STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACQESIDA
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
SHIP: Ocean Adventurer
Spitsbergen
Cabin on board ship
Explore the Norwegian archipelago extensively on this 14-day journey where you'll witness iconic Arctic wildlife like walrus, reindeer and polar bears, a glimpse into 16th-century maritime culture at secluded landing sites, and the rare chance to appreciate breath-taking views at the birdwatching utopias 14th of July Glacier and Alkefjellet. Shore excursions by Zodiac will enable you to set foot in places few humans have. Photograph the long tusks and distinctive whiskers of a walrus, small herds of reindeer loping across the tundra, and that most iconic of Arctic creatures roaming the edges of the pack ice – the polar bear.'
*Offers are correct at the time of publishing and are only available for sale on selected cabins and departures until 04 July 2023 or until sold out. Discounts are subject to change, availability will be confirmed at time of booking. Only combinable with Shackleton Club Past Passenger offers. Prices are subject to change based on currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, and other external factors. No discount applies to any transfer packages, additional activities or pre/post services. Excludes Triple and Single Cabins. The below prices may also include a 'Pay in full at time of booking' which is a 5-10% early payment bonus. Further conditions may apply, contact us for more information.
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.
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 your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from icy waters.
Expect a new adventure every day as we begin our circumnavigation by heading north and around the island of Spitsbergen, exploring smaller, outlying islands. We plan to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, but if conditions are favourable, we will also attempt a circumnavigation of the whole Svalbard archipelago. Every expedition will be different, depending on the weather and ice, but some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Ny London, Phippsøya, Alkefjellet and the seldom-visited Kvitøya. These names may seem strange to you, but each site has its own unique appeal. There is no shortage of natural beauty in Spitsbergen, where colourful tundra meadows are complemented by immense glaciers. For birders, the 14th of July Glacier is home to puffins, purple sandpipers, common eiders, barnacle geese and arctic terns, while Alkefjellet’s cliffs are teeming with nesting Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Always on the lookout for wildlife, be sure to have your camera ready to capture reindeer when we visit sites like Ny London, Sundneset and Alkhornet. Searching for the iconic polar bear is a constant activity for your Expedition Team. Phippsøya and Isbukta are two of the bears’ preferred places for hunting, which translates into great potential for you to view and capture them in action. A big part of appreciating Spitsbergen comes from understanding the culture—not just how people live today, but also how this land was first explored. Whaling was a key industry, and you will see remains of outposts from the 16th century, plus other evidence of whaling at landing sites such as Smeerenburg.
Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
Your adventure ends in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package.
Offers the most extensive exploration of Spitsbergen in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, including the opportunity to witness iconic Arctic wildlife like walrus, reindeer and polar bears
Built in 1976 in Yugoslavia, the Ocean Adventurer underwent extensive conversion and refurbishment in 1999 with a further extensive upgrade in 2017. This comfortable ship carries a maximum of 132 passengers, accommodated in 66 cabins all with private en-suite facilities, exterior views and each equipped with a TV and DVD player. The ship also features a large multi-purpose lounge and presentation room, bar, spacious window-lined dining room and exercise room. There are ship-to-shore satellite communications with email and wireless internet access on board. The Ocean Adventurer with its ice-strengthened hull was designed specifically to carry travellers to the remotest corners of the world. It is equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs for shore transfers, landings and Zodiac cruises. There are also 4 partially enclosed lifeboats on board. Why we like it "This purpose built expedition ship carries just 132 guests. There are refined public spaces and generous cabins all with private facilities. The ship is sturdy at sea and strong in the ice. This is one of our favourite ships to charter due to the all-round nature of the vessel. Excellent international crew and exceptional food put this ship in the “must recommend” bracket!"
Ice Class:
Length: 101 metres
Breadth: 16.2 metresMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 12 knots
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:132
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
Learn MoreHiking excursions are among the most popular options in Antarctica as many itineraries are short and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Guided hikes lead you to amazing vantage points and allow even closer interaction with local wildlife, so don’t forget to pack your camera!
Learn MoreTripleFeatures:- 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. | AUD 19,200Available Enquire Now
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Lower Deck TwinFeatures:- 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. | 25 % off AUD 22,100 AUD 16,950Unavailable Enquire Now
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Main Deck Twin PortholeFeatures:- 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. | 25 % off AUD 24,300 AUD 18,600Unavailable Enquire Now
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Main Deck Twin WindowFeatures:- A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views. | 25 % off AUD 26,500 AUD 20,250Available Enquire Now
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SuperiorFeatures:- A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration. | 25 % off AUD 28,700 AUD 21,900Available Enquire Now
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DeluxeFeatures:- A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. | 25 % off AUD 28,700 AUD 21,900Available Enquire Now
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SuiteFeatures:- A Suite has a double bed, windows with exterior views, private facilities. | 25 % off AUD 36,100 AUD 27,450Available Enquire Now
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Owner's SuiteFeatures:- 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. | 25 % off AUD 38,300 AUD 29,100Available Enquire Now
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TripleFeatures:- 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. | 10 % off AUD 18,950 AUD 17,200Available Enquire Now
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Lower Deck TwinFeatures:- 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. | 28 % off AUD 21,950 AUD 16,210Available Enquire Now
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Main Deck Twin PortholeFeatures:- 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. | 28 % off AUD 24,250 AUD 17,866Available Enquire Now
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Main Deck Twin WindowFeatures:- A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views. | 28 % off AUD 26,550 AUD 19,522Available Enquire Now
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SuperiorFeatures:- A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration. | 33 % off AUD 28,950 AUD 20,012Available Enquire Now
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DeluxeFeatures:- A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. | 33 % off AUD 28,950 AUD 20,012Available Enquire Now
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SuiteFeatures:- A Suite has a double bed, windows with exterior views, private facilities. | 33 % off AUD 36,550 AUD 25,142Available Enquire Now
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Owner's SuiteFeatures:- 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. | 33 % off AUD 38,950 AUD 26,762Available Enquire Now
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INCLUSIONS
Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders
All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All shore landings per the daily program
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. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and special guests as scheduled
A photographic journal documenting the expedition
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship
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
EXCLUSIONS
Mandatory Transfer Package*
International airfare
Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki
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 and other personal charges unless specified
Phone and Internet charges (connectivity 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
* (USD 995) includes:
One night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Helsinki airport hotel, with breakfast
Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki
Available on request. Contact us for more details.
Season and availability.