Quark Expeditions

Arctic 2027 · Onboard Ultramarine

Spitsbergen Highlights

Wildlife Capital of the Arctic

At a Glance

Dates

June 25 – July 2, 2027

Duration

8 Days

Start / End

Helsinki, Finland

Ship

Ultramarine

Route

Svalbard, Spitsbergen

Expedition Overview

Pack all the excitement of an epic Arctic expedition into 8 adventure-packed days. This rocky island is crowned with mountains, glaciers, towering cliffs, and fjords that host thriving, diverse ecosystems. This 8-day Spitsbergen Highlights: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic voyage lets you experience as much of the Svalbard wilderness as possible. Expert guides maximize opportunities to spot walruses, Arctic birds, reindeer, polar bears and other iconic Arctic creatures while Zodiac cruising, hiking and kayaking.

  • Spot iconic Arctic wildlife - polar bears, walrus and reindeer

  • Enjoy all the adventures of an Arctic expedition in just 8 days

  • Cruise by Zodiac to explore glaciers, fjords and icebergs

  • Hike the colorful tundra with expert guides

  • Optional kayaking through the icy Arctic waters

Spitsbergen Highlights

Itinerary

Embracing the unexpected is part of the excitement of expedition travel - sea, ice, wildlife and weather guide the route. This is a tentative outline of what you may experience.

Map of the expedition route

Day 1

Arrive in Helsinki, Finland

Arrive in the Finnish capital and make your way to the group hotel at Helsinki airport (included). Explore the museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna, or wander the Design District.

Day 2

Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Embark

Transfer to the airport and board a private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, then embark your ship.

Days 3–6

Exploring Svalbard

Sail the shores of this magical archipelago in search of immense glaciers, deep fjords and unique flora and fauna. Highlights may include the highly active Lilliehöök Glacier in Krossfjorden, a Zodiac excursion to the abandoned mining settlement of Ny-London, the iceberg-producing Monaco Glacier, the 400-year-old whaling ruins at Smeerenburg, the panoramic vistas of Magdalenefjorden, and the seabird cliffs of Alkhornet - with sightings of Svalbard reindeer and marine mammals possible throughout.

Day 7

Disembark in Longyearbyen & Fly to Helsinki

Disembark in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen, then transfer to the airport for the return charter flight to Helsinki (included), with a hotel night on arrival.

Day 8

Onward Flight Home

After breakfast, make your way to the airport for your onward flight home, or stay to explore Helsinki further.

Spitsbergen Highlights

Your Ship - Ultramarine

The technologically advanced Ultramarine is built to go beyond the familiar in polar travel. Equipped with 20 quick-launching Zodiacs and two twin-engine helicopters, she offers the industry's largest portfolio of off-ship adventures, the most spacious suites in her category, fine dining, breathtaking public spaces, an onboard Science Hub, and wellness amenities including a spa, sauna and fitness center.

Staff & Crew

140

Guests

199

Ice Class

1A+, PC6

Length

420 ft (128m)

Cruising Speed

12 knots

Lifeboats

4, fully enclosed

Zodiacs

20 quick-launch

Registration

Marshall Islands

Features of the Vessel

40-Day Operational Range

Best-in-class range lets Ultramarine go further into remote polar regions than any comparable vessel.

Four Embarkation Points

Starboard, port, and stern embarkation points deploy Zodiacs faster, safer, and easier than ever before.

Water-Level Zodiac Hangar

An internal hangar deploys 20 Zodiacs in half the time of other vessels - more spontaneous off-ship adventures and intimate wildlife encounters.

Wraparound Deck

Deck 5 offers generous outdoor viewing to take in the polar landscapes and seize the moment when wildlife appears.

A Glimpse of the Arctic

Included Activities

All included in the price of your trip.

Zodiac Cruising

Reach remote shorelines, shallow inlets and unique wildlife the ship can’t access.

Hiking

Guided walks across the polar landscape, for a range of skill levels.

Presentations

Daily talks from onboard experts on history, biology, glaciology and more.

Polar Plunge

A once-per-voyage rite of passage - jump into the bracing Arctic waters.

Science & Discovery

Engage with scientists and researchers and take part in citizen science activities.

Photography

Guidance to help you capture the beauty of the polar regions.

Adventure Options (Extra Cost)

Sea Kayaking

Glide across bays among icebergs and glaciers. Prior kayaking experience required.

Paddling Excursion

A gentler, one-time paddle on stable sit-on-top kayaks - ideal for beginners.

What’s Included

  • An official expedition parka to keep

  • Expert Expedition Leaders throughout the voyage

  • All Zodiac transfers, cruising and shore landings

  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping

  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board

  • Complimentary select beer, wine and cocktails

  • Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa around the clock

  • Formal and informal presentations by the Expedition Team

  • Charter flights Helsinki ↔ Longyearbyen, plus two Helsinki hotel nights

Not Included

  • International airfare to/from Helsinki

  • Passport, visa and travel insurance costs

  • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising

  • Gratuities for shipboard staff and crew

  • Adventure Options (kayaking) and personal charges

Pricing

Pricing for this expedition is provided on a personalized basis, reflecting cabin selection, availability and current promotions. Reach out to receive a tailored quote and full booking terms.

Request a Quote

Interested in this expedition?

This voyage is arranged personally, with full trip curation, cabin selection and logistics handled for you. Reach out and let's talk through the details.

Contact Dan

✦ Let's Begin

Ready to start your journey?

Every great trip starts with a conversation. Tell me where you want to go, and I'll handle the rest.

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