ARCTIC 2026
South Greenland Adventure
The Majestic Alpine Arctic
DESIGNED TO GO BEYOND ULTRAMARINE
Contents
Overview The Best of the Arctic Itinerary Local Partnerships
1 2 3 6 7
Arrival and Departure Details, and International Flight Planning Your Ship
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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
South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic
EXPEDITION IN BRIEF
Our South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic itinerary is designed for travelers seeking to explore the majestic fjords, glaciers and mountains of South Greenland. This itinerary offers guests one–of–a–kind excursions exclusive to Quark Expeditions—some of them only made possible by our newest ship, the technologically–advanced Ultramarine , which is equipped with two twin–engine helicopters. On this journey, you can be as active as you like, or you can opt for more relaxing, immersive experiences. Developed in partnership with local communities—a first of its kind in expedition travel—this itinerary offers unprecedented opportunities to explore the majesty of South Greenland’s diverse fjordlands. Ultramarine’s two helicopters will take you to areas in South Greenland that others can’t reach, especially for off–ship excursions. Some of these, such as our heli landing and the Greenland Ice Sheet Experience, are included for all guests, who can also enjoy hikes, community visits and Zodiac cruises. This voyage—accessible to guests of all fitness levels—offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in soaking up the serene mountain views, sailing through the icebergs on a Zodiac cruise, or trying optional activities such as heli landing or camping in style on the shores of Tasermiut Fjord with local hosts.
Choose from the widest arrange of off-ship excursions, from relaxed camping to exciting helicopter landings Fly by helicopter to the Greenland Ice Sheet and set foot on the second-largest ice mass in the world Experience Greenlandic cultural highlights with local partners Visit the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage site to learn about the intersection of Inuit and Viking cultures.
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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GREENLAND (Kalaallit Nunaat)
The Best of the Arctic Three Perspectives of South Greenland
Remote, authentic and one of the most welcoming places on the planet, South Greenland is a region as rich in spectacular scenery as it is in history. The southern tip of Greenland boasts the greatest variety of landscapes in the country—from serene, sheltered waterways surrounded by towering cliffs to the massive Greenland Ice Sheet to snow–capped mountains that reach for the sky. Luckily for visitors, these diverse landforms translate into a wonderland where you can enjoy the greatest variety of guest experiences in the Arctic. South Greenland offers the chance to experience three unique regions with distinct natural attributes. There’s the Wild East coast where you’ll keep your eyes peeled for marine mammals while savoring the dramatic ice–scapes, alpine feel and absolute remoteness of the region. Then there’s the Arctic Patagonia
side of South Greenland, known for its stunning fjords, iconic peaks, remote settlements, and some of the most scenic hiking you’ll find in the world. And finally, there are the Westlands, where you’ll get to explore the impressive Greenland Ice Sheet up close—as well as the starkly different green heart of the island where the fertile soil gives birth to a bounty of home–grown produce, enabling local farmers to live off the land. Cruising in sublime comfort aboard the newest ship in our fleet, Ultramarine , our floating expedition base, we’ll explore farther than ever before, positioning ourselves deep in the protected waters of majestic fjords each day. With the largest portfolio of Zodiac- and helicopter–supported excursions in the industry, you’ll be able to curate a one– of–a–kind Greenland experience that speaks to your passions.
Thanks to the two twin–engine helicopters onboard Ultramarine , you’ll take to the skies for stunning aerial views over the polar landscapes, set foot on the massive Greenland Ice Sheet, which covers approximately 14 million square kilometers, making it the second-largest ice-mass in the world after the Antarctic Ice Sheet. Our expedition team—globally recognized as the best in the expedition industry—will draw on their vast polar expertise and local knowledge to select a second opportunity to access some of the region’s most stunning vistas. If ideal night sky conditions prevail, it could be possible to witness one of nature’s most impressive and intimate displays: the Northern Lights (Aurora borealis ). On this experience-packed voyage, you will be able to savor and explore the best of South Greenland from every perspective: land, sea and sky.
