"I can't imagine a better trip or better customer care - AMAZING"

I've just returned from an amazing trip to Svalbard which I booked through Polar Routes. I genuinely don't think I'll ever top this.

In terms of the trip itself - I've obsessed about visiting Svalbard - so I had truly high expectations all of which were exceeded. Svalbard is incredible and every day of my trip was spent gazing at spectacularly beautiful and haunting wildness and doing activities I've never done before. It's stunning, interesting, full of history and like nothing I've ever experienced. I encourage you to go - it will change your perspectives.

As for my experience of Polar Routes - I honestly can't imagine better service or support. From the initial contact I dealt with the same person (Lucy) who listened to what I wanted to experience, gave brilliant advice about when and where and how to visit and was endlessly patient and flexible about incorporating additional changes and add-ons to our itinerary. With every contact Lucy conveyed a real passion for Polar regions, lots of knowledge and a commitment to ensuring that we had an amazing trip that delivered what we wanted - even to the point of recommending books to read to fire our imaginations more.

Polar Routes took care of all our bookings, advised on activities and put together a fantastic itinerary that squeezed every drop of experience from our time in Svalbard. Communication was brilliant throughout and supported by a fantastic personalised app which kept all information we needed really accessible throughout the trip.
In terms of expertise, client care, passion and interest and all round effectiveness and efficiency I cannot recommend Polar Routes enough. I'd give them 10 stars if I could!!

"We had an amazing experience in…"

We had an amazing experience in Antarctica. Lucy at Polar Routes gave us very good advice about which trip to take and it was exactly what we wanted.

"Awesome Antarctica with Polar routes/Aurora expeditions"

I'm a biologist and wanted to see Antarctica and South Georgia and I knew it would be a once in a lifetime trip (i.e. expensive) so I wanted to make sure I got it right. So I attended the 'destinations' show in London and spoke to several tour operators - but Jay Turner at Polar Routes was the stand-out, knowledgeable person that I connected with. He spend almost 3 hours talking to me and helped me refine exactly what I was looking for. I wanted small group landings, expert biology knowledge, and an open bridge policy. He advised we went on the Greg Mortimer with Aurora expeditions. 3 years later (delayed due to covid) we have just returned and it was simply an incredible experience. As others will tell you the ship is lovely - ship, food and ship's crew are great. There were 15 people in the expedition team - an incredible range of skills. Dr John Kirkwood and Dr Annette Scheffer were the 2 marine biologist on board - is there nothing these two don't know! Prior to the trip I wasn't really bothered about the history and the whole Shackleton thing - but Steve Martin was funny, knowlegeable, and made the history really come alive. No wonder he has had 23 years with Aurora. The Expedition Leader (Ashley Perrin) has clearly lived and worked on the continent for years and I suspect it was her expert knowledge which meant that we were able to get to some places that others wouldn't have got to. And when the weather wasn't playing ball, she ensured we all still managed to get a great experience. The whole expedition team were fresh and excited about each location, explained things in the detail I was looking for, and with genuine enthusiasm.
The covid precautions on board were simple, effective and sensible and didn't impact the holiday too much once we were on board. (Alas the ship now has to have a closed bridge policy - but we deemed this a sensible precaution.)

Polar routes were incredible - as I said Jay Turner gave his time and experitise freely. Jay moved on to work for Aurora about a year ago and we were then looked after by Lucy Yeoman at Polar Routes who was amazing. Obviously the cruise we had initially booked was cancelled because of covid so Lucy explained our options clearly, handled all our questions with immense patience, made sure we were clear on the covid hoops we had to jump through, and really looked after us. She was genuinely trying to get the best for us.
If I win the lottery, I would definately want to return to Antarctica and SG and the Falklands - I wouldn't look elsewhere - I would definately pick Aurora expeditions and the Greg Mortimer or the new sister ship soon to be launched. And I would be on the phone to Lucy at Polar Routes to book it!!

"Polar Routes excel in Polar destinations"

Polar Routes are excellent in providing information on all Polar Expeditions, the staff are all knowledgeable, helpful, accommodating and friendly. They answer emails and telephones promptly and reply to emails and telephone calls quickly. They provide the type of service beyond your average agent and know their subject. I would highly recommend them for your next Polar Expedition.

"Arctic Cruise"

I don’t normally do reviews, but was so impressed with the service I received, felt duty bound to do so on this occasion. All my queries were answered immediately and I was dealt with efficiently and in a professional manner throughout. Special mention to Lucy Yeoman. It was an exceptional service and took all the stress out of organising the trip. I would not hesitate to recommend Polar Routes in arranging and organising your holiday and will most certainly be using them again.

"ABSOLUTELY APPALLING…"

The experience with this company has put me off Cruises, booked and paid for a once in a lifetime trip to the Antarctic only to have it cancelled a week before travelling, The refund came over two months in two payments.

"A wonderful once in a lifetime holiday…"

A wonderful once in a lifetime holiday organized by James at Polar Routes who was so helpful in guiding us through the booking process and finding the best holiday to suit us. Would definitely recommend Polar Routes as they are prepared to spend the time to explain all the detail and options in what is a very different holiday

"Wonderful Antarctica."

We recently returned from the most amazing expedition cruise to Antarctica (Feb/March 2022) with Albatros Expeditions. This was a magical experience to the world’s last true wilderness. The expedition surpassed all our expectations, visiting South Shetlands, Antarctic Peninsula, South Orkneys, South Georgia and the Falklands. The in-depth knowledge of our Expedition Leader/ Guides ensured that at all times on ship, in the Zodiacs and on the landings we were safe and fully briefed on the environment, wildlife and history of the area.

Our expedition was organised through Polar Routes Tour Specialist, Lucy, who provided an exceptional level of service.
Her infectious enthusiasm and personal knowledge of Antarctica ensured that we selected an expedition cruise that met all our wish lists, at the right price.
Due to the pandemic our original departure date in 2021 had to be cancelled but we were kept fully informed of the changes / various health requirements and supported throughout the whole process. All our many questions were answered promptly, with great patience and good humour.
When we finally got to travel to Antarctica all the arrangements put in place for our outbound and return journeys worked like clockwork.

I highly recommend Polar Routes and Albatros Expeditions to future travellers to Antarctica and wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.

"Amazing Antarctica"

Polar Routes support from my initial enquiry to my Antarctica experience was excellent. The trip recommendation exceeded my requirements however due to the Pandemic my plans were delayed and disrupted but Polar Routes were there for me keeping me up to date with challenges, options and revised plans. My Antarctica experience with Albatros Expeditions commenced February 2022 and from departure to arriving home was planned to perfection. The actual expedition was truly outstanding visiting the Peninsula, South Orkneys, South Georgia and the Falkland's. We had excellent support from the expedition leaders ensuring our safety when landing at the many wildlife sights. They had an in-depth knowledge of the environment, history and wildlife.
I have travelled all over the world visiting some great places however this trip stands out as the most remote and amazing place I have ever had the privilege to visit. When I next plan to visit either pole I will be using Polar Routes and Albatros again.

"Excellent Service highly recommend."

Booked over 2 years ago to travel to Antarctica in 2021 but trip cancelled due to Covid. James kept us informed with everything and responded to any query we had quickly. James himself had recently been to Antarctica and gave us some really good tips and information that we would benefit by on our trip. An excellent service and would not hesitate to use them again.