Map
Destination
Arctic Destinations
The rugged, remote Arctic remains one of the most unexplored domains on the planet. This ice-laden region encompasses the Canadian High Arctic; Greenland; the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, which includes Spitsbergen; Russia; and at the very top of the planet, of course, the North Pole. It’s inhabited by polar bears, muskoxen, arctic foxes, beluga whales, reindeer, seals, walruses and migratory birds, among other wildlife species.
Region Highlights Land of the Midnight Sun Experience 24-hour daylight that illuminates the fjords, glaciers, and landscapes of the Arctic, providing extended opportunities to appreciate its beauty—from wildlife spotting to photography—day or night. Diverse Arctic Wildlife The Arctic is one of the few places on earth where you can experience an abundance of wildlife in its natural habitat, including polar bears, walrus, reindeer, Arctic fox, beluga whales and numerous species of seabirds. Palatial Fjords & Glaciers Immerse yourself in the environment with a variety of activities from sea kayaking and paddling excursions to hiking and Zodiac cruising; each will provide unique perspectives of the fjords and glaciers of the Arctic. Indigenous Communities Visit indigenous communities in Nunavut and Greenland for a richer and more intimate glimpse of what life in the Arctic is really like. Hunting & Trapping Huts Visit preserved cabins used by explorers on hunting expeditions in the early 20th century when trappers traveled to the Arctic in search of the big catch—wildlife like polar bears and Arctic fox whose pelts they could sell. Last Charted Territory Explore Severnaya Zemlya, the last territorial discovery on the planet made in 1930, located in the remote Russian High Arctic Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, which also includes the two smaller islands of Nordaustlandet and Edgeøya. It’s often called “The land of the midnight sun.” It’s also known as “The Wildlife Capital of the Arctic.” Spitsbergen, about 1,300 kilometers from the North Pole, is dark four months of the year, but when the sun returns in April, the days lengthen until sometime in June when the sun never sets—all the better for viewing the wildlife that has made Spitsbergen so popular with travelers on a quest to observe polar bears and other wildlife, such as walruses, reindeers, arctic foxes, beluga whales, seals and seabirds. Up until the 1920s, the Svalbard archipelago (the combined population is 2,667) was essentially a no man’s land until it was officially recognized as belonging to Norway by the Spitsbergen Treaty. Longyearbyen, the administrative center of the archipelago situated on Spitsbergen, began as a coal mining town. Today the focus is on wildlife, glaciers and fjords.
Destination
Ilulissat Icefjord
The world-famous Ilulissat Icefjord runs west 40 km (25 miles) from the Greenland ice sheet to Disko Bay, just south of the town of Ilulissat on the west coast of Greenland. Not only is it stunningly beautiful, it’s one of the best places in the world to witness glacier calving—huge chunks of ice crashing into the icy Arctic waters. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
Wildlife A staggering 40% of the world’s muskoxen live in Greenland. The vast – and mostly remote – stretches of wilderness, deep fjords and nature preserves provide natural habitats for other wildlife, including polar bears, blue whales, narwhals, fin whales, humpback, ringed seals and rare Arctic birds. Scoresbysund, East Greenland What bucket-lister doesn’t want to visit the largest fjord in the world? The main body of Scoresby Sund, on the eastern coast of Greenland, is approximately 110 km long and reaches a depth of 1,450 metres (4,700 feet) in places. The ancient Thule people, ancestors of modern-day Inuit, lived in Scoresby Sund until about 1800. The fjord is home to seals, narwhals, polar bears, muskoxen, geese and seabirds. Illulissat Ilulissat (population 4,905) is the ideal destination for anyone wishing to learn about Greenlandic culture. Established in 1741, Ilulissat is the third-largest settlement (after the cities of Nuuk and Sisimiut) and is home to a handful of museums and art galleries, where travelers can do a deep-dive into Greenland’s history. But don’t miss the local shops where visitors can participate in a kaffernik, a traditional coffee gathering. Adventure-seekers can try their hands – and legs – at dogsledding, kayaking and hiking. Nuuk Nuuk may be the world’s smallest capital city (population: 17,000) but the Greenlandic capital delivers an unforgettable visitor