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 REYKJAVIK Arrive in the Icelandic capital in the morning and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the day to explore the city on your own. DAY 2 | EMBARKATION IN REYKJAVIK This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel in Reykjavik and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead on our technologically-advanced ship Ultramarine , which is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters and a fleet of 20 quick-launching Zodiacs to deliver unique off-ship experiences in South Greenland. DAYS3 –4 | AT SEA As we cruise north across the Denmark Strait, with views of Greenland in the distance, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures ahead. Learn about the storied history of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, glaciology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore.
The team will also help you search for seabirds soaring around your ship, as well as whales that frequent the surrounding waters. DAY5 –6 | THE WILD EAST As we approach and arrive in Greenland, the first natural features you’ll see will be the towering steep-walled fjords and hanging glaciers. We’ll explore the uninhabited east coast. This area offers opportunities for wildlife sightings, including the possibility of polar bears and humpback whales. Activities include heli-landings, hiking, paddle excursions, Zodiac cruises, and shore landings in this remote, ice-laden landscape of tumbling glaciers, alpine vistas and wildlife. We set out for the wild fjords of the uninhabited east coast, one of which is Lindenow Fjord, also known by its Greenlandic name, Kangerlussuaq. Thousands of years ago, groups of Paleo- Inuit hunters and fishermen made their
GREENLAND (Kalaallit Nunaat)
Qassiarsuk
Lindenow Fjord
Greenland Ice Sheet (access point)
TO/FROM REYKJAVIK ICELAND
Aappilattoq
Tasermiut Fjord
GREENLAND (Kalaallit Nunaat)
ICELAND
Approximate limit of exploration area
South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic
Onboard the Ultramarine Flight to/from Reykjavik
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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home in these isolated fjords, living off the land and surviving mostly on the resources provided by the sea—long before the arrival of European explorers and successive waves of migration prompted mass settlements. Traces of these early inhabitants can be found today against the backdrop of cascading glaciers and steep–walled mountains. The fjords are where you can observe plenty of wildlife, especially marine mammals. Rare sightings of polar bears are also possible as they drift down from the north on sea ice floes propelled by the East–Greenland current. Humpback whales are often sighted when entering fjords as the shallowing seas bring an upwelling of nutrients to the surface. While we keep our eyes peeled for wildlife, the magnificent alpine terrain invites us to explore by sea, land and air to immerse ourselves completely in the remote icescapes of the region. The wild east is ideal for heli landings, paddle excursions, hiking, Zodiac cruises and shore landings.
DAY7 –8 | THE WESTLANDS We’ll sail along the spectacular west coast of Greenland into the Westlands, the same journey the Greenlandic Norse followed to reach the Western fjords. You’ll experience the contrast between the Greenland Ice Sheet—the second-largest body of ice on the planet—and the grassy valleys of the coast, which is steeped in Viking history, especially at landmarks such as the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage site. The latter provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the region’s history and cultural traditions, as well as the interaction between Norse and Inuit cultures. We’ll explore the mammoth Ice Sheet by helicopter, hike the surrounding foothills, cruise through ice-filled waters, and engage with local communities. We will visit the small settlement of Qassiarsuk, as well as the remains of Erik the Red’s estate of Brattahlíð, both of which offer further insights into South Greenland’s history and culture. You will appreciate quite quickly why Erik the Red chose this land as his home and gave Greenland its
name: every direction you look rewards visitors with vistas of blue, ice-strewn waters set against a breathtaking backdrop of lush, verdant valleys and green pastures bursting with blooms. Unique to Greenland, and indeed the entire Arctic, warm microclimates deep in the fjords have created a surprisingly fertile Arctic Garden of Eden. South Greenlandic farming traditions dating back to Viking days are still kept alive. Many families work their remote sheep farms along the shores of the fjords, their lives very much attuned to the seasons as they produce a variety of organic homegrown produce (such as potatoes, turnips and kale). Also in the West, we find perfect access points to the Greenland Ice Sheet, which we’ll reach by helicopter. You’ll enjoy the most incredible views of the largest mass of ice in the northern hemisphere flowing from the heights of the polar plateau to sea level. Become one of the very few people to ever set foot on this incredible body of ice during our
