JGT’s Expedition to the Arctic

24 June 2025 from €8,330pps.

 

JGT’s ARCTIC SVALBARD EXPLORER CRUISE
8 nts Aboard Quark Expeditions Ship “Ocean Explorer” + 1 night hotel in Helsinki

Best of High Arctic Norway

in conjunction with Quark Expeditions

 

This fascinating expedition provides a taste of everything Spitsbergen has to offer, starting with its largest settlement, Longyearbyen. The largest island of the Svalbard archipelago is known as the “wildlife capital of the Arctic,” and we’ll show you why on this 8 night voyage. We will seek out the abundant wildlife that resides here, including walrus, reindeer, and of course, the polar bear. Explore the unique Arctic landscape, hike the vast and colourful tundra, learn about the history and geology of this remote wilderness, and join us on a gripping excursion to a faraway, unforgettable land.

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 day, you’ll see something interesting, whether it is an ever changing gallery of spectacular icebergs, a polar bear resting between hunts, or an abandoned historical site from centuries ago. 

24 June ARRIVE IN HELSINKI, FINLAND
Book your own flights from Dublin to Helsinki. You may arrive in Helsinki at any time during 24th June. Your included accommodation will be at the airport hotel, so arrival transfers are not necessary. On arrival at the hotel, you will receive a welcome letter outlining the departure information for the following day’s flight. Please keep in mind that your hotel room may not be ready for check in until 3pm. An agent representing Quark Expeditions® will be available in the lobby of the hotel that evening to answer any questions about the charter flight(s) scheduled for the following morning. Final details and check-in procedures can be found in your final documents. Helsinki is 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 to your hotel. If you prefer you can arrive a day or two early and enjoy a few extra days here.

25 June FLY TO LONGYEARBYEN, SVALBARD & EMBARK
After a restful night at your hotel, you will join your flight to Longyearbyen. Upon arrival in Longyearbyen, you will be transferred from the airport to a drop off point and your luggage will be taken directly to the ship. Details of ship transfer times will be provided during your arrival transfer. Due to port logistics, it is possible that you may need to board the vessel by Zodiac, rather than from the pier. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.

26 June – 02 July EXPLORING SPITSBERGEN
You’ll cruise around this magical island on a constant search for wildlife. Your expedition will cover western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords to the north. From polar flora to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife. Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice conditions. Consequently, there is no fixed itinerary. However, some of the places you may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet and the Hinlopen Strait. The destinations visited will be selected for optimum wildlife

Viewing with an appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen. The island offers multiple opportunities for wildlife photography. Since most of Svalbard’s Arctic ecosystem is uninhabited and well-protected, this remote archipelago is one of the world’s best places to spot polar bears against stunning natural backdrops of mountains and ice. The towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide homes to thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won’t soon forget. Get a chance to witness the intimate gatherings of giant pinnipeds as they haul out together on small coastal strips. If you’re itching to experience a more intimate view from the water, you can book the (optional extra) sea kayaking or paddling excursion adventure options.

In Spitsbergen, there is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra can be surprisingly colourful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day, you’ll see something interesting, whether it is an ever changing gallery of spectacular icebergs, a polar bear resting between hunts, or an abandoned historical site from centuries ago.

When travelling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. The following sites are a sample of what you may experience on your expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, or shore landing.

ALKEFJELLET
This cliff is a seabird colony, where Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres) raise their young. An estimated 60,000 breeding pairs reside on the basalt cliffs. The birds do not build nests; rather, they lay eggs on the bare ledges of the cliff. Witness the spectacle of thousands of birds flying to and from their cliff edge, speckling the sky and water, like a beehive on a much grander scale.

LILLIEHÖÖK GLACIER
In 2005, nearly 100 years after his great great-grandfather conducted scientific investigations here, Prince Albert II of Monaco returned to Lilliehöök Glacier to honor his ancestor’s memory. Here, you can take a Zodiac cruise amid labyrinths of sparkling icebergs, and witness breathtaking panoramas of ice. You may even spot bearded seals hauled out on the floes.

