Polar Plunge Cruises | SixStarCruises Expeditions

When cruising in the Arctic or Antarctica, you’ll have the chance to take part in a polar plunge. This is a spectacular exhilarating experience creates a rush through your mind and body, completely immersing you in the destination in a way that you’ll never forget. It’s an optional experience where you can jump into the icy waters of the polar regions, combining the thrill of extreme cold with the breathtaking beauty of these remote environments.

Polar plunges are often a highlight for adventurous travellers, renowned for being one of the most iconic experiences on a polar itinerary; the cold is instant, flooding your body with adrenaline and leaving you feeling refreshed and euphoric. The water tends to hover around 0°C, and participants typically only spend a few seconds to a minute in the water which isn’t long enough to be dangerous, so the experience is completely safe. The expedition team will carefully choose a location that is calm and safe for participants to enter the water, and medical staff will be on standby if needed.

You will wear a swimsuit, as well as other layers for warmth if they prefer, and can jump or climb down a ladder into the water. The expedition team will be on hand to provide towels and dry robes for you the moment you’re out of the water. Polar plunges are often followed by hot shower or sauna, as well as a hot chocolate or celebratory drink.

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WHERE TO EXPERIENCE

Antarctica

Take your expedition to the next level with a polar plunge in Antarctica. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you jump or climb from the ship into Antarctica’s icy polar waters before rewarding yourself with a hot shower or sauna.

Greenland

For those feeling brave, jump in the icy Arctic waters from the ship and feel the rush of adrenaline as the cold rushes over you, before warming back up on board.

Svalbard

For brave explorers, Svalbard is an incredible destination to partake in the polar plunge, jumping into the Arctic’s icy waters and experiencing a rush of adrenaline before drying off and warming up with a hot beverage on board.

Northwest Passage & Canada

For those feeling brave, jump in the icy Arctic waters from the ship and feel the rush of adrenaline as the cold rushes over you, before warming back up on board.

Arctic

Frequently asked questions

Yes, polar plunges are completely safe if you are medically approved to participate. You will not be in the water long enough for it to be dangerous, and there will be medical staff on hand to ensure you are well looked after. The expedition team will be with you the entire time, offering towels, hot drinks and dry robes for you as soon as you’re out of the water to help you warm up.

Polar plunges are great for your body. The immediate impact of the cold triggers a constriction of blood vessels which can flush out toxins in the body, temporarily reducing inflammation in the body. The adrenaline surge from the cold exposure trigger endorphins and dopamine, creating an elevated, euphoric mood for hours afterward.

Guests will typically stay in the water for five to 20 seconds.

It depends on the time of year you visit and whether it’s the Arctic or Antarctica, but the water usually sits around freezing temperature at 0°C.

You can enjoy a polar plunge experience on a number of expedition cruise lines, including Seabourn, Silversea, Scenic, HX Expeditions and Atlas Ocean Voyages.

You can have the opportunity to do a polar plunge on an expedition in either the Arctic or Antarctica.

Most guests will wear their usual swimwear, although you can add extra layers such as long sleeve tops and leggings or full swimsuits if you’d prefer some extra warmth.

For an expedition cruise, you’d typically book your polar plunge experience once on board.

Cruise Lines that offer Polar Plunge

Scenic Ocean Cruises

Experience the thrill of jumping into polar waters and feel the rush of adrenaline as you immerse yourself in the cold before being welcomed back by the Scenic team with a dry robe and glass of champagne to warm you up.

Silversea

Experience the thrill of jumping into polar waters and feel the rush of adrenaline as you immerse yourself in the cold before being welcomed back by the Silversea team with a dry robe and glass of champagne to warm you up.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

For expeditions exploring the polar regions, Atlas offers the exhilarating opportunity to partake in the polar plunge, where you can jump into the icy waters off the boat and feel the rush of adrenaline as the cold runs through your body before returning to the comforting warmth of the ship for a hot drink.

AE Expeditions

Immerse yourself in the polar regions in the most authentic way with the polar plunge. With AE Expeditions, guests can participate in this adrenaline-fuelled experience by jumping off the boat in the cold waters and feel the rush of excitement before being met with a dry robe and warming up with a hot drink.

HX Expeditions

Enjoy the exhilarating polar plunge experience on your expedition with HX Expeditions. Embrace the cold and feel the rush as you enter the water as you immerse yourself in the icy landscape before returning to the warmth of the ship.

Ponant

Dare to embrace the extremes. The polar plunge is an exhilarating, optional rite of passage – it will leave you breathless and triumphant. As you return to the warmth of the deck, a well-earned hot drink awaits, along with a story you’ll never tire of telling.