experience. For starters, it’s picturesque: the city’s waterfront is lined with rows of brightly colored houses against the backdrop of the Sermitsiaq mountain. Situated on a fjord, Nuuk is a rarity in that the city views include waterfalls and icebergs. One of the must-visit venues is the Greenland National Museum: it houses scores of archeological, cultural and historical artifacts, as well as art and handicrafts. The most viewed exhibit is that of the four Qilakitsoq mummies, the remains of three women and a baby which were discovered in a tomb in 1972. Experts believe the mummies date back to 1475 AD. Top Things to See Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) Few nighttime experiences rival the natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, an otherworldly explosion of multi-colored lights that sweep across the night sky. The green, purple and red lights of the Aurora extend from 80 kilometres (50 miles) to as high as 640 kilometres (400 miles) above the earth’s surface. Visitors to Greenland have the best chance of viewing the multi-colored light show between late September and April. Prins Christian Sund The 105-kilometer-long (66-mile) Prince Christian Sound fjord, which was named in honor of the prince who later became King Christian VIII of Denmark, is a stunning maze of fjords and channels which are home to calving glaciers, sheer cliffs and jagged mountains. The waterway in Southern Greenland separates the mainland from Sammisoq and other islands of the Cape Farewell Archipelago near the southernmost tip of Greenland.
Destination
Northeast Greenland National Park
At 972,000 square kilometres, Greenland National Park, located in the northeastern part of the country, is the largest national park in the world. It’s not inhabited, except for a few meteorologists and armed forces personnel. Uummannaq The tiny island of Uummannaq is one of the few places in the world where local Inuit still follow a traditional lifestyle based on hunting and fishing. Formerly known as Thule (after the forbearers of modern Inuit), Uummannaq is located off the west coast of Greenland. It was founded in 1763 and is home to about 1,200 Inuit, making it the second-largest town in North Greenland. Approximately 80% of the land is covered by an ice sheet that reaches up to 4 km thick. Tasermiut Fjord Adventure travelers call it the “Arctic Patagonia.” The 70-kilometer long Tasermiut Fjord in southwestern Greenland attracts climbers and mountaineers from around the world who are eager to ascend one of the “big walls” in the world of climbing. Tasermiut Fjord is accessible by boat from Nanortalik Island, which in Greenlandic means “Place of Polar Bears” or “Place Where the Polar Bears Go.” Points of Interest Many believe that Ittoqqortoormiit (population: 450) is the most isolated town in Greenland, which could be true since sea ice blocks ship access to the town for about nine months of the year. Ittoqqortoormiit, which is close to Greenland National Park, was founded in 1925 by settlers from Tasiilaq along with some families from west Greenland. It’s a haven for anyone with a yearning to explore true wilderness, experience a traditional Greenlandic lifestyle or try their hand at dogsledding. Many people living in Ittoqqortoormiit still hunt seals, polar bears, narwhals and musk-oxen. Igaliku. The little village of Igaliku, home to about 50 inhabitants in southern Greenland, is Greenland’s oldest sheep-farming settlement. History buffs, on the other hand, flock to the remarkable red sandstone ruins of the Gardar Cathedral (the largest church in Greenland in the Middle Ages) and bishop’s residence, which date back to the early 12th century. The Kujataa historical site is home to ruins and artifacts related to Norse and Inuit farming at the edge of the ice cap. Visitors can view remnants of Inuit farmhouses as well as archeological sites associated with the Norse settlements, including fields and pasturelands that were once part of local farms. Hvalsey Ruins. Hvalsey Church is the best-preserved Norse ruin in Greenland and houses the last written record of Greenlandic Norse culture: a record of a wedding that dates back to September 1408. Various ruins are located in the fjord of Hvalsey (Qaqortukulooq), close to Qaqortoq, the largest town in South Greenland Ella Oya (or Ella Island) is a hiker’s paradise within Northeast Greenland National Park. It’s surrounded by tall rugged cliffs, ice-choked waters and gorgeous blue icebergs. Hikers are challenged by steep climbs but are rewarded with incredible views: sky-blue icebergs, rugged cliffs and tundra.
