Escales Polaires
An accessible adventure cruise, made possible by our owner-operator model. On board our ships, operated by our teams, you experience true life at sea, in a small group of 12 passengers, safely.
An accessible adventure cruise
We are redefining polar travel by prioritising the human experience and closeness to nature.
Naturally accessible
As an owner-operator, this allows us to control our costs and offer a premium experience at a fair price.
Small group, high intensity
With only 12 passengers on board, each outing, each observation, and each shared moment gains depth and authenticity.
Human and direct
No impersonal platform. You interact with those who are making the journey. Our team is available and responsive to support you.
Our commitment to clarity
- Full board, no hidden fees, all services included.
- No unrealistic promises: wildlife is unpredictable, and we respect that.
- Constant adaptation to weather and ice for your safety.
- Safety is our absolute, non-negotiable priority.
Owner-operator: our ships, our team, your peace of mind.
We do not just sell trips, we operate them 100%. This means we directly manage the crew, maintenance, and living standards on board.
Operational mastery
We know our ships in every technical detail.
Internal crew
Sailors and enthusiasts who share our values of hospitality.
What this means for you
Direct contact with field experts
Better responsiveness to your specific requests
Consistency of experience from one trip to another
A stable and warm level of attention on board
Why choose us?
Full board... really
From aperitif to coffee, everything is included. You only need to think about observing.
Human-sized ships
Authentic, comfortable, and perfectly suited to the polar waters of Spitsbergen and Greenland.
Passionate field team
Captain, sailor, cook, and guide: all share the same commitment to safety and hospitality.
Direct and smooth relationship
Payment by card or secure transfer, payment in instalments at no extra cost. A clear process.
Responsible observation
Strict respect for distances, no staging. A sober and humble approach to wildlife.
★★★★★
"Already a magical place, but when the boat that doesn't look like a cruise ship has all the charm you desire and also the comfort (on land as well as at sea), and to top it all off, a 'dream' crew"
— Voyager 2025
The spirit of our stays
Our itineraries are not fixed. They are a guiding thread that we adapt each day according to the opportunities offered by nature, the weather, and the ice.
We prioritise time outdoors. Whether on deck to spot the breath of a whale or during silent hikes, the immersion is total.
Comfort upon return
After an outing, nothing beats the pleasure of warming up with a hot drink in a friendly lounge, sharing photos, or resting before dinner.
Life on board
Atmosphere
Friendliness is at the heart of the experience. In a small group, bonds are formed naturally. We share our emotions, interact with the crew, and experience a collective adventure in a warm and respectful setting.
Useful comfort
We do not seek luxury, but efficiency and well-being. Constant warmth, comfortable resting areas, ongoing safety, and a simplicity that works perfectly for life at sea in the Arctic.
What to expect?
Flexible rhythm
Dynamic days paced by observations, without haste
Daily briefings
The guide and the captain present the plans and challenges of the day.
Generous cuisine
Tasty meals prepared on board to regain strength.
Culinary experience
Generous cuisine, good products, and the pleasure of coming together.
Breakfast
A complete buffet to start the day well: hot drinks, bread, cereals, fruits.
Lunch
A warm and comforting meal served on board or a picnic during extended outings.
Dinner
The highlight of the day. Homemade, inventive, and generous cuisine to share.
FAQ – Polar Stops
Being an operator-shipowner means we are not a travel agency. We operate our own ships with our own crews. For you, this guarantees direct contact without intermediaries, perfect knowledge of the terrain, and total control of safety and standards on board.
Because we control our entire working tool.
As an operator-shipowner, we directly operate our ships and ensure their maintenance, upkeep, and daily operation. This control allows us to optimise our operating costs, without compromising on safety or the quality of the experience on board.
The result: highly qualitative adventure cruises offered at a fair price level consistent with the reality on the ground.
You speak directly with members of our team who know our ships and polar destinations inside out. No call centre, but human and personalised advice.
We prioritise comfort designed for life at sea.
Our ships are warm, very well insulated and maintained at a pleasant temperature, regardless of the outside conditions. The interior spaces are designed to comfortably accommodate a small group, with enough room to move around, relax and share friendly moments.
On board, everyone finds their rhythm: warm lounges for chatting, accessible decks and observation areas to enjoy the scenery, alone or in a group. It’s a functional and very real comfort, designed to make you feel good on board, day after day.
Payment can be made by credit card or bank transfer, securely.
The reservation is confirmed by the payment of a deposit of 30%. The balance is then staggered with a second payment of 40% three months before departure, followed by the payment of the balance one month before boarding.