Cruise to Svalbard – BD1011
Cruise to Svalbard - BD1011
Spitsbergen Highlights
The Cruise to Svalbard takes just one week to see the Spitsbergen Highlights. Cruise through the pack ice up to 80°N along the west coast of Spitsbergen.
Pack in all the excitement of an epic long arctic cruise into only seven days with the Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief itinerary. In just a week, you’ll cruise through the pack ice up to 80°N along the west coast of Spitsbergen like an explorer of long ago, on a constant search for wildlife. Though this rocky island is covered in mountains and glaciers, the towering cliffs and fjords play host to a surprisingly thriving and varied ecosystem. Exploring as much of the area as possible will provide optimal opportunities to spot the most iconic of arctic wildlife, the polar bear.
COUNTRIES:
WATERWAYS:
6 NIGHT CRUISE
Itinerary ~ Cruise to Svalbard
Day 1
ARRIVE IN OSLO, NORWAY
Your Cruise to Svalbard - the Highlights of Spitsbergen 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.
Day 2
EMBARKATION DAY IN LONGYEARBYEN, SVALBARD
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 your ship sets sail, enjoy great vistas of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this historic town.
Day 3
EXPLORING SPITSBERGEN
You’ll sail around the shores of this magical island, constantly searching for polar bears and other natural wonders. Covering western Spitsbergen, your expedition will afford ample opportunities to view immense glaciers, deep fjords, soaring mountains and unique flora and fauna. Sailing north into Krossfjord, have your camera handy, ready to capture some of the best glacier calving in Spitsbergen.
Day 4
EXPLORING SPITSBERGEN
Deep in the fjord, the highly active Lilliehöök Glacier awaits. Listen in awe to the growling as big chunks break off into the icy waters below. A Zodiac excursion to nearby Ny London, an abandoned mining settlement, provides an ideal place for a guided walk. Encounters with wildlife, such as the indigenous Svalbard reindeer, are possible here.
Day 5
EXPLORING SPITSBERGEN
After cruising overnight, wake up to the stunning sight of the magnificent Monaco Glacier, another prolific iceberg producer. To make this even more thrilling, help your Expedition Team to scan the shorelines and ice edge for marine mammals. Possible landing sites include Texas Bar, Worsleyneset and the Andoyane Islands (where polar bears have been known to roam). At 80°N, you’ll reach a walrus sanctuary on the tiny, crescent-shaped Moffen Island. Watching from the water as large groups of these lumbering giants jockey for space is an unforgettable experience, so be ready with your binoculars.
Day 6
EXPLORING SPITSBERGEN
At Smeerenburg you can see the remains of an abandoned settlement that was established by Dutch whalers nearly 400 years ago. Here, at one of Europe’s most northerly outposts, you’ll have time to explore ashore and learn about Spitsbergen’s whaling history. Afterwards, cruising to Magdalenefjord rewards you with panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers reflected in the crystal-clear waters. During your last full day of your arctic adventure, you may visit the Russian mining town of Barentsburg, home of the world’s northernmost brewery.
We hope to round out the day in Alkehornet, taking in the towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds, such as fulmars and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Encounters with reindeer might be possible here too. Later, in the evening, swap stories with your shipmates and crew one last time, at the captain’s dinner.
Day 7
DISEMBARK IN LONGYEARBYEN & FLY TO OSLO
The time to say goodbye has come. Your Cruise to Svalbard - the Highlights of Spitsbergen 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.
Important Reminder on your Cruise to Svalbard
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team 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. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not a guarantee.
