Spitsbergen Explorer: Ultramarine

Svalbard

If there is such a thing as a “classic Arctic” expedition cruise, this is it. You’ll get all the best of Spitsbergen, by exploring the western edge of the island and venturing to some northern outlying areas home to polar bears and Walrus. You’ll come across colonies of seabirds numbering into the thousands and watch for whales in the water. Packed with options for snowshoeing and sea-kayaking, this is the perfect expedition for exploring the “wildlife capital of the Arctic"

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Unique Arctic wildlife – Polar bears, walrus, reindeer
Exploring the Polar desert
Continuous daylight
Tundra hiking
Zodiac cruising
Optional kayak adventure on select expeditions

Half Price Sale

Discounted 2024 sale prices as shown - in addition, receive USD 250 Shipboard Credit - contact us for details!

Stewart's Take

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

Overview

If there is such a thing as a “classic Arctic” expedition cruise, this is it. You’ll get all the best of Spitsbergen, by exploring the western edge of the island and venturing to some northern outlying areas home to polar bears and Walrus. You’ll come across colonies of seabirds numbering into the thousands and watch for whales in the water. Packed with options for snowshoeing and sea-kayaking, this is the perfect expedition for exploring the “wildlife capital of the Arctic".

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 — Embarkation Day in Longyearbyen, Svalbard 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 your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from icy waters. Days 3 to 11 — Exploring Spitsbergen Explore western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. From polar deserts to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife. As you cruise around this magical island located above the Arctic Circle, your Expedition Team will constantly be searching for wildlife. Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so we have no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsøya, Alkhornet and the Hinlopen Strait. The destinations visited will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing with an appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen. Day 12 — Disembark in Longyearbyen & fly to Oslo The time to say goodbye has come. Your arctic adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki. MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE: The transfer package is extra and includes: - One night’s pre-expedition hotel night, with breakfast - Charter flight to Longyearbyen - Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen - Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki PACKAGE PRICE: $995 USD Note Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. When travelling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. The above is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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Luxury Expedition Vessel: Ultramarine

The newest ship in Quark's fleet, Ultramarine, is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer. This outstanding vessel offers the widest range of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards. With all this and more, Ultramarine is set to give you the ultimate polar expedition experience!

For full information about this vessel click here:

Included

Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks on board throughout your voyage
All shore landings per the daily program
Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader
A daily program of lectures by noted naturalists
All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and Special
Guests as scheduled
Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin
Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative
Arctic Reader
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard ship
Arrival transfer from Longyearbyen airport to your hotel if you arrive one day prior to embarkation
On embarkation day transfer from your hotel or Longyearbyen airport to the ship
On disembarkation day group transfer from the ship to airport or local designated drop-off location
Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person

Excluded

Mandatory Transfer Package from Oslo
Arrival and departure transfers in Oslo
International airfare
Passport and any applicable visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel
Baggage, cancellation, interruption, and medical travel insurance
Excess baggage charges
Laundry and other personal charges
Telecommunications charges
The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
Any overnight accommodation required due to flight connections
Optional sea-kayaking activities

Rates and Share Bookings Prices shown are per person on a shared basis. If you are travelling alone and wish to share, you will be matched 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). Deposit Reservations require a deposit of 25% 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 made within 90 days of departure require 100% payment. Final Payment Balances are due 90 days prior to departure and may be paid by bank transfer. Cancellation All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online.

Cancellations received 120 days or more prior to departure, are refundable less an administrative fee of US$500/€450/AUD650/GBP400/SEK5500 per person.
If cancellation is received between 119 days and 90 days, the deposit is forfeited.
If cancellation occurs between 89 days and 60 days prior to departure, the cancellation fee is 75% of the expedition cost.
If cancellation occurs between 59 days and departure, the cancellation fee is 100% of the expedition cost.

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. Flexible Cancellation Fees! All cancellation Fees are eligible to be applied to a future voyage booked within 1 year of cancellation date. No surcharges - ever. For peace of mind, the shipping company will not apply fuel or any other surcharges—for any reason—to a booking once it’s confirmed. The price you book, is the price you pay. 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.

Tour Dossier

Spitsbergen Explorer: Ultramarine

Wildlife Capital of the Arctic... this comprehensive small ship expedition aboard the Ultramarine gives you a comprehensive Svalbard experience

File Creation date: 2024-04-19 - for updated information and dates and prices see the following page:
http://expeditionsonline.com/tour/spitsbergen-explorer-ultramarine_375