This unique 14-day voyage invites guests to embrace a true expeditionary spirit: rather than follow a set itinerary, together we’ll allow our search for polar bears and other wildlife to determine our route and shore landings in the pristine Norwegian Arctic.
ARCTIC 2023
SPITSBERGEN PHOTOGRAPHY
In Search of Polar Bears
DESIGNED TO
GO BEYOND
Contents
Overview Itinerary Arrival and Departure Details Your Ship Included Activities Adventure Options Departure Dates Inclusions and Exclusions Your Expedition Team Meals on Board Possible Excursions Packing Checklist
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Photos captured with a telephoto lens from a responsible distance, following regulatory/AECO guidelines.
Overview
Spitsbergen Photography: In Search of Polar Bears
EXPEDITION IN BRIEF
This unique 14-day voyage invites guests to embrace a true expeditionary spirit: rather than follow a set itinerary, together we’ll allow our search for polar bears and other wildlife to determine our route and shore landings in the pristine Norwegian Arctic. You’ll be experiencing this once-in-a-lifetime journey aboard our game-changing new expedition vessel, Ultramarine , which is equipped with 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, luxurious onboard amenities and the biggest portfolio of Adventure Options in the polar regions. Extensive outer decks, including a wrap around promenade deck and balconies in most cabins mean you’ll always have access to wildlife viewings wherever they may occur. Cruising along the coast, ice edge and inner fjords of Spitsbergen, you’ll be immersed in the natural wonders of the land of the midnight sun as we pursue our quest to photograph arctic wildlife: the polar bear as it prowls the edges of the pack ice on its perpetual hunt for food; the walrus with its long tusks and distinctive whiskers; cliff-dwelling Arctic birds in the thousands; and small herds of reindeer loping across the colorful tundra. Not to mention the landscape—snow-topped mountains, massive glacier fronts, deep-walled fjords, and vast swaths of untouched tundra waiting to be photographed. Exploring this awe-inspiring region will capture you with its raw beauty.
View iconic arctic wildlife, like polar bears, walrus and arctic fox Enjoy continuous daylight, perfect for photography buffs Cruise in a Zodiac for closer views of glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more
Hike the colorful arctic tundra
Learn techniques and tips from onboard photographers
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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Itinerary
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 & 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 your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.
DAYS 3 – 13 | EXPLORING SPITSBERGEN
Kvitøya
Phippsøya
Spitsbergen is graced with an unspoiled beauty that’s just waiting to be discovered. On this one-of-a-kind cruise, you’ll sail along the west coast of this magical island, exploring the coastal fjords and smaller, outlying islands. Each day will be a surprise, treating you to spectacular new sightings and experiences. Every expedition is unique, depending on the weather and ice conditions, but we do hope to visit a few of our favorite landing sites, which will be chosen as much for their optimal wildlife-viewing opportunities as for their stunning scenery, historical significance and hiking activities. With no fixed itinerary (unusual amongst polar cruises), our
Arctic Ocean
Nordaustlandet
Smeerenburg
Monaco Glacier
Hinlopen Strait
SPITSBERGEN
Barentsøya
Longyearbyen
Edgeøya
SVALBARD
Bellsund
Calypsobyen
Greenland Sea
TO/FROM HELSINKI
Hornsund
SPITSBERGEN PHOTOGRAPHY In Search of Polar Bears Flights to/from Helsinki
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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main goal will be to sail in a constant search for polar bears on the prowl. This means we may not move the ship every day as we do on regular voyages, especially if we find abundant wildlife in one place. Like true explorers, we’ll let the wildlife and pack ice—not a set schedule—guide our route! Our nimble expedition ship allows us to navigate shallower waters and tighter spaces, so we expect to explore the more hard-to- reach areas frequented by the elusive polar bear. Presentations by onboard experts in areas of photography, history and the natural sciences will prepare you for the adventures that await, and with continuous daylight during this time of year, photo opportunities abound. You’ll have ample time to linger and photograph any bears we find hunting on the ice edge, but they’re not the only wildlife we hope to encounter. The food-rich waters attract walrus, whales and seabirds, so you’ll want to keep your binoculars nearby while cruising. Arctic
fox and the endemic Svalbard reindeer may also be spotted on Zodiac excursions to shore. A haven for present-day explorers, Spitsbergen and the surrounding area offer unforgettable polar experiences that will keep you and your camera active for the duration of the expedition. Although 60 percent of the landscape is covered in glaciers and much of the terrain is mountainous, Spitsbergen (which means “pointed mountains”) surprises visitors with stretches of colorful tundra that burst with wildflowers in summer, perfect for macro photography. Optional hiking activities get you up close—though never obtrusively—to the abundant wildlife. At day’s end, you’ll have plenty of prized photographs and exciting stories to share with your shipmates. DAY 14 | DISEMBARK IN LONGYEARBYEN & FLY TO HELSINKI Your adventure ends 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.
