Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway – Ultramarine, May 2026

Itinerary Map

Illustrated expedition map of Svalbard showing travel from Oslo to Longyearbyen and a route circling key sites such as Phippsøya, Moffen, and Calypsobyen in the Arctic Ocean

Trip Summary

Dates:

May 21, 2026 -

May 31, 2026

Duration:

11 Days

Ship:

Ultramarine

Adventure
options:

Kayaking

Starts & Ends in Helsinki

Starting at: $ 8,695.00

Explorer Triple

$8.695

Explorer Suite

$11.595

Balcony Suite

$12.795

Solo Panorama

$16.195

Deluxe Balcony Suite

$15.095

Terrace Suite

$15.695

Penthouse Suite

$16.195

Owner's Suite

$20.895

Ultra Suite

$23.195

About the 8-day Spitsbergen Classic itinerary

Svalbard offers one of the most accessible yet remote Arctic experiences. Cruises typically depart from Longyearbyen, with some itineraries including charter flights from Oslo. Over 8 to 12 days, you'll explore dramatic fjords, towering glaciers, and expansive sea ice. This region is renowned for its rich wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer, and a variety of seabirds. Daily excursions by Zodiac and guided hikes provide intimate encounters with this pristine environment. The Midnight Sun during summer months offers extended daylight, enhancing wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.

Arrive in Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world. Enjoy time to explore the colorful town before boarding your expedition vessel in the afternoon. After embarkation, the ship sails out through Isfjorden and into the vast wilderness of the Svalbard archipelago.

Spend your days exploring the rugged coastline and remote fjords of Spitsbergen. Activities include Zodiac cruises along glaciers, shore landings for guided hikes, and wildlife spotting—keep your eyes open for polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, and reindeer. Depending on ice conditions, you may visit sites like the Lilliehöök Glacier, Kongsfjorden, or the historical whaling station at Smeerenburg.

Return to Longyearbyen for disembarkation. Transfer to the airport or spend extra time exploring the Arctic town before departure.

The newest ship in our fleet, Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and 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 a best-in-class 70-day operational range and 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.

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 a best-in-class 70-day operational range and an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards.

Cabins & Amenities

Cabins

Spacious Entryways
Personal Safes
Spa-inspired Bathrooms
Heated Bathroom Floors
Premium beds and bed linens
Convertible Beds
Individual Temperature Controls
HD Flatscreen Televisions
Oversized Windows With Sweeping Views
Electrical Supply: 220V

CABIN CATEGORY	DECK LOCATION(S)	SIZE	# OF GUESTS	BERTH CONFIGURATION
Solo Panorama	Deck 6	132 sq. ft.	1	1 twin
Explorer Triple	Deck 3	285 sq. ft.	1-3	3 single beds, two of which can be converted to a double bed
Explorer Suite	Deck 3	285 sq. ft.	1-2	1 double or 2 single beds
Balcony Suite	Deck 4	226 sq. ft.	1-2	1 double or 2 single beds
Deluxe Balcony Suite	Deck 4	299 sq. ft.	1-2	1 double or 2 single beds
Terrace Suite	Deck 6	350 sq. ft.	1-2	1 double or 2 single beds
Penthouse Suite	Deck 7	369 sq. ft.	1-2	1 double or 2 single beds
Owner’s Suite	Deck 6	446 sq. ft.	1-2	1 double or 2 single beds
Ultra Suite	Deck 6	563 sq. ft.	1-2	1 double or 2 single beds

Aboard

2 Dining Areas
4 Bars
Panorama Lounge
Lecture Theater
Library
Polar Boutique
Spa & Fitness Center
Oceanview Sauna
Zodiac Hangar with 4 Embarkation Points
2 Ready Rooms with Individual Lockers
Walkaround Deck
Bridge

Quark Expeditions_Ultramarine_Balena Restaurant_(7)_Web

Quark Expeditions_Ultramarine_Fitness Center_ (17)_Web

Quark Expeditions_Ultramarine_Library_ (4)_Web

Quark Expeditions_Ultramarine_Panorama Lounge_(4)_Web

Ship_Interior_Ready_Room_4M9A4194_michellesole_Web

QuarkExpeditions_Ultramarine_Sauna_View02_Web

Quark Expeditions_Ultramarine_Tundra Spa and Sauna_(14)_Web

Includes:

Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
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 our experienced Expedition Leader
All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and special guests as scheduled
Downloadable 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
Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin
Comprehensive pre-departure materials
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard ship
Group transfer in Ushuaia from the airport to the pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia, with breakfast
Group transfer from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day
Group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport

Extras:

International airfare
Passport and visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
Baggage, cancellation, interruption, and mandatory medical travel insurance – strongly recommended
Excess baggage charges on flights
Waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, bar, and other personal charges unless specified
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
Phone and internet charges
Additional overnight accommodation
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person