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 Greenland Ice Sheet Experience. Over these two days you will have the opportunity to explore the Ice Sheet, hike the surrounding foothills, cruise or paddle through the azure ice-filled waters, and engage with our local friends and partners during the most meaningful and in–depth community experiences offered on any Quark Expeditions voyage. DAY9 –11 | ARCTIC PATAGONIA We’ll transit through the scenic 105-kilometer long Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq), and explore the dramatic fjords of South Greenland. Our team has planned a visit to the village of Aappilattoq, where you can experience local culture, music, and traditional foods. The journey continues to the steep-walled 70-kilometer Tasermiut Fjord, known as “Arctic Patagonia,” where overnight camping and various excursions are available amidst stunning glaciers and peaks. The maze of fjords, sounds, islets, inlets and skerries (rocky islands) in and around Cape Farewell (Nunap Isua) at Greenland’s most southern tip possesses its own particular magic. Transiting the
Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq)—one of the world’s most scenic fjords—will be truly unforgettable. Guests can then look forward to dramatic mountain and seascapes with glaciers tumbling down to the sea, and spectacular vistas around every corner. Inhabiting this domain are Southern Greenlanders living on the frontier, a people as unique as the landscape they call home. This is where the migrating hunting peoples from the east finally settled around the European trading posts. The few villages in this southern region have gained a level of fame thanks to the inhabitants who remain steadfastly faithful to their hunting and fishing heritage. As mentioned above, we hope to visit Aappilattoq, perched on the shores of Prins Christian Sund, to introduce you to our local partners and friends. We want our guests to have the opportunity to listen to inhabitants’ stories, hear their music, taste their food, learn about their hunting traditions, and perhaps even join a friendly game of soccer as a player or spectator. Your time in Arctic Patagonia will allow you to marvel at the impressive glacier
at its head, with rivers of ice tumbling toward the sea, and the imposing peaks of Nalumasortoq and Ulamertorsuaq that dominate the skyline, making for the most scenic backdrops to your hike or helicopter excursion. DAY 12 – 13 | SAILING SOUTHBOUND ACROSS DENMARK STRAIT As your Arctic adventure winds down, you can take in a polar presentation by our onboard experts, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar, or watch a movie. This is a great opportunity to ask members of Expedition Team any remaining questions you have about any aspect of your voyage. DAY 14 | DISEMBARK REYKJAVIK, ICELAND You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location. 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, wildlife, 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
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GREENLAND (Kalaallit Nunaat)
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Local Partnerships The South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic itinerary is the first of its kind to be designed in full collaboration with local partners. This program not only aligns with local tourism development strategies, but it has been endorsed by Kommune Kujalleq, the regional government of South Greenland. We’re proud to pioneer this new local engagement ethos. This itinerary will offer more local touch points than any other Quark Expeditions voyage which allows our guests to benefit from the unrivaled hospitality, wisdom, and expertise of the local people.
1 | AAPPILATTOQ Storytelling, food, music and friendly competition are some of the experiences you can expect during this visit to one of Greenland’s smallest communities.
2 | TASERMIUT CAMP Join your Greenlandic hosts for a taste of overnight life on the land in one of our most immersive local experiences.
3 | TAMASSA Alongside our Ice Sheet excursions, we welcome a range of local artists, craftspeople, musicians, and chefs onboard for an immersive cultural festival, Tamassa.
4 | QASIARSUK Learn about South Greenland’s agricultural economy at this sheep farming community as part of our final day of excursions.
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, and International Flight Planning
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 1 — ARRIVAL AND HOTEL NIGHT IN REYKJAVIK You may arrive in Reykjavik at any time during Day 1 of the itinerary and make your way to the included hotel. DAY 2 — EMBARKATION IN REYKJAVIK On the morning of Day 2, your luggage will be collected from the lobby of your hotel, transferred to the ship and stored in your cabin. Ship embarkation will occur on Day 2 of your itinerary, usually around 4 p.m. You and your shipmates will meet in the lobby of your hotel and board the waiting buses for transfer to the ship. Information about transfer timing will be posted in your Reykjavik Hotel Final Day and Departure document.
