Arctic Expeditions
Arctic Travel - Polar Bears, Northern Culture and Adventure
Dreaming of an Arctic cruise? Expect polar bears, indigenous cultures and plenty of adventure under the midnight sun. Arctic expeditions vary in duration, cost and experience. All deliver excitement and indelible memories. We have an Arctic expedition cruise for you.
The Appeal of An Arctic Adventure
For centuries, explorers sought the Northwest Passage, the elusive trade route to Asia. At the same time, the Northeast Passage, from Russia's Far East to Scandinavia, drew explorers from safe harbors into the high Russian Arctic. All who explored the Arctic were seeking fortune and fame. Some found fortune, many found infamy. In the 21st centry, Arctic routes to Asia continue to draw thrill-seekers.
The quest to reach the North Pole was equally as tragic and prolonged as those for the northern trade routes. The controversial feat was accomplished less than a hundred years ago! Reaching 90°N is still a relatively rare occurence. Our nuclear-powered icebreaker, 50 Years of Victory, makes it possible for you to stand on top of the world.
The polar bear continues to be an Arctic icon, as are walrus and musk oxen. Many, then, are drawn to the Arctic to encounter unique wildlife in its natural habitat. Spitsbergen, otherwise known as Spitzbergen, the largest island in Svalbard, is an excellent destination and great value if polar bears are your motivation for traveling.
When to Travel
June to mid-July is the best time to see ice and snow. The midnight sun has not yet melted the ice, so polar bears and walrus will be hunting on the ice edge. Birds are returning to breed.
Mid-July to mid-August, it is possible to circumnavigate Spitsbergen. Tundra wildflowers are blooming. Wildlife is abundant.
Mid-August to September, the days are shortening; birds begin to migrate south; and skies can be moody.
Why Choose Quark for Arctic Trips?
We've been sailing to the highest latitudes since 1991. We are active members in good standing of the Assoociation of Arctic Expedition Operators. And we go places no one else does!
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East Greenland Explorerfrom $3,290
(September 1 - 8, 2010) The compact Polar Adventure Ship Akademik Shokalskiy is your floating base-camp for seven nights of cruising under the midnight sun. The 47-passenger vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks, for a remote vacation to the world’s largest Arctic fjord complex. Tour the icebergs of Hall Bredning and the village of Ittoqqortoormiit. The expedition begins in Reykjavik.
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Northeast Passage - 20th Anniversary Cruisefrom $27,390
(July 10 - August 6, 2011) This is Kapitan Khlebnikov's 28-day End of an Era tour of the Russian Arctic's Northeast Passage. In 1991, we made the very first transit of the Northeast Passage with travelers. We`re going to mark a beginning and an end. There are a few cabins left. Don`t miss your chance to say - I was there!
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Arctic Passagefrom $23,290
(August 22 - September 13, 2011) A 23-day End of an Era cruise. Kapitan Khlebnikov’s final transit of the Northwest Passage.
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Greenland Semi-circumnavigationfrom $17,990
(August 4 - 24, 2011) In addition to a cruise to remote Northeast Greenland National Park, this 21-day expedition includes End of an Era touring to Ella Island and Scoresbysund, the largest fjord complex anywhere.
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Arctic Circumnavigationfrom $65,990
(July 10 - September 13, 2011) An End of an Era, 66-day tour of the Arctic epic vacation. Circle the globe, as well as the Arctic on this cruise. During this Arctic adventure, two special guests enrich the vacation.
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North Pole - 20th Anniversary Expeditionfrom $22,690
15-day 20th anniversary Arctic adventure to 90°N aboard 50 Years of Victory, the largest nuclear-powered icebreaker in existence. An onboard helicopter provides aerial views of the icebreaker crushing through pack ice during the most exclusive Arctic vacation ever offered. Shore landings will be made on the remote islands of Franz Josef Land. Read an excerpt from the 2010 Expedition Leader's report.
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Spitsbergen Explorerfrom $4,490
Depending on where you live, this Norwegian Arctic adventure cruises through Svalbard, Spitsbergen or Spitzbergen. Choose an 11-day Spitsbergen expedition to experience everything Arctic: polar bears, walrus, icebergs and tundra. We have not confirmed our dates and rates for 2011. Please call and let us know you are interested. As soon as the dates and rates are released we will call you.
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Iceland, Eastern Greenland, Spitsbergenfrom $6,790
This 14-day Arctic expedition begins in Reykjavik, Iceland and ends in Spitsbergen, Svalbard. During this Arctic adventure, visit islands governed by Norway, Greenland and Iceland. This vacation includes volcanoes, magnificent fjords, cruising in Zodiacs past towering sea cliffs and encounters with polar bears and walrus. The August 8 and 9 departures will operate in reverse.
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Spitsbergen in DepthPlease Call
A 14-day in-depth Arctic adventure circumnavigating the big island of Spitsbergen. Landings are planned on smaller outlying islands. The cruise itinerary delivers the complete Svalbard experience. Tour magnificent fjords, cruise in Zodiacs past towering sea cliffs and encounter polar bears and walrus in their natural habitat. Optional kayaking is available.
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Ultimate Thulefrom $6,240
(August 13 - 28, 2010) An in-depth Arctic adventure aboard Akademik Shokalskiy. The vessel is a floating base camp for 16 nights as you cruise western Greenland under the midnight sun. A fleet of Zodiacs takes you ashore or cruises in remote fjords. Shokalskiy is an excellent platform for a kayaking vacation.
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West Greenland Explorerfrom $3,540
(August 6 - 14, 2010) The highlights of western Greenland are enjoyed during this 9-day Arctic adventure. Cruise fjords dotted with icebergs. Encounter musk oxen in the wild. Tour historic sites and admire vast glaciers that rise like icy walls from the sea. Cruise in Zodiacs. Kayaking is an option. Join this Arctic adventure to experience Greenland in its glory.
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Introduction to Spitsbergenfrom $2,690
Quick vacations to the Arctic are almost impossible. This 8-day Arctic adventure delivers all the thrills of Spitsbergen, Svalbard in the shortest amount of time. See glaciers, wildlife, tundra hikes and historic sites. Watch for polar bears, walrus and reindeer. Marvel at tiny wildflowers and cruise by vast cliffs of seabirds. We have not confirmed our dates and rates for 2011. Please call and let us know you are interested. As soon as the dates and rates are released we will call you.