EXPEDITION SPIRIT Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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Arrival and Departure Details
As you prepare for your journey, you may be interested in your arrival and departure details. Since international air transportation is not included in the cost of your expedition, you have some flexibility in planning your flights.
Arrival Day and Embarkation
ARRIVING IN HELSINKI You may arrive in Helsinki at any time during Day 1 of the itinerary. 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. 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. LONGYEARBYEN AND EMBARKATION Upon arrival in Longyearbyen (Day 2 of your itinerary), you will be transferred from the airport to a drop off point to have some free time to explore this historic town. Your luggage will be taken directly to the ship, and later you will be transferred from the designated meeting point to the pier. 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.
PLEASE NOTE There is a strict luggage limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) checked luggage and 18 lbs (8 kg) cabin baggage on the flights between Helsinki and Longyearbyen. Should you have additional luggage, it can be stored at the hotel in Helsinki. There is NO option to pay for additional luggage.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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Final Day and Departure DISEMBARKATION IN LONGYEARBYEN AND ONWARD Your voyage is scheduled to end back in Longyearbyen between 7am and 8am local time. After breakfast, you will have time to bid farewell to your Expedition Team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation. The process takes about an hour and due to port logistics, may involve one last Zodiac ride to the pier. After disembarkation, you’ll be transferred to the central shopping area in Longyearbyen, and if you’ve chosen to continue your time in Svalbard, you will be dropped off at your hotel. If you’ve purchased the transfer package, your luggage will be transferred to the airport while you enjoy some free time in town. Later you will be transferred to the airport by bus to pick up your luggage and check in for our return charter flight.
Arrival and Departure Transfers HELSINKI AIRPORT TRANSFERS Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki are not included in the expedition. Your first night’s included accommodation will be provided at the airport hotel, so please make your way to the lobby for check-in when you arrive. The voyage concludes on arrival at the Helsinki airport. If you are flying home right away, you will most likely be able to board a connecting flight on the same day. Please be sure to allow three hours between our charter arrival and your international departure.
DEPARTING FROM HELSINKI Upon arrival in Helsinki, you may connect directly with your onward flight. Scheduled charter flight times will appear in your final documents, and any additional updates will be communicated on board prior to disembarkation. Included Hotel Accommodations Your included accommodation begins on Day 1 of your itinerary, and the specific hotel(s) will be indicated in your final voyage confirmation. As accommodation space is limited, you are encouraged to request any extra nights as early as possible.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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Your Ship: Ultramarine
NEW! ULTRAMARINE
The newest ship in our fleet, 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. Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, and features the category’s most spacious suites, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size, complemented by an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards. With all this and more, Ultramarine is perfectly positioned to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience.
SHIP SPECIFICATIONS: Staff & Crew: 140 Guests: 199
Lifeboats: 4, fully enclosed Ice Class: PC6 Visit QuarkExpeditions.com to view deck plan details.
All images are artist's renderings.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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Deluxe Balcony Suite
Sauna
Panorama Lounge
Fitness Center
Balena Restaurant
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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Included Activities All of these activities are included in the price of your trip.
Ready for a little adventure beyond your ship? Each Quark Expeditions® voyage offers a variety of recreational activities to enhance your polar experience. 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 unique 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 one of the best ways to appreciate the polar landscapes. Our guides are able to accommodate a range of skill levels to suit every guest.
Contact your Polar Travel Adviser or your Travel Professional for more information about your Included Activities and Adventure Options, including the necessary experience, physical requirements and cost.
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 guides will help you hone your skills to capture the beauty of the polar regions.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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Adventure Options All of these activities cost extra and should be booked in advance of your trip.
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 outings will be pre-booked, and once successfully completed, any subsequent outings will be offered via lottery on board.
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.
