Arctic
Svalbard
Arctic
Arctic
Explore the Arctic as it comes fully alive in midsummer. Discover landscapes covered in wildflowers and spot polar bears, walruses, and Arctic foxes under the midnight sun, combining scenic tundra hikes with thrilling Zodiac cruising.
Starts: Helsinki, Finland
Ends: Helsinki, Finland
Language: English speaking voyage
The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.
Charter Flights More info about this activity
In departures with charter flights, part of the air transport segment is covered by the operation of the trip as part of the itinerary.
Check in the inclusions and exclusions of the program which air sections are included in your itinerary.
Polar Plunge More info about this activity
The ultimate icy challenge! The Polar Plunge is a classic rite of passage for every explorer, it is a heart-pumping experience that earns you a badge of courage and unforgettable memories.
Ship Cruise More info about this activity
Not only we travel from one point to another and find our shelter on board the ship we chose. We also enjoy from incredible scenery, landscapes and interactions that only our noble vessel can provide.
Everyday the Bridge Team navigates the ship to position ourselves on the best posible spots, looking for unique opportunities.
Many times, this includes sainig through narrow passages, on the vicinity of glaciers or entering bays and fjords only approachable from the ship.
Enjoy this incredible places from the comfort of the common areas on board, open decks or your own private balcony!
Shore Excursion More info about this activity
Shore excursions are the backbone of almost all itineraries, with most ships making landfall at least once every day once they reach their destination. The weather plays a huge role in your daily itinerary, although given the sheer array of fantastic landing sites all over there are plenty of options your Captain and Expedition Leader can choose from. On-shore excursions allow you to visit scientific research stations, communities, prominent wildlife colonies and take hikes to elevated viewing points for fantastic photography.
Photo Workshop More info about this activity
The photography workshops are composed of onboard lectures and practical activities led by dedicated expedition guide. Each session is meant to give you additional skills you can put into immediate practice out in nature.
You'll become more familiar with your own camera equipment while also learning best practices for taking pictures of moving wildlife and wide-open terrain in typical polar conditions, such as dim lighting and falling snow.
Zodiac cruising More info about this activity
On board the Zodiac you will discover a world of possibilities; accessing the most exclusive landing sites, cruising the coast in search of wildlife or simply enjoying a tour in the calm of the polar regions in search of marine wildlife or bird colonies.
The blue ice an its intimate presence is experienced at its best on zodiac tours.
It is not uncommon to meet curious seals, or humpback whales feeding.
Enrichment Program More info about this activity
Expedition cruising must be one of the most incredible ways of travelling. Not only for the amazing places you visit and the unforgetable wildlife but for the wildlife, the sensory overload and the unimaginable memories.
But all of this needs a context in order to understand where you are and what you are experiencing.
On board your expedition vessell you will find a group of experts, naturalists, zodiac drivers and guides that that will translate the language of nature for you, telling you the stories of the places you are visiting, reviewing the historical, biological, ecological and geological aspects of your trips.
You will experience first hand what surrounds you and arrive back home wiser and loaded with new knowledge.
Citizen Science More info about this activity
There’s important work being done every day, at some of the most renowned climate research facilities around the world, to record and study the incredible changes happening in remote places like Antarctica and th Arctic. As you might imagine, gathering critical on-site data on a regular basis would be a virtually impossible task for these groups. So we do it for them, in partnership with different research facilities.
If you’d like to get a first-hand look at how climate change is impacting our birds, sea life, glaciers, oceans, and weather patterns, and help scientists better understand our evolving planet, you’re welcome to join our Citizen Science program. And don’t let the word “science” scare you. We make it informative, interactive, and fun.
Hiking More info about this activity
Hiking options include very easy beach hikes (good for photographers who need time for photography), easier short hikes, medium-difficulty extended hikes, and more challenging long hikes.
Photo Workshop More info about this activity
The photography workshops are composed of onboard lectures and practical activities led by dedicated expedition guide. Each session is meant to give you additional skills you can put into immediate practice out in nature.
You'll become more familiar with your own camera equipment while also learning best practices for taking pictures of moving wildlife and wide-open terrain in typical polar conditions, such as dim lighting and falling snow.
Kayaking More info about this activity
The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica or the Arctic is guaranteed to stir your soul.
