Whether you are exploring the polar regions of the Arctic or Antarctica, life on board the ship follows a flexible daily rhythm shaped by nature. Ice, weather, and wildlife decide the schedule. Each day is different, but there is a familiar structure that helps guests settle into the flow of expedition travel. Here is what a typical day looks like at sea in the polar regions.
Morning
The day begins with a wake-up call around 7 in the morning. The expedition leader gives a short announcement over the speaker system with a weather update, and any necessary changes. Breakfast is served shortly after in the dining room. It is buffet style, with a range of hot and cold items including eggs, bread, fruit, and cereal.
After breakfast, guests prepare for the first activity of the day. This could be a landing, a Zodiac cruise, or sometimes both. The expedition team provides assistance with gear and calls guests in small groups to board the Zodiacs. Morning excursions often include visits to wildlife colonies, glacial bays, historic sites, or quiet stretches of tundra or shoreline. Time ashore usually lasts between one and three hours.
Midday
Once back on board, lunch is served in the dining room. While guests eat, the ship repositions to the next planned location. The mood is relaxed, and large windows offer wide views of ice, mountains, or open sea. It is not unusual to see whales, seabirds, or seals during lunch.
After the meal, there is usually a short break before the afternoon program. Guests often use this time to rest, watch the scenery from the deck, or review photos from the morning. If the afternoon activity is delayed due to conditions, the team may offer a short lecture or informal update, but in most cases, this is quiet time to recharge.
Afternoon
The second activity of the day begins in the afternoon. Depending on the location and conditions, this might be a shore landing, a Zodiac cruise, or an optional activity like kayaking, snowshoeing, or hiking. As always, plans remain flexible. If wildlife is spotted nearby or conditions improve in an unexpected location, the team will adjust the schedule to make the most of the opportunity.
Evening
Once the group returns to the ship, before dinner, the expedition team hosts an informal recap in the lounge. Staff members highlight sightings from the day, answer questions, and share updates about the coming schedule. The bar is open and snacks provided, and the recap is a chance to reflect and unwind.
Dinner follows shortly after. Some evenings the meal is plated, other times it is served buffet style. The atmosphere is friendly and casual. Guests often sit with new people each night, sharing impressions, stories, and photos from the day.
The bridge is open most of the day and evening, and guests are welcome to visit quietly. The Bar remains open late into the evening, the barlounge area is open 24/7. It is common to find guests sitting together to chat, look through photos, or play card games. Wildlife can appear at any hour, so many people keep jackets and cameras nearby, just in case something appears unexpectedly outside.
The pace of polar travel
No day is ever the same on a polar voyage. A plan may change due to wind, ice, or unexpected wildlife. Some landings are moved, others are added without warning. The expedition team monitors the surroundings constantly and makes choices to give guests the best and safest experience possible. That flexibility is what makes this kind of travel special.
Whether in the Arctic or Antarctica, expedition cruising is not about following a fixed schedule. It is about exploring wild places with open eyes, clear priorities, and a sense of curiosity. Some of the best moments happen when you least expect them.