Pricing & Dates ~ Cruise to Svalbard
Highlights of Spitsbergen
2020 - 2021
2022 - 2023
Ocean Adventurer
| 2020/2021 Departures | Days | Departure | Ship | Triple | Lower Deck Twin | Main Deck Twin Porthole | Main Deck Twin Window | Superior | Deluxe | Suite | Owners Suite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 9 - 15, 2020 | 7 | Oslo, Norway | Ocean Adventurer | 3,995 | 3,496 | 3,846 | 4,196 | Sold Out | 4,872 | 5,197 | 5,847 |
| May 13 - 19, 2021 | 7 | Oslo, Norway | Ocean Adventurer | 4,495 | 4,204 | 4,969 | 5,351 | 5,397 | 5,397 | 6,837 | 7,197 |
| May 18 - 24, 2021 | 7 | Oslo, Norway | Ocean Adventurer | 4,495 | 4,204 | 4,969 | 5,351 | 5,397 | 5,397 | 6,837 | 7,197 |
| Jun 10 - 16, 2021 | 7 | Oslo, Norway | Ocean Adventurer | 4,495 | 4,204 | 4,969 | 5,351 | 5,823 | 5,823 | 7,263 | 7,646 |
| Jun 15 -21, 2021 | 7 | Oslo, Norway | Ocean Adventurer | 4,495 | 4,204 | 4,969 | 5,351 | 5,823 | 5,823 | 7,263 | 7,646 |
Ultramarine
| 2020/2021 Departures | Days | Departure | Ship | Solo Panorama | Explorer Triple | Explorer Suite | Balcony Suite | Deluxe Balcony Suite | Terrace Suite | Penthouse Suite | Owners Suite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 3 -9, 2021 | 7 | Oslo, Norway | Ulta Marine | 6,116 | 5,395 | 6,116 | 6,117 | 7,197 | 7,557 | 8,277 | 10,077 |
| May 16 - 22, 2021 | 7 | Oslo, Norway | Ulta Marine | 6,116 | 5,395 | 6,116 | 6,117 | 7,197 | 7,557 | 8,277 | 10,077 |
| May 21 -27, 2021 | 7 | Oslo, Norway | Ulta Marine | 6,116 | 5,395 | 6,116 | 6,117 | 7,197 | 7,557 | 8,277 | 10,077 |
| Jun 7 - 13, 2021 | 7 | Oslo, Norway | Ulta Marine | 6,499 | 5,395 | 6,116 | 6,499 | 7,646 | 8,029 | 8,794 | 10,706 |
World Explorer
| 2020/2021 Departures | Days | Departure | Ship | Triple | Infinity Suite | Veranda Suite | Superior Suite | Deluxe Suite | Owners Suite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 6 - 12, 2020 | 7 | Oslo, Norway | World Explorer | 4,495 | 5,845 | 5,845 | Sold Out | 7,646 | 8,996 |
Price per Person in USD
Mandatory transfer package from Oslo
- One night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Oslo airport hotel
- Charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen
- Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
- Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo
Transfer Package Price $895
Includes
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board
- Beer and house wine during dinner
- All shore landings per the daily program
- Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- Formal and informal presentations by our expedition team and special guests as scheduled
- Photographic journal documenting the expedition
- Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
- Official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
- Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin
- Comprehensive onboard materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person
- Group transfer from the Longyearbyen town center and port on embarkation and disembarkation day
Excludes
- Mandatory Transfer package
- International airfare
- Oslo 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 flights
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
- Phone and Internet charges
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Any Adventure Options
Included Activities ~ Cruise to Svalbard
Highlights of Spitsbergen
Zodiac cruising:
Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar expeditions, safely transporting guests to remote shorelines and shallow inlets. Expedition staff make stepping in and out of them safe and comfortable.
Hiking:
Led by experienced staff, exploring in foot is the best way to appreciate the polar landscapes. Our guides are able to accommodate a range of skill levels to suit every passenger.
Presentations:
Daily chats with on-board experts—our guides, scientists and other special guests—let guests rub shoulders with historians, ornithologists, biologists, geologists and more.
Polar Plunge:
This rite of passage, experienced just once per expedition, sees you safely jumping into icy ocean waters under the watchful eye of our staff—and just about every single camera lens on board!
Photography:
Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is a rewarding experience. Our photography guides will help you learn skills to capture the beauty of the Polar Regions.
Walking poles are provided at each landing for your convenience. As there are limited number of poles available, please bring your own if you require them on every landing.
Paid Activities
Sea Kayaking $695
Imagine gliding across the surface of a bay in the presence of icebergs and glaciers. Our Sea Kayaking adventures are a great way to feel at one with the sea. A small group of kayakers will plan to go out multiple times per voyage instead of shore landings. The number of kayaking opportunities is weather dependent and will only be conducted during calm conditions.
Prior kayaking experience is recommended for you to feel comfortable on the water, and the capability to do a wet exit is strongly encouraged. Beginners interested in kayaking should consider participating in the Paddling Excursion adventure option.
Paddling Excursion $195
If you’re interested in kayaking and would like to try something less in depth than Sea Kayaking, you can still enjoy the benefits of adding an on-water experience to your expedition with a Paddling Excursion. Sign up for a one-time paddle on our sit-on-top kayaks, which are stable and unencumbered—perfect for anyone with little to no kayak experience. Expert guides take rotating groups of passengers on calm days to connect with the sea.
For all paid activities pre-booking is required. We recommend booking early as spaces fill quickly.
Meals
If there is one constant at sea, it is that you’ll enjoy delicious meals daily. While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you’ll always be served three meals a day. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated by letting us know prior to your expedition.
Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet-style, while dinners are served plated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing our chefs to prepare each dish to your individual needs, ensuring you receive top-quality meals during the course of your expedition.
Soft drinks, juices and water are available at all times, and beer and wine are served with dinner, all included in the cost of your package. Spirits, premium wines and champagne are available at an extra cost, which can be billed to your shipboard account. The well-stocked bar is open to enjoy with your fellow shipmates in the late morning, afternoon and evening.
