Photo's courtesy of Quark Expeditions

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Spitsbergen Highlights

6 day Cruise

 

An introduction to the arctic with this adventure packed 6 day visit to Spitsbergen.

 

Experience cruising through pack ice as you follow the stunning coastline of this northern land. You’ll get to see mountains, glaciers, fjords and towering cliffs as well as the exciting search for the polar bear.

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As with all expedition cruising, your experienced crew will guide the itinerary due to sea, ice and weather conditions. This itinerary is a guide, but please note, no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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Tour highlights

  • View arctic wildlife such as reindeer, walrus, polar bears and belugas

  • Kayaking in dramatic scenery (Optional extra)

  • Visit abandoned settlements

  • Expert guides

  • Hike amongst the colourful tundra

  • The Northernmost brewery

  • Countless photographic opportunities

Day 1

Today is embarkation day as you board your ship in Longyearbyen. The magnificent mountainous landscape will be the backdrop as you sail from this seaside village.

Day 2 to 4

You’ll sail along the western coast of Spitsbergen as well outlying islands to the north. Here, you’ll see impressive scenery as well as colourful flora and fauna in this short, arctic summer. There will be a constant watch to catch sight of polar bears as well as other local residents such as walrus and reindeer. As well as your camera, don’t forget your binoculars.

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As you sail into Krossfjord you’ll encounter the Lilliehöök glacier where huge chunks of ice crash into the icy waters below. Take a zodiac trip to the nearby abandoned mining settlement of Ny London. This is one of the ideal stops for a guided walk and keep your eyes open for possible reindeer encounters.

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After cruising through the night, you’ll awake to the see the incredible Monaco Glacier. This is a prolific producer of icebergs. If you’re lucky and the expedition team spot them, you may see Belugas today, plus walrus and polar bears. There will be possible landing sites in polar bear territory.

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Dutch whalers established a settlement nearly 400 years ago which is one of Europe’s most northerly outposts. You’ll have the opportunity to explore here and learn about Spitsbergen's whaling history in this now abandoned settlement of Smeerenberg. Travelling onwards, you’ll reach Magdalenafjord where the snow capped mountains and huge glaciers reflect in the crystal clear waters.

Day 5

On the last day at sea, you’ll have different options for your day. You can go ashore at Barentsberg and visit the Russian mining town. The northernmost brewery is located here or you can head to Trygghamma and walk on a glacier.

 

End the day at Alkehornet where the cliffs are teeming with sea birds. You may also get to see reindeer here.

 

It’s the captains dinner tonight and you can swap stories and view photos with your shipmates.

 

Day 6

Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to the airport at Longyearbyen for your onward connection.

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Tour details

Price from £2800 Per person based on 2 sharing a cabin

Price includes

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  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping

  • All breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks on board

  • 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

  • Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin

  • Comprehensive pre-departure 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$100,000 per person

  • Arrival transfer from Longyearbyen airport to your hotel if you arrive one day prior to embarkation

  • Transfer from your hotel or Longyearbyen airport to the ship on embarkation day

  • Group transfer from the ship to Longyearbyen airport or a designated drop-off location downtown on disembarkation day

Not included

  • International airfare

  • 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

  • Optional kayaking activities

  • Personal travel insurance.

  • Immunisations