4 May
From Aberdeen to Helsinki
Scotland to Spitsbergen: Puffins, Sea Ice and Wildlife
From Aberdeen to Helsinki
Scotland to Spitsbergen: Puffins, Sea Ice and Wildlife
Voyage Itinerary
2 May to 3 May
Setting sail from Aberdeen
The 'granite city' of Aberdeen is flush with money from the North Sea oil boom, and boasts cultural attractions including the fascinating Maritime Museum and the Aberdeen Art Gallery. Head out into the countryside and you'll find magnificent castles, wild mountain scenery and whisky distilleries aplenty.
5 May
United Kingdom: Shetland Islands
6 May to 8 May - At sea
9 May
Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Bjørnøya
Bjørnøya, or Bear Island, is the most southerly island in the Svalbard archipelago, marooned in the Barents Sea halfway between Spitsbergen and the Norwegian mainland. Despite the name there are no polar bears permanently resident, and the island’s most impressive sight is the huge bird colonies nesting on the cliffs.
10 May
Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Svalbard
The Svalbard archipelago is a true wilderness, a land of snowy peaks, frozen tundra and glassy seas. You’ll likely have no fixed itinerary here, due to the unpredictable nature of an Arctic expedition; be prepared to drop everything and rush up to the top deck for the chance of a polar bear sighting!
11 May - At sea
12 May
Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Hornsund
13 May
Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Bellsund
14 May to 15 May - At sea
16 May
Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Isfjorden
Isfjorden is the second longest fjord in Svalbard, and is also where you’ll find the archipelago’s largest settlements, Longyearbyen and Barentsburg. Birds including guillemots, kittiwakes and puffins can be seen on the cliffs along the coast, and polar bears are known to prowl here.
17 May
Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen is the largest settlement in Svalbard, remotely located in the high Norwegian Arctic, and originally built as a mining town. The locals continue to make the best of this hostile environment, and brightly painted wooden buildings line the main street. The surrounding area is breathtakingly beautiful.
18 May
Finland: Helsinki
Finland’s lovely capital Helsinki is a maritime city, with the sea on three sides and almost 100 kilometres of shoreline, as well as around 300 islands. Its contemporary architecture and focus on modern design sit surprisingly well alongside its four hundred year history.
Before you return
One night in Helsinki
Disembark in Longyearbyen and take your included transfer to the airport to fly to Helsinki for a one-night hotel stay. The following day head to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
The ship
Ultramarine
- Capacity:
- 199 Guests
- Crew:
- 140 Staff
- Style:
- Comfortable and inviting, with a real focus on in-depth polarexploration and active pursuits such as kayaking and hiking.
Ultramarine is Quark's first new-build vessel, equipped with two twin-engine helicopters and offering an amazing array of innovative excursions.
What we love
Ultramarine is Quark's first ever new-build and delivers the most comprehensive polar expedition experience at sea. You can expect fantastic included excursions, active adventures ashore and a superb onboard expedition team. The ship also features more outdoor wildlife viewing space than any other vessel this size, stylish public spaces and the latest environmentally-sensitive technology.
inclusions
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks, juices and water
- Beer and wine with dinner
- Tea and coffee available all day
- Lectures in the theatre-style auditorium
- Zodiac excursions and shore landings
- Flightseeing and hiking
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Quark Expeditions parka
How can we help?
Our frequently asked questions
From expedition tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions.
visit our faqs
Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?
Absolutely. Expedition cruises often start and end in remote destinations, and we're able to arrange everything from flights and transfers to hotels and tours. If you're keen to make the most of your time away with bespoke arrangements, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and we offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24-hour emergency contact, to give you complete peace of mind.
Will I save by booking with Mundy Adventures?
You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line, as well as enjoying more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.
How much time is spent ashore?
Itineraries are planned to deliver an unforgettable experience of the destination, so days are filled with landings ashore via the ship's fleet of Zodiacs (sturdy rubber boats) or exploration along the coastline. It will vary depending on itinerary and operators, so it's best to contact us to discuss but rest assured an expedition cruise is focused on the time you spend off the ship.
cruise news
Latest news and travel inspiration
News, trip reports, cruising advice and industry insight brought to you from our expert team.
Why Mundy?
Who we are
Mundy Adventures is the intrepid little brother of Mundy Cruising Ltd., the UK's very first cruise specialist, and one of the leading companies in its field.
We specialise in travel by ship and have been doing so for over 50 years. By providing expert, personal service, insightful ideas and fascinating add-ons we aim to make your adventure holiday truly unique and special.
We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.
