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Our 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.
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 theship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from icy waters.
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 we cruise around this magical island located above the Arctic Circle, the 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.The island offers multiple opportunities for wildlife photography. Spotting Polar bears is more likely here than almost anywhere else, as the Svalbard archipelago is one of their preferred hunting areas.The towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide homes to thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won’t soon forget. These giant pinnipeds of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline.In Spitsbergen, there is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra can be surprisingly colourful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day, you’ll see something interesting, whether it is unique Arctic wildlife, a Polar bear resting between hunts, or abandoned sites from centuries ago.
The time to say goodbye has come. Our 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 Oslo.
10 nights on the shipExpedition cruising in comfortable condition
All meals while on the ship included.Typical MealsThe ships galley offers
good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing
international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide
variety of drinks from around the world on sale.Breakfast: Buffet style –
unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including
bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and
jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.Lunch: Three course set meal or buffet,
or the occasional BBQ.Dinner: Three or four courses with a starter of soup
and/or salad, a choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a
dessert, with tea and coffee.Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for
on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary
requests so that our local team can be well prepared.
10 nights on the shipExpedition cruising in comfortable condition
Travelling ConditionsThe voyages are designed to be as flexible as possible,
taking advantage of circumstances and events as they occur, as well as
passengers’ wishes and particular interests wherever possible. The
atmosphere on board is relaxed and friendly with expedition staff, including
naturalists and Polar experts, on hand and the opportunity to mingle with
people from all over the world. The ship is kept warm, clean and
comfortable.On the Zodiac cruises you are sitting still for most of the time
with the potential for some sea spray and a cold headwind - if you are not
dressed appropriately you will get cold. On the shore excursions, the
majority of landings are ‘wet’ which means that the Zodiacs beach and you
are helped to slide into the ankle deep shore break before walking up onto
dry land (wellington boots are issued to all passengers).There are, of
course, no paths, so be prepared for slippery, rough terrain and sometimes
fairly deep snow. Back on board the cosy ship after each adventure, you can
have a hot shower and then relax with a tea, coffee, hot chocolate or
something stronger from the bar.Optional activitiesSea kayaking
option:Kayaking in the Arctic is probably one of the most intimate and
inspiring ways you can explore the rugged coastlines and calm bays of the
regions we visit.Kayaking in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent,
however we guarantee at least one outing throughout your voyage, but your
kayak guides will take you out as many times as possible throughout your
voyage.Offered on most Arctic voyages, spaces are limited and require some
kayaking experience. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided by
Quark.Paddling Excursion: Explore the ocean from a more intimate vantage
point on a sit-on-top kayak. No experience is required to manoeuvre these
very stable kayaks, allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable experience on the
water, taking in breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Whether it’s your
first time in a kayak or you want greater flexibility to try other Adventure
options, this shorter excursion is for you. Paddling in the Polar
Regions is highly weather-dependent and a one-time experience. Your kayak
guides will attempt to take you out on the water for 1-1.5 hours of paddling.
Offered on most voyages, spaces are limited. All equipment, guides and
instructions are provided by Quark. Polar ItinerariesAll Polar itineraries
should be treated as a guide only - it is possible that, amongst other
things, the capricious nature of wind, visibility and ice, intelligence from
previous sailings, changes in local landing regulations or the expert opinion
of the crew onboard may lead to adjustments to the route published.Booking
ConditionsPlease note that, as with all Polar holidays and voyages, the
booking conditions for this trip differ from our standard conditions. The
required deposit is 25% per person of your selected travel arrangements
(minimum £1000 per person or equivalent in booking currency) and the
balance of the price of your travel arrangements must be paid at least 133
days before your departure date. The deposit is non-refundable, and at 133
days before departure date, our cancellation penalties are 100% of the
holiday cost. COVID-19 Vaccination: Please note that as a condition of
travel on any of our Polar voyages, clients must be fully vaccinated against
COVID-19. Clients must provide proof of their vaccination status to Quark
staff before boarding the ship. For full terms and conditions please refer
to our Quark Book and Travel with Confidence Policy, found here:
https://www.exodus.co.uk/quark-book-and-travel-confidence If you have any
questions, please contact our specialist Polar sales team on 020 8003 9957 or
at polar@exodus.co.uk for further details.
