11-night Spitsbergen Explorer – Wildlife Capital of the Arctic Expedition

May 28, 2024

Quark Expeditions: Ocean Adventurer

Roundtrip Helsinki

Vacation Offer ID 1492201

Reference this number when contacting our travel specialist.

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Overview

Ship Info

Activities & Services

Staterooms

Deckplans

The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
The Signature Collection Sailings offer Exceptional Value and Exclusive Amenities.

Cruise Inclusions

Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
All shore landings per the daily program
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
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 guest speakers 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 center and port on embarkation and disembarkation day

Available Add-Ons

Optional airfare; pre-/post-cruise hotel

Destination Guide
Suggested Shore Excursions

Destination	Arrival	Departure
Helsinki Helsinki 05/28/2024 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.,	05/28/2024	05/28/2024
Helsinki Helsinki 05/29/2024 This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board a private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen's largest settlement. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island's rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.,	05/29/2024	05/29/2024
Air Travel Air Travel 05/29/2024 This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board a private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen's largest settlement. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island's rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.,	05/29/2024	05/29/2024
Cruise Starts (Embarkation) Cruise Starts (Embarkation) 05/29/2024 This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board a private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen's largest settlement. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island's rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.,	05/29/2024	05/29/2024
Longyearbyen Longyearbyen 05/29/2024 This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board a private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen's largest settlement. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island's rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.,	05/29/2024	05/29/2024
Alkhornet	05/30/2024	05/30/2024
14th of July Glacier	05/31/2024	05/31/2024
Smeerenburg	06/01/2024	06/01/2024
Phippsoya	06/02/2024	06/02/2024
Alkefjellet	06/03/2024	06/03/2024
Hinlopen Strait Hinlopen Strait 06/04/2024 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. As you cruise around this magical island located above the Arctic Circle, your Expedition Team will constantly be searching for animals. Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so we have no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsøya, Alkhornet, and the Hinlopen Strait. The destinations visited will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing with an appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen. The island offers multiple opportunities for wildlife photography. Since Svalbard's legendary wildlife habitat is well-protected and almost entirely uninhabited, it's one of the world's best places to spot polar bears in their natural landscapes of ice, Arctic deserts, and mountain scenery. The towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide homes to thousands of Brünnich's guillemots (thick-billed murres). Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won't soon forget. Get a chance to witness the intimate gatherings of giant pinnipeds as they haul out together on small coastal strips. If you're itching to experience a more intimate view from the water, you can prebook the sea kayaking or paddling excursion adventure options. 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 interesting, whether it is an ever-changing gallery of spectacular icebergs, a polar bear resting between hunts, or an abandoned historical site from centuries ago.,	06/04/2024	06/04/2024
Captain's Choice	06/05/2024	06/07/2024
Longyearbyen Longyearbyen 06/08/2024 The time to say goodbye has come. Your Arctic adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, you'll be transferred to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package.,	06/08/2024	06/08/2024
Cruise Ends (Debarkation) Cruise Ends (Debarkation) 06/08/2024 The time to say goodbye has come. Your Arctic adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, you'll be transferred to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package.,	06/08/2024	06/08/2024
Air Travel Air Travel 06/08/2024 The time to say goodbye has come. Your Arctic adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, you'll be transferred to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package.,	06/08/2024	06/08/2024
Helsinki Helsinki 06/08/2024 The time to say goodbye has come. Your Arctic adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, you'll be transferred to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package.,	06/08/2024	06/08/2024

A multi-million-dollar renovation means that the 128 guests aboard Ocean Adventurer travel to the most remote regions of the world in the utmost comfort. Ocean Adventurer has long been a fleet favorite among guests and crew who've appreciated the charm and intimacy of this 128-passenger vessel, its ample outdoor deck space, numerous cozy spots to socialize onboard—and the outdoor jacuzzi. A few years ago, Ocean Adventurer underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation involving a talented team of marine architects, engineers, interior designers and polar expedition specialists. Quark Expeditions is proud of the enhancements to the much-loved polar vessel—which subsequently won the Travel Weekly Magellan Award for Overall Small Cruise Ship (500 passengers or under).

Ship Highlights

On the Captain's Deck you will find a library of polar books, reference and general reading materials in multiple languages covering subjects
While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you’ll always be served three meals a day
Located on the Main Deck, gym hours are posted at the door, with facilities available on a first come, first served basis
Enjoy a more private dining experience in the Clipper Club, just off of the main Dining Room

Ship Statistics

Maiden Voyage: 1976
Last Refurbished: 1999/2000
Registry: Bahamas
Ship Length: 101.1 meters

Passenger Capacity: 132
Number of Crew: 87
Number of Suites: 6

Dining

Entertainment & Nightlife

Onboard Activities

Oceanview

Triple Stateroom (TPL) Call for pricing

Category: TPL
Main Deck

Located on Deck 6, and approximately 246 sq. ft. (23 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 55 sq. ft. (5 sq. m) walk-out balcony.

Superior Stateroom (SUP) Call for pricing

Category: SUP
Captains Deck
Upper Deck

A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. Size approx. 132-164 sq.ft.

Main Deck Twin Window (MDW) Call for pricing

Category: MDW
Main Deck

A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views. Size approx. 115-160 sq.ft.

Main Deck Twin Porthole (MDP) Call for pricing

Category: MDP
Main Deck

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. Size approx. 113-132 sq.ft.

Lower Deck Stateroom (LD) Call for pricing

Category: LD
Lower Deck

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. Size approx. 117-132 sq.ft.

Suite

Suite (S) Call for pricing

Category: S
Captains Deck

A Suite has a double bed, windows with exterior views, private facilities. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Suites have showers. Size approx. 215-267 sq.ft.

All fares are per person, based on double occupancy (unless otherwise noted) and quoted in US dollars (US$). Rates for expeditions, flights, as well as optional pre-expedition and post-expedition extensions are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change prior to departure. Substantial changes in tariffs, exchange rates and the price of fuel, services and labor sometimes increase the cost of expedition arrangements significantly. Quark reserves the right to alter prices or introduce surcharges accordingly, even if payment has been received in full. All travelers are required to pay for their excursion and additional purchases in conjunction with their excursion in the same currency. The fare does not include tobacco, alcoholic or special beverages (bottled or tap), miscellaneous extras, personal needs or medical care. Such goods and services, if available for purchase aboard the vessel/camp, are at the traveler's own expense. Payment for all such goods and services including any charges for extra baggage must be made in cash or by traveler's checks in US dollars (or other currency acceptable to the carrier) upon demand by the carrier prior to the traveler's disembarkation. Taxes, port charges, embarkation and loading expenses, stamps, health fees and any other charges whatsoever imposed by governmental authorities in any port or place shall be for the account of the traveler if not included in the fare paid to Quark.

To confirm reservations on all Quark products, a deposit of 20% (minimum US$1000 per person) is required at time of booking. The deposit may be paid by bank wire transfer, check, money order or major credit card. For any booking within 120 days of departure full payment is required. Final payment balances are due 120 days prior to departure.

Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.

Exlusions - Rates specifically do not include:

Any airfare unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
Passport and visa expenses.
Government arrival and departure taxes.
Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation and lunch on specified fly and cruise programs.
Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance.
Excess baggage charges.
Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified.
Telecommunications charges.
The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew.
Massage services.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

Observation Deck