Three Arctic Islands

Prices from / per person

$15,331.00

cruise features

Overview

15 Days / Premium / Small Ship (13-200)
Wildlife

Polar Bears ● Walrus ● Muskoxen ● Svalbard Reindeer ● Arctic terns ● Skuas ● Brünnich’s guillemots
Activities

Hiking / Zodiac Cruising / Polar Plunge / Presentations / Photography
Embarkation / Disembarkation

Reykjavík, Iceland / Longyearbyen & Fly to Helsinki, Finland
Cruise Partner/Vessel

Quark Expeditions / Ocean Explorer
Cruise Dates

Aug 13 – 27, 2025
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138

Passengers

20

Expedition Members

105

Staff / Crew

5

Passenger / Expedition Ratio

2

Shore Landings/Day*

These are approximate numbers and should be confirmed for each trip
* Except sea days

Trip Summary

Named one of National Geographic Traveler’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime, this unforgettable voyage begins above the Arctic Circle at Spitsbergen, the “wildlife capital of the Arctic,” ventures to the spectacular, remote landscape of East Greenland, and ends in Iceland.

In Spitsbergen, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts, steep-walled fjords and wind-swept tundra, where wildlife sightings include walrus, polar bears, Svalbard reindeer and thousands of birds. During your tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen—40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives here.

The towering cliffs, massive glaciers, rugged fjords and vast swaths of untouched tundra in these breathtaking environments will provide sights, sounds and scenes you’ve never experienced, permanently transforming your connection to the planet we call home. Explore the amazing Arctic, immerse yourself in the beauty and fragility of a wondrous region, and return with unique memories that will last a lifetime.

2025 Season (Note: Other options available in 2024 and 2025)

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.

After breakfast, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, as part of the transfer package. As you embark this afternoon, you’ll enjoy great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.

Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, rewards you with austere beauty and opportunities to spot its abundant wildlife. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and tundra in full bloom, with walrus, polar bears and Svalbard reindeer amongst your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see Arctic terns, skuas, Brünnich’s guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes and ivory gulls. If conditions allow, you could sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole!

While sailing south through the Greenland Sea, your Expedition Team will teach you about the wildlife and history of Greenland, your next stop. On deck, you’ll learn to identify seabirds on the wing. Take in a presentation, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a film—there are many things to do during your time at sea.

During your tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen—40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives here. Finally, you will sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs and, some say, the most beautiful fjord system in the world. If conditions allow, you may also visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote community in East Greenland.

As we sail south, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Iceland. Your Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with presentations about the history of exploration in the Arctic and the seabirds you’ll see soaring above your ship.

You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.

Expedition in Brief

– Experience Reykjavik, the vibrant and artistic capital of Iceland
– Marvel at the glaciers and abundant wildlife of Spitsbergen
– Hike the tundra and explore a remote fjord-strewn coast of East Greenland
– Cruise in a Zodiac to explore glaciers, icebergs and more
– Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures

  • Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities.
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program.
  • All shore landings as 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.).
  • Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner.
  • 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.
  • Transfer from Longyearbyen town center to port on embarkation day.
  • Group transfer to downtown Reykjavik on disembarkation day.
  • Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data intensive applications.).
  • International airfare.
  • Arrival transfer in Helsinki.
  • Airport transfer in Reykjavik.
  • Passport and visa expenses.
  • Meals ashore unless otherwise specified.
  • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended.
  • Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights.
  • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned.
  • Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified.
  • Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location).
  • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew.
  • Additional overnight accommodation.
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities.

2024 and 2025 Season

Our portfolio of immersive itineraries allows you to choose where—and how—you’d like to explore the Arctic with the best expedition team in the Polar Regions.

2024 Season – Starting from $8,251 USD* Per person (Incl. Transfer Package).

2025 Season – Starting from $15,331 USD* Per person (Incl. Transfer Package).

For other similar sailings in 2024 and 2025, please contact us.

transportation

Transfer Package Included

One night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Helsinki airport hotel, with breakfast

Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen

Arrival transfer in Longyearbyen

Arrival transfer in Reykjavik to central downtown location

Package Price: $895 USD

vessel details

Specifications and Deck Plans

View detailed vessel specifications and the deck plan layout for the Ocean Explorer.

optional activities

Enjoy Natural Scenery & Local Life

Contact our adventure cruise specialists to discuss pre and post cruise land tours and turn your cruise into a more complete and personalized journey.

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