Intro to Spitsbergen: Fjords, Glaciers and Wildlife of Svalbard
with Quark Expeditions
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$8,695
|
Days
10
|
Nights
9
|
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$8,695
|
Days
10
|
Nights
9
|
Introduction
This 10-day expedition is an exciting introductory journey to the remote Norwegian island.
This journey provides ample opportunities to witness walrus, reindeer, and that most iconic of Arctic denizens, the polar bear, in their natural habitat, while marveling at the surreal experience of continuous daylight. Explore the unique Arctic landscape, hike the vast and colorful tundra, learn about the history and geology of this remote wilderness, and join us on a gripping excursion to a faraway, unforgettable land. This , renowned for its stunning scenery and abundant, varied wildlife, is now available on two ships, each providing a distinct polar experience.
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.
Ultramarine: This ship offers more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ship its size, creating the perfect Arctic experience.
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 to 9 : 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, crescentshaped 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 Alkefjellet, 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 10 : 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 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.
Why travel to Spitsbergen?
Off Ship Adventures in the Polar Regions
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Pricing
Pricing (per person), USD
TYPE |
TWIN from |
SINGLE from |
EXTRA from |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | |||
Standard Cabins priced from: | |||
20 May, Ocean Adventurer |
US$8,695 |
– |
|
1 Jun, Ultramarine |
US$11,695 |
– |
|
7 Jun, Ocean Adventurer |
US$8,695 |
– |
|
19 Jun, Ultramarine |
US$11,995 |
– |
|
22 Jul, Ocean Adventurer |
US$8,695 |
– |
|
Mandatory Transfer Package |
US$995 |
Special Offer
Save up to 40%!
Save up to 40% 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 |
20 May, Ocean Adventurer |
1 Jun, Ultramarine |
7 Jun, Ocean Adventurer |
19 Jun, Ultramarine |
22 Jul, Ocean Adventurer |
Included
- Experienced Expedition Leaders throughout your voyage
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
- All shore landings as per the daily program
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices onboard throughout your voyage
- Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available 24/7
- Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team & guest speakers
- A photographic journal documenting the expedition
- A pair of waterproof boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
- An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- Emergency evacuation insurance up to US$500,000 per person
- Transfers between Longyearbyen town centre and port on embarkation and disembarkation day
Not Included
- Gratuities; recommended US$10 to US$15 per person per day
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions
- Laundry, bar, phone, internet, and other personal charges
- A mandatory transfer package (see price above) which includes: One night’s pre-expedition hotel night at a Helsinki airport hotel including breakfast; charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen; arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen; charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki
Important Notes
- Quark Expeditions pricing is dynamic and is therefore subject to change until the booking is confirmed
- Please enquire for pricing in specific cabin categories, including Triple and Single options
- Please also enquire to add-on sea kayaking and/or a paddling excursion
- A luggage restriction applies on the charter flights; no excess option is available
- This itinerary is renamed “Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway” in 2025
Please refer to World Journeys terms & conditions
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