Packing Checklist
Weather is very variable; temperatures may hover around the freezing mark and winds can be strong. The continuous daylight warms sheltered areas so that you may sometimes find it warm enough for t-shirts. However, you may encounter snow squalls, fog and white-outs during an expedition and should be ready for any conditions.
For Shore Landings
- Base layers (wool, synthetic or a blend)
- Mid-layer warm/fleece top
- Mid-layer warm/fleece pant
- Wool and synthetic sock (3 to 4 pairs)
- Neck warmer or balaclava
- Warm hat that covers ears
- Waterproof pants
- Waterproof gloves and glove liners
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Spare set of gloves
- Bug spray and bug nets
Suggested Items
- Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack
- Swimsuit (for the polar plunge!)
- Binoculars
- Camera with extra batteries
- Extra memory cards
- Earplugs (in case of noisy cabinmates)
- Eye masks for sleeping
- Seasickness, indigestion, headache
- or other medicine
- Voltage converters and plug adapters (220V/European outlets)
- Ski goggles (for Zodiac cruising)
For on Board
- Comfortable casual clothing (pants/jeans, shirts, sweaters)
- Lighter shirts (in case the ship gets warm)
- Comfortable non-slip close-toed unhealed shoes
- (NOTE: Flip flops or sandals should not be worn on board due to safety concerns)
Cruise to Svalbard Expedition Leaders
DAVID (Woody) WOOD
Hailing from Australia, Woody is a historian with an unquenchable passion for traveling through and sharing the marvels of the Polar Regions. He comes to these wild places at the extreme ends of the planet via a strange path, having worked in a major pediatrics hospital and holding degrees in political science and law. Having spent over a decade at sea, he is passionate about the landscapes, ice, wildlife and history of the Polar Regions and delights in sharing his interests with guests. Woody invites you to come and be astonished, amazed and enchanted by these special places.
LAURIE DI VINCENZO
Having joined Quark Expeditions® with extensive experience in marine logistics and operations management, Laurie has since guided 70 trips to the Polar Regions. While she can be found with a book or passport in hand during the off-season, either traveling to new destinations or returning to her cottage in Ontario, she feels most at home in a Zodiac or hiking over the tundra. Laurie aims to help you discover the overwhelming beauty and power of these remote regions, providing you with a trip of a lifetime. Deeply touched by the arctic landscape and bountiful wildlife, she looks forward to exploring with you.
See The Cruise to Svalbard Ships
Highlights of Spitsbergen
The World Explorer
The newest addition to the Quark Expeditions® Arctic fleet, polar powerhouse World Explorer—our first all-suites, all-balcony ice-class ship—lets you discover everything the Arctic has to offer, with the type of service available only at premium hotels.
The Ocean Adventurer
Our popular ship Sea Adventurer has been relaunched as Ocean Adventurer after a multimillion-dollar renovation. A team of marine architects, engineers, interior designers and polar expedition specialists worked together to enhance this nimble and intimate fleet favorite.
Planned Visits:
Oslo, Longyearbyen, Lilliehöök Glacier, , Moffen Island, Monaco Glacier, Worsleyneset, Longyearbyen, Oslo
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. The following landing sites are a sample of what you may experience on your expedition.
SPITSBERGEN
Lilliehöök Glacier
In 1906, Prince Albert I of Monaco visited Lilliehöök Glacier to conduct scientific investigations. His great-great-grandson, Albert II, visited the glacier a hundred years later as part of a scientific investigation, this time to further our understanding of the arctic clam, a species that lives for more than a century. The growth rings of a single clam’s shell contain evidence of the chemicals encountered. Scientists can determine the variations of the water’s temperature and pollutants by studying the shell.
Longyearbyen
Eighteen hundred people inhabit the administrative capital of Svalbard, which is situated on the shore of Isfjorden. The settlement was founded in 1905 by John Munroe Longyear, the majority owner of the Arctic Coal Company of Boston.
Moffen Island
This island is designated as a protected sanctuary for walrus, which are best viewed from the water—have your binoculars ready!
Monaco Glacier
Prince Albert I of Monaco, a pioneer of oceanography, led an expedition to Svalbard in 1906. His team used sophisticated photographic techniques to understand the shape and position of several glacier fronts. Monaco Glacier honors the expedition, the prince and the principality over which he reigned.
Worsleyneset
Worsleyneset is a colorful tundra-covered island with foliage boasting such unique names as moss campion (a small wildflower), saxifrage and arctic mouse-eared chickweed. The island is a pleasure to explore.
Blue Danube Holidays are proud to be an authorised distributor of Quark Expeditions Cruises.
Gallery ~ The Cruise to Svalbard
Highlights of Spitsbergen
We hope you are inspired to join us on the Cruise to Svalbard - Highlights of Spitsbergen. Here are some Tourist Authority Links to help your research: Arctic Antarctic - Norway
