Spitsbergen Highlights Expedition in Brief
Starting From:
$4,741 USDDuration:
7 daysOn this extraordinary journey, you will pack all the excitement of an epic Arctic cruise into just seven days, cruising through pack ice along the west coast of Spitsbergen, retracing the steps of explorers from centuries past. Though this rocky island is covered in mountains and glaciers, the towering cliffs and fjords play host to a thriving and diverse ecosystem. Exploring as much of the area as possible, you will enjoy maximum opportunities to spot, among other wildlife, the walrus with its long tusks and distinctive whiskers, the resilient and Arctic birds in all their varied majesty, and that most iconic of Arctic creatures, the polar bear.
As one of our most popular Arctic voyages, Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief is now available on two ships, each providing a distinct polar experience. Ultramarine, our new, game-changing polar vessel, can take you to remote destinations no other ships can reach. Aboard Ultramarine, explore Spitsbergen in brand new ways—taking advantage of the 20 quick-launching Zodiacs and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ship its size—to create the Arctic experience perfect for you. Ocean Adventurer, a passenger and staff favorite, is much loved for its intimate onboard ambiance that enables guests to connect with other travelers and members of the expedition team
![Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief](/sites/default/files/styles/qrk_fpsc_1152x648/public/2022-08/Spitsbergen-Highlights--Expedition-in-Brief.jpg?h=d1ee6398&itok=M7xvkcuQ)
View iconic Arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and reindeer
Enjoy all the adventure of an Arctic expedition in a week
Cruise in a Zodiac to explore glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more
Hike the colorful tundra
Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures
Available Itinerary
Our portfolio of immersive itineraries allows you to choose where—and how—you’d like to explore the Arctic with the best expedition team in the Polar Regions.
- Departing From:
- Helsinki, Finland
- Starting From:
- $4,741 USD* Per person(Incl. Transfer Package)
- Duration:
- 7 Days
- Ships:
- Ocean Adventurer
![Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief](/sites/default/files/styles/qrk_s_510w/public/2022-11/SpitsbergenHighlights_ARC24_Map.png?itok=0GHTqCA8)
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.
This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement.
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 Krossfjorden, have your camera handy, ready to capture some of the best glacier calving in Spitsbergen. Deep in the fjord, the highly active Lilliehöök 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, might be possible here.
After cruising overnight, wake up to the stunning sight of the magnificent Monaco Glacier, another prolific iceberg producing glacier. 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 Alicehamna.
At Smeerenburg you can see the remains of an abandoned settlement that was established by Dutch whalers nearly 400 years ago. Here, at what was once one of Europe’s most northerly outposts, you’ll have time to explore ashore and learn about Spitsbergen’s whaling history. Afterwards, cruising to Magdalenefjorden rewards you with panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers reflected in the crystal-clear waters.
We hope to round out the day in Alkhornet, taking in the towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds, such as fulmars and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Encounters with reindeer are possible here too. Later, in the evening, swap stories with your shipmates and crew one last time, at the captain’s farewell dinner.
The time to say goodbye has come. Your 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, included in the transfer package.
- 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.)
- Select 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
- Transfers between Longyearbyen town center and port on embarkation and disembarkation day
- 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 and domestic 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
All we need is a little bit of information about your travel preferences and one of our Polar Travel Advisors will be in touch.
![Photo Provided by Quark Traveller](/sites/default/files/styles/cta_image_block_llg_800x400/public/expedition-images/greelandichouses.jpg?h=517ab953&itok=n4EpJrq-)
Your Ships
Ocean Adventurer
Ice Class
1A
Cruising Speed
12 knots
in open water
Guests
128
Staff and Crew
87
The Lower Deck Twin cabins feature two lower berths, private facilities (including storage space and heated towel rack), as well as a porthole with exterior views.
- Lower Deck Twin
Guests who book the Main Deck Twin Window, Main Deck Twin Porthole and Triple suites have the advantage of easy access to the gym, which is also located on the Main Deck. Guests on the Main Deck also have direct access to the Zodiac Boarding Rooms, their starting point for exciting off-ship Adventure Options.
- Main Deck Twin Window
- Main Deck Twin Porthole
- Triple
Interacting with fellow guests, crew and members of the Expedition Team is integral to life onboard a polar vessel. Lots of socializing takes place on the Upper Deck of Ocean Adventurer. The Main Lounge, a theatre-style auditorium on the Upper Deck, is large enough to accommodate everyone onboard the vessel. It serves as the main lecture hall where you’ll attend expert presentations and films. The Captain’s Welcome and daily briefings also take place in the Main Lounge, which offers a full-service bar. At the opposite end of the ship is the Main Restaurant and the smaller, more intimate Clipper Club dining room. The Polar Boutique—full of lots of souvenirs and outdoor gear—is conveniently located on this floor, near the Reception. Superior Suites are on the Upper Deck.
- Superior
The well-appointed Deluxe Suite (two berths) and Suite (double bed), both of which have exterior-view windows, are located on the Captain’s Deck as is the ever popular Polar Library. Open 24-hours daily, the library contains polar books, reference and general reading materials in multiple languages, covering subjects such as wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology and geology. Guests can also choose from a selection of games. The Clinic is just adjacent to the Polar Library.
- Suite
- Deluxe
- Superior
Guests may be granted access to the Bridge, where they can observe how the Captain and officers sail and navigate the vessel. Also on this deck are the Owner's Suites, which are furnished with a double bed and private sitting room, as well as a large panoramic window (facing aft, port or starboard depending on the specific suite).
- Owner's Suite
For clear views of your polar surroundings, you’ll want to spend time on the Observation Deck. Bring your camera and binoculars. Passing wildlife, as well as ice-laden landscapes, are frequently observed from the Observation Deck.
Possible Excursions
Departure Dates and Cabins
Sorry, there are no current departure dates for this expedition.
All we need is a little bit of information about your travel preferences and one of our Polar Travel Advisors will be in touch.
![Photo Provided by Quark Traveller](/sites/default/files/styles/cta_image_block_llg_800x400/public/expedition-images/greelandichouses.jpg?h=517ab953&itok=n4EpJrq-)