When to go
Best Time to See the Northern Lights September to October. Later in the season is the best time for visitors to see the Northern Lights as increased darkness improves their visibility.
Date & departure point
Departure from Oslo, Norway
Departure on May 13 – 19, 2021. 7 days
On this extraordinary journey, you will pack all the excitement of an epic Arctic cruise into just seven days, cruising through pack ice along the west coast of Spitsbergen, retracing the steps of explorers from centuries past.
Expedition Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in 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.
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.
Days 3 to 6 - 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. 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 endemic Svalbard reindeer, are possible here.
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). If ice conditions permit reaching 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.
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 Magdalenafjord 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 Russia’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 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.
Date & departure point
Rates above include the following:
- Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
Rates above do not include the following: Mandatory transfer package includes: Package price: $995 USD Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff 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. Due to local regulations in Svalbard, flightseeing and other helicopter-supported adventure options are not available on these voyages.
Activities
Included Activities
Hiking
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.
Equipment you’ll be provided with for hiking outings:
- Trekking poles are available upon request
- Bring your Quark Parka and collapsible water bottle provided at embarkation (they’re yours to keep)
- Muck boots (loaned to you for the duration of your expedition)
Other recommended gear/clothing
- Base and mid-layer clothing
- Waterproof breathable pants
- Wool or synthetic hiking socks
- Warm hat
- Brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof and sunscreen and lip balm (minimum SPF 30)
- Backpack, preferably water-resistant (or with a rain cover)
- Warm gloves
- Camera and accessories
Polar Plunge
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.
Zodiac Cruising
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.
Ship
Ocean Adventurer has long been a fleet favorite among guests and crew who’ve appreciated the charm and intimacy of this 128-passenger vessel, its ample outdoor deck space, numerous cozy spots to socialize onboard—and the outdoor jacuzzi.
The refurbishments now enjoyed by guests:
- A refreshed, contemporary new look and feel throughout the ship
- The addition of six new twin cabins and three new suites
- All existing cabins furnished with new soft furnishings and brand new bathrooms
- Remodelling of common areas such as the Lounge and Dining Room
- Major technical enhancements, such as two new Rolls Royce engines, which increase fuel efficiency and minimize carbon footprint.
2 Rolls Royce Engines. Ocean Adventurer underwent extensive upgrades in 2017; this multi-million dollar investment included signficant technical upgrades to two new Rolls-Royce engines.
Cabins
Lower Deck Twin
A Lower Deck Twin cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution.
Triple A Triple Cabin has two lower berths and one upper berth, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution. Main Deck Twin Porthole A Main Deck Twin Porthole cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution. Main Deck Twin Window A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views. Superior A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration. Suite A Suite has a double bed, windows with exterior views, private facilities. Owner's Suite An Owner's Suite has a double bed and private sitting room. One features a large panoramic window facing aft, and the other two suites face port and starboard. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Owner's Suites have showers. Deluxe A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. Dining There is one dining room located on the Upper Deck. If there is one constant at sea, it is that you’ll enjoy delicious meals on a daily basis. While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you’ll always be served three meals a day. Clipper Club Enjoy a more private dining experience in the Clipper Club, just off of the main Dining Room.
SPA
Gym located on the Main Deck, gym hours are posted at the door, with facilities available on a first come, first served basis.
Cruise company & history
Cruise company & history of Quark Expeditions
Our History. Lars Wikander and Mike McDowell, the cofounders of Quark Expeditions, took the first group of commercial travelers to the North Pole In 1991. That inaugural, game-changing expedition—the first-ever tourism transit of the Northeast Passage—set Quark Expeditions on a course that would put us at the forefront of polar exploration.
We're Proud of our Firsts in the Polar Regions
- 1991: Quark Expeditions took the first group of travelers to the North Pole.
