Quark Expeditions

Three Arctic Islands: Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen

Start date:

25 Jun 2028

Return date:

09 Jul 2028

Duration:

15

days

Embarkation:

Helsinki, Finland

Disembarkation:

Reykjavík, Iceland

Ship:

Ultramarine

Activities offered:

MORE INFORMATION

Trip Details

You’ll start your journey in Helsinki, Finland, where you can explore the city before flying to Longyearbyen in Spitsbergen to begin your expedition. From there, you’ll navigate the wilderness of Spitsbergen, viewing glaciers, tundra landscapes and Arctic wildlife. After crossing the Greenland Sea, you’ll explore East Greenland’s remote coastline, including Scoresbysund and the community of Ittoqqortoormiit. The voyage continues across the Denmark Strait to Iceland’s secluded Westfjords, known for dramatic cliffs, fjords and waterfalls like Mongufoss. Your trip ends in Reykjavik, where you disembark and continue your travels.

Three Arctic Islands: Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen

Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland

Arrive in the Finnish capital and make your way to the group hotel located right at Helsinki airport—which is included in your Charter Flight & Hotel Package. You will have the rest of the day to explore 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, you can take the convenient 40-minute rail service from the airport.

Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and embark

After breakfast, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, as part of the Charter Flight & Hotel Package. As you embark this afternoon, you’ll enjoy great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.

Day 3 to 6: Exploring Spitsbergen, Svalbard

Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, rewards you with austere beauty and opportunities to spot its abundant wildlife. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and tundra in full bloom, with walrus, polar bears and Svalbard reindeer amongst your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see Arctic terns, skuas, Brünnich’s guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes and ivory gulls. If conditions allow, you could sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole.

Day 7 & 8: At Sea: Cruising the Greenland Sea

While sailing south through the Greenland Sea, your Expedition Team will teach you about the wildlife and history of Greenland, your next stop. On deck, you’ll learn to identify seabirds on the wing. Take in a presentation, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a film—there are many things to do during your time at sea.

Day 9 to 12: Exploring East Greenland

During your tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen—40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives here. Finally, you will sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs and, some say, the most beautiful fjord system in the world. We plan to visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote community in East Greenland.

Day 13: At Sea: Crossing the Denmark Strait

As we sail south, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Iceland. Your Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with presentations about the history of exploration in the Arctic and the seabirds you’ll see soaring above your ship.

Day 14: The Westfjords: Icelands Hidden Gem

The seldom-visited Westfjords—where land meets sea in the most dramatic fashion—are often known as “Iceland’s best-kept secret.” This rugged peninsula at the country’s remote northwestern tip is rife with fjords, mountains, tumbling cliffs, gushing waterfalls, colorful beaches, rolling green hills, high moorlands dotted with rocky outcrops, small lakes, and the occasional shaggy Icelandic sheep or grazing pony. A few modest outposts of civilization, in the form of small fishing communities nestled along the fjords and shores of the Denmark Strait, face out into the mighty Atlantic, keeping alive a maritime heritage that stretches back to the Viking days. The Westfjords are the least developed of Iceland’s coastal areas and, consequently, the wildest. Depending on the conditions, guests will venture into this territory on a Zodiac cruise or a guided shore landing at unspoiled wilderness sites where they can hike and explore on foot. One of the many highlights is Mongufoss, one of Iceland’s most remote and beautiful waterfalls.

Day 15: Disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland

You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, after breakfast. If you have booked postexpedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.

Inclusions:

RATES INCLUDE:

For all voyages:

  • 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
  • Transfer from Longyearbyen town center to port on embarkation day
  • Group transfer to downtown Reykjavik on disembarkation day
  • Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax

Your Charter Flight and Hotel Package includes:

Package valued at $1,045 USD is included in the expedition

  • One night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Helsinki airport hotel, with breakfast
  • Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
  • Arrival transfer in Longyearbyen
  • Arrival transfer in Reykjavik to central downtown location

Exclusions: 

RATES SPECIFICALLY DO NOT INCLUDE:

For all voyages:

  • 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

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.

