in that the booking with Ponant on Le Boreal proved to be a REALLY excellent recommendation and ticked all my boxes.
Would have no hesitation in recommending Polar Routes and James to look after your travel plans.

We’ve wanted to do an Arctic cruise for some time, but as keen hikers, we had no idea what to expect or whether it would suit us. I spoke to Charlie Mason at Polar Routes with my long list of requirements (!) and, after endless questions, we booked the Grand Greenland – Farthest North trip. Charlie kept us updated throughout the booking process, secured us some great discounts, and nothing was too much trouble – he also booked all our excursions for us.
Thankfully, it was very clear from the start that this was an expedition rather than a traditional cruise!
We were away for three weeks, and the trip was truly amazing. We reached the furthest north the ship had ever been, broke through ice, made an ice landing, and even had a close-up polar bear sighting from our cabin balcony – it followed us for a while! There were so many highlights, and I enjoyed stepping out of my comfort zone now and then. Visiting the tiny communities in Northwest Greenland was also a real privilege.
The Polar Routes app was a great tool, and I referred to it regularly.
The trip exceeded all expectations, and we’ve already been in touch to plan another adventure. Highly recommend – even if you’re just thinking about a trip!

Going to the Arctic on an expedition was a 1st for me and, prior to going, I simply did not have a clue on how to book this or who to book with.
My 'google' search brought up a number of companies, but I chose to speak to Polar Routes as the name implied 'Arctic'.
This decision turned out to be one of the best that I ever made, as quite simply, they were brilliant!
After my initial enquiry, I had the pleasure to deal with Jane who could see what I wanted and she came up with a tailor made plan to travel with a specialist company that best met my needs and wishes.
Nothing was too much trouble and my plan also required International flights and accommodation pre and post expedition. Jane meticulously put together a excellent itinerary and spoke to me at length to make it all quite clear.
My itinerary, with all information (incl: flights, hotels, expedition, etc) was also available on the Polar Routes brilliant, and easy to use App.
My expedition was fantastic, unbelievable & out of this world, and I owe Jane & Polar Poutes a great debt of gratitude. This included 24 hour personal help on getting me home when Air Canada was on strike.
Thank you all at Polar Routes.

Polar Routes, and particularly Lucy Yeoman, recommended and organised what tuned out to be an amazing life experience (way beyond a holiday!) for Mandy and I. Lucy was extremely informative, helpful, friendly and super responsive to every query (and there were lots, as neither of us had been on a cruise or anything like this before). Lucy also went out of her way to make our 40th Anniversary super-special, during the cruise, with surprises galore. I should cease from referring to the trip as a cruise, as it was most definitely an expedition. The Ocean Albatros was a modern polar class ship, with amazing facilities, spacious cabins, friendly crew and expedition team, all led by the away-inspiring Captain Johann. The journey around Greenland is simply full of wonder. Highly Recommended, especially if you've been put off by large ship cruises...as we were... this is the antithesis: 150 passengers, informal, friendly, no queues, in Zodiacs off the ship every day, adventures every day and going into fjords and areas where no other ship have ever sailed to before.

We had a very good advisor at Polar Routes. Kasey Green listened to our ideas and helped to craft a holiday of a lifetime circumnavigating Svalbard where we saw all the rare and special arctic wildlife, including 20 polar bears. Whilst the luck with the wildlife wasn't down to Kasey, she did make sure we had all the pre holiday information needed to ensure we were fully briefed. She also helped to plan a mini break in Oslo to complete the amazing holiday. Great company for polar holidays, highly recommend 👌

We had really great support from Lidia and Kasey at Polar Routes. Our Arctic expedition was a once in a lifetime trip and very expensive, so it was important to get it right. They talked through what we wanted from the trip, patiently went through the various options and helped us decide which was the right expedition cruise for us. Once booked, we were helped every step of the way with flights and additional accommodation nights, and any queries we had were very promptly responded to. The Polar Routes app was excellent and regularly updated us on flight changes, things to do and see in our destinations and management of the payment schedule. Our trip was amazing, everything we hoped for, and we would definitely use Polar Routes again.