PLEASE NOTE For all paid activities pre-booking is required. We recommend booking early as spaces fill quickly. Please see your pre-departure book for a list of provided gear for each Adventure Option.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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Departure Date Spitsbergen Photography: In Search of Polar Bears
Adventure Options
ULTRAMARINE
Days Start / End
Dates
ARCTIC 2023 MAY 18 – 31, 2023
14
Helsinki
$ $
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions RATES INCLUDE: • Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities • An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep • 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 (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
Exclusions RATES SPECIFICALLY DO NOT INCLUDE: • Mandatory Transfer Package * • International airfare • 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 and Internet charges (connectivity 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
• Select 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 • All luggage handling aboard the ship • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person • Transfers between Longyearbyen town center and port on embarkation and disembarkation day
*MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: • 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
PACKAGE PRICE: $995 USD
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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Your Expedition Team
Our Expedition Leaders and their teams bring diverse expertise in subjects as varied as polar history, marine biology, glaciology, ornithology and photography. Their knowledge and enthusiasm will greatly enhance your immersion into the polar environment and further deepen your connection to the Arctic. With over 30 years of experience bringing passengers to remote polar regions and an industry-leading staff-to-guest ratio, we know how to safely handle the unexpected. Ensuring this hard- earned experience is passed on, all our expedition staff receive comprehensive training in Quark Academy, which provides hands-on polar expedition training prior to any staff member’s first voyage as well as ongoing training for experienced staff.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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Meals on Board
If there is one constant on board, it is that you’ll enjoy delicious meals daily. While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you’ll always be served three well-prepared meals per day. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated by letting us know prior to your expedition. Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet style, while dinners are served plated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing our chefs to prepare each dish to your individual needs, ensuring you receive top-quality meals during the course of your expedition. Soft drinks and juices are available during meals and when the bar is open; beer and wine are served with dinner; and coffee, tea and water stations are available around the clock – all included in the cost of your package. Spirits, premium wines and champagne are available at extra cost which can be billed to your shipboard account. The well-stocked bars on the ship are open to enjoy with your fellow shipmates in late morning, afternoon and evening.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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Possible Excursions
When traveling 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. Spitsbergen 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.
ISBUKTA On the eastern shore of the southern tip of Svalbard is Isbukta, which means ‘Ice Bay.’ Sabine’s gulls, skuas and bearded seals inhabit the bay. Polar bears are known to patrol the area as well. 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.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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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. MOFFEN ISLAND This island is designated as a protected sanctuary for walrus, which are only viewed from the ship—have your binoculars ready! 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 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. PALANDERBUKTA On the western coast of Nordaustlandet, this bay stretches south and east from Wahlenberg Fjord. This is a typical polar desert, where the “ice bear” (polar bear) can sometimes be seen roaming in search of food.
EXPEDITION SPIRIT Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the 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. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
15
What to pack on your polar expedition 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:
WEATHER CONDITIONS & TEMPERATURES Polar weather is extremely variable; temperatures may hover around the freezing mark and winds can be strong. The extended daylight warms sheltered areas so that you may sometimes find it warm enough for t-shirts. However, you may encounter rain, snow squalls, fog and white-outs during an expedition and should be ready for any conditions.
TO WEAR ON LANDINGS Base-layer wool or synthetic top
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Swimsuit (for the Polar Plunge! Some vessels may also have a pool, hot tub, sauna and/or steam room. See your ship book for details.)
Base-layer wool or synthetic bottom
Mid-layer warm or fleece top
Light warm jacket to wear during travel to the ship
Mid-layer warm or fleece bottom
Workout attire (for the fitness center!)
Warm wool or synthetic socks (keep a dry pair in your bag, and bring extras for layering)
Binoculars
Hand and feet warmers
Glove liners
Camera with charger and extra batteries
Waterproof gloves or mitts (bring an extra pair)
Extra memory or laptop with spare storage (for saving photos)
Scarf, buff, or other face protection
Warm hat that covers ears (bring an extra)
Waterproof cell phone case or rain sleeve for camera
Waterproof pants (mandatory for every Zodiac ride)
Lens cloth for camera
Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack
Earplugs and eye masks for sleeping
Polarized sunglasses with UV protection (bring an extra pair)
Voltage converters and plug adapters (see ship book for details)
Ski goggles (offers extra protection for adventure options or Zodiac cruising on snowy or windy days)
Personal alarm such as mobile phone, watch, or alarm clock
Sunscreen
Moisturizer for face and hands (polar air can be dry)
Lip Balm
Extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses
Reusable waterproof bags or plastic bags with zippers (to keep small items organized and cameras dry)
TO WEAR ONBOARD Complimentary Quark 3-in-1 Parka provided on board (wear the waterproof shell out on deck, and the removable liner indoors to stay comfortable) Comfortable casual clothing like lighter shirts, pants or jeans, etc. (in case the ship gets warm) Comfortable non-slip closed-toed unheeled shoes (flip flops, sandals or slip-on shoes should not be worn on board due to safety concerns)
Seasickness, indigestion, headache, or other medications
Hand sanitizer
Passport, visas, immunization and vaccination records, travel documents, etc. (as required)
Small amount of local currency (see pre-departure book for more details)
Water bottle (a collapsible reusable water bottle will be provided onboard)
Bug spray
Scan this QR code to watch our video on what to pack before you go!
16 Call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 or your Travel Professional | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE Contact your Travel Professional
or a Quark Expeditions® Polar Travel Adviser
TOLL FREE AND LOCAL NUMBERS:
QuarkExpeditions.com
PHOTO CREDITS: Acacia Johnson; David Merron; Nicky Souness; Michelle Sole; Sue Flood; Cindy Miller Hopkins; Sam Edmonds; Grange Productions; Adobe Stock
March 21, 2023 EXPEDITION BROCHURE
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