HIGHLIGHTS
- Search
for iconic arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, muskoxen, walrus and
whales
- Explore
Canadian wildlife sanctuaries and the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site
- Visit
traditional settlements and meet Inuit and Greenlandic locals
- Cruise
in a Zodiac to explore icebergs, glaciers, fjords and more
- Immerse
yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking
adventures
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
Start Date | End Date | Explorer Triple | Solo Panorama | Explorer Suite | Balcony Suite | Deluxe Balcony Suite | Terrace Suite | Penthouse Suite | Owner's Suite | Ultra Suite |
Sep 11, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 | 18,995 | 34,995 | 24,995 | 27,495 | 32,495 | 33,495 | 34,995 | 44,995 | 49,495 |
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:Packagecost:
USD 1,995 per person
- One
night’s pre-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Toronto
- Group
transfer from the Toronto hotel to the airport on Day 2
- Charter
flight from Toronto to Kangerlussuaq
- Group
transfer from the Kangerlussuaq airport to the ship on embarkation day
- Group
transfer from the ship to the Kangerlussuaq airport on disembarkation
day
- Charter
flight from Kangerlussuaq to Toronto
- One
night’s post-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Toronto
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
Start Date | End Date | (Starting from) Explorer Triple | (Mid-range) Deluxe Balcony Suite | (High-end) Ultra Suite |
Sep 11, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 | 18,995 | 32,495 | 49,495 |
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:Packagecost:
USD 1,995 per person
- One
night’s pre-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Toronto
- Group
transfer from the Toronto hotel to the airport on Day 2
- Charter
flight from Toronto to Kangerlussuaq
- Group
transfer from the Kangerlussuaq airport to the ship on embarkation day
- Group
transfer from the ship to the Kangerlussuaq airport on disembarkation
day
- Charter
flight from Kangerlussuaq to Toronto
- One
night’s post-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Toronto
ITINERARY
Day
1: Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland
Your
arctic expedition begins in Reykjavik. Explore Iceland’s
capital city on your own before spending the night at your included
hotel.
Day
2: Embarkation Day in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
In
the morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our
private charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, a small town at the eastern
head of Sondre Stromfjord, one of the longest fjords in the world.
After embarking your ship in the afternoon, enjoy time out on deck,
taking in your new surroundings as you set sail on your arctic
expedition.
Day
3: At Sea
As
we cruise across the Davis Strait, your Expedition Team will prepare
you for the adventures that await. Learn about the storied history and
politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and
climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. Staff will
also keep a lookout for seabirds soaring above your ship, as well as
whales that frequent the waters here.
Sailing this remote region on board Ultramarine, the newest ship in our
fleet, you’ll navigate the same icy inlets, channels and bays
that fascinated legendary explorers of long ago. Designed to give polar
adventurers unprecedented access to the hardest-to-reach places on the
planet—and equipped with two twin-engine helicopters and 20
quick-launching Zodiacs - this technologically-advanced ship will take
you beyond the predictable.
Days
4-6: Exploring Baffin Island, Canada
Baffin
Island is the fifth-largest island in the world, it was named for
English navigator William Baffin, who ventured to the area in the early
17th century in search of the fabled Northwest Passage. Your days
sailing along the island’s eastern coast will be guided by
weather and ice conditions, with each day and each landing presenting
new adventures. Some of our favorite destinations include Qikiqtarjuaq,
Isabella Bay and Sam Ford Fjord. Towering mountains, deep fjords,
colorful tundra, and Inuit settlements await!
The Inuit community of
Qikiqtarjuaq (which means “the big island” in
Inuktitut) is located just north of the Arctic Circle, on Broughton
Island. Fondly called Qik by locals, the welcoming hamlet offers a
superb vantage point of the Davis Strait. You’ll also have a
chance to support local Inuit artisans here by purchasing unique
artwork, crafts and jewelry.
The rarely explored Sam Ford Fjord is one
of the most isolated places on the planet. It is a spectacular big-wall
playground, attracting adventurous climbers eager to scale the dozens
of towering vertical granite cliffs that erupt from the sea. Have your
camera handy as you cruise along this impressive coastline carved by
ancient glaciers—the towering formations, stacked side by
side, are simply majestic.
Day
7: At Sea
As
our ship sails farther north, take in a presentation by our on-board
experts, sip an icy cocktail in the bar, watch a movie or join your
Expedition Team on the bridge as they scan for wildlife—
there is no shortage of activities while at sea.
Days
8-11: Lancaster Sound
The
gateway to the Northwest Passage, Lancaster Sound is one of the richest
marine habitats in the Arctic. With open water areas staying ice-free
all year, it is an important summer feeding area for whales and other
marine wildlife. Our days here will be spent exploring several of the
sound’s beautiful bays and inlets, discovering historical
sites, enjoying Zodiac cruises and searching for such iconic wildlife
as walrus, seals and, of course, whales. Polar bear sightings are
possible too, as Lancaster Sound is known for polar bear sightings. If
you’re fortunate, you may even spot the elusive narwhal.
