Growing Interest Among Russians for Arctic Cruises
Russians are increasingly interested in cruise trips to the Arctic, as indicated by data from the Ministry of Eastern Development and the Ministry of Economic Development. In 2023, the tourist flow to the Arctic reached over 1.1 million people.
Tamara Naumenko, the Marketing Director of the company “Polar Travel Club,” notes that three cruises to the North Pole are already planned for this year, two of which are already sold out.
The rising popularity of polar destinations in Russia is linked to the audience’s desire to shift towards more interesting and profound forms of travel. Providing opportunities for active exploration and vibrant experiences is becoming a new trend in the context of oversaturated mass tourism.
Despite the high cost of the trips (starting from one million rubles), the uniqueness and the chance to reach the northernmost point of the Earth attract tourists. Such cruises leave vivid memories and enjoy significant demand, with sales and reservations extending years ahead.
Industry representatives note that the interest is growing not only among regular clients but also among new, especially younger audiences, both Russian and international.
Tourist expeditions to the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, the largest in the Russian Arctic, are also developing. Travelers will have a unique opportunity to explore places famous for polar expeditions, encounter polar bears, and observe whales and bird markets.
Photo: russiadiscovery.ru