Rates per person

Cabin Details

Solo Panorama

Solo Panorama

Located on Deck 6 and approximately 132 sq. ft. (12 sq. m) in size, this cabin has a single bed,and floor-to-ceiling windows. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower and heated floors.

Passengers

1

Size

132 ft2 (12 m2 )

View

Floor to ceiling windows

U$ 31,040
U$ 26,241
Explorer Triple

Explorer Triple

Located on Deck 3 and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 sq. m) in size, this suite has three single beds, two of which can be combined into a double bed, and a picture window. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe,TV, and a private bathroom with shower and heated floors.

Passengers

3

Size

285 ft2 (26.5 m2)

View

Picture windows

U$ 17,640
U$ 14,181
Explorer Suite

Explorer Suite

Located on Deck 3 and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a picture window. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Suites 319 and 322 offer modified layouts and bathrooms for wheelchair accessibility

Passengers

2

Size

285 ft2 (26.5 m2)

View

Picture windows

U$ 20,540
U$ 16,791
Balcony Suite

Balcony Suite

Located on Decks 4 & 6 and approximately 226 sq. ft. (21 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 52 sq. ft. (4.8 sq. m) balcony*. The balconies in suites 421, 422, 423, and 424 are partially enclosed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Some suites in this category offer interconnecting rooms.

Passengers

2

Size

226 ft2 (21 m2 )

View

Walk out balcony

U$ 22,440
U$ 18,501
Deluxe Balcony Suite

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Located on Decks 4 & 6 and approximately 299 sq. ft. (28 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 70 sq. ft. (6.5 sq. m) balcony*. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.

Passengers

2

Size

299 ft2 (28 m2 )

View

Walk out balcony

U$ 26,340
U$ 22,011
Penthouse Suite

Penthouse Suite

Located on Deck 7 and approximately 369 sq. ft. (34 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 67 sq. ft. (6.2 sq. m) balcony *. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.

Passengers

2

Size

369 ft2 (34 m2)

View

Walk out balcony

U$ 29,240
U$ 24,621
Terrace Suite

Terrace Suite

Located on Deck 6 and approximately 350 sq. ft. (32.5 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.3 sq. m) balcony*. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.

Passengers

2

Size

350 ft2 (32.5 m2 )

View

Walk out balcony

U$ 27,340
U$ 22,911
Owner’s Suite

Owner’s Suite

Located on Deck 6 and approximately 446 sq. ft. (41 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 sq. m) balcony*. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet, two separate living spaces, powder room, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.

Passengers

2

Size

446 ft2 (41 m2 )

View

Walk out balcony, Floor to ceiling windows

U$ 36,040
U$ 30,741
Ultra Suite

Ultra Suite

Located on Deck 6 and approximately 563 sq. ft. (52 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 sq. m) balcony*. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet, two separate living spaces, powder room, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.

Passengers

2

Size

563 ft2 (52 m2 )

View

Walk out balcony, Floor to ceiling windows

U$ 39,940
U$ 34,251
Solo Panorama

Solo Panorama

Located on Deck 6 and approximately 132 sq. ft. (12 sq. m) in size, this cabin has a single bed,and floor-to-ceiling windows. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower and heated floors.

Passengers

1

Size

132 ft2 (12 m2 )

View

Floor to ceiling windows

U$ 31,040
U$ 26,241
Explorer Triple

Explorer Triple

Located on Deck 3 and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 sq. m) in size, this suite has three single beds, two of which can be combined into a double bed, and a picture window. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe,TV, and a private bathroom with shower and heated floors.

Passengers

3

Size

285 ft2 (26.5 m2)

View

Picture windows

U$ 17,640
U$ 14,181
Explorer Suite

Explorer Suite

Located on Deck 3 and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a picture window. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Suites 319 and 322 offer modified layouts and bathrooms for wheelchair accessibility

Passengers

2

Size

285 ft2 (26.5 m2)

View

Picture windows

U$ 20,540
U$ 16,791
Balcony Suite

Balcony Suite

Located on Decks 4 & 6 and approximately 226 sq. ft. (21 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 52 sq. ft. (4.8 sq. m) balcony*. The balconies in suites 421, 422, 423, and 424 are partially enclosed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Some suites in this category offer interconnecting rooms.

