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Ocean Explorer, Svalbard Explorer ex Helsinki Return

8 Night Cruise sailing from Longyearbyen roundtrip aboard Ocean Explorer. Hotel stay pre-cruise in Helsinki.

Departs
Sunday, 8th June 2025
Ship
Ocean Explorer
Quark Expeditions
Pricing is From and Per Person
Cabin Twin Triple Quad Single
N/A N/A N/A N/A

Please note, while prices and inclusions are accurate at time of loading they are subject to change due to changes in cruise line policies and pricing and due to currency fluctuations. Currency surcharges may apply. Please check details of price and inclusions at time of booking.

8 Night Cruise sailing from Longyearbyen roundtrip aboard Ocean Explorer. Hotel stay pre-cruise in Helsinki.

Please note: The itinerary shown includes land/flight components that are part of a Mandatory Transfer Package which may be at an additional cost. Please check at time of enquiry/booking.

Day 1 Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
Your Arctic adventure 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. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.

Days 3 to 9 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, so there is no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places we 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 sea kayaking or paddling excursion adventure options.

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.'

Day 10 Disembark in Longyearbyen and 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.

Cruise Itinerary
Date Activity Arrive Depart
08/06/25 Helsinki, Finland Hotel
09/06/25 Helsinki, Finland Flight to Longyearbyen
09/06/25 Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen Embark
10/06/25 Spitsbergen, Norway
11/06/25 Smeerenburg, Spitsbergen
12/06/25 Spitsbergen, Norway
13/06/25 Spitsbergen, Norway
14/06/25 Hinlopen Strait, Spitsbergen
15/06/25 Spitsbergen, Norway
16/06/25 Spitsbergen, Norway
17/06/25 Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen Disembark Flight to Helsinki
17/06/25 Helsinki, Finland
Itinerary may vary by sailing date and itineraries may be changed at the cruise lines discretion. Please check itinerary details at time of booking and before booking other travel services such as airline tickets.