There may be a possibility for a shore visit at Radstock Bay, the
location of one of the most impressive ancient Thule sites in the
Arctic. Exploring the well-preserved remains of the subterranean
houses, including the whale bones used as supports for the dwellings,
will give you an understanding of how these pre- Inuit people thrived
in the Far North.
We will attempt to land at Beechey Island, a Canadian
National Historic Site. Named after explorer Frederick William Beechey,
the island is the final resting place of members of Sir John
Franklin’s 1845–46 expedition to find the Northwest
Passage. The graves, on a desolate rocky beach, were discovered in 1850
by a team searching for signs of the ill-fated expedition.
Predominantly covered in glaciers and ice fields, Coburg Island and its
surrounding waters comprise the Nirjutiqavvik National Wildlife Area.
The island’s steep coastal cliffs are an ideal habitat for
hundreds of thousands of nesting seabirds like
Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres),
blacklegged kittiwakes, northern fulmars and black guillemots.
Day
12: Smith Sound
Before
saying goodbye to Canada, we’ll push as far north as
possible, exploring both sides of Smith Sound, the uninhabited passage
between Ellesmere Island and Greenland. Experience a true expedition as
weather and ice determine how far north we explore.
Days
13-14: Exploring Northwest Greenland
Your
return to Greenland will have you sailing along the remote northwest
coast, a land of impressive icebergs and massive glaciers. Qaanaaq,
formerly known as Thule, is one of the northernmost towns in the world.
Here, local Inuit share their culture and traditions, while the museum
sheds more light on life near the top of the world.
We hope to explore
Melville Bay, a significant whaling site until the early 1900s. Opening
up to Baffin Bay, the area is a major egress for the Greenland ice cap
and is home to spectacular icebergs in all shapes and sizes, making it
an ideal spot for Zodiac cruising. If you’re feeling
adventurous, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to a unique arctic
experience by partaking in an optional paddling excursion (additional
cost).
Day
15: At Sea
As
we continue sailing south along the west coast of Greenland,
presentations by our on-board experts will prepare you for the
adventures that lie ahead.
Days
16-18: Exploring West Greenland
Boasting
spectacular glaciers, mountainous landscapes, dramatic fjords and
vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you
breathless. Some areas we hope to explore here are Uummannaq, Itilleq
and the impressive Ilulissat Icefjord.
Quite possibly the most
picturesque place in Greenland, the traditional Inuit town of Uummannaq
(which means “heart-like”) takes its name from the
red heart-shaped mountain that rises up a staggering 3,840 feet (1,170
meters) behind it. You’ll want to be positioned on deck as
your ship approaches the shore, with your camera ready to capture the
inspiring vistas of the twin peaks soaring high above the colorful
houses dotting the rugged coastline.
Another beautiful locale is the
Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to Jakobshavn,
one of the most active glaciers in the world, this is a great spot to
enjoy a Zodiac excursion past towering icebergs. Venturing ashore in
the town of Ilulissat (which means “iceberg”) will
allow you to visit the icefjord on foot and gaze at this unforgettable
river of ice from the rocky shore.
Surrounded by sea and mountains,
Itilleq (meaning “crossing place”) is situated
about a mile (2 km) above the Arctic Circle, in a scenic hollow on a
small island. It is the southern limit of the Greenlandic sled dog. To
keep the breed pure, the dogs are not permitted south of this community
and all other dog breeds are prohibited this far north. Explore the
town’s traditional wooden houses painted in a rainbow of
colors, chat with the locals, whose main trade is fishing, and maybe
challenge them to a game of football (soccer) —it
won’t be long before you’re experiencing
Itilleq’s famous friendly vibe.
Day
19: Disembark in Kangerlussuaq and Fly to Reykjavik
Enjoy
one more Zodiac ride to shore, where you’ll board your
charter flight back to Reykjavik, Iceland. Upon arrival in Reykjavik,
we will transfer you to your included hotel.
Day
20: Depart Reykjavik
Today,
you can make your way home at your leisure or spend time exploring this
vibrant city.
Ultramarine (Luxury Expedition, 199-guests)
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.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Leadership
throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including
shore landings and other activities
- All
Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- All
shore landings per the daily program
- Shipboard
accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All
meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
(Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as
possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare
kosher meals.)
- Beer
and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the
clock
- Formal
and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as
scheduled
- 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
- All
miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- Comprehensive
onboard materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader
- All
miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All
luggage handling aboard the ship
- Emergency
Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD
$500,000 per person
- Greenland
voyages cruise passenger tax
Not
Included
- Mandatory
Transfer Package
- International
airfare
- Arrival
and departure transfers, except where listed in the Mandatory Transfer
Package
- Passport
and visa expenses
- Canadian
eTA required for non-Canadian or U.S. visa-exempt passengers
- 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 flights
- Mandatory
waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry,
bar and other personal charges unless specified
- Phone
and Internet charges
- Voluntary
gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
- Additional
overnight accommodation
- Adventure
Options not listed in Included Activities
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking:
USD 695
- Paddling: USD 195
- Flightseeing: Free
- Heli-landing: Free