Russian tourists are showing intense interest in expedition cruises to the country's most remote and pristine regions in 2026. Panarktik Star's data shows that Wrangel Island, the Kuril Islands, and the Shantar Islands lead among the most demanded routes.
Company officials said, "Traditionally, Wrangel and the Kuril Islands are our most popular routes. In 2026, the Shantar Islands entering the top three started a new trend."
Record demand for summer season
Cabins for summer trips to Wrangel and the Kuril Islands sold out by 60 to 100 percent as soon as they went on sale. The busiest period is in July and August.
Due to harsh weather and ice conditions in the Arctic and Far Eastern waters, the expedition cruise season is limited to June through October. The company noted that this period lasts only a few months.
Interest in remote regions is growing
A steady growth is observed in tourism demand for hard-to-reach spots within Russia. Tourists want to go whale and bird watching, explore uninhabited islands, and see historical sites in a single trip.
Interest in ecological tourism is also on the rise. "The number of people traveling to places where nature preserves its unspoiled power and beauty is increasing: remote islands, Arctic coasts, wild ecosystems," the company stated.
Core demographic is over 40
Although there has been a recent increase in bookings from young tourists aged 25-30, the main target audience consists of entrepreneurs over 40, senior executives, and workers in IT and creative industries.
The per-person cost of these expedition trips, which last an average of 11 days, was announced as 950,000 rubles (approximately $10,000).