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 REYKJAVIK AND ONWARD
PLEASE NOTE 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. If you are arriving prior to Day 1 of your expedition or are staying after the disembarkation day, you can book directly with the hotel or through a third party.
Your ship is scheduled to arrive in Reykjavik and you will disembark after breakfast. The process takes about an hour. After disembarkation, you will transfer to a central downtown location. Arrival and Departure Transfers REYKJAVIK AIRPORT TRANSFERS ARRIVAL An arrival transfer in Reykjavik is not included; if you require a transfer to the city, you will need to arrange your own transportation. Most airports used on our voyages have good taxi ranks in the arrivals area, or you can often pre-book a transfer online. DEPARTURE A transfer is provided from the Reykjavik port to a central downtown location at the end of the expedition. A transfer to the airport is not included.
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
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. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, 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
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Included Activities
Each Quark Expeditions voyage offers a diverse selection of immersive activities (mostly off-ship). Some are included in your trip; others cost extra.
FLIGHTSEEING While polar landscapes are spectacular from the sea, they’re even more stunning from the air, a view you can enjoy while seated in one of the two twin-engine helicopters stationed on Ultramarine . Typically in groups of fewer than 10, you will experience an unforgettable aerial tour of the Arctic during a 10- to 15-minute flightseeing excursion that’s included in the cost of the voyage. Additional helicopter activities may also be available for purchase on board. Please note: all helicopter operations are weather- and logistics-dependent.
ICE SHEET EXPERIENCE Explore beyond cascading coastal
HELI LANDING Soar above South Greenland in one of Ultramarine’s twin-engine helicopters to an exclusive site where no ships can navigate. Each heli–landing experience is uniquely curated by our expedition team, taking into consideration conditions and location capacity. Our helicopters will transport you high above the shorelines to the best viewpoints in the region. You will be able to enjoy the majestic scenery from the best vantage points.
glaciers to access the icy realms of the second–largest ice mass in the world, the Greenland Ice Sheet. An excursion on one of Ultramarine’s two twin–engine helicopters means you’ll enjoy views of the Ice Sheet very few other humans get to experience. You’ll learn about the dynamics of this environment from our team of glaciologists while you explore this vast, seldom–visited body of ice. This activity is offered over a two–day period to ensure every guest is able to experience this exclusive 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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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.
PADDLE EXCURSION Join us 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. Included with limited availability.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Contact your Polar Travel Adviser or your Travel Professional for more information about your Included Activities and Adventure Options, including required experience, physical requirements and cost.
COMMUNITY VISITS Our Greenland Adventure voyages include the widest range of community experiences in the Quark Expeditions portfolio. During this voyage we hope to offer visits to two iconic South Greenlandic communities (Aappilattoq and Qasiarsuk) and provide opportunities for guests to share their journey and engage with our local partners. Learning about the wonders of Greenland from Greenlanders will be a highlight of this voyage.
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 Option
These additional activities, which cost extra, fill up quickly and should be booked in advance.
TUNDRA TO TABLE Our ground-breaking Tundra to Table experience, hosted by Inuit chefs who are experts in Indigenous cuisine, is a one-of-a-kind adventure into the culinary traditions of the Inuit in Greenland and Nunavut. Guests will enjoy dishes from these Arctic regions while learning about local Inuit culture and history. At the heart of this experience, enjoyed in Ultramarine ’s main restaurant, Balena, is the purity of the ingredients. While the menu varies from trip to trip, Inuit fusion dishes may include beer-braised muskox, South Greenlandic lamb, and pickled halibut served with lumpfish dip and bread. Chefs will also engage in storytelling throughout the meal. Limited seating. Book early.
