SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER Wildlife Capital of the Arctic
The Trip Overview On this longer tour of the region, you have even more chances to connect with wildlife. Polar bears, whales, walrus and reindeer consider this home, as do seabirds by the tens of thousands. Hiking the tundra is a breathtaking experience, the landscape exhilarating and so striking. See the best Spitsbergen has to offer you via the western edge of the island, plus a few outlying northern regions. EXPEDITION IN BRIEF Encounter arctic wildlife: polar bears, walrus, reindeer Take advantage of continuous daylight Hike the tundra and explore the polar desert Cruise in a Zodiac Snowshoe on select expeditions Enjoy optional kayak adventure opportunities
Itinerary DAY 1 EMBARKATION DAY IN LONGYEARBYEN, NORWAY Your Spitsbergen adventure begins when you board your ship in Longyearbyen, the island s largest settlement. As you embark, you ll enjoy great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside village. DAYS 2 TO 10 EXPLORING SPITSBERGEN Explore western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. From polar deserts to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife. You ll cruise around this magical island located above the Arctic Circle, and your Expedition Team will be constantly searching for wildlife. Each expedition presents new opportunities, so we have no fixed itinerary; however, we do hope to visit some of our favorite destinations, including the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsøya, Alkhornet and the Hinlopen Strait. The destinations visited will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing and appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen. Polar bear viewing is more likely here than almost anywhere else, with Phippsøya being one of their preferred hunting areas, since the towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide many free bird egg meals for both them and the arctic fox. Torellneset and Phippsøya are great places for walrus photography. Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won t soon forget. These giant pinnipeds of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline. Arctic Ocean Monaco Glacier Smeerenburg Greenland Sea Bellsund Phipps ya SPITSBERGEN Longyearbyen Calypsobyen Hornsund Nordaustlandet Kvit ya Barents ya Edge ya SVALBARD SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER Wildlife Capital of the Arctic Onboard the Ocean Nova
If you re itching to get a little closer to the action, you can book the kayaking option and take an excursion to the more isolated pockets of Spitsbergen. At Smeerenburg, you can visit a memorial erected in 1906. This historic site honors the whalers who lost their lives in the 17th and 18th centuries while working in extreme arctic conditions. In Spitsbergen, there is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra can be surprisingly colorful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day, you ll see something new, whether it is a rare bird species or an abandoned site from centuries ago. DAY 11 DEPART LONGYEARBYEN 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 flight home. 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.
Adventure Options Ready for a little adventure beyond your ship? Each Quark Expeditions voyage offers a variety of fun recreational activities to enhance your polar experience. Included Activities HIKING Led by experienced staff, exploring on foot is the best way to appreciate the landscape, communities and shorelines. LECTURES Daily chats with on-board experts our guides, scientists and other special guests let passengers rub shoulders with historians, botanists, ornithologists, zoologists, 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!
ZODIAC CRUISING Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar expeditions, safely transporting guests to remote shorelines and shallow inlets places the ships can t reach. Hopping in and out of them is super-easy. PHOTOGRAPHY Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is both rewarding and constructive. Plus, it is next to impossible to take a bad picture of the Polar Regions. OTHER EQUIPMENT ON BOARD Walking poles are provided at each landing for your convenience. This equipment is available at no cost. More information about your Included and Paid Activities, including the necessary experience, physical requirements and cost, is available by contacting your Polar Travel Adviser or your travel professional.
Paid Activities SEA KAYAKING Imagine gliding across the surface of a bay in the presence of icebergs and glaciers. Our Sea Kayaking adventures are the best 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 opportunities to kayak is weather dependent and will only be conducted during calm conditions. Prior kayaking experience is required for you to feel comfortable on the water, and you must have the capability to do a wet exit to participate. Beginners interested in kayaking should consider participating in the Paddling Excursion described below. PADDLING EXCURSION 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 experience with kayaking. We take rotating groups of passengers out on calm days to connect with the sea. No experience is necessary. FROM TOP: Sea Kayaking; Paddling Excursion
Arrival & Departure Details As you prepare for your journey, you may be interested to know the details of your arrival and departure. Since air transportation to and from your voyage is not included in the cost of your expedition, you have some flexibility in planning your flights. Looking to extend your adventure beyond your polar cruise? Arrange for a layover in the destination of your choice, or add on a pre- or post-expedition stop or both! in our gateway city or a nearby region. Quark Expeditions can help you book your flights, or feel free to contact your preferred travel agent or airline. Arrival ARRIVING IN LONGYEARBYEN AND EMBARKATION Please be sure to arrive prior to 3pm on Day 1 of your expedition. Based on the arrival information you send us, we will arrange for a transfer from the airport to a downtown hotel meeting point. Your luggage will go on to meet you in your cabin when you board the ship. At a designated time, which will be communicated during your arrival transfer, you will be transferred to the ship for embarkation. For passengers arriving one day before the start of the itinerary, a transfer will be provided to your previously arranged hotel. A pre-expedition hotel night is not included. Speak to your Polar Travel Adviser for assistance in booking this hotel accommodation, or if you choose to book independently, please include the hotel information with the arrival details that we will need to arrange your transfer.
