The largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, Spitsbergen is known as the “wildlife capital of the Arctic,” and on this unforgettable 12-day voyage, you will discover why. This longer journey has been designed to maximize time on the west and northern/southern tips of the island, providing you optimal chances to witness the remarkable array of animals who call this spectacular yet forbidding environment home—including whales, walruses, Svalbard reindeer, seabirds by the thousands, and that most iconic of Arctic residents, the polar bear.
In addition to giving you opportunities to observe this unique parade of wildlife, you will explore the vast tundra, appreciate the natural beauty of the surprisingly colorful Arctic wilderness, and enjoy a range of on-board lectures and educational programs. Come aboard with the most knowledgeable, experienced and passionate team in the industry for an extraordinary High Arctic adventure.
INCLUSIONS & HIGHLIGHTS
- 1 Nights first class accommodations
- 10 Nights shipboard accommodations
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board
- Beer and wine during dinner
- All shore landings per the daily program
- Leadership throughout the voyage by an experienced Expedition Leader
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- Formal and informal presentations by the expedition team and special guests as scheduled
- Photographic journal documenting the expedition
- Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
- An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
- Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person
- Transfers between Longyearbyen town center and port on embarkation and disembarkation day
- Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
- Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki
- $250 USD shipboard credit
- Women’s Travel Club leader
ITINERARY
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Day 1 – Welcome to 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.
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Day 2 – Embarkation – Longyearbyen, Svalbard
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
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Day 3 – Exploring Spitsbergen
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.
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Day 4 – Exploring Spitsbergen
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.
Accommodations: Ocean Adventurer -
Day 5 – Exploring Spitsbergen
The destinations visited will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing with an appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen.
Accommodations: Ocean Adventurer -
Day 6 – Exploring Spitsbergen
Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar
expeditions, taking you to places the
ships can’t access, allowing you to reach
remote shorelines, explore shallow inlets
and search for wildlife. Expedition staff
make stepping in and out of them safe
and comfortable, and your Zodiac drivers
will provide active interpretation, making
the landscape come even more alive.
Accommodations: Ocean Adventurer -
Day 7 – Exploring 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.
Accommodations: Ocean Adventurer -
Day 8 – Exploring Spitsbergen
The towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide homes to thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).
Accommodations: Ocean Adventurer -
Day 9 – Exploring Spitsbergen
If you’re itching to experience a more intimate view from the water, you can book the sea kayaking or paddling excursion adventure options.
Accommodations: Ocean Adventurer -
Day 10 – Exploring Spitsbergen
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…
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Day 11 – Exploring Spitsbergen
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…
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Day 12 – Disembark in Longyearbyen & Fly to Helsinki
The time to say goodbye has come. Your Arctic adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki.
IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.
**Prices are subject to change and availability. Space is limited and activities and specific hotels are subject to change. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
IMPORTANT DETAILS & PRICING
Rates
Double Occupancy Lower Deck Cabin – $9542 USD per person
Single Occupancy Lower Deck Cabin – $15,524 USD per person
Double Occupancy Main Deck Porthole Cabin – $10,442 USD per person
Single Occupancy Main Deck Porthole Cabin – $17,054 USD per person
Double Occupancy Main Deck Window Cabin – $11,417 USD per person
Single Occupancy Main Deck Window Cabin – $18,712 USD per person
Double Occupancy Superior Cabin – $12,467 USD per person
Single Occupancy Superior Cabin – $23,938 USD per person
If you would like the double occupancy rate but don’t have a roommate we will match you with a suitable roommate. The single occupancy rate will give you your own room. Single occupancy may be limited. USD = United States of America dollars.
Deposit of 20% due at time of booking.
Final payment due on February 15, 2024.
*All payments are non-refundable Please see full terms and conditions. Prices are subject to change and availability.
** Please note: There is a strict luggage limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) checked luggage and 18 lbs (8 kg) cabin baggage on the flights between Helsinki and Longyearbyen. Should you have additional luggage, it can be stored at the hotel in Helsinki. There is NO option to pay for additional luggage.
Booking Deadline
Book by September 30, 2023. After this date space may be limited and subject to ship availability.
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
The included activity in this tour is fairly moderate but there are more active activities available. You should be able to walk for extended periods of time on uneven and possibly slippery terrain and get in and out of a zodiac easily.
Group Size
Minimum – 8 ladies
Maximum – 18 ladies
Exclusions
- International Airfare
- Visa/passport handling fees
- Meals not listed in itinerary
- Alcoholic Beverages other than with dinner
- Gratuities
- Optional Activities
- Expenses of a Personal Nature
- Early check-in and late check-out of hotel
- Travel Insurance
- Arrival & Departure airport transfers in Helsinki (hotel is at airport)
- Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
Tour Host
Women’s Travel Club tours are hosted tours. Your tour host is in addition to local tour guides. Your Women’s Travel Club tour host is your tour concierge and there to make sure every part of the tour runs smoothly. Our trained hosts are seasoned travelers who are with you every step of your tour so that you only have to worry about enjoying yourself and having fun.
The Women’s Travel Club Tour Host for this tour is Deanna Lumax.
Roommate Matching Policy
Roommate matching is done as a courtesy and while most matches result in wonderful friendships, success is not guaranteed. If during the tour you decide you would no longer like to share a room with your roommate you will need to request (and pay for) a single room at all accommodations. This can be shared between the two people in the room if it is a mutual decision. If you are a very light sleeper or snore you may want to consider getting your own single room.
