Atlas unveils 2027 Arctic expeditions with 27 new ports

Atlas Ocean Voyages has released its 2027 Arctic expeditions, expanding the line's footprint with 27 new ports across Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, and the Canadian Arctic. The season emphasizes intimate, small-ship exploration with wildlife viewing, cultural encounters in Inuit communities, and access to seldom-visited coasts and fjords. Early examples include voyages that cross the Arctic Circle, link Greenland's fjords with Hudson Bay, and trace rare routes that include Jan Mayen and Iceland's Westfjords.

Atlas Ocean Voyages 2027 Arctic expeditions

For readers new to expedition cruising, Atlas operates Polar-capable, Ice Class 1B yachts designed to maneuver in remote waters with shallow drafts and low viewing decks for closer wildlife and glacier perspectives. The company positions its style as luxury but intimate, with fewer than 100 suites and staterooms and daily outings by Zodiac, weather permitting. The 2027 Arctic program extends that approach into the Canadian High Arctic, Svalbard's wildlife-rich archipelago, and multiple regions of Greenland, including the dramatic King Frederick VI Coast.

The brand's announcement highlights thematic pillars rather than a single loop. In Svalbard, travelers can expect opportunities to see polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, and dense seabird colonies. In the Canadian High Arctic, itineraries call at hamlets such as Pond Inlet and Kimmirut while targeting walrus haul-outs and traditional cultural experiences. Greenland itineraries span East Greenland's remote fjords, South Greenland's Norse heritage and hot springs, and the iceberg alleys of the west. Select sailings attempt rare navigations that combine Iceland's Westfjords, the volcanic outpost of Jan Mayen, and Svalbard, conditions allowing.

Latest developments

Sample 2027 voyages provide a clear window into the scope of the season. A ten-night Polar Circle Odyssey departs Reykjavík for Longyearbyen on June 30, 2027, visiting Iceland's Westfjords, Jan Mayen, and spending three days in Svalbard. A sixteen-night Polar Wilderness Quest sails July 30, 2027, from Nuuk to Churchill through Disko Bay and Hudson Bay, with planned calls near Monumental Islands, the Lower Savage Islands, and Akpatok Island. Additional August and September options connect Longyearbyen and Reykjavík under the midnight sun, circle from Nuuk, or conclude in St. John's with landings near Monumental and Lady Franklin Islands and a call at L'Anse aux Meadows.

Analysis

For expedition travelers comparing lines, the Atlas 2027 release signals a competitive push into the Canadian Arctic and northern Greenland during the heart of the summer window. The added ports and long-range routings suggest an emphasis on variety and wildlife density, but as with any polar program, weather and ice can alter plans on short notice. Booking early improves cabin and air availability, especially on marquee routes touching Svalbard or Hudson Bay. If sustainability practices weigh into your line choice, review recent reporting on expedition operators to compare emissions strategies and science partnerships, such as the initiatives outlined in Ponant's latest report, even if you ultimately sail with Atlas. Ponant sustainability report 2024, Blue Horizon.

Travelers should also consider access logistics. Turnarounds in places like Longyearbyen and Nuuk may require additional flight segments and weather buffers. Build a cushion of at least a day on either end, verify entry and transit requirements for Greenland and Canada, and prepare for cold-water operations, including wet landings and variable sea states. Atlas lists Zodiac safaris, guided hikes, expert lectures, and a Polar Plunge among the included experiences, which collectively favor flexible, outdoor-ready packing over formalwear.

Final thoughts

With 27 new ports and a slate of sample sailings from June through September, Atlas Ocean Voyages' 2027 Arctic expeditions broaden options for high-latitude exploration while keeping the line's intimate, small-yacht focus. If the Canadian High Arctic, Svalbard, or Greenland are on your list, this collection consolidates multiple wish-list regions into a single season, making the case for planning early and choosing the route that best matches your goals for wildlife, culture, and scenery. The primary takeaway is clear: Atlas Ocean Voyages 2027 Arctic expeditions push deeper into the polar north while keeping the experience scaled to small-ship discovery.

Sources

• Atlas Ocean Voyages announces new 2027 Arctic expeditions, PR Newswire
• New 2027 Arctic expeditions, Atlas Ocean Voyages offer page
• Arctic overview and booking information, Atlas Ocean Voyages