Recently returned from the Artic which was booked by Lucy at Polar Routes. Words don't seem adequate to explain how fantastic this holiday was for us both. Suffice to say we felt as though we had been transported to a different planet, so beautiful, unspoilt & magical.
Every day was an exciting adventure made possible by the amazing team of guides (led by Bertie, who was outstanding), we were privileged to have who were so knowledgeable in their field of expertise, so enthusiastic, full of fun & energy, & so passionate. The organisation of daily events, & communications, getting us all on/off zodiacs to explore our amazing surroundings both on the sea & on land safely, was excellent. The muck boots & jackets provided were superb, ideal for the conditions, & we didn't feel the cold at all . They ensured we made the most of every opportunity that arose, be it spotting wildlife or cruising into a beautiful fjord or walking . We saw a Beluga whale, a variety of seals, walrus in the water and slumbering on land, polar bears with cubs, herds of reindeer, Arctic fox, & so many beautiful birds on the sea or nesting on the cliffs.
Every evening we had a resume of the days activities & sightings & interesting presentations about the wildlife, the history, the glaciers etc.
Our ship, the Ocean Explorer was fabulous in every way, the crew, the staff were all so helpful & polite. The food was delicious, plenty of choice, buffet style or waiter service at the evening meal.
We would highly recommend this trip, it surpassed anything we may have expected.

The service from the staff at Polar Routes was exceptional - they were all helpful, informative and they took time to understand the kind of trip I wanted. They were all extremely friendly and professional.

We have recently returned from our Arctic expedition around Svalbard on the MS Stockholm, a small classic ship (12 passengers) with an ice-strengthened hull. The 2 guides and crew were excellent, the food (buffet breakfast and lunch, and 3-course dinner) was varied and so good and catered for both vegetarian and vegan passengers.
We reached the Arctic pack ice to the north (80 47”) which was stunning and surreal, then visited many gorgeous fjords down the west of the archipelago. With 2 zodiacs, our daily excursions were comfortable, safe and very respectful to the wildlife we encountered. We were equipped with weather-proof suits which were great to keep us dry and warm on the zodiacs though bringing our own thermal rubber boots (Muckboots) was useful.
We were so fortunate with the wildlife - many walrus and seals, arctic fox (gorgeous), Minki and Baluga whales, Reindeer and 4 Polar bear sightings ! Between the stunning scenery, the wildlife, the fantastic guides and crew, and a ship with huge character, this was an unforgettable experience.
Polar Routes (notably Lucy Yeoman) were excellent throughout. Always on hand for our many questions, arranging our stop-over in Oslo, and our flights, this was a faultless holiday/expedition …

I found Polar Routes to be a very reliable company to deal with. All emails were replied to promptly and all my many questions answered. The polar routes app which they give you access to (where you can find EVERYTHING about your booking in one place) was a great addition to the whole experience. I would use them again and I would recommend to friends and family.

The MV Ushuaia expedition to Antarctica & South Georgia, was the best experience of my life. We were incredibly lucky with the weather and sightings, but also made super special by the unbelievably knowledgeable, enthusiastic and dynamic crew, who couldn't do enough to make our experience the best it could be. Perfect sized boat and passengers, fun entertainment onboard for all the family, and even the storms were worth it, feeling like you were in such safe hands. I couldn't recommend it anymore.

Amazing trip in every way. If you get the chance grab it!! All the staff involved were excellent and the setup worked so well. JUST FANTASTIC!

I would like to say that Polar Routes Antarctica Highlights from the 6th- 20th March, was a magical experience from start to finish. I would like to personally thank Kasey Green, who was exceptional. Always ready to help, at the other end of the phone or email, to explain anything that I needed to know, from Day one to the end of my trip The expedition team on board, were extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and positively welcoming,approachable and helpful. I was travelling on my own, but I was never alone. I recommend the trip 100% to solo persons.

My family and I used Polar Routes to book and plan an expedition to Antarctica with HX cruises. We worked with the wonderful Kasey from Polar Routes who helped us plan the most incredible trip from start to finish. The process was so seamless, not just the pre-trip planning where Kasey kept us updated on the details of our flights and itinerary. She also helped us book additional elements to the trip including premium flights and additional nights in Buenos Aires after our cruise. And then as we embarked on the trip any last minute questions were answered super speedily.
The attention to detail and communication has been faultless and we cannot recommend Kasey and Polar Routes more.
All in all it was the trip of a life time and Kasey and Polar Routes took away any stress or worry about the logistics and details of planning such an epic trip!