GREENLAND CAMP EXPERIENCE
Join local hosts at Tasermiut Camp, one of the most exclusive camps in Greenland. Our local guides will lead you through the wonders of their homeland. Spend ample time, in intimate groups, walking through the beautiful landscapes and pristine valleys, roam the tundra with a local chef who will show you fresh ingredients and then prepare an incredible meal together. Overnight at the camp and, if conditions are right, experience the magnificent colours of the polar twilight which will bring the beautiful mountainous surroundings into full effect. Depending on conditions, this is also an excellent venue to enjoy the Northern Lights.
PLEASE NOTE For all paid activities, pre-booking is required. We recommend booking early as spaces fill quickly.
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 Dates
South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic
ULTRAMARINE
Flightseeing
Paddle Excursion
Ice Sheet Experience
Zodiac Cruising
Polar Plunge
Heli Landing
Greenland Camp Experience
Tundra to Table
Days Start / End
Dates
ARCTIC 2026 AUG 17 – 30, 2026
14 Reykjavik Included Included Included Included Included Included
$
$
AUG 29 – SEPT 11, 2026 14 Reykjavik Included Included Included Included Included Included $
$
$ Paid Activities
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 • 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 ship’s galley cannot prepare kosher meals. • NEW 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
Exclusions RATES SPECIFICALLY DO NOT INCLUDE: • International airfare
• 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 • NEW Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data-intensive applications.) • 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
• Arrival transfers in Reykjavik • 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 domestic and international flights • Premium Wi-Fi • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned • Laundry 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.
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 in the polar environment and further deepen your connection to the Arctic. With over 30 years of experience bringing guests 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 undergo comprehensive training at 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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Raise a Glass and Stay Connected! See below for specifics on our complimentary Wi-Fi and bar service, which takes effect November 2024.
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.
Balena Restaurant, the main diningroom on Deck 5 of Ultramarine , features tables that accommodate 2 to 10. Guests can enjoy a quiet dinner with a loved one or join a larger table of new friends. Guests will enjoy views from every seat in addition to direct access to the wraparound deck. Guests can also enjoy a meal in Bistro 487, which offers an indoor/outdoor dining experience—perfect for enjoying the polar landscapes. 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. Complimentary coffee, tea, cocoa and water stations are available around the clock, while soft drinks and juices are available during meals and when the bar is open—all included in the cost of your package. NEW Enjoy free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner as part of our new “Raise a Glass and Stay Connected Free” program. Premium wines and champagne are available at extra cost and can be billed to your shipboard account. The well-stocked bars on the ship are open late morning, afternoon and evening, though hours may occasionally change to accommodate the expedition schedule.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details 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, helicopter, or shore landing.
today, and replicas of the original chapel and longhouse are located nearby. The present village, Qassiarsuk (the Greenlandic name for Brattahlíð), was founded in 1924. The area is home to some of the most fertile land in the country, just as it was when Erik first laid eyes on it. GREENLAND ICE SHEET The largest mass of ice in the Northern Hemisphere—one of only two polar ice sheets on the planet, second only to the Antarctic ice sheet—is the dominant feature in Greenland. The Greenland Ice Sheet covers 80 percent of the country’s land area and is nearly 2 miles (3 km) thick. It spans coast to coast, contained to the east and west only by the coastal mountains. Stepping onto the ice, which moves undetected beneath your feet, is a moment you’ll never forget.
Greenland BRATTAHLÍð
Brattahlíð (meaning “the steep slope”) was Erik the Red’s estate in the Viking Eastern Settlement, which he established in 985. Brattahlíð was the site of the first Greenlandic parliament, as well as Greenland’s first Christian church, built for Erik’s newly converted wife, Tjodhilde. The ruins of several buildings, including living quarters, outhouses and Tjodhilde’s church, are still visible
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KUJATAA This sub-Arctic farming landscape— the earliest example of agriculture in the Arctic—was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Area in 2017. Featuring archeological sites and agricultural lands, Kujataa is comprised of five areas (Igaliku, Hvalsey, Qassiarsuk, Sissarluttoq and Tasikuluulik) that represent the most comprehensive cultural histories of Norse and Greenlandic farmer–hunters. In honor of the designation, Greenlandic Post issued a stamp in 2018 showcasing the landscape of Kujataa. KANGERLUSSUATSIAQ (LINDENOW FJORD) Ships rarely venture into Kangerlussuatsiaq (Lindenow fjord), one of the most beautiful fjords in Greenland. With your Expedition Team in the lead, you may cruise by Zodiac in an arm of the fjord while our staff use their years of Arctic experience to search for wildlife. You may also spot waterfalls along the sheer rock face or enjoy a hike amongst waterfalls, flowers and blueberry fields.
