Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief
with Quark Expeditions
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$6,195
|
Days
7
|
Nights
6
|
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$6,195
|
Days
7
|
Nights
6
|
Introduction
On this extraordinary journey, you will pack all the excitement of an epic Arctic cruise into just seven days, cruising through pack ice along the west coast of Spitsbergen, retracing the steps of explorers from centuries past.
Though this rocky island is covered in mountains and glaciers, the towering cliffs and fjords play host to a thriving and diverse ecosystem. Exploring as much of the area as possible, you will enjoy maximum opportunities to spot, among other wildlife, the walrus with its long tusks and distinctive whiskers, the resilient and Arctic birds in all their varied majesty, and that most iconic of Arctic creatures, the polar bear.
Highlights include: Spot incredible wildlife including the walrus with its long tusks and distinctive whiskers, resilient Arctic birds in all their varied majesty, and that most iconic of Arctic creatures, the polar bear.
Your ship: The Quark Expeditions fleet never exceed more than 200 passengers , which gives guests the best polar experience on a smaller ship. Their ice strengthened vessels are built for challenging polar environments, which takes you to places ordinary cruise companies wouldn’t dream of going.
Ocean Adventurer: A long been a favourite among guests with ample outdoor deck space, numerous cosy spots to socialize onboard, plus the outdoor jacuzzi.
Arctic Itineraries:
Please enquire about other itineraries in this region.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive in Helsinki
Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.
Day 2 : Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Embark
This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, where you’ll have some time to explore before embarkation. As your ship sets sail, enjoy great vistas of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this historic frontier town.
Days 3 – 6 : Exploring Spitsbergen
You’ll sail around the shores of this magical island, constantly searching for polar bears and other natural wonders. Covering western Spitsbergen, your expedition will afford ample opportunities to view immense glaciers, deep fjords, soaring mountains and unique flora and fauna.
Sailing north into Krossfjord, have your camera handy, ready to capture some of the best glacier calving in Spitsbergen. Deep in the fjord, the highly active Lilliehook Glacier awaits. Listen in awe to the growling as big chunks break off into the icy waters below. A Zodiac excursion to nearby Ny London, an abandoned mining settlement, provides an ideal place for a guided walk. Encounters with wildlife, such as the endemic Svalbard reindeer, are possible here.
After cruising overnight, wake up to the stunning sight of the magnificent Monaco Glacier, another prolific iceberg producer. To make this even more thrilling, help your Expedition Team to scan the shorelines and ice edge for marine mammals. Possible landing sites include Texas Bar, Worsleyneset and the Andoyane Islands. If ice conditions permit reaching 80 degrees north, you’ll reach a walrus sanctuary on the tiny, crescent-shaped Moffen Island. Watching from the water as large groups of these lumbering giants jockey for space is an unforgettable experience, so be ready with your binoculars.
At Smeerenburg you can see the remains of an abandoned settlement that was established by Dutch whalers nearly 400 years ago. Here, at one of Europe’s most northerly outposts, you’ll have time to explore ashore and learn about Spitsbergen’s whaling history. Afterwards, cruising to Magdalenafjord rewards you with panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers reflected in the crystal-clear waters.
During your last full day of your Arctic adventure, you may visit the Russian mining town of Barentsburg, home of Russia’s northernmost brewery. We hope to round out the day in Alkehornet, taking in the towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds, such as fulmars and Brunnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Encounters with reindeer might be possible here too. Later, in the evening, swap stories with your shipmates and crew one last time, at the captain’s farewell dinner.
Day 7 : Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
The time to say goodbye has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, you will to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package.
Important Reminder
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. When travelling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not a guarantee.
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Pricing
Pricing (per person), USD
TYPE |
TWIN from |
SINGLE from |
EXTRA from |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | |||
15 May, 25 June, Ocean Adventurer | |||
Lower Deck Twin |
US$6,195 |
||
Main Deck Porthole |
US$6,695 |
||
Main Deck Window |
US$7,695 |
||
Superior |
US$8,195 |
||
Deluxe |
US$8,195 |
||
Suite |
US$10,195 |
||
Please enquire for other cabin categories. |
Special Offer
Save up to 50%!
Save from 25% to 50% on select departures in 2024. Savings apply to the voyage-only cost.
Offer applies to new bookings only, savings vary per departure and cabin category, and are based on availability at the time of booking. Offer may be removed at any time without notice.
Please enquire about specific departure dates and rates.
Departs
2024 |
15 May, 25 June |
Included
• Leadership throughout your voyage by experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
• All shore landings per the daily program
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
• All onboard meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices
• Select beer and wine during dinner; coffee, tea and cocoa (onboard)
• Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
• A photographic journal documenting the expedition
• A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
• An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
• Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
• All luggage handling aboard the ship
• Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers
• Transfers between Longyearbyen town center and port on embarkation and disembarkation day
• Mandatory Transfer Package includes one night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Helsinki airport hotel, with breakfast, charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen, arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen, charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki
Not Included
• International airfares
• Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki
• Passport and visa expenses
• Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
• Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
• Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
• Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
• Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
• Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
• Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
• Gratuities
• Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
Gratuity
• Gratuities are voluntary and can be given at the end of your cruise
• We suggest that you budget US$10 to US$15 per person per day, if you are pleased with the service on board
Important Notes
• Please enquire for single or triple cabin pricing
• This itinerary will not be offered in 2025
Please refer to World Journeys terms & conditions
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