This was a once in a life time experience to Antarctica and Polar Routes and their small ship trip delivered in every way. Over 20 landings, wildlife galore, great communications and an emphasis at all times on safety and conservation.

When we decided to go to Antarctica, we found Polar Route and after speaking with Kasey, she literally sorted everything out for us.
The flights, the transfers - everything.
Very communicative throughout the process, easy to deal with and highly personable to deal with.
I have recommended Polar Routes and Kasey specifically to others already and would not hesitate to do so again if asked.

Our Antarctic expedition on MV Ushuaia chartered by Polar Routes was everything we hoped for and so much more. Kasey Green our Elite Travel Specialist answered all our questions so fully and promptly prior to travel that we were so confident and informed before we even left London.

Just back from an amazing 22 day expedition to the Antarctic, South Georgia and the Falklands organised by Polar Routes. Our contact Kasey Green was fantastic - attention to detail excellent and happy to answer our endless pre-trip questions.
I would recommend Polar Routes as they are experts in their field and very professional. Their knowledge of the key areas that really make a trip, including ground handlers/expedition teams, ensures the trip can be the best it can be.

What an adventure, this was so much more than a trip, it was an experience, that I'm still trying to find the words to describe it. From the booking with the lovely Lucy, who answered so many (many) questions and talked me through the planning. The app with the detailed itinerary, flights, check in links was brilliant and so helpful. There was nothing that was too much trouble.
The excursions in Buenos Aries and meeting everyone else was good fun. But the main event was the expedition, we had landings twice a day with experienced expedition leaders. We went to places that are rarely visited, we were able to land on Elephant Island, something that was special not only to us as passengers but the expedition leaders and crew. We sailed alongside the A23-A iceberg.
The expedition leaders lectures, their knowledge and expertise gave huge insight into Antartica, the politics and wildlife. The specialist guest speakers James Lavelle, Katie Jamie's and Lewis Freeth were great.
We followed Shakleton's journey to save his men, a story that's well known, but being there really brought home the challenges and magnitude of the rescue they experienced.
The crew on the MV Ushuaia were amazing, again, again nothing was too much trouble. They were a central part to the trip. Being able to go onto the bridge, having lessons from the Captain about how to use a sexton, added to what was already something special.
This was a small boat and there were only 65 passengers, this meant we could all land, we saw parts of Antartica that the other larger cruise ships couldn't. As a small group we all got to know each other, there was lots of laughter, sharing and friendships formed.
It's impossible to explain what this experience was like, it was a trip that just kept giving. Magical.

I was asked what made my trip so memorable to Antarctica which was a toughie!? I thought long and hard and decided that, with the amazing help, support, experience and organisational ability, Lucy Yeoman made my memorable experience happen...............stepping foot on Antartica for the first time!
It's one thing to say to yourself "I want to go to Antarctica" but it's definiately a mind blowing experience just organising but then, that's where Polar Routes stepped in and stepped up.
This is a trip that defies real descriptions so unless you've been, you'll never know the impact Antarctica has on you and it will be a life time experience that I'd love to repeat tomorrow. I feel immensly privledge.
Lucy and colleagues have been and "done it" and speak both from experience and the heart. Slowly, over a period of many, many months, Lucy evolved from "just an agent with knowledge" to a friend who shared abiding memories.....not to mention just exactily what clothes to wear - this, can be challenging.
My advice if you are thinking of this amazing trip is to think long and hard which company you travel with. The internet is now being flooded with trips...be very sure you chose wisely, like I did.
At the end of the day, Polar Routes has a wonderful relationship with the Cruise Line, Swan Hellenic who made my expedition, leaving me speechless and in awe.
I'd go again tomorrow...if I had the money because this isn't a cheap holiday but I can assure anyone reading this review, Polar Routes ensures you get every penny's worth of your hard earnt cash!!!
It's now almost a month since I've returned, bringing memories and hundreds of photos back home. My one abiding memory will always be the first time I stood on Antarctica.........make this your dream, as I did, with Polar Routes - spectacular!!!
My sincerest thanks Lucy.