ultramarine spitsbergen polar bear cruise

Intro to Spitsbergen: Fjords, Glaciers and Wildlife of Svalbard

  • Overview

    EARLY BIRD OFFER: Save 15-20% OFF + 10% When paid in full by 15 JUN 2020.

    This fascinating expedition provides a taste of everything Spitsbergen has to offer, starting with its largest settlement, Longyearbyen. The largest island of the Svalbard archipelago is known as the “wildlife capital of the Arctic,” and on this stirring voyage, we show you why. Geared toward optimum wildlife viewing, this 10-day expedition provides ample opportunities to witness walrus, reindeer, and that most iconic of Arctic denizens, the polar bear, in their natural habitat, while marveling at the surreal experience of continuous daylight. Explore the unique Arctic landscape, hike the vast and colorful tundra, learn about the history and geology of this remote wilderness, and join us on a gripping excursion to a faraway, unforgettable land.

    Duration: 10 days
    Passengers: 199 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Jan Mayen
    Disembarkation Point: Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Jan Mayen
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Mandatory extra flight
    Single Supplement: 1.7x - 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Arrive in Helsinki, Finland

      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.

    • Day 2 - Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Embark

      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 frigid waters.

    • Day 3/9 - Exploring Spitsbergen

      You’ll cruise around this magical island on a constant search for wildlife. Your expedition will cover western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. From polar flora to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife. Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so there is no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet 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 most of Svalbard’s Arctic ecosystem is uninhabited and well-protected, this remote archipelago is one of the world’s best places to spot polar bears against stunning natural backdrops of mountains and ice. 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. These giant pinnipeds of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline. If you’re itching to experience a more intimate view from the water, you can book 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 everchanging gallery of spectacular icebergs, a polar bear resting between hunts, or an abandoned historical site from centuries ago.

    • Day 10 - Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki

      The time to say goodbye to your Expedition Team and shipmates has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the historic 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.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    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 onetime paddle on our sit-on-top kayaks, which are stable and unencumbered— perfect for anyone with little to no kayak experience. Expert guides take rotating groups of passengers on calm days to connect with the sea.

    USD$ 190 per person

    Mandatory Transfer Package: Spitsbergen

    MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: Spitsbergen
    - One night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Oslo airport hotel, with breakfast
    - Charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen
    - Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
    - Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo

    USD$ 816 per person

    Kayaking

    Kayaking is probably one of the most intimate and inspiring ways you can explore the rugged coastlines and calm bays of the Polar regions.

    Kayaking in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent, however we guarantee at least one outing throughout your voyage, but your kayak guides will take you out as many times as possible throughout your voyage.

    USD$ 649 per person

    Endless Arctic nights

    Svalbard is the Arctic North as you always dreamed it existed. This wondrous archipelago is a land of dramatic snow-drowned peaks and glaciers, of vast icefields and forbidding icebergs, an elemental place where the seemingly endless Arctic night and the perpetual sunlight of summer carry a deeper kind of magic. One of Europe's last great wildernesses, this is also the domain of more polar bears than people, a terrain rich in epic legends of polar exploration.

    The Polar Bear

    To many people, the polar bear is the Arctic. The sight of such an impressive silky white bear wandering the frozen Arctic seas in search of seals symbolizes the cold, isolated nature of the Arctic so well. Polar bears are marine mammals because they spend so much of their lives away from land. In the high Arctic where there is always some sea ice to travel on, polar bears range over ice floes in the pack ice hunting seals all summer. In some areas (e.g. southern Hudson Bay, southern Svalbard) they are simply forced to come ashore. Polar bears rarely venture inland.

  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - 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
    - 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

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki
    - Excess-baggage fees on international flights
    - Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
    - Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
    - Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
    - Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
    - Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
    - Passport and visa expenses
    - Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
    - Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
    - Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
    - Additional overnight accommodation
    - International airfare
  • Map
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  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    One of the newest ships in the polar fleet, Ultramarine, is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer.

    Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards.

    With all this and more, Ultramarine is set to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience.

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 5
    Guests #: 199
    Crew #: 140
    Ice Class: PC6
    Speed: 16
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 2021
    Length: 128m
    Width: 22
    Draft: 5
    Tonnage: 13500
    Registry:
    Elec Outlets:
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Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
ultramarine antarctica explorer triple cabin

Explorer Triple

17 Jun 2023 - 26 Jun 2023
Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2). This suite is perfect for guests traveling solo who want to share their experience with other like-minded travelers of the same gender, or for groups of three traveling together. Featuring three separate single beds, and amenities for each of the three guests. Features: three single beds (two of which can be combined into a double bed), sitting area, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors
USD$ 9,044pp
USD$ 9,044pp

Explorer Suite

17 Jun 2023 - 26 Jun 2023
View window, sitting area, twin/queen bed and private facilities
USD$ 11,560pp
USD$ 11,033pp

Balcony Suite

17 Jun 2023 - 26 Jun 2023
Twin or double bed, private facilities, window and private balcony
USD$ 12,512pp
USD$ 11,938pp

Deluxe Balcony Suite

17 Jun 2023 - 26 Jun 2023
Twin or double Suite with separate sitting area, private facilities and a private balcony
USD$ 14,552pp
USD$ 13,876pp
ultramarine antarctica terrace suite cabin

Terrace Suite

17 Jun 2023 - 26 Jun 2023
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 350 sq. ft. (32.5 m2) of indoor living space, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting generous interiors with a wide layout and the largest balconies on the ship. Centrally located on Deck 6, guests will enjoy minimal movement and motion from the comfort of these suites. Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private extra-wide balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
USD$ 15,028pp
USD$ 14,328pp

Penthouse Suite

17 Jun 2023 - 26 Jun 2023
Suites with private balcony and sitting area
USD$ 15,572pp
USD$ 14,845pp
ultramarine antarctica solo panoroma cabin

Solo Panorama

17 Jun 2023 - 26 Jun 2023
Located on Deck 6, and approximately 132 sq. ft. (12.3 m2). This suite is perfect for solo guests who appreciate privacy and want to wake up to sweeping views from the comfort of their bed. These are the only solo suites with floor-to-ceiling windows available onboard any ship in its class. Features: single bed, floor-to-ceiling window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors
USD$ 15,572pp
USD$ 15,572pp
polar pioneer captains suite

Owner's Suite

17 Jun 2023 - 26 Jun 2023
Suite cabin with double bed, separate sitting room and private facilities.
USD$ 19,516pp
USD$ 18,592pp
ultramarine antarctica ultra suite cabin

Ultra Suite

17 Jun 2023 - 26 Jun 2023
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 563 sq. ft. (52.3m2) of interior living space, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want to travel without compromise. Our largest and most luxurious suite features the most sleeping, entertainment and storage space onboard the ship. It is perfect for families or travelers who want all the comforts of home onboard the ship. Features: one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room.
USD$ 21,556pp
USD$ 20,530pp