days
MORE INFORMATION
Begin your Arctic journey in Helsinki before flying to Longyearbyen to embark on your expedition. Spend several days exploring western and northern Spitsbergen’s glaciers, fjords, and colorful tundra, while searching for polar bears, walruses, and seabirds like the thick-billed murres. With flexible daily itineraries based on weather and ice, highlights may include 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, and Alkefjellet’s bird cliffs. Optional kayaking adventures offer an even closer look at the Arctic landscape. After an unforgettable experience, return to Longyearbyen and fly back to Helsinki.
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. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.
You’ll cruise around this magical island on a constant search for wildlife. Your expedition will cover western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords
to the north. From polar flora to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife.
Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so there is no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet 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. Since most of Svalbard’s Arctic ecosystem is uninhabited and well-protected, this remote archipelago is one of the world’s best places to spot polar bears against stunning natural backdrops of mountains and ice.
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. Get a chance to witness the intimate gatherings of giant pinnipeds as they haul out together on small coastal strips.
If you’re itching to experience a more intimate view from the water, you can book the sea kayaking or paddling excursion adventure options.
In Spitsbergen, there is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra can be surprisingly colorful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day, you’ll see something interesting, whether it is an ever-changing gallery of spectacular icebergs, a polar bear resting between hunts, or
an abandoned historical site from centuries ago.
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 Helsinki, included in the transfer package.
After breakfast, you can make your way to the airport for your onward flight home, or stay to explore Finland’s culturally-rich capital on your own if you’ve made prior arrangements.
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
To confirm reservations, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the net, discounted rate (minimum US$1000 per person) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. The deposit must be paid by major credit card, wire transfer, check or money order. For any bookings within 120 days of departure full payment is required. Deposit amounts may vary for special promotions and are subject to the promotion terms and conditions. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.
All late payments are subject to a penalty of 1.5% interest per month, or 18% per annum. QEI reserves the right to cancel any booking that is not paid within 120 days of departure or deny boarding on any unpaid balances.
CABIN DETAILS
Approximately 208 sq. ft. (19.3 sq. m.), these cabins, located throughout the ship, feature one double bed that can be reconfigured into two singles, plus separate sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table. The floor-to-ceiling window opens onto a walkout balcony. The Veranda Stateroom is equipped with a desk and chair, TV, state-of-the-art ‘infotainment’ system, as well as private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 are not furnished with club chairs and reading table.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
208 ft2 (19.3 m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
Approximately 182 sq. ft. (16.9 sq. m.), these Deck 4 cabins are furnished with one double bed that can be reconfigured into two singles. Guests in these elegant suites enjoy front-of-ship privacy, as well as sweeping views from their very own veranda.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
182 ft2 (16.9m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
1
166 ft2 (15.4 m2)
Porthole view
Approximately 205 sq. ft.(19.2 sq. m.), these cabins, located throughout the ship, feature one double bed that can be reconfigured into two singles, plus a separate sitting area furnished with a sofa bed. The floor-toceiling window opens onto a walkout balcony. The Veranda Suite is equipped with a desk and chair, TV, state-of-the-art ‘infotainment’ system, as well as a private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
205 ft2 (19 m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
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. These two-room suites feature one double bed that can be reconfigured into two singles in the inner bedroom. The outer sitting room is set up with a sofa-bed, as well as an activity table for two. The bedroom is designed with floor-to-ceiling glass that opens onto a doublesized walkout balcony. The Junior Suite also includes two TVs, a state-of-the-art ‘infotainment’ system, and a private bathroom with bathtub, vanity and heated floor.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
298 ft2 (27.7m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
This palatial 2–room suite (443 sq. ft/41.2 sq. m.) on Deck 7 offers stunning views from its large veranda on the highest cabin level. The suite encompasses a triple–sized balcony, master bedroom, living room, dining area and two large master bathrooms. The inner bedroom, with a double bed that can be made into two singles, features an en suite with bathtub, vanity and heated floor. The outer room contains a sofa bed, club chair and 4–seat dining table. Additional amenities include two TVs and a state-of-the-art ‘infotainment’ system.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