Sea kayaking is one of the highlights for any Polar Traveller, providing ice and weather conditions are assessed as safe by your Expedition Team.
This activity requires previous kayaking experience.
Paddling More info about this activity
Paddle Excursion Program provides sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayaks that provide guests with an intimate, water-level experience in unforgettable locations in both the Arctic and Antarctica. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the polar regions from a different perspective. On-ship, you'll be provided with instruction and equipment including dry suits, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and waterproof gloves. Experienced guides will lead you safely throughout the paddling excursion. Your group will always be escorted by a safety driver in another kayak who will stay close by to provide additional support.
Our 11-day Svalbard in Summer: Tundra, Whales and the Midnight Sun is a rare chance to explore the Arctic as it comes fully alive when plant life and wildflowers are at their maximum numbers. It’s also possible during the Arctic summer to observe polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, and potentially belugas. With warmer temperatures, endless daylight, and snow cover receding, you’ll have plenty of chances to explore onshore by foot and by Zodiac to completely immerse yourself in the Arctic environment.
Explore Svalbard on ice-class polar vessels that allow navigation through breathtaking fjord systems and spectacular mountains rising directly from the sea. As the summer warms and sea ice recedes, glaciers come alive, calving ice into the sea with thunderous force. Wildlife is more often spotted in the water, along shorelines, or gathered in bustling bird colonies clinging to the cliffs. This expedition offers a complete immersion into the fleeting transformation of the High Arctic landscape under the midnight sun.
Highlights:
Spot iconic Arctic wildlife— walruses, reindeer, Arctic foxes, and the elusive polar bear
Hike the tundra
Witness tens of thousands of cliff-dwelling birds
Spot baleen whales
Zodiac cruise tidewater glaciers
Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
Arrive and stay in the Finnish capital
Arrive in the Finnish capital and make your way to the group hotel located right at Helsinki airport—included in your Charter Flight & Hotel Package. You will have the rest of the day to explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District. If you do plan to visit Helsinki city center, take advantage of the convenient 40-minute rail service from the airport.
Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and Embark
The journey to the High Arctic truly begins
After breakfast, the group will transfer to the Helsinki airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, part of your Charter Flight & Hotel Package. Our journey to the High Arctic now truly begins. You will see the coastal and birch forests of southern Scandinavia give way to taiga and tundra environments, the mountains of Norway and northern Sweden, and the convergence of the Norwegian and Barents seas. Approaching Svalbard, you may get your first views of a pure, snow-capped wilderness, complete with ridgelines, glaciers, and perhaps even sea ice in the distance. We land in Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s largest settlement, and transfer to the harbor where we will embark on our ship.
Day 3 to 9: Summer in the Svalbard Wilderness
Deep exploration under the midnight sun
Svalbard is a true Arctic environment, but with the arrival of summer, the archipelago bursts to life as countless migratory species settle in to take advantage of the season’s endless daylight and abundant food. Chief among Svalbard’s summer migrants are seabirds, waterfowl, and other birds, joined by marine visitors such as baleen whales—including the mighty blue whale—foraging in the rich Arctic waters. Under the midnight sun, plant life also flourishes with hundreds of plant, lichen, and moss species replacing snow and ice with splashes of color. Open water offers greater access to the archipelago’s northern and eastern reaches. If we do encounter ice, we’ll pause to explore it. Wildlife is often spotted in the water, along shorelines, or gathered in bustling bird colonies on the cliffs, where little auks, guillemots, and puffins nest in rocky crevices. Summer offers the chance to step ashore and walk on bare ground. We may hike into foothills, valleys, and Arctic beaches shared with polar bears, whose paw prints in sand or mud tell their story. You might also spot driftwood carried by Arctic currents from Siberia and see reindeer foraging on the bountiful summer plant life. With seven full expedition days, our journey will be shaped daily by sea ice conditions. Potential destinations include the spectacular fjord systems of Hornsund, Bellsund, Isfjorden, Krossfjorden, Smeerenburgfjorden, Raudfjorden, Woodfjorden, Sorgfjorden, and others, where glaciers spill from the highlands to the water’s edge.
Day 10: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen and Charter Flight to Helsinki
End of the cruise and return to Finland
The time to say goodbye has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your charter flight to Helsinki, and group hotel night. Both are included in your Charter Flight & Hotel Package.
