Spitsbergen Highlights Arctic Cruise with Quark Expeditions – Save $7,672 per couple*

From

$11,764

Duration

7 days

Deal Type

Expedition Cruise, Small Ship Cruise

Add Business Class flights to unlock an Exclusive Package discount

On this extraordinary journey, you will pack all the excitement of an epic Arctic Cruise into just seven days, experience incredible Arctic wilderness you never dreamt possible. Though this rocky island is covered in mountains and glaciers, the towering cliffs and fjords play host to a thriving and diverse ecosystem.

🔥 Savings – Save over 25% on this Spitsbergen Highlights Arctic Cruise with Quark Expeditions!

Exploring as much of the area as possible, you will enjoy maximum opportunities to spot, among other wildlife, the walrus with its long tusks and distinctive whiskers, the resilient and Arctic birds in all their varied majesty, and that most iconic of Arctic creatures, the polar bear.

As one of Quark Expeditions most popular Arctic voyages, Spitsbergen Highlights: Journey into the Arctic Wilderness on Ultramarine, provides a one-of-a-kind polar experience. Ultramarine, the new, game-changing polar vessel, can take you to remote destinations no other ships can reach.

Aboard Ultramarine, explore Spitsbergen in brand new ways—taking advantage of the 20 quick-launching Zodiacs and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ship its size—to create the Arctic experience perfect for you. Ultramarine, a passenger and staff favorite, is much loved for its intimate onboard ambiance that enables guests to connect with other travelers and members of the expedition team.

Quark Ultramarine

Quark Ultramarine

Included Items

  • An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
  • Leadership throughout the voyage by a Quark experienced Expedition Team, 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 of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible.
  • Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • Transfers between Longyearbyen town centre and port on embarkation and disembarkation day
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing.

Tour Company

Quark Expeditions

Tour Location

Arctic

Deal Type

Expedition Cruise, Small Ship Cruise

Map

Spitsbergen Highlights

Spitsbergen Highlights

More Information

Full Itinerary +

DAY 1 – ARRIVE IN HELSINKI, FINLAND

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.

You may arrive in Helsinki at any time during Day 1 of the itinerary. Your included accommodation will be at the airport hotel, so arrival transfers are not necessary. Please keep in mind that your hotel room may not be ready for check in until 3pm. On arrival at the hotel, you will receive a welcome letter outlining the departure information for the following day’s flight. Final details and check-in procedures can be found in your final documents. An agent representing Quark Expeditions® will be available in the lobby of the hotel that evening to answer any questions about the charter flight(s) scheduled for the following morning.

Wraparound Deck

Wraparound Deck

DAY 2 – FLY TO LONGYEARBYEN, SVALBARD & EMBARK

This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board the private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement.

After a well rested night at your hotel you will join your flight up to Longyearbyen. Upon arrival in Longyearbyen, you will be transferred from the airport to a drop off point and your luggage will be taken directly to the ship. Details of ship transfer times will be provided during your arrival transfer. Due to port logistics, it is possible that you may need to board the vessel by Zodiac, rather than from the pier.

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 Krossfjorden, 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, might be possible here.

After cruising overnight, wake up to the stunning sight of the magnificent Monaco Glacier, another prolific iceberg producing glacier. 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 Alicehamna.

At Smeerenburg you can see the remains of an abandoned settlement that was established by Dutch whalers nearly 400 years ago. Here, at what was once one of Europe’s most northerly outposts, you’ll have time to explore ashore and learn about Spitsbergen’s whaling history. Afterwards, cruising to Magdalenefjorden rewards you with panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers reflected in the crystal-clear waters.

You will round out the day in Alkhornet, taking in the towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds, such as fulmars and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Encounters with reindeer are possible here too. Later, in the evening, swap stories with your shipmates and crew one last time, at the captain’s farewell dinner.

Water Level Zodiac

Water Level Zodiac

DAY 7 – DISEMBARK IN LONGYEARBYEN AND FLY TO HELSINKI

The time to say goodbye has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here,  you will be transferred to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package.

Your voyage is scheduled to end back in Longyearbyen where you will disembark after breakfast. The process takes about an hour and due to port logistics, may involve one last Zodiac ride to the pier.

Ultramarine +

The newest ship in the Quark Expedition fleet, 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.

SHIP SPECIFICATIONS 

  • STAFF AND CREW: 140
  • GUESTS: 199
  • LIFEBOATS: 4, fully-enclosed
  • LENGTH: 128 meters
  • BREADTH: 19 meters
  • CRUISING SPEED: 16 knots, in open water
Ultramarine

Ultramarine

SUITES

Explorer Triple – Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2). This suite is perfect for guests traveling solo who want to share their experience with other like-minded travelers of the same gender, or for groups of three traveling together. Featuring three separate single beds, and amenities for each of the three guests.

Triple Cabin

Explorer Triple

Explorer Suite – Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2). These suites are perfect for people traveling together or solo guests looking to share with like-minded individuals. This suite maximizes interior living space while still offering guests the opportunity to stay connected to the outdoors. The entry-level twin suites are the largest available on a ship of this class.

