Introduction to Spitsbergen: Polar Bear Safari Cruise
- Duration
- 10 Days
- Prices:
- On request
DELUXE | CRUISE: Spend 9 spectacular days on board a comfortable ship, which travels to amazing fjords, glaciers and inlets around Spitsbergen allowing for exceptional wildlife viewing as well as an abundance of bird life. And you are guaranteed to view polar bears in their natural habitat.
Spend 10 spectacular days on board a comfortable ship, which travels to amazing fjords, glaciers and inlets around Spitsbergen allowing for exceptional wildlife viewing as well as an abundance of bird life. And you are guaranteed to view polar bears in their natural habitat.
See the sidebar on the left, for full ship information.
Discover the natural scenic beauty of the island of Spitsbergen on this 10 day on board ship experience. Spitsbergen is Norway’s largest island located due north of the country in the Arctic region. Originally it was used as a whaling base but no longer. The dramatic scenery consists of many glaciers, mountains and fjords. Indigenous animal life here includes arctic fox, reindeer and polar bears.
Board your ship in the capital, Longyearbyen, the island’s largest settlement. During your time on board, there is no set itinerary as each expedition depends on opportunities. You will visit 14th July Glacier which teems with bird life, the settlement of Smeerenburg surrounded by fjords, tall glacier fronts and steep, rugged mountains, Alkefjellet, a bird cliff facing towards the Hinlopen Strait which is 50 kilometres/31 miles long and 10 to 60 kilometres/6 to 37 miles wide. Also visit the coastline of Hornsund with its diversified number of bays at the mouths of mountainous glacial valleys and Poolepynton for whale viewing. Apart from an appreciation of the wildlife, polar bear viewing is guaranteed.
You can sea-kayak if desired to more isolated areas of Spitsbergen and which is highly recommended. There is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra is alive with surprisingly colourful flowers in the summer. Each day on this cruise brings something new.
- Duration
- 10 Days
- Prices:
- On request
Itinerary View Trip Map
Oslo, Norway
Your Arctic voyage begins in Oslo, Norway's vibrant capital city. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and green spaces to keep you busy before retiring at your included airport hotel.
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Embarkation
Your Spitsbergen adventure cruise begins when you board your ship in Longyearbyen, the island's largest settlement. As you embark, you will get great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop to this seaside settlement.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 Nights |
| Accommodation |
World Explorer |
| Location | View map |
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World Explorer
Distinct and comfortable, refined and roomy - these attributes and more describe World Explorer. Not only will it be among the fastest ships, it will also be one of the finest, with six tiers of deluxe accommodation. The ship will feature optimized fuel, water, provisioning …
Distinct and comfortable, refined and roomy - these attributes and more describe World Explorer. Not only will it be among the fastest ships, it will also be one of the finest, with six tiers of deluxe accommodation. The ship will feature optimized fuel, water, provisioning and waste handling systems that will enable an incredible 40-day operational range. An internal Zodiac hangar will quickly and safely deploy the ship's twenty Zodiacs to maximize the off-ship experience, getting passengers off the ship and into nature faster and more often. Guests will relax in spacious cabins, recharge at modern spa and fitness facilities and refuel at gourmet restaurants.
Facilities
- Bar
- Dining Room
- Lecture Theatre
- Library
- Observation Lounge
- Outdoor Running Track
- Pool
- Sauna
- Spa
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 5
Exploring Spitsbergen
Cruise around this magical island, on a constant search for wildlife. Your expedition will cover western Spitsbergen as well as some stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north.
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
|---|
Exploring Spitsbergen
From polar flora to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Exploring Spitsbergen
Each expedition presents new opportunities, so you will have no fixed itinerary, however there are some commonly visited destinations, including 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet and the Hinlopen Straight. The destinations visited on your voyage will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing and appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Exploring Spitsbergen
Polar bear viewing is almost guaranteed, with Hornsund being one of their preferred hunting areas and the towering cliffs of Alkefjellet providing many free bird egg meals for both them and the Arctic fox.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Exploring Spitsbergen
Poolepynton is great for walrus photography. Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won't forget either. These lumbering giants of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene, as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Exploring Spitsbergen
If you are itching to get a little closer to the action, then taking a sea-kayaking excursion to some of the more isolated pockets of Spitsbergen is highly recommended (not included). Smeerenburg is a great place for an optional snowshoeing excursion (on selected voyages), as you can visit a memorial erected in 1906. This historical site remembers the whalers who lost their lives in the 17th and 18th centuries while working in extreme Arctic conditions.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Exploring Spitsbergen
There is no shortage of natural beauty in Spitsbergen. The tundra can be surprisingly colorful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day you'll see something new, whether it is a rare bird species or an abandoned hut from centuries ago.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Disembarkation in Longyearbyen
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 Oslo.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2021/22: Dates to be advised
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 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
PRICE EXLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
OTHER INFORMATION:
Click here for a list of which vessel runs on the many Arctic and Antarctica expedition cruises. Please note that vessel scheduling can change and this list is presented as a guide only. Please contact your nearest travel agent for the most update schedule.
Adventure options available are Camping – Kayaking – Mountaineering - Cross-country Skiing - Reverse Itinerary option.
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
17 Jul 2020