POLAR ADVENTURE SHIPThe Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic voyage is offered
on the Ocean Adventurer and the Ultramarine which are Polar Adventure
Ships. One night in a standard hotel in Oslo is included. Full board
accommodation on the ship, generally on a twin share basis in a variety of
cabin types, all with en suite facilities. Please visit the Polar
Fleet page for Ship Information and Deck Plans.Polar Adventure ShipsThese
are small ice rated vessels well qualified for Polar waters. Intimate
adventures are always more enjoyable with like-minded passengers and staff,
so these voyages are for people who like flexible itineraries and plenty to
keep them busy. Activities include frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking,
kayaking and many hours on deck in areas that other ships only dream about
accessing. Food and staff are superb and every guest benefits from the
technical advances of this superb fleet. Rest assured our Polar Adventure
Ships enable any traveller to maximize their experience sensitively in the
Poles.
Ultramarine[[{"fid":"246396","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default"}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element
file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]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.Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most
robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious
suites in its category, breath-taking 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 deliver the
ultimate Polar expedition experience.[caption caption="Balcony Suite -
Ultramarine"][/caption][caption caption="Panorama Lounge -
Ultramarine"][/caption][caption caption="Dining Area -
Ultramarine"][/caption]Cabin Class:SOLO PANORAMA: 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.EXPLORER TRIPLE: 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 travellers 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. EXPLORER SUITE: 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.BALCONY SUITE: 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.DELUXE BALCONY SUITE: 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.TERRACE SUITE: 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.PENTHOUSE
SUITE: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.OWNER’S SUITE: 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.ULTRA SUITE: 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 travellers 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.DECKPLAN:
OCEAN ADVENTURER[[{"fid":"153716","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default"}},"attributes":{"height":"340","width":"959","class":"media-element
file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]The Ocean Adventurer is a comfortable
vessel with spacious cabins, which all have private bathroom facilities and
exterior views. Designed to carry travellers in comfort to the most remote
corners of the world, Ocean Adventurer was built in 1976, and underwent
extensive upgrades in 2017. This multi-million dollar investment included
renovations to the interior of the ship, significant technical upgrades, and
the addition of a new cabin category, the Owner’s Suites. The refurbishment
gave the ship new bathrooms in every cabin, and upgrades to the Lounge,
Dining Room, gym, and suites. Technical enhancements – including two new
engines, generators, gear boxes, drive systems, and re-bladed propellers –
resulted in increased fuel efficiency, and a minimized carbon
footprint. [caption caption="Lower Deck Twin - Ocean
Adventurer"][/caption][caption caption="Deluxe Cabin - Ocean
Adventurer"][/caption][caption caption="Dining Room - Ocean
Adventurer"][/caption][caption caption="Main Lounge - Ocean
Adventurer"][/caption]Cabin Class:TRIPLE: From 145 sq. ft. (13.5 sq. m), a
Triple Cabin is equipped with two lower berths and one upper berth. Located
on the Main Deck, it has private facilities, and a porthole with exterior
views.LOWER DECK TWIN: From 115 sq. ft. (11 sq. m), a Lower Deck Twin Cabin
is equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Lower Deck, it has private
facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.MAIN DECK TWIN PORTHOLE: From
115 sq. ft. (11 sq. m), a Main Deck Twin Porthole Cabin is equipped with two
lower berths. Located on the Main Deck, it has private facilities, and a
porthole with exterior views.MAIN DECK TWIN WINDOW: From 115 sq. ft. (11 sq.
m), a Main Deck Twin Window Cabin is equipped with two lower berths. Located
on the Main Deck, it has private facilities, and a window with exterior
views.SUPERIOR: From 132 sq. ft. (12 sq. m), a Superior Cabin is equipped
with two lower berths. Located on the Upper and Captain’s Decks, it has
private facilities, and windows with exterior views.DELUXE: From 144 sq. ft.
(13 sq. m), a Deluxe Cabin is equipped with two lower berths. Located on the
Captain’s Deck, it has private facilities, and windows with exterior
views.SUITE: From 215 sq. ft. (20 sq. m), a Suite is equipped with one
double bed made up of two twin berths. Located on the Captain’s Deck, it
has windows with exterior views and private facilities.OWNER’S SUITE: From
208 sq. ft. (19 sq. m), an Owner’s Suite Cabin is equipped with one double
bed made up of two twin berths. Located on the Bridge Deck, it has private
facilities, and windows with exterior views. Cabin 403 has a bathtub and
shower; other Owner’s Suites have showers.DECKPLAN:
The Exodus group forms part of the ship’s complement (max of approx. 100),
enjoying the relaxed, intimate and informal atmosphere, which breaks into
smaller groups to facilitate the frequent excursions. We offer these cruises
in conjunction with our partners, Quark Expeditions, and Exodus participants
will join an international group, not all of whom have booked through Exodus.