443 ft2 (41.2m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 269 sq. ft (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 TV’s, state-of-the-art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. There’s an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
269 ft2 (25m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 162 sq. ft. (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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
1
162 ft2 (15.1m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
Approximately 208 sq. ft. (19.3 sq. m.), these cabins, located throughout the ship, feature one double bed that can be reconfigured into two singles, plus separate sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table. The floor-to-ceiling window opens onto a walkout balcony. The Veranda Stateroom is equipped with a desk and chair, TV, state-of-the-art ‘infotainment’ system, as well as private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 are not furnished with club chairs and reading table.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
208 ft2 (19.3 m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
Approximately 182 sq. ft. (16.9 sq. m.), these Deck 4 cabins are furnished with one double bed that can be reconfigured into two singles. Guests in these elegant suites enjoy front-of-ship privacy, as well as sweeping views from their very own veranda.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
182 ft2 (16.9m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
1
166 ft2 (15.4 m2)
Porthole view
Approximately 205 sq. ft.(19.2 sq. m.), these cabins, located throughout the ship, feature one double bed that can be reconfigured into two singles, plus a separate sitting area furnished with a sofa bed. The floor-toceiling window opens onto a walkout balcony. The Veranda Suite is equipped with a desk and chair, TV, state-of-the-art ‘infotainment’ system, as well as a private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
205 ft2 (19 m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
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. These two-room suites feature one double bed that can be reconfigured into two singles in the inner bedroom. The outer sitting room is set up with a sofa-bed, as well as an activity table for two. The bedroom is designed with floor-to-ceiling glass that opens onto a doublesized walkout balcony. The Junior Suite also includes two TVs, a state-of-the-art ‘infotainment’ system, and a private bathroom with bathtub, vanity and heated floor.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
298 ft2 (27.7m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
This palatial 2–room suite (443 sq. ft/41.2 sq. m.) on Deck 7 offers stunning views from its large veranda on the highest cabin level. The suite encompasses a triple–sized balcony, master bedroom, living room, dining area and two large master bathrooms. The inner bedroom, with a double bed that can be made into two singles, features an en suite with bathtub, vanity and heated floor. The outer room contains a sofa bed, club chair and 4–seat dining table. Additional amenities include two TVs and a state-of-the-art ‘infotainment’ system.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
443 ft2 (41.2m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 269 sq. ft (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 TV’s, state-of-the-art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. There’s an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
269 ft2 (25m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 162 sq. ft. (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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
1
162 ft2 (15.1m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
MORE INFORMATION
Zodiacs are used for transferring you ashore, transporting your luggage when necessary and for taking you ocean-level cruising among icebergs, whales and seabirds. During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are accessible only by Zodiac.
These large, heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe and were specially designed for expedition work. Zodiacs are the workhorses of Polar expeditions. Separate air compartments retain a large reserve of buoyancy even if these sturdy boats are damaged. Their flat bottom design permits the craft to land directly onto the cobble and ice-strewn beaches that you will encounter on your Polar expedition.
Hiking in the polar regions differs from your typical trail experience. Here, in a tree-less terrain, you are the tallest figure on the landscape as you walk over spongy tundra, crusty snow or sandy beaches in remotes parts of the Arctic and Antarctica. Stepping ashore anywhere in the polar regions means you’re not a distant observer.
Our organized hikes range from short jaunts to the top of lookouts or visits to see wildlife or longer walks of several kilometers over ice and rock and snow. Hiking excursions may last from two to three hours with plenty of time for photographs of wildlife, learning moments from your experienced guides, or just time to stand back and admire the incredible polar surroundings.
No experience is necessary but participants should be able to get in and out of a Zodiac and walk on uneven terrain. Hiking options are tailored to all interests and abilities, from those who want to contemplate the landscape in silence to photographers who want that perfect image to energetic travelers who want to summit a peak in the hopes of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.
The Polar Plunge is scheduled once during each voyage. Throughout the journey, the Expedition Leader and Captain constantly monitor conditions in order to choose the optimal time and location. The Polar Plunge sometimes takes place onshore or, in many cases, from the gangway or Zodiac. All participants wear a tethered harness and plunge into the polar waters from the side of Zodiac or safety of the gangplank cheered on, of course, by fellow passengers and Expedition Team.