Day 11: Depart Helsinki
Heading home or individual extensions
After breakfast at your included hotel, make your way independently to the Helsinki airport for your onward flight home, or spend more time exploring the Finnish capital as prearranged.
Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
Arrive and stay in the Finnish capital
Arrive in the Finnish capital and make your way to the group hotel located right at Helsinki airport—included in your Charter Flight & Hotel Package. You will have the rest of the day to explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District. If you do plan to visit Helsinki city center, take advantage of the convenient 40-minute rail service from the airport.
Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and Embark
The journey to the High Arctic truly begins
After breakfast, the group will transfer to the Helsinki airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, part of your Charter Flight & Hotel Package. Our journey to the High Arctic now truly begins. You will see the coastal and birch forests of southern Scandinavia give way to taiga and tundra environments, the mountains of Norway and northern Sweden, and the convergence of the Norwegian and Barents seas. Approaching Svalbard, you may get your first views of a pure, snow-capped wilderness, complete with ridgelines, glaciers, and perhaps even sea ice in the distance. We land in Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s largest settlement, and transfer to the harbor where we will embark on our ship.
Day 3 to 9: Summer in the Svalbard Wilderness
Deep exploration under the midnight sun
Svalbard is a true Arctic environment, but with the arrival of summer, the archipelago bursts to life as countless migratory species settle in to take advantage of the season’s endless daylight and abundant food. Chief among Svalbard’s summer migrants are seabirds, waterfowl, and other birds, joined by marine visitors such as baleen whales—including the mighty blue whale—foraging in the rich Arctic waters. Under the midnight sun, plant life also flourishes with hundreds of plant, lichen, and moss species replacing snow and ice with splashes of color. Open water offers greater access to the archipelago’s northern and eastern reaches. If we do encounter ice, we’ll pause to explore it. Wildlife is often spotted in the water, along shorelines, or gathered in bustling bird colonies on the cliffs, where little auks, guillemots, and puffins nest in rocky crevices. Summer offers the chance to step ashore and walk on bare ground. We may hike into foothills, valleys, and Arctic beaches shared with polar bears, whose paw prints in sand or mud tell their story. You might also spot driftwood carried by Arctic currents from Siberia and see reindeer foraging on the bountiful summer plant life. With seven full expedition days, our journey will be shaped daily by sea ice conditions. Potential destinations include the spectacular fjord systems of Hornsund, Bellsund, Isfjorden, Krossfjorden, Smeerenburgfjorden, Raudfjorden, Woodfjorden, Sorgfjorden, and others, where glaciers spill from the highlands to the water’s edge.
Day 10: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen and Charter Flight to Helsinki
End of the cruise and return to Finland
The time to say goodbye has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your charter flight to Helsinki, and group hotel night. Both are included in your Charter Flight & Hotel Package.
Day 11: Depart Helsinki
Heading home or individual extensions
After breakfast at your included hotel, make your way independently to the Helsinki airport for your onward flight home, or spend more time exploring the Finnish capital as prearranged.
INCLUSIONS
An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
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 on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible.)
Complimentary select beer, wines and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
Complimentary 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
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
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.) Note: Internet access in the polar regions is subject to geography, climate, and other factors beyond our control
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship
Transfers between Longyearbyen town center, port, and airport on embarkation and disembarkation day
EXCLUSIONS
Charter Flight & Hotel Package(when applicable – please review trip-specific details below)
International airfare
Arrival and departure transfers
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, spa and other personal charges unless specified
Phone charges 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
Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2). This suite is perfect for guests traveling solo who want to share their experience with other like-minded travelers of the same gender, or for groups of three traveling together. Featuring three separate single beds, and amenities for each of the three guests.
Features: three single beds (two of which can be combined into a double bed), sitting area, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2). These suites are perfect for people traveling together or solo guests looking to share with like-minded individuals. This suite maximizes interior living space while still offering guests the opportunity to stay connected to the outdoors. Our entry-level twin suites are the largest available on a ship of this class.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
Located on Decks 4 and 6, with approximately 226 sq. ft. (21 m2) of indoor living space, and a 52 sq. ft. (4.8 m2) balcony, this entry-level balcony suite is one of the largest available on a ship of this class. This suite is perfect for guests who are looking for both indoor and outdoor living spaces. There are four connecting suites in this category, making this an excellent option for families or groups wanting to stay connected to each other during their expedition.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Located on Deck 6, and approximately 132 sq. ft. (12.3 m2). This suite is perfect for solo guests who appreciate privacy and want to wake up to sweeping views from the comfort of their bed. These are the only solo suites with floor-to-ceiling windows available onboard any ship in its class.