Occasionally some of these may be younger than 18 years old, the Exodus'
stated minimum age for this trip.We work with many fine Expedition Leaders
and Polar Experts, bringing a diversity of interests including zoology, Polar
history, geology, ornithology and ocean sciences. The ship’s operating have
many years of experience in Polar Regions and are committed to ensuring a
safe and memorable journey. Each day your cabin will be serviced by the
housekeeping crew, and your meals served by the friendly and attentive
restaurant staff. There is also a resident medical officer.
All meals while on the ship included.Typical MealsThe ships galley offers
good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing
international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide
variety of drinks from around the world on sale.Breakfast: Buffet style –
unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including
bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and
jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.Lunch: Three course set meal or buffet,
or the occasional BBQ.Dinner: Three or four courses with a starter of soup
and/or salad, a choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a
dessert, with tea and coffee.Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for
on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary
requests so that our local team can be well prepared.
During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are
accessible only by Zodiac landing craft. Designed for expedition work, these
large and heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe.
Travelling land only: 12 days starting and ending in OsloYour trip starts at
our airport hotel in the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary listed below.
Details of how to reach the start point are given in the Final Joining
Instructions.
Spitsbergen has a short season from mid June to mid August; and there is 24
hour daylight in all three months. There may be more sea ice in the earlier
months and some more flowers, but in reality with the capricious nature of
the weather and wildlife there is not much to choose between them.
Spitsbergen has a short season from mid June to mid August; and there is 24
hour daylight in all three months. There may be more sea ice in the earlier
months and some more flowers, but in reality with the capricious nature of
the weather and wildlife there is not much to choose between them.
Boots – Rubber boots are essential for a Polar expedition, but to eliminate
these from your packing list we will loan you a pair for the duration of the
voyage.Parkas – We recommend one with a wind and waterproof shell
- complimentary Quark Expeditions parka will be provided. Trousers –
Waterproof trousers or salopeltes are essential for Zodiac travel as well as
activities on shore.Gloves – To keep your hands warm and dry, pack a
minimum of two pairs of gloves: a pair of thin polypropylene gloves to be
worn underneath warm outer gloves.Hat and Scarf – Pack a warm, woollen hat
or cap that covers your ears, as well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face
protection.Socks – For maximum warmth, we suggest that you wear two pairs
of socks to wear inside the rubber boots.Outer Clothing – Pack woollen or
fleece jumpers and tops, plus several turtlenecks for layering.Underclothing
– Pack silk or polypropylene underwear since it will keep you warm without
adding bulk.Knapsack or Backpack – To keep your hands free for shooting
photograph, bring a water resistant or waterproof knapsack or backpack.Shoes
– Non-slip shoes for walking around the vessel.
SwimsuitSunglassesBinocularsCamera, extra batteries, film or memory
cardsProtective sunscreenElectric converter with adapter plug setSmall
medical kit containing prescription medicines and over-the-counter medication
for basic ailments such as stomach upsets, allergies, headaches and
seasicknessSnow poles or trekking poles
On board the ships all transactions are in US dollars. You may require some
Norwegian Kroner before or after the trip while passing through Norway and
for use in LongyearbyenAt the conclusion of your voyage, you will be
presented with an account. This will include any drinks from the bar, laundry
or ship’s shop purchases for which you have signed. You may pay for this in
US Dollars cash, credit card (Visa or MasterCard ONLY) or US dollars
Traveller’s Cheques.Shore expensesIn addition to funds for on-board
expenses, it is possible to purchase souvenirs in a few locations – mainly
Longyearbyen – in the form of books, t-shirts, stamps, post cards, good
knitwear as well as any essential polar clothing you may have forgotten. Visa
and Mastercard are accepted. On a couple of shore excursions, which include
visits to scientific stations or small settlements, there may be the
opportunity to buy and send postcards. Cash in US dollars or Norwegian Kroner
is fine for these small expenses.
The appropriate amount to tip the staff and crew is a personal matter but it
is customary to provide an end-of-cruise gratuity (as a rough guide
approximately US$13-15 per day per passenger would be appreciated)
Travel insuranceSingle accommodation (available on request)Visas or
vaccinationsMandatory transfer package (including charter flights from Oslo
to Longyearbyen (2022) or Helsinki to Longyearbyen (2023) return) which is
from £700 per person (or equivalent in booking currency) paid upon booking
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.