Safety is paramount—the onboard physician always attends the Polar Plunge. Guides in survival gear circle the area in Zodiacs as guests take their turn jumping or cannon-balling into the polar waters.
$295 Per Person
Every sweep of the paddle as your craft glides through the pristine polar waters creates an incredible soundtrack: the jostle of glacial ice, the lapping of waves against the rocky shore, the perpetual drip from your paddle, the call of seabirds, and the occasional splash as wildlife break the surface of the water.
Our 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.
Excursions last a minimum of one hour and are offered to participants once per voyage. Each group includes 10 paddlers, 1 guide and 1 one safety Zodiac driver. The wind, weather and water conditions determine the timing and location of Paddling Excursions
$1,795 Per Person
Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.
Quark Expeditions Sea Kayak Program is a voyage-length program available in Antarctica, in which kayakers (those who have minimal experience as well as seasoned paddlers) will enjoy the polar regions from a unique perspective.
Conditions and logistics permitting, your kayak guide(s) will endeavor to have you paddling as often as possible throughout the voyage. Typically, sea kayakers are shuttled by Zodiac from the ship to an ideal starting point, where the kayak excursion begins. Guests return to the ship by Zodiac at the end of their paddling experience. Some kayak excursions are designed so guests can go ashore and explore.
In addition to the kayak guides, a safety driver in a Zodiac will always stay nearby to offer assistance if required. Excursions typically last one and a half to three hours.
MORE INFORMATION
Ocean Explorer, the newest addition to our fleet, is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X–BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. With its distinctive X-Bow design and remarkable twostory forward lounge, Ocean Explorer sets a striking stage for your expedition of a lifetime. Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design, and almost all have verandas. You can relax and find comfort in our signature Tundra Spa & Sauna (with large windows), well-equipped gym and two outdoor Jacuzzis. Ocean Explorer has been designed with ample outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs that enable guests to get off the ship quickly and safely for off-ship adventures. In addition to the well-appointed and spacious public areas, Ocean Explorer has an industryleading mix of sustainability systems, including fuelefficient Rolls Royce engines.
Light-filled interior library—at the bow of the ship— allows guests to sit and relax indoors while taking in the surrounding polar landscapes from their choice of two levels.
With the latest sustainability technology in polar expedition, the ship features fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines and the ground-breaking MAGS gasification system that converts waste into energy, eliminating the environmental impact of waste transportation.
In addition to forming the double-story library, the innovative X-Bow design ensures calm, energy-efficient sailing in rough waters.
Observation areas on Decks 7 and 8 allow for higher, longer-view landscape photography while contending with less sea spray.
Spacious and luxurious cabins ensure your quiet ambience with no sound disturbance from adjoining cabins—and almost all cabins feature a balcony for outdoor viewing.
Each interior element was carefully hand-picked by designers for you to enjoy, from the dramatic two-story forward lounge, the floor-to-ceiling glass refuge in the library, to the grand fixtures and luxe furnishings throughout the ship.
MORE INFORMATION
Explore the vast, breathtaking landscapes of the polar regions with the best travel options tailored to your preferences.
Yes!!! Once we arrive in Svalbard it will be the ultimate goal of the Captain, Expedition Leader, and the Expedition Team to make sure we get off the ship as much as possible. You’ll participate in landings, zodiac cruises, and any additional activities you’ve signed up for. Check the “Detailed trip itinerary” for more details on each outing.
The price shown is the “all-in” price after all taxes, fees, port fees, and permits required; which are handled by the tour operator. The only main additional costs will be mandatory travel insurance, optional gratuity, and additional activities.
Not necessarily, no! Our trips are usually made up of around 50% solo travelers! Prices are always per person, per bed. If you’re a solo traveler, we will match you with a same-gender roommate from our group to share your cabin with. There is also the option for solo cabin availability on certain trips. Please send us a message about solo cabins if that’s your preference.
MORE INFORMATION
Explore the vast, breathtaking landscapes of the polar regions with the best travel options tailored to your preferences.
With over 15 years of combined experience, our team of Polar Expedition Guides is dedicated to providing unforgettable polar journeys.