LONGYEARBYEN
Home to 2,400 people, the administrative capital of Svalbard is situated on the southern side of Adventfjorden. The settlement was founded in 1905 by John Munroe Longyear, the majority owner of the Arctic Coal Company of Boston. Today as much as ever, this is a true frontier town.

MONACO GLACIER
Prince Albert I of Monaco, a pioneer of oceanography, led an expedition to Svalbard in 1906. His team used sophisticated photographic techniques to understand the shape and position of several glacier fronts. Monaco Glacier honors the expedition, the prince and the principality over which he reigned. While touring the glacier front by Zodiac cruise, listen to the crackle and pop of the brash ice, search for seals and have a chance to admire a natural sculpture gallery.

NORDAUSTLANDET ISLAND HORNSUND
This is the second-largest island in the entire Svalbard archipelago, and home to the polar desert. Featured here is Bråsvellbreen, an ice cap connected to the larger Austfonna, which together form a 112-mile- (180 km) long ice cliff. Bråsvellbreen’s glacier face makes for an impressive sight during a Zodiac cruise, stretching all the way to the horizon. For guests who choose the 12-day voyage: You may, on this longer departure, have additional time to explore northeast Svalbard, as well as sites such as the Arctic desert of Nordaustlandet, which is known for its unique windswept beaches, ice caps and glaciers. The most southerly fjord in Svalbard offers some of the most spectacular scenery, with dramatic calving glaciers, drifting pack ice and majestic peaks (the highest of which are often shrouded in mist). A Polish research station has operated on the northern shore of Hornsund since 1957. Part of Sør Spitsbergen National Park, this pristine area is rich in wildlife—reindeer, Arctic fox and polar bears can be spotted hunting for food, while seals bask on f loating ice.

 

 

All of these activities are included in the price of your trip.

ZODIAC CRUISING
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.

HIKING
Led by experienced staff, exploring on foot is the best way to appreciate the polar landscapes. Our guides are able to accommodate a range of skill levels to suit every guest.

PRESENTATIONS
Enjoy daily chats with and presentations by our world-class onboard polar experts—expedition guides, specialists, photography guides and other special guests who will introduce you to the fascinating history, biology, ornithology, glaciology and geology of the region, and much, much more.

POLAR PLUNGE
This rite of passage, scheduled only once per expedition, gives you the chance to jump safely into the bracing Arctic waters under the watchful eye of our staff—and just about every single camera on board!

PHOTOGRAPHY
Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is a rewarding experience. Our photography guide will help you hone your skills to capture the beauty of the polar regions

Optional Adventures at an extra cost.

SEA KAYAKING
Imagine gliding across the surface of a bay in the presence of icebergs and glaciers. Our Sea Kayaking program is a great way to intimately explore your surroundings. A small group of kayakers will plan to go out multiple times per voyage as an alternative to shore landings or Zodiac cruises. The number of opportunities to kayak is weather dependent, and will be conducted only during calm conditions. Prior kayaking experience is required, and you must be able to do a wet exit to participate. Beginners interested in kayaking should consider participating in the Paddling Excursion.

PADDLING EXCURSION
If you’re interested in kayaking but would like to try something a bit less demanding than Sea Kayaking, you’re the perfect candidate to sign up for a one-time paddle on our stable sit-on top kayaks—perfect for anyone with minimal or no kayaking experience. Small groups of passengers will be taken out on calm days, with our expert guides always present to provide instruction and help you connect with the polar sea. Two groups of 10 will be pre-booked, and once successfully completed, any subsequent outings will be offered via lottery on board.

03 July DISEMBARK IN LONGYEARBYEN & FLY TO HELSINKI
The time to say goodbye to your Expedition Team and shipmates has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the historic 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. This package ends on arrival in Helsinki. You will probably need to arrange a hotel for the night and take a flight home the next day.

END

Cabin Category	JGT Special Group Rate
Veranda Stateroom	€ 8,330
Veranda Suite	€ 8,890
Junior Suite	€ 10,640
Studio Single	€10,640

Prices are per person from Helsinki – Helsinki. Direct flights from & to Dublin and hotel accommodation for extra are available at a reasonable rate. JGT Can assist with that or you can book it yourself.  