- 1992: Quark Expeditions undertook the first non-scientific visit to Emperor penguin rookeries.
- 1997: We completed the first circumnavigation of Antarctica for commercial passengers
- 1999: We completed our first circumnavigation of the Arctic Ocean
- 2004: Quark Expeditions was the first to confirm the most northerly Emperor penguin rookery near Snow Hill in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica
- 2008: Quark Expeditions hosted the maiden voyage of the nuclear icebreaker 50 Years of Victory to the North Pole
- 2011: Our “Three Arctic Islands” trip was voted one of National Geographic Traveler’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime.
- 2013: Quark Expeditions hosted Jonathan Shackleton (cousin of famous polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton) and Falcon Scott (grandson of polar explorer Robert Falcon Scott) on an expedition to the 7th Continent where they camped out together.
- 2013: Quark Expeditions hosted the first-ever floating polar film festival onboard the Sea Spirit
- 2017: Quark Expeditions started Quark Academy, making us the only expedition company in the polar regions with its own proprietary polar training institution.
- 2019: Quark Expeditions commenced the building of our very first purpose-built polar vessel, Ultramarine
- 2019: Quark Expeditions advances its sustainability framework with the launch of Polar Promise.
- 2019: Quark Expeditions offers expeditions into the remote, seldom-visited Russian archipelagoes of Novaya Zemlya, Franz Josef Land and Severnaya Zemlya.
Advantage of Small Ships
The vessels in Quark Expeditions’ fleet accommodate anywhere from 128 to 199 passengers. We never exceed more than 200 passengers. We know we can give guests the best polar experience on a smaller ship.
Why We Operate Smaller Vessels
- Smaller ships can take you to remote areas that large ships simply can’t reach. On some larger ships, you simply miss out.
- Not all landings in the polar regions can’t accommodate large groups of travelers; smaller ships mean smaller groups, which translates into a smaller environmental footprint.
- When itineraries must change due to weather, wind and ice conditions, smaller vessels have one up over larger ships. When expedition ships are required to alter their course, smaller ships have an advantage because there are more options for shore landings and excursions that aren’t possible for larger ships. In other words, on a larger vessel, you just miss out. Who wants that?
- Small expedition ships can take you to remote, tiny villages and settlements, often through narrow fjords and channels. This ability to get off-the-beaten-path and avoid overcrowded shore landings means you have a much more authentic polar experience. Most indigenous settlements, for example, simply cannot accommodate huge numbers of visitors from those larger expedition vessels.
- Smaller groups of passengers—as opposed to huge contingents of guests on larger ships—often have a lot more time at each landing site.
- Smaller ships mean disembarkation takes much less time and cuts out the necessity of longer waiting periods for guests to go ashore and, likewise, re-board the ship after a shore excursion or landing.
- Smaller vessels can satisfy your inner explorer—that part of you that wants to navigate fjords, hike across the tundra, kayak through ice-laden waterways.
- Intimate and friendly: most guests who travel on a smaller vessel discover that they quickly get to know expedition crew, onboard staff and fellow passengers by name.
- Guests have more opportunities for engagement on a smaller vessel: Having dinner with an expedition leader, a kayak guide or a wildlife expert can make the voyage even more memorable. Such opportunities for one-on-one engagement aren’t always possible on larger vessels.
- The ship as your home: Because our expedition vessels are smaller, it’s relatively easy to get to know the layout of the vessel rather quickly. Such familiarity makes it easy for guests to truly treat the vessel as their polar base—their home away from home—throughout their expedition. Who wants to get lost on the way to dinner?
Sustainability
Our Polar Promise: Polar Exploration and Sustainability
- Quark Expeditions is profoundly committed to environmentally responsible tourism. Protecting the places we visit is necessary to ensure we can continue to introduce travelers to the spectacular beauty of the polar wilderness. Through Polar Promise, our comprehensive sustainability strategy framework, we’ve incorporated existing sustainability initiatives into a cohesive plan so we can identify where we can do better or do more.
Planet Partnerships Positive Impact