Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief - Ultramarine
If you're short on time, hope to dovetail a ship expedition with an extended voyage, or are looking for a great value, this very experienced operator will show you the best of Svalbard in just 7 days.
SPECIAL OFFER
8.3*
ECO SCORE
199
PASSENGERS
7
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
The Arctic: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Ultramarine
On this extraordinary journey, you will pack all the excitement of an epic Arctic cruise into just seven days, cruising through pack ice along the west coast of Spitsbergen, retracing the steps of explorers from centuries past. Though this rocky island is covered in mountains and glaciers, the towering cliffs and fjords play host to a thriving and diverse ecosystem. Exploring as much of the area as possible, you will enjoy maximum opportunities to spot, among other wildlife, the walrus with its long tusks and distinctive whiskers, the resilient and Arctic birds in all their varied majesty, and that most iconic of Arctic creatures, the polar bear.
- • This program visits many highlights of the Spitsbergen region in a very short format, great for those with limited time.
• Travel on a classic expedition vessel with only 128 fellow passengers and enjoy activities like sea kayaking and paddling.
• Explore the Arctic and search for polar bears with a seasoned operator with over two decades of thrilling expeditions under their belt.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Rates:
From $5,990 per person
In May, the melting ice opens up fjords and coastal areas, making wildlife sightings more accessible. Expect longer daylight hours, allowing for ample exploration and photography. This month is ideal for spotting reindeer, seabirds, and even early polar bears as they become more active.
Inquire for specific dates.
May;
Hover here for more information.
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Waste
Piloted an Arctic-wide recycling program for cruise lines.
Conservation
Aided in eradicating invasive rodents in South Georgia to restore ground-nesting bird populations.
Carbon
Uses state of the art technology to reduce carbon emissions associated with waste disposal.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
Your Arctic voyage 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.
Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Embark
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. As your ship sets sail, enjoy great vistas of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this historic frontier town.
Days 3 to 6: Exploring Spitsbergen
You’ll sail around the shores of this magical island, constantly searching for polar bears and other natural wonders. Covering western Spitsbergen, your expedition will afford ample opportunities to view immense glaciers, deep fjords, soaring mountains, and unique flora and fauna.
Days 3 to 6: Exploring Spitsbergen (Continued)
Sailing north into Krossfjord, have your camera handy, ready to capture some of the best glacier calving in Spitsbergen. Deep in the fjord, the highly active Lilliehöök Glacier awaits. Listen in awe to the growling as big chunks break off into the icy waters below. A Zodiac excursion to nearby Ny-London, an abandoned mining settlement, provides an ideal place for a guided walk. Encounters with wildlife, such as the endemic Svalbard reindeer, are possible here.
After cruising overnight, wake up to the stunning sight of the magnificent Monaco Glacier, another prolific iceberg producer. To make this even more thrilling, help your Expedition Team to scan the shorelines and ice edge for marine mammals. Possible landing sites include Texas Bar, Worsleyneset and Alicehamna. If ice conditions permit reaching 80°N, you’ll reach a walrus sanctuary on the tiny, crescentshaped Moffen Island. Watching from the water as large groups of these lumbering giants jockey for space is an unforgettable experience, so be ready with your binoculars.
At Smeerenburg you can see the remains of an abandoned settlement that was established by Dutch whalers nearly 400 years ago. Here, at one of Europe’s most northerly outposts, you’ll have time to explore ashore and learn about Spitsbergen’s whaling history. Afterwards, cruising to Magdalenafjord rewards you with panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers reflected in the crystal-clear waters.
Days 3 to 6: Exploring Spitsbergen (Continued)
During your last full day of your Arctic adventure, you may visit the Russian mining town of Barentsburg, home of Russia’s northernmost brewery. We hope to round out the day in Alkehornet, taking in the towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds, such as fulmars and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Encounters with reindeer might be possible here too. Later, in the evening, swap stories with your shipmates and crew one last time, at the captain’s farewell dinner.
Day 7: Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
The time to say goodbye has come. Your 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, included in the transfer package.
Please Note: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
Adventure Options: (At extra cost. Ask your Travel Curator.) Sea Kayaking (Optional) Paddling (Optional) Due to local regulations in Svalbard, flightseeing and other helicopter-supported adventure options are not available on these voyages.
Mandatory Transfer Package:
• One night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Helsinki hotel, with breakfast
• Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
• Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
• Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki
(Required for all passengers, included in rates)
Ultramarine
Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to 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 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.
• Capacity: 199 Guests
• Cabins: 102 Cabins
• Specialists: Credentialed Experts, 140 Staff and Crew
ACHIEVEMENTS
2019 Magellan Awards "Best Overall Small Cruise Ship"
2018 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards – "Best Small Ship Line"
"Ultramarine has some of the largest cabins of all the ships we offer. She's purpose-built and perfect for outstanding, highly adventurous expeditions to the polar regions. If you're hoping for kayaking, camping, paddle boarding and now with Ultramarine, flightseeing, you're in for a trip of a lifetime with this polar-passionate operator."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
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Questions?
Rates
I've sent hundreds of travelers with this operator, and they're perfect for active travelers who want to get outside. Seeing polar bears isn't guaranteed on this or any trip, yet you will have some outstanding Arctic experiences on this short journey.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy: