One of our team members, Sheldon, and his partner, Dani, recently went to the Arctic on a Quark Expeditions trip! Sheldon and Dani spent 10 days on the Quark Ultramarine exploring the coldest and most northern parts of the globe. It had a big focus on visiting the Svalbard Archipelago- one of Sheldon’s personal highlights.
Quark Expeditions specialises in polar-only travel, pioneering some of the most unique itineraries. It’s definitely more than just a cruise experience! For most of the days, you have the option to explore your surroundings in a helicopter, Zodiac or kayak. The guides encourage you to get off the ship and explore more, so adventurers would absolutely love a Quark Expeditions trip.
With itineraries across untouched destinations such as the Arctic, Antarctica and Greenland, see all our Quark Expedition offers here. Also, discuss with a Tour + Cruise specialist who can tell you more about polar expeditions.
What to Expect on an Arctic Expedition
On an Arctic expedition, expect breathtaking backdrops of glaciers, icebergs and fjords. The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is renowned for its abundant wildlife like walruses, polar bears, reindeer and sea birds. Experience essentially untouched wilderness on-foot, cruising in a zodiac or paddling in a kayak.
Voyages through this region run between May and August for the summertime. This time period offers extended daylight hours due to the Midnight Sun phenomenon. The sun stays above the horizon for 24 hours, and this continues until late August/early September. It takes some time getting used to, but it’s perfect for outdoor activities and spotting wildlife.
My personal highlights of this Quark Expeditions trip included Helsinki, Longyearbyen, Svalbard Archipelago, Polar Bears, Arctic Foxes, Glaciers, Walruses, Puffins, Glaciology and the Arctic History Lectures.
The Quark Expeditions Ultramarine Ship
Quark Expeditions’ ship, the Ultramarine, holds 199 guests and hosts over 140+ staff and crew! It’s equipped with two twin-engine helicopters for several passengers to enjoy and explore aerial perspectives on the polar regions. Guests are spoiled with features like a state-of-the-art theatre, multiple bars/lounges/dining areas, a sauna (a necessity in these polar regions) and a fully-equipped fitness centre.
I found the Ultramarine, designed and owned by Quark, to feel really brand new. It had immaculate cabins and a thoughtful design throughout. The cabin steward offered a warm welcome and introduction to our room as well.
Our Quark Expeditions Itinerary
Day 1
We arrived in Helsinki, staying overnight at the Hilton Airport Hotel. The Quark Expeditions team were onsite to greet incoming passengers, assist with luggage tags, and help with onboarding forms for the voyage ahead. The day was at your own leisure, we went to the Central Market, strolled through the quiet Sunday streets, and stopped for local hits- salmon soup and reindeer kebab.
Day 2
Today, we flew into Longyearbyen, a historic Arctic mining town, now powered largely by tourism. The local Svalbard Museum gave a good overview of trapping, hunting, and Arctic exploration. Embarkation of the ship took place in the afternoon via zodiac. The day included safety briefings; a muster station drill, and an evacuation drill, before settling in for the ‘night’ beneath 24-hour Arctic daylight.
Day 3
We sailed into Lilliehöökfjorden under clear blue skies today. There was a brief whale sighting on approach, followed by zodiac excursions to explore wildlife and the massive glacier. A highlight was spotting a harbour seal. Plus, there were several walruses lounging on the ice, and a major calving event as a section of the glacier broke off and crashed into the sea. I actually even scooped up some glacier ice, which tasted fresh despite being in saltwater.
The evening included the Captain’s Welcome reception, where the leadership team was introduced: the expedition leader, the hotel manager, the ship lecturers, as well as the Captain. There was also a brief Polar Bear safety introduction before the hike the following day. My favourite part of the day was the sauna session, which featured floor-to-ceiling views. There was nobody else inside, despite the cold!
Day 4
Today we landed on Chermsideøya for the first hike of the trip. Tracks of an Arctic fox were spotted, but no sightings. Sea ice was beginning to form, and the views were very expansive. Security measures were visible; staff scouted the area for polar bears and formed a perimeter with rifles (standard protocol).
In the afternoon, we sailed to the northernmost part of the voyage, Rossøya, part of the Seven Islands. The ship crossed 80.50° North, marking it as the most northerly passenger vessel in the world. A surprise ‘polar plunge’ took place off the ship’s side into frigid waters. Participation was optional; just under half joined in. A shot of vodka followed the dip. Later, a party on the helipad turned into a full dance session, thanks to an impromptu line dance that caught on with the crowd.
Day 5
This morning, we participated in a zodiac tour at Alkefjellet, home to over 120,000 Brünnich’s Guillemots. A lone Arctic fox was seen darting along the cliffs, midway through shedding its coat. The geology of the area layered limestone, marble, and basalt columns, resembling a natural fortress.
In the afternoon, we visited Torellneset, a known walrus haul-out site. Guests quietly approached around 20 male walruses on land, watching their interactions and social jostling. One even had a broken tusk. Low mist rolled in quickly, blocking visibility; proof of how fast conditions can change. Dinner followed by a lecture from Artie, the ship’s ornithologist, sharing stories from his career and small appearance in The Big Year film.
Day 6
We did a morning cruise through Woodfjorden, which led to a rare sighting: a polar bear mother and cub hunting across the sea ice. It was spotted from a safe distance and followed for several hours as they moved slowly across the floes.
In the afternoon, we landed at Grahuken, where the group visited a trapper’s hut built in 1928. The site was once home to Christianne Ritter, who wrote A Woman in the Polar Night after overwintering there. Fresh bear tracks were all around the area. There was an evening lecture by Fede, the onboard historian, focused on the history of Grahuken and the whaling past of Smeerenburgbreen. After dinner, another polar bear sighting was announced; two individuals resting on the ice near a carcass, surrounded by scavenging birds. We observed them late into the night.
Day 7
Our morning was spent at Hamiltonbukta, where zodiacs explored the glacier edge. Clear waters made it possible to see kelp forests below. Bird sightings included Arctic terns, kittiwakes, glaucous gulls, black guillemots, and Arctic geese. So many walruses surrounded us!
The afternoon was at Smeerenburgbreen, where four glaciers converge. The area dates back more than 15,000 years. Another bearded seal sighting rounded out the wildlife checklist. This evening, we had a talk by Pauline, the ship’s glaciologist, covering the formation of Svalbard’s ice features. Dinner was followed by stories from a guide about skiing across Spitsbergen.
Day 8
This morning we completed a hike on Blomstrand Island, a steep, snowy climb that paid off with sweeping views and a long sighting of a minke whale surfacing in the bay. Also spotted: ptarmigans, Arctic tern, king eiders, and reindeer. A curious seal followed the zodiac back to the ship.
After lunch, plans shifted due to another group occupying a local cabin. Instead, a glacier cruise to Tinnayrebukt in Krossfjorden offered sightings of puffins and more reindeer. The landing turned into a surprise Arctic ‘beach’ party with a bonfire and snow games. We spotted chandelier ice formations along the shoreline. Lectures in the evening included information on Little Auks and Arctic geography terms, followed by a presentation from a guide who kayaked around Svalbard in 70 days, including run-ins with polar bears and extreme conditions.
Day 9
Today, the weather took a turn, with winds reaching 20 knots, forcing the ship to seek shelter. We found a calm cove where another polar bear was spotted; this time against a dramatic glacial backdrop.
A group of walruses swam right up to the zodiac, getting close enough to smell their distinct breath. Today’s wildlife interaction was truly an incredible experience. In the afternoon, the crew held a disembarkation briefing, outlining the next-day’s procedures. Evening events included a farewell presentation and a charity auction supporting Arctic bird research. Unfortunately, my partner Dani started feeling unwell as the day went on.
Day 10
Dani had developed a stomach bug overnight and visited the ship’s doctor. The medical team acted quickly, administering IV fluids, anti-nausea meds, and something to settle nerves. The onboard care was excellent; calm, professional, and very thorough. Thanks to the staff, a late disembarkation was arranged so Dani could rest. We skipped the optional Longyearbyen walkaround and went straight to the airport with assistance. The charter flight returned to Helsinki without issue.
Overall Impressions of Quark Expeditions
This Arctic trip with Quark Expeditions delivered an unforgettable, well-organised adventure filled with dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and enriching educational moments.
From a smooth arrival in Helsinki and a warm welcome by Quark Expeditions, to the stunning, remote Svalbard region, the journey was packed with highlights. We experienced a seamless blend of zodiac excursions, glacier landings, wildlife sightings (including polar bears, walruses, seals, and rare birds), and insightful lectures from onboard experts.
Standout moments included reaching over 80° North, witnessing glacier calving events, a surprise polar plunge, and several polar bear encounters in the wild. The crew’s professionalism- especially in terms of safety, organisation, and guest care was outstanding, including medical support when needed. The balance between adventure, relaxation (like the sauna with Arctic views), and spontaneous fun (beach bonfire, dance party) created a rich, dynamic experience.
In all, the expedition exceeded our expectations with its unique mix of exploration, wildlife, culture, and comfort, truly being a once-in-a-lifetime polar journey.
Check out our Quark Expeditions offers through the Arctic, Antarctica and Greenland, here. Or discuss with a Tour + Cruise specialist who can tell you more about polar expeditions. If you’re eager to do this exact same itinerary, please see our Svalbard Explorer with Quark Expeditions deal.
