Svalbard Explorer: Ocean Explorer

Svalbard

This expedition provides a taste of everything Spitsbergen has to offer, starting with its largest settlement, Longyearbyen. The largest island of the Svalbard archipelago is known as the “wildlife capital of the Arctic”. A key focus will be to seek out the abundant wildlife that resides here, including walrus, reindeer, and that most iconic of Arctic denizens, the polar bear, in their natural habitat, while marvelling at the surreal experience of continuous daylight. Explore the unique Arctic landscape, hike the colourful tundra, learn about the history and geology of this remote wilderness

Unique Arctic wildlife – polar bears, walrus, reindeer
Continuous daylight
Tundra hiking
Zodiac cruising
Optional kayak adventure on selected expeditions

An exciting introductory journey to the remote Norwegian island, renowned for its stunning scenery and abundant, varied wildlife, takes you to remote destinations most other ships can’t reach.

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Stewart's Take

A 10 night Svalbard expedition allowing plenty of time to explore the absolute jewel of the High Arctic!

Overview

This expedition provides a taste of everything Spitsbergen has to offer, starting with its largest settlement, Longyearbyen. The largest island of the Svalbard archipelago is known as the “wildlife capital of the Arctic”. A key focus will be to seek out the abundant wildlife that resides here, including walrus, reindeer, and that most iconic of Arctic denizens, the polar bear, in their natural habitat, while marvelling at the surreal experience of continuous daylight. Explore the unique Arctic landscape, hike the colourful tundra, learn about the history and geology of this remote wilderness.

Day 1 - Arrive in Helsinki, Finland 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. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters. Days 3 to 9 (0r 11) - Exploring Spitsbergen You’ll cruise around this magical island on a constant search for wildlife. Your expedition will cover western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjordsto the north. From polar flora to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife. Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so there is no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet and the Hinlopen Strait. The destinations visited will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing with an appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen. The island offers multiple opportunities for wildlife photography. Since most of Svalbard’s Arctic ecosystem is uninhabited and well-protected, this remote archipelago is one of the world’s best places to spot polar bears against stunning natural backdrops of mountains and ice. The towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide homes to thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won’t soon forget. Get a chance to witness the intimate gatherings of giant pinnipeds as they haul out together on small coastal strips. If you’re itching to experience a more intimate view from the water, you can book the sea kayaking or paddling excursion adventure options. In Spitsbergen, there is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra can be surprisingly colorful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day, you’ll see something interesting, whether it is an ever-changing gallery of spectacular icebergs, a polar bear resting between hunts, oran abandoned historical site from centuries ago. Day 10 (or 12) - Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki The time to say goodbye to your Expedition Team and shipmates has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the historic frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package.

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Luxury expedition Vessel: Ocean Explorer

Ocean Explorer, is state-of-the-art, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. This 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology, including the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to its inverted bow. Located at the bow is also the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship. Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design and almost all have verandas. Guests can relax and find comfort in the spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis. Ocean Explorer features ample outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs that enable guests to get off the ship quickly and safely for off-ship adventures. In addition to the well-appointed and spacious public areas, Ocean Explorer has an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems, including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines..

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Included

Leadership throughout your voyage by experienced Expedition Leaders
All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
All shore landings per the daily program
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
A photographic journal documenting the expedition
Waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
An expedition 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 to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
Transfers between Longyearbyen town center and port on embarkation and disembarkation day
Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data intensive applications.)

Excluded

International airfare
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 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)
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities

Rates and Share Bookings Prices shown are per person in US Dollars on a shared basis. We can on request also quote for you in Euros, British Pounds, Australian Dollars or Swedish Crowns. If you are travelling alone and wish to share, we can match you with someone of the same gender at share rate. If desired, Single occupancy is available at 1.7 times the twin share rate for standard cabins (or twice the share rate for premium cabins or suites). Deposits Reservations require a deposit of 20% (minimum $1000 per person) at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 90 days of departure require full payment. Final Payments Balances are due 90 days prior to departure and may be paid by bank transfer. Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received 365 days or more prior to departure, are refundable less an administrative fee of US$300/€250/AUD400/GBP250/SEK2750 per person - or a US$400/€350/AUD550/GBP350/SEK3750 per person for future travel credit within the next twelve (12) months of date of cancelled voyage. If cancellation is received between 364 days and 91 days, the deposit is forfeited. If cancellation occurs 90 days or less prior to departure, all payments are forfeited. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply, and any unpaid balance is due immediately. To protect your investment, we highly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. Booking Terms Please read carefully the Terms and Conditions for Expeditions Online (link at the bottom of this page). This voyage is operated by Quark Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.