Departure DISEMBARKATION IN LONGYEARBYEN AND ONWARD Your ship is scheduled to arrive back in Longyearbyen, between 7am and 8am local time. After breakfast, you will have time to bid farewell to your Expedition Team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation. The process takes about an hour. After disembarkation, there will be a group transfer either to your hotel if you have booked additional accommodation, or to the airport for those who have booked flights on disembarkation day. Please book your flight home from Longyearbyen to depart as late in the day as possible, or at a date after the end of your expedition. If you have booked a flight that departs before 11am on the date that your expedition ends, you will be at risk of missing your flight. Hotel Accommodations Your itinerary does not include hotel accommodation before or after the scheduled itinerary. If you are arriving prior to Day 1 of your expedition or are staying after the disembarkation day and would like help booking a pre/post stay, please contact your Polar Travel Adviser for hotel options. Transfers LONGYEARBYEN AIRPORT TRANSFERS Arrival Transfers in Longyearbyen are included in the expedition. If you arrive one day prior to the expedition, a transfer will be provided from the airport to your hotel, and the following day you will be transferred to the ship at the appropriate time. Details of ship transfer times will be provided when you arrive. If you arrive on embarkation day, you will be transferred from the airport to a downtown location. Your luggage will be taken directly to the ship, and later you will be transferred from the meeting point to the ship. Details of ship transfer times will be provided when you arrive. Departure If you have flights booked for the day of disembarkation, departure transfers are provided to either a downtown location or directly to the airport. Your luggage can be stored in a luggage truck if your flight is scheduled for later in the day. If you are spending extra time in Longyearbyen after your expedition, a transfer will be provided to your hotel. You will need to arrange your own transfer to the airport if you are flying out after the disembarkation day. In order to facilitate your transfers, we request that you provide your flight details to Quark Expeditions at least 30 days prior to traveling. PLEASE NOTE Weather conditions can always delay our arrival, and airline schedule changes have also been known to occur. Booking flexible tickets is always encouraged, as we cannot be held responsible for delays due to unforeseen circumstances.
Extend Your Trip PRE- AND POST-EXPEDITION TRIP EXTENSIONS You can extend your trip by booking extra days to explore other northern cities before or after the voyage. Since you re traveling such a long way, you may want to spend extra time in in Longyearbyen or add on a few days in Oslo. In the Svalbard capital, learn about the archipelago s storied past at the museum, wander between colorful wooden houses and grab a pint at the local brewery. Or immerse yourself in Norwegian history at Oslo s Viking Ship Museum, then tour the Royal Palace and take in the sweeping views, and delicious seafood, from a hillside restaurant. FROM TOP: Longyearbyen; Oslo s Opera House; Oslo s Viking Ship Museum
Inclusions YOUR SPITSBERGEN EXPEDITION INCLUDES Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board Beer and 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 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 All gratuities Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 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 THIS EXPEDITION EXCLUDES 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 Additional overnight accommodation Optional kayaking activities
Dates & Rates Dates Days Start/End Quad Triple Upper/Lower Bridge Deck Twin SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER WILDLIFE CAPITAL OF THE ARCTIC Expedition Aboard the Adventure Ship OCEAN NOVA Upper Deck Twin JUN 6 JUN 16, 2019 11 Longyearbyen $6,495 $6,695 $9,295 $9,895 $10,595 $695 $225 All rates per person in USD. Sea Kayaking Paddling Excursion
Your Expedition Ship OCEAN NOVA A different perspective awaits you as you board the Ocean Nova. The smallest and most nimble ship in Quark Expeditions fleet, she is best known for her informal atmosphere and homelike comfort. An icestrengthened hull makes it Arctic-ready, while a clean Scandinavian style permeates the interior. All cabins have exterior views, private facilities and ample storage, with dedicated twin and triple cabins. A spacious, glassed-in observation lounge lets you connect to the magnificent Arctic landscape, and enjoy presentations and briefings by on-board specialists and your Expedition Leader. An open-bridge policy puts you in the driver s seat. SHIP SPECIFICATIONS: Staff & Crew: 38 Guests: 78 Lifeboats: 4, fully enclosed Ice Class: 1B (Hull 1A) Visit QuarkExpeditions.com to view deck plan details. LOUNGE GYM WC LIBRARY ZODIAC DECK 321 320 319 318 317 316 WC BOOT ROOM ZODIAC ACCESS Triple Upper Deck Twin Bridge Deck Twin Upper (Lower Berth) Quad Cabin 416 414 412 410 408 415 413 411 409 407 OFFICE BUFFET POLAR BOUTIQUE DINING ROOM BAR PANORAMA LOUNGE 406 404 402 405 403 401 314 312 310 308 306 304 302 315 313 311 309 307 OFFICERS CABINS CHIEF ENGINEER CLINIC WC OFFICERS CABINS CAPTAIN 305 303 301 TOP DECK OBSERVATION DECK BRIDGE BRIDGE DECK UPPER DECK MAIN DECK
Your Expedition Team Behind the scenes and on the front lines, we are nothing without the dedication, knowledge, energy and passion of our staff. By consistently attracting the most talented people in the polar travel industry, we can keep doing what we do, season after season, to the poles and back and back again. This is where we shine. Our Expeditions Leaders and staff bring diverse polar expertise in subjects as varied as polarhistory, marine biology, glaciology and photography. Their knowledge will greatly enhance your immersion into the polar environment and further enhance your connection to the Arctic. With over 25 years of experience bringing passengers to remote polar regions, we know how to handle the unexpected to guarantee the safety of all passengers. Ensuring this hard earned experience is not lost, our new expedition staff receive comprehensive training in our newly developed Quark Academy, which provides real-world polar expedition training prior to any staff member s first voyage.