Explorer Suite

Explorer Suite

Balcony Suite – Located on Decks 4 and 6, with approximately 226 sq. ft. (21 m2) of indoor living space, and a 52 sq. ft. (4.8 m2) balcony, this entry-level balcony suite is one of the largest available on a ship of this class. This suite is perfect for guests who are looking for both indoor and outdoor living spaces. There are four connecting suites in this category, making this an excellent option for families or groups wanting to stay connected to each other during their expedition.

Balcony Suite

Balcony Suite

Deluxe Balcony Suite – Located on Decks 4 and 6, with approximately 299 sq. ft. (27.8 m2) of indoor living space, and a 70 sq. ft. (6.5 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting a larger living space, full bathroom, and a substantial balcony. Deluxe Balcony Suites are the first suite type to offer additional privacy in the bathroom with an enclosed toilet, a full bath and shower to make it easier for guests to get ready together in the morning.

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Solo Panorama – Located on Deck 6, and approximately 132 sq. ft. (12.3 m2). This suite is perfect for solo guests who appreciate privacy and want to wake up to sweeping views from the comfort of their bed. These are the only solo suites with floor-to-ceiling windows available onboard any ship in its class.

Solo Panorama Cabin

Solo Panorama Cabin

Terrace Suite – Located on Deck 6, with approximately 350 sq. ft. (32.5 m2) of indoor living space, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting generous interiors with a wide layout and the largest balconies on the ship. Centrally located on Deck 6, guests will enjoy minimal movement and motion from the comfort of these suites.

Terrace Suite

Terrace Suite

Owner’s Suite – Located on Deck 6, with approximately 446 sq. ft. (41.4 m2) of indoor living space and a 46.3 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want it all. A large, luxurious suite featuring a private bedroom, full bathroom, powder room, and two separate living spaces. This suite is perfect for families or couples who want all the comforts of home onboard the ship.

Owner's Suite

Owner’s Suite

Ultra Suite – Located on Deck 6, with approximately 563 sq. ft. (52.3m2) of interior living space, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want to travel without compromise. The largest and most luxurious suite features the most sleeping, entertainment and storage space onboard the ship. It is perfect for families or travelers who want all the comforts of home onboard the ship.

Ultra Suite

Ultra Suite

Penthouse Suite – The only suite category to be located on Deck 7, with approximately 369 sq. ft. (34.3 m2) of indoor living space, and a 67 sq. ft. (6.2 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting to wake up to unobstructed polar views from the warmth and comfort of their bed onboard the ship. These suites offer the best of everything—views, spacious interiors, full bathrooms and generous balcony sizes—as well as easy access to the wellness centre.

Penthouse Suite

Penthouse Suite

FEATURES & AMENITIES

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. ​

Four Embarkation Points

Embarkation points on the starboard, port, and stern of the ship mean you can be loaded and embarked on the Zodiacs faster, safer and easier than ever before. ​

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.

Ready Room
Designed for efficiency—with wider hallways, plenty of seating, and conveniently located bathrooms—the two ready rooms allow guests to quickly change in and out of their expedition gear.​

Ready Room

Ready Room

Polar Boutique

Forgot something at home? Don’t worry. The Polar Boutique is stocked with the industry’s top cold-weather expedition gear. ​

Polar Boutique

Polar Boutique

Ambassador Theatre

A state-of-the-art, high-resolution LED screen wall in the main theater ensures high-definition viewing of presentations from your Expedition Team from any angle. ​

Panorama Lounge and Bar

Enclosed in glass and featuring unobstructed views, the Panorama Lounge and Bar allows guests to relax indoors while staying connected to the awe-inspiring landscapes drifting by. ​It serves as a cozy gathering point where guests can sip a glass of wine, engage in great conversation, indulge in a board game, or socialize at the bar—and, later in the evening, bust a move on the dance floor.

Balena Restaurant

Featuring table tops that accommodate 2 to 10, guests can enjoy a quiet dinner with a loved one or join a larger table of new friends. Guests will also enjoy views from every seat in addition to direct access to the wraparound deck.

Bistro 487

Guests can enjoy a meal in the Bistro which offers an indoor/outdoor dining experience. Perfect for enjoying the polar landscapes.

Tundra Spa

Offering a variety of treatments exclusively crafted for guests, the spa and adjacent steam room allow passengers; to fully relax and unwind before their next off-ship adventure.

Tundra Sauna

Perfectly juxtaposed luxury: guests can rest and relax in the comfort and warmth of the sauna while enjoying the spectacular views outside.​

Tundra Sauna

Tundra Sauna

Fitness Centre

In the fully-equipped fitness center, featuring a separate yoga space with views to the outside.

Fitness Centre

Fitness Centre

Booking Terms & Conditions

Advertised price based on 19 May 2025 departure in an Explorer Suite. Pricing per person is correct as of 2 September 2024 and includes the offer discount*, subject to availability at the time of booking. Offers may be withdrawn or prices updated by the supplier at any time, so please enquire with our expert consultants for the latest pricing, terms and conditions. *Save 20% Off Promo / Pay in Full and Save 10% – Indicates the discount percent offer in effect at the time this record that was updated. Each passenger’s full name is required at time of booking in order to initiate a hold, or to process a confirmed booking. Offer applies to voyage only, not applicable to transfer packages, adventure options, additional hotel accommodations, pre/post tours, insurance, flights, or group bookings.

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