Travel Advice
Duration
9 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
4 Ports
23 May
Setting sail from 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.
24 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.
25-31 May
Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, 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!
1 June
Arriving in Longyearbyen
This is the world's northernmost city and the base for tourism in Svalbard. A bit quirky, as you would expect from somewhere that spends four months of the year in near darkness, Longyearbyen doesn't take long to explore. Its brightly coloured wooden houses are built on stilts, as the ground in Svalbard is permafrost. When you enter a building, you are normally asked to remove your shoes, and leave your gun at the door. Gun carrying is more or less essential for the locals, as with 3,000 local hungry polar bears, it is said that you never know when you might need protection. That said, we visited safely without a gun!
Our tip
Don’t die here – it’s illegal. There have been no new burials for over 70 years, because the permafrost prevents bodies from decomposing.
Ocean Explorer
Ocean Explorer is Quark's latest addition to the fleet, boasting a bright, elegant interior and an innovative X-Bow design for ultimate guest comfort.
What we love
Ocean Explorer joins the Quark fleet in 2024 and is a purpose-built expedition vessel designed for polar waters. Built in 2021, it showcases innovative expedition technology including a striking X-Bow design which improves efficiency and guest comfort when sailing in extreme envirnments. On board, guests will enjoy spacious cabins, almost all with private verandah, multi-height outdoor decks which are perfect for wildlife viewing, and a fleet of 15 Zodiacs for immersive exploration.
| capacity | 138 Guests |
|---|---|
| crew | 105 Staff |
| style | Bright, spacious and elegant interiors plus expansive observation decks and an expert Quark expedition team offer enriching exploration to the Polar regions. |
| inclusions |
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| year built | 2021 |
| length | 342 feet |
| cruising speed | 16.5 knots |
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Longyearbyen
There’s really not much choice! Go for the Radisson Blu.
Explore Spitsbergen
Travel out of Longyearbyen by snow scooter or dog sled to take a look at the amazing scenery and hunt for wildlife.
