HIGHLIGHTS
- Search
for iconic arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and reindeer
- Explore
the wildlife haven of Spitsbergen, the volcanic Jan Mayen and the
breathtaking Greenlandic fjord system all in one trip
- Visit
a remote Inuit community
- Cruise
in a Zodiac to explore glaciers, icebergs and more
- Immerse
yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking
adventures
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Triple | Lower Deck Twin | Main Deck Twin Porthole | Main Deck Twin Window | Superior | Deluxe | Suite | Owner's Suite |
|---|
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:Package
Cost: USD 695 per person
- One
night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Helsinki airport hotel,
with breakfast.
- Charter
flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
- Arrival
transfer in Longyearbyen
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Triple | (Mid-range)
Superior | (High-end)
Owner's Suite |
|---|
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:Package
Cost: USD 695 per person
- One
night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Helsinki airport hotel,
with breakfast.
- Charter
flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
- Arrival
transfer in Longyearbyen
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 & Embark
This
morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private
charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen's largest settlement, as
part of the transfer package. As you embark this afternoon, you'll hope
to enjoy great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a
backdrop for this seaside town.
Days
3 to 6: Exploring Spitsbergen
Exploring
Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago,
rewards you with austere beauty and opportunities to spot its abundant
wildlife. Here, you'll visit spectacular glacier fronts and tundra in
full bloom, with walrus, polar bears and Svalbard reindeer amongst your
possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see Arctic
terns, skuas, Brünnich's guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes
and ivory gulls. If conditions permit, you could sail within 10 degrees
of the North Pole!
Days
7 and 8: Cruising
While
sailing south through the historic Greenland Sea toward Jan Mayen, your
Expedition Team will keep you informed with presentations about the
history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology,
ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore.
On deck, you'll learn to identify seabirds “on the
wing.” The team will also keep a lookout for the whales that
frequent the waters here.
Days
9 and 10: Exploring Jan Mayen
North
of the Arctic Circle, about 280 miles (450 km) east of Greenland and
340 miles (550 km) north of Iceland, the mysterious Jan Mayen rises
from the depths of the North Atlantic. Often shrouded in thick fog, the
small mountainous island was declared a nature reserve in 2010 and is
rarely visited, save for the 18 rotating personnel of the Norwegian
military and Norwegian Meteorological Institute, who are the only
inhabitants.
Landing
here will be dictated by the weather and sea. If conditions allow, as
we approach, keep watch on deck as the spoon-shaped island's highest
summit emerges. At 7,470 feet (2,277 meters) high, the breathtaking
Beerenberg volcano features a symmetrical cone shape and impressive
glaciers that spill into the sea.
If
we're fortunate, we may get a close- up view of the volcano and the
stratified cliffs of the spectacular north coast as we Zodiac cruise
along the coast of the island, searching for wildlife. Designated an
Important Bird Area by BirdLife International for the large numbers of
breeding seabirds, Jan Mayen supports colonies of northern fulmars,
little auks, glaucous gulls, kittiwakes, and black and
Brünnich's guillemots (thick-billed murres).
Days
11 to 15: Exploring Scoresby Sund, Greenland
Your
tour of Scoresby Sund—the largest, deepest and, some say,
most beautiful multi-armed fjord system in the world— will
offer plenty of opportunities to explore ashore or by Zodiac cruise.
At
one moment you'll be stepping back in time, exploring the remains of
ancient Thule settlements with views of icebergs and towering mountains
rising straight out of the sea, and the next you'll be immersed in
contemporary culture, meeting the locals and gaining an appreciation
for their way of life in Ittoqqortoormiit, East Greenland's
northernmost community. At the mouth of the sound, this remote
settlement boasts a blend of traditional and modern lifestyles and is
geographically closer to Iceland than it is to its nearest Greenlandic
neighbors to the southwest. Here, you'll have the chance to support
local Inuit artisans by purchasing unique handicrafts.
In
terms of wildlife, grazing muskoxen are a possible sight, as 40 percent
of the world's muskoxen population lives in this region. Polar bear
sightings are also a remote possibility, as are encounters with more
elusive Arctic wildlife, such as the Arctic hare. Seabirds to watch out
for nesting atop the steep cliffs of the sound include little auks,
fulmars and guillemots.
Days
16 and 17: Cruising
As
we sail south, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Iceland. Take
in a presentation, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or
watch a film— there are many things to do during your time at
sea. Your Expedition Team will also be on hand to answer any questions
and point out wildlife.
Day
18: Depart Reykjavik, Iceland
You'll
disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, at the end of your journey.
If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer
to a central downtown location.
Ocean Adventurer (Expedition, 132-guests)
The new and improved Ocean Adventurer is designed to carry 132 travelers in comfort to the most remote corners of the world. Originally built in Yugoslavia in 1976, this nimble, ice-strengthened ship has become a passenger favourite over the years and underwent refurbishments in 1999 and 2002 with the most significant being in 2017. It is a recipient of the 2017 Travel Weekly Magellan Award for Overall Small Cruise Ship (500 passengers or under).
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Leadership
throughout your voyage by our 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
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.)
- Beer
and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the
clock
- Formal
and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as
scheduled
- 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 to a maximum benefit of USD
$500,000 per person
- Transfer
from Longyearbyen town center to port on embarkation day
- Group
transfer to downtown Reykjavik on disembarkation day
- Greenland
voyages cruise passenger tax
Rates above do not include the following:
- Mandatory
Transfer Package*
- International
airfare
- Arrival
transfer in Oslo
- Airport
transfer in Reykjavik
- 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
- Adventure
Options not listed in Included Activities
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking:
USD 695
- Paddling:
USD 195