Flight Information
The Women’s Travel Club recommends booking flexible/refundable air tickets when possible.
Arrive to Helsinki, Finland – HEL at any time on or before first day of tour.
Depart from Helsinki, Finland – HEL – International flights should be booked for later in the day or the next day. There is a morning charter flight this morning from Longyearbyen to Helsinki, weather may affect this flight.
If you would like assistance booking international flights for your tour please use the form below. The Women’s Travel Club Flight Desk will work with you to arrange the best options.
Our Flight management fee is CAD 100.00 + HST, per tour.
Flight Quote
Travel Insurance:
Out of country medical insurance is required. We strongly recommend that you obtain cancellation and interruption insurance to protect your investment.
Use this link to request an insurance quote.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Ocean Adventurer
Ocean Adventurer has long been a fleet favorite among guests
and crew who’ve appreciated the charm of this nimble
vessel, its ample outdoor deck space, numerous cozy spots
to socialize onboard, the outdoor jacuzzi and, of course, the
intimacy of a 128-passenger vessel. In 2017, Ocean Adventurer
underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation including
a refreshed look and feel throughout, plus a completely
remodeled lounge, dining room and bar. All cabins received
brand new bathroom facilities. Six new deluxe cabins, as
well as three new suites, were also added. Major technical
enhancements featured two new Rolls-Royce engines, which
yield increased speed and fuel efficiency, and a minimized
carbon footprint.
Staff & Crew: 87
Guests: 128
Lifeboats: 4, partially enclosed
Ice Class: 1A
Lower Deck Cabin
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.
Main Deck Porthole Cabin
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.
Main Deck Window Cabin
A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views.
Superior Cabin - Upper Deck
A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration.
** Occasionally, due to situations beyond our control, specific hotels may change. Any accommodation changes will be to a similar hotel.
FAQ's
Through our own clients and networking clubs we have realized a general desire for women to travel but they don’t always have a companion. We developed the Women’s Travel Club for these women to have a fun and safe group to travel with. We offer a wide range of destinations, so that there is something for everyone.
We have women of all ages, with the average being 45 to 65 years. However, we do have regular travelers anywhere from 30 years to over 80 years of age.
We do not include international flights in the price of our tours. Not including the cost of international flights in the cost of the tour allows members the flexibility to get the flight schedule, price and class of service that best suits them. The Women's Travel Club flight desk will be happy to help arrange your international flights.
Yes, we always negotiate the best possible single supplement rate for our trips. Single spots fill quickly and may be limited so we suggest you book early for a single spot.
Yes, each of our booking forms has an area for you to request to be matched with a roommate. We get some general information that will help us match you with a great new friend.
Norway and Finland are Schengen area countries. Canadian and US citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area for up to 90 days. However, travel requirements may change at any time. Please visit your governments travel recommendations page. Canada - Canada Travel Recommendations & Information USA - USA Travel Recommendations & Information
Polar weather is extremely variable; temperatures may hover around the freezing mark and winds can be strong. The extended daylight warms sheltered areas so that you may sometimes find it warm enough for t-shirts. However, you may encounter rain, snow squalls, fog and white-outs during an expedition and should be ready for any conditions.
If your expedition sails through the Bering or Denmark Straits, then you should anticipate some rough seas. That said, of the two Polar Regions, smooth sailing is most frequently experienced in the Arctic.
Due to the remoteness of the regions we visit, an adequate medical facility could be up to 72 hours (or more) away, dependent on weather conditions. We do have a ship doctor on board and basic medical facilities. However, to ensure we are well prepared for the Polar Regions we ask every passenger to fill out the medical form. If you have any food allergies or dietary requirements, this is where you can outline them so our crew can ensure we accommodate your needs. If you have any of the medical conditions listed on the medical form, or you are on any prescription medications, you will need to fill out a second medical form that must be signed off by your physician/doctor. First, please fill in the online medical form. You will then be able to download a copy of the medical form that needs to be filled in by yourself and signed off by your physician/doctor. Please then email this signed medical form to documents@quarkexpeditions.com for our medical team to review. A completed medical form is required to join your expedition. If you have any concerns about joining one of our expeditions, please speak to our team.
At this time, Quark Expeditions requires all passengers to present proof of a primary vaccination series completed more than 14 days prior to boarding.
Yes, all our vessels have a laundry service. You will find a pricing list and bags in your cabin. Every morning our hotel staff will collect any laundry and return it within 24-48 hours.
Yes, all our vessels have WiFi onboard. Please note that we travel to some of the most remote parts of the world. As we utilize satellite equipment for our connection, it is possible that occasional degradation or outages of services may occur. Personal communication services are not always guaranteed throughout your voyage. Please refer to your Ship Book for specific WiFi details of your ship. We encourage passengers to disconnect from digital life and reconnect with the natural world.
We accept Visa and Mastercard onboard as well as USD cash. Please advise your bank ahead of your upcoming trip so that your card is not blocked. It can be difficult to contact your bank once onboard. Charges will originate from the USA. We recommend registering your card at reception within the first three days of your voyage to ensure there are no issues later in your voyage. For gratuities we understand this is a very personal subject and whatever amount you give is at your own discretion. As a guideline, we suggest the amount of US$15 to US$20 per traveler per day. Gratuities are shared among our hotel and expedition team members.
Feb 24 - Mar 04, 2024 
