Spitsbergen In Depth: Big Islands, Big Adventure
with Quark Expeditions
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$15,590
|
Days
14
|
Nights
13
|
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$15,590
|
Days
14
|
Nights
13
|
Introduction
This spectacular itinerary offers the most extensive exploration of Spitsbergen while experiencing all the adventure the island has to offer.
This is one of the best regions to see polar bears, walrus and reindeer; plus, the impressive 14th of July Glacier and Alkefjellet cliff are both bird-watching utopias.
You’ll also get a glimpse of 16th century whaling culture at secluded landing sites. This route may include visiting the northernmost Svalbard island of Nordaustlandet if conditions allow. The Arctic has been inspiring explorers for centuries, and our expeditions offer the chance for you to discover why.
Highlights include: Encounter arctic wildlife such as polar bears, walrus, reindeer; view numerous arctic bird species, like puffins, arctic terns and purple sandpipers; explore glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more with included Zodiac cruising; immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures; and hike the tundra and polar desert.
Your Ship: The Quark Expeditions fleet never exceed more than 200 passengers per vessel, which gives guests the best polar experience on a smaller ship. Their ice strengthened vessels are built for challenging polar environments, taking 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 : Oslo, Norway
Your arctic voyage begins in Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital city. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and green spaces to keep you busy before retiring at your included airport hotel.
Day 2 : Embarkation day in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board a 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 your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from icy waters.
Days 3 – 13 : Exploring Spitsbergen
Expect a new adventure every day as you begin your circumnavigation by heading north and around the island of Spitsbergen, exploring smaller, outlying islands. The plan is to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, but if conditions are favorable, an attempt will also be made to circumnavigate the whole Svalbard archipelago. Every expedition will be different, depending on the weather and ice, but some of the places you may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Ny London, Phippsoya, Alkefjellet and the seldom-visited Kvitoya.
These names may seem strange to you, but each site has its own unique appeal. There is no shortage of natural beauty in Spitsbergen, where colorful tundra meadows are complemented by immense glaciers. For birders, the 14th of July Glacier is home to puffins, purple sandpipers, common eiders, barnacle geese and arctic terns, while Alkefjellet’s cliffs are teeming with nesting Brunnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Always on the lookout for wildlife, be sure to have your camera ready to capture reindeer when you visit sites like Ny London, Sundneset and Alkhornet. Searching for the iconic polar bear is a constant activity for your Expedition Team. Phippspoya and Isbukta are two of the bears’ preferred places for hunting, which translates into great potential for you to view and capture them in action.
A big part of appreciating Spitsbergen comes from understanding the culture – not just how people live today, but also how this land was first explored. Whaling was a key industry, and you will see remains of outposts from the 16th century, plus other evidence of whaling at landing sites such as Smeerenburg.
Day 14 : Longyearbyen > Oslo, Norway
Your adventure ends in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, transfer to the airport for your group charter flight to Oslo (included in the Mandatory Transfer Package).
Important Reminder
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. When traveling 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 | |||
10 July, Ocean Adventurer | |||
Lower Deck Twin |
US$15,590 |
||
Main Deck Porthole |
US$17,290 |
||
Main Deck Window |
US$18,890 |
||
Superior |
US$20,590 |
||
Deluxe |
Sold Out |
||
Suite |
US$25,990 |
||
Please enquire for other cabin categories |
Special Offer
Save 25% in 2024!
Save 25% on the 10 July 2024 departure.
Plus:
• Save an additional 10% if you pay in full at the time of booking! This saving is deducted from the voyage price before any other discounts are applied.
The offer is valid on new bookings only and is subject to availability. Savings apply to the voyage fare only (exclusive of any mandatory transfer package).
Departs
2024 |
10 July |
Included
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
• All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board
• Beer and house wine during dinner
• All shore landings per the daily programme
• Leadership throughout the voyage by your experienced Expedition Leader
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily programme
• Formal and informal presentations by your Expedition Team and special guests as scheduled
• Photographic journal documenting the expedition
• Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
• Official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
• Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
• Complimentary reusable water bottle
• Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin
• Comprehensive onboard materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme
• All luggage handling aboard the ship
• Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person
Mandatory Transfer Package Includes:
• One night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Oslo airport hotel with breakfast
• Return charter flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen
• Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
Not Included
• International airfares
• Arrival and departure transfers in Oslo
• 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 flights
• Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
• Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
• Phone and Internet charges
• Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
• Additional overnight accommodation
• Any Adventure Options
Gratuity
• Gratuities are voluntary and can be given at the end of your cruise
• We recommend that you budget US$10 to US$15 per person per day, if you are pleased with the service on board
Important Notes
• Baggage allowance on charter flight is 20 kg checked and 5 kg carry-on
• Single cabin prices available on request
Please refer to World Journeys terms & conditions
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