Possible Landings ALKEFJELLET This cliff is a seabird center, where Brünnich s guillemots (thick-billed murres) raise their young. An estimated 100,000 breeding pairs reside in the basalt cliffs. The birds do not build nests; rather, they lay eggs on the bare ledge. KAPP LEE, EDGEØYA This is a well-known walrus haul-out. The pink color of a walrus s hide as it is exposed to the sun is caused by blood pumped to the skin s surface to aid cooling, similar to that of a hippopotamus in Africa. LILLIEHÖÖK GLACIER In 1906, Prince Albert I of Monaco visited Lilliehöök Glacier to conduct scientific investigations. His great-greatgrandson, 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 by the clam. Scientists can determine the variations of the water s temperature and pollutant content by studying the shell. LONGYEARBYEN Eighteen hundred people inhabit the administrative capital of Svalbard, which is situated on the southern side of Adventfjord. The settlement was founded in 1905 by John Munroe Longyear, the majority owner of the Arctic Coal Company of Boston. MONACO GLACIER Prince Albert I of Monaco, a pioneer of oceanography, led an expedition PLEASE NOTE Weather conditions can always delay our arrival, and airline schedule changes have also been known to occur. Booking flexible tickets is always encouraged, as we cannot be held responsible for delays due to unforeseen circumstances.
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. NORDAUSTLANDET ISLAND This is the second-largest island in the entire Svalbard archipelago. The largest glacier in Europe is located on the island, which is a known habitat for reindeer and walrus. PALANDERBUKTA On the western coast, this bay stretches south and east from the Wahlenberg Fjord. This is a typical polar desert, where the ice bear (polar bear) can sometimes be seen roaming in search of food. PHIPPSØYA AND MARTENSØYA, SEVEN ISLANDS This small archipelago is the northernmost land in Svalbard. Englishmen left their mark during a survey of the islands in the 1780s. The party named the islands after themselves, with the smallest and least significant island being named Nelsonøya, after the lowly midshipman who was promoted over the years to the rank and title of Vice Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson! IMPORTANT REMINDER 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. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a polar expedition.
Know Before You Go Meals on Board 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. Almost any dietary restriction 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 our 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 on the ship is open to enjoy with your fellow shipmates in the late morning, afternoon and evening. Language Capability The Quark Expedition Team is sourced globally and brings a wealth of cultural knowledge and language proficiency. Although the main language spoken during the expedition is English, we can accommodate Mandarin speakers on any voyage. Please inquire with Quark Expeditions to learn what other languages might be accommodated on your voyage. WEATHER CONDITIONS AND TEMPERATURES Weather conditions are highly variable, with temperatures hovering around the freezing mark. The continuous daylight warms sheltered areas so that you may find temperatures 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.
PACKING CHECKLIST WHAT TO BRING! Packing for the polar regions doesn t have to be daunting, and to make it easier for you, all Quark voyages include an expedition parka to keep, and a loan of appropriate polar footwear. Additional suggested items include: FOR SHORE LANDINGS Base layers (wool, synthetic or a blend) Mid-layer warm/fleece top Mid-layer warm/fleece pant Wool and synthetic socks (3 to 4 pairs) Glove liners Neck warmer or balaclava Warm hat that covers ears Waterproof pants Waterproof gloves Sunscreen Sunglasses with UV protection 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 adapters FOR ON BOARD Comfortable casual clothing (pants/jeans, shirts, sweaters) Lighter shirts (in case the ship gets warm) Comfortable non-slip close-toed unheeled shoes
TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE Contact your Travel Professional EXPEDITION BROCHURE December 2017