Passengers

2

Size

226 ft2 (21 m2 )

View

Walk out balcony

U$ 22,440
U$ 18,501
Deluxe Balcony Suite

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Located on Decks 4 & 6 and approximately 299 sq. ft. (28 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 70 sq. ft. (6.5 sq. m) balcony*. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.

Passengers

2

Size

299 ft2 (28 m2 )

View

Walk out balcony

U$ 26,340
U$ 22,011
Penthouse Suite

Penthouse Suite

Located on Deck 7 and approximately 369 sq. ft. (34 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 67 sq. ft. (6.2 sq. m) balcony *. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.

Passengers

2

Size

369 ft2 (34 m2)

View

Walk out balcony

U$ 29,240
U$ 24,621
Terrace Suite

Terrace Suite

Located on Deck 6 and approximately 350 sq. ft. (32.5 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.3 sq. m) balcony*. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.

Passengers

2

Size

350 ft2 (32.5 m2 )

View

Walk out balcony

U$ 27,340
U$ 22,911
Owner’s Suite

Owner’s Suite

Located on Deck 6 and approximately 446 sq. ft. (41 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 sq. m) balcony*. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet, two separate living spaces, powder room, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.

Passengers

2

Size

446 ft2 (41 m2 )

View

Walk out balcony, Floor to ceiling windows

U$ 36,040
U$ 30,741
Ultra Suite

Ultra Suite

Located on Deck 6 and approximately 563 sq. ft. (52 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 sq. m) balcony*. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet, two separate living spaces, powder room, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.

Passengers

2

Size

563 ft2 (52 m2 )

View

Walk out balcony, Floor to ceiling windows

U$ 39,940
U$ 34,251

MORE INFORMATION

Adventure Options

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.

Enjoy daily chats with and presentations by our world-class onboard polar experts—expedition guides, specialists, photography guides and other special guests who will introduce you to the fascinating history, biology, ornithology, glaciology and geology of the region, and much, much more.

Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is a rewarding experience. Our photography guides will help you hone your skills to capture the beauty of the polar regions.

USD $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

USD $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.

USD $125 per person

Guests will enjoy four courses of modern fusion-style cuisine during a dinner hosted by Inuit or Icelandic chefs, who will talk about the origins of the food and elements of Inuit cooking.

The dinner, featuring regional tableware, will include cultural storytelling.

Guests will join two tables at the front of Balena restaurant on Ultramarine.

Participants will have a choice between meat or fish between two of four courses.

A chef puts finishing touches to a caribou dish served with Labrador tea

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Ship Details

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, breathtaking 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.

Type

Small Ship

Capacity

199

Year Built

Polar Boutique
Reception Area
Library
Lounge Areas
Ambassador Theater
Elevator
Gym
Spa, Sauna & Steam Room
Ready Rooms
Observation Decks
Medical Clinic

40-day Operational Range

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 and relies on its best-in-class 40-day operational range to do so.

Four Embarkation Points

Embarkation points on the starboard, port, and stern of the ship mean we can load and embark Zodiacs faster, safer and easier than ever before.

MAGS

Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS) is the industry-leading system that converts waste into energy at the site that it’s generated. MAGs eliminates the environmental impact of waste transportation, offering an innovative sustainability feature that exceed all industry standards.

Twin Engine Helicopters

Two twin-engine helicopters operated from two helidecks allow more passengers to simultaneously experience new destinations accessible only by air, and to enjoy more unique aerial perspectives of the polar regions than on any other ship.

Water-level Zodiac Hangar

An internal Zodiac hangar quickly and safely deploys Ultramarine’s twenty Zodiacs, allowing for more spontaneous off-ship adventures and more intimate wildlife engagement. This unique design allows guests to get off the ship in half the time of other vessels.​

Wraparound Deck

The wraparound deck located on Deck 5 of Ultramarine offers generous outdoor viewing opportunities to take in the polar landscapes and seize the moment when wildlife encounters occur.

MORE INFORMATION

FAQ

Yes!!! After leaving Longyearbyen, 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 group 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

Trip Request Form

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