Features: single bed, floor-to-ceiling window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Located on Decks 4 and 6, with approximately 299 sq. ft. (27.8 m2) of indoor living space, and a 70 sq. ft. (6.5 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting a larger living space, full bathroom, and a substantial balcony. Deluxe Balcony Suites are the first suite type to offer additional privacy in the bathroom with an enclosed toilet, a full bath and shower to make it easier for guests to get ready together in the morning.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 350 sq. ft. (32.5 m2) of indoor living space, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting generous interiors with a wide layout and the largest balconies on the ship. Centrally located on Deck 6, guests will enjoy minimal movement and motion from the comfort of these suites.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private extra-wide balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
The only suite category to be located on Deck 7, with approximately 369 sq. ft. (34.3 m2) of indoor living space, and a 67 sq. ft. (6.2 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting to wake up to unobstructed polar views from the warmth and comfort of their bed onboard the ship. These suites offer the best of everything—views, spacious interiors, full bathrooms and generous balcony sizes—as well as easy access to the wellness centre.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 446 sq. ft. (41.4 m2) of indoor living space and a 46.3 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want it all. A large, luxurious suite featuring a private bedroom, full bathroom, powder room, and two separate living spaces. This suite is perfect for families or couples who want all the comforts of home onboard the ship.
Features: one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 563 sq. ft. (52.3m2) of interior living space, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want to travel without compromise. Our largest and most luxurious suite features the most sleeping, entertainment and storage space onboard the ship. It is perfect for families or travelers who want all the comforts of home onboard the ship.
Features: one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room
Size: 296 – 299
Occupancy: 1 to 3 guests
Bed Configuration: Three twin beds
Class: Standard
Location: Deck 6
Enjoy privacy and elegance at the front of the ship where guests are treated to sweeping views from their private veranda.
Size (sqf): 168-195
Occupancy: 1-2
Bed Config: One double bed made up of two twin berths
Located throughout the ship and approximately 208 sq. f. (19.3 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art infotainment system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 do not have the club chairs and a reading table.
Size (sqf): 173-272
Occupancy: 1-2
Bed Config: One double bed made up of two twin berths
Class: Standard
Location: Deck 4, 6, 7,
Near the center of the ship on Deck 6, this stateroom offers easy access to the lounge, dining room and a private veranda.
Size (sqf): 200-205
Occupancy: 1-2
Bed Config: One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed
Class: Standard
Location: Deck 4, 6
Designed for one. These cabins are located on Deck 3 and approximately 177 sq. ft. (16.5 sq. m,) in size, with one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"infotainment\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor..
Size (sqf): 177
Occupancy: 1
Bed Config: One double bed made up of two twin berths
Class: Standard
Location: Deck 3
The decor and layout of this stately suite will amaze. The private veranda, convenient Deck 6 location, plus proximity to the lounge and downstairs dining room are equally impressive.
Size (sqf): 296-299
Occupancy: 1-2
Bed Config: Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed
Class: Premium
Location: Deck 6
This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 269 sq. f (25.0 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom.and the outer sitting area is furnished with a sofa-bed. Walk-out from either room to a double sized balcony . There are also 2 TVs, state of the art infotainment system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. And an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.
Size (sqf): 269
Occupancy: 1-2
Bed Config: Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed
Class: Premium
Location: Deck 7
Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 162 sq. f. (15.1 sq. m.). It has one twin bed with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'infotainment\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Size (sqf): 238
Occupancy: 1
Bed Config: One twin single
Class: Premium
Location: Deck 7
This palatial, airy apartment offers stunning views from its large private veranda on the highest cabin level. The luxurious suite features a large master bedroom, living room and dining area and two large master bathrooms, among other amenities.
Size (sqf): 443
Occupancy: 1-2
Bed Config: Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed
Class: Premium
Location: Deck 7
* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff 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.
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