RATES INCLUDE:
• 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
• Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
• Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
• Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
• One night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Helsinki airport hotel, with breakfast
• Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
• Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
• Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki
• 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
• Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications.
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
• All luggage handling aboard the ship
• Transfers between Longyearbyen town center and port on embarkation and disembarkation day

NOT INCLUDED:
• International airfare from & to Dublin
• Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki
• Passport and visa expenses
• Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
• 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 charges 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

Quark Expedition’s “OCEAN EXPLORER”

Ocean Explorer, the newest addition to the fleet, is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow.

Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship. Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design and almost all have verandas. Guests can relax and find comfort in the spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis.

Ocean Explorer features ample outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs that enable guests to get off the ship quickly and safely for off-ship adventures. In addition to the well-appointed and spacious public areas, Ocean Explorer has an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems, including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines.

What to pack on your Arctic expedition

BY SEA – All transfers ship to shore and Zodiac/ship cruising.
o Waterproof pants (mandatory for every Zodiac ride)
o Base-layer wool or synthetic top*
o Base-layer wool or synthetic bottom*
o Mid-layer warm or fleece top*
o Mid-layer warm or fleece bottom*
o Warm hat that covers ears (bring an extra)
o Scarf, buff, or other face protection
o Warm wool or synthetic socks (keep a dry pair in your bag, and bring extras for layering)
o Waterproof gloves or mitts (bring an extra, lighter pair for hiking)
o Glove liners*
o Hand and feet warmers*
oBinoculars
o Polarized sunglasses with UV protection (consider bringing an eyewear retainer: string/clip etc.)
o Ski goggles (for Zodiac cruising on snowy or windy days)
o Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack and/or rain sleeve for camera or a waterproof phone case (to keep camera & gear dry) * recommended layering depending on the conditions of the day and reflecting your personal thermo-regulation comfort levels.

 

BY LAND (Shore Excursions and Hiking) In addition to the gear requirements (as above) mandatory for the transit from ship to shore, it is recommended to bring:
o Hat, buff or scarf (for wind and weather protection)
o UV protection (sun hat, polarized sun glasses, sun block, lip balm etc.)
o Collapsible walking sticks for hikes (if required) Quantities are available to borrow on every vessel
o Additional reusable (thermos-regulating) water bottle (in addition to the reusable collapsible water bottle provided)

WEATHER CONDITIONS & TEMPERATURES WHAT TO BRING!
Packing for the Polar Regions doesn’t have to be daunting, and to make it easier for you, all Quark Expeditions voyages include a Quark parka to keep, and a loan of insulated waterproof boots. Additional suggested items include:

TO WEAR ON BOARD

o The complimentary Quark 3-in-1 Parka provided on board is designed with a waterproof shell that can be worn out on deck, and a removable liner that you can wear to stay comfortable indoors)
o Comfortable casual clothing like lighter shirts, pants or jeans, etc. (in case the ship gets warm)
o Comfortable non-slip closed-toed, heelless shoes (flip flops, sandals or slip-on shoes should not be worn on board due to safety concerns)
o Workout attire (for the fitness center and other indoor activities)
o Swimsuit (for the Polar Plunge! Some vessels may also have a pool, hot tub, sauna and/or steam room.

Just a reminder: No formal evening wear required on our voyages but if you would like to bring something a little more dressy for the Captain’s welcome and farewell cocktails you may certainly do so!

ADDITIONAL ITEMS
o Passport, visas, immunization records, travel documents, etc. as required
o Camera gear—complete with charger, storage medium, transport and cleaning kit (lens cloth etc.) and extra batteries
o Reusable waterproof bags or plastic bags with zippers (to keep small items organized and cameras dry)
o Voltage converters and plug adapters (see ship book for details)
o Seasickness, indigestion, headache, or other medications
o Earplugs and eye masks for sleeping
o Moisturizer for face and hands (skin dryness due to wind and temperature changes)
o Credit Card & Small amount of local currency

To book this trip call John Galligan Travel on

(01) 207 6555 or e-mail leisure@jgt.ie