AAPPILATTOQ Aappilattoq, home to about 100 people, is the only settlement in the remote Kujalleq region of South Greenland. Inhabited since the 19th century, Aappilattoq was only founded in 1922. Its name derives from the Greenlandic word for “red,” inspired by the red mountain towering above the settlement.
connections with the landscape that is considered one of the most beautiful places in Greenland. At 43 miles (70 km) long, this picturesque fjord will be a highlight of your south Greenland experience, even if you don’t opt to camp. 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, wildlife, 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.
IKERASASSUAQ (PRINS CHRISTIAN SUND)
The massive tidewater glaciers and dramatically steep cliffs dominating this picturesque fjord system, named after Christian III of Denmark, are one of the many reasons South Greenland has earned the moniker Arctic Patagonia. Aappilattoq, home to about 100 people, is the only settlement in this remote region. This is an ideal place for ship cruising, as the icebergs here come in all shapes and sizes.
TASERMIUT FJORD Paddling and Zodiac cruising into Tasermiut Fjord allow for a closer
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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BY SEA AND AIR All transfers ship to shore, helicopter flights and Zodiac/ship cruising. Waterproof pants (mandatory for every Zodiac and helicopter ride) Base-layer wool or synthetic top* Mid-layer warm or fleece bottom* Base-layer wool or synthetic bottom* Mid-layer warm or fleece top* Warm hat that covers ears (bring an extra) Scarf, buff, or other face protection Warm wool or synthetic socks (keep a dry pair in your bag, and bring extras for layering) Waterproof gloves or mitts (bring an extra, lighter pair for hiking) Glove liners* Hand and feet warmers* Binoculars Polarized sunglasses with UV protection (consider bringing an eyewear retainer: string/clip etc.) Sunscreen Ski goggles (for Zodiac cruising on snowy or windy days) Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack and/or rain sleeve for camera or a waterproof phone case (to keep camera & gear dry) What to pack on your Greenland 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:
TO WEAR ON BOARD Comfortable casual clothing like lighter shirts, pants or jeans, etc. (in case the ship gets warm) Comfortable non-slip closed-toed, heelless shoes (flip flops, sandals or slip-on shoes should not be worn on board due to safety concerns) Workout attire (for the fitness center and other indoor activities) 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.) 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 Passport, visas, immunization records, travel documents, etc. as required Camera gear—complete with charger, storage medium, transport & cleaning kit (lens cloth etc.) and extra batteries Waterproof cell phone case or rain sleeve for camera Earplugs and eye masks for sleeping Voltage converters and plug adapters (see ship book for details) Moisturizer for face and hands (skin dryness due to wind and temperature changes) Seasickness, indigestion, headache, or other medications Small amount of local currency (see pre-departure book for more details) Insect repellant Mosquito netting
*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: Worn-in Hiking footwear: While Muck-boots are provided and encouraged for most shore excursions, additional hiking footwear (Goretex-lined boots or similar water-proof hiking boots) can add to your hiking comfort, especially if you are a keen hiker (Smart) Wool or synthetic hiking socks for above footwear (bring an extra pair) Lightweight and quick-dry, trekking pants that may or may not convert to zip-off shorts* (*depending on your thermo-regulation) Breathable waterproof pants* and rain jacket** for outdoor activities in inclement weather (*can be the same pair you use for Zodiac operations / ** can be outer shell of complimentary Quark 3in1 Parka) Comfortable long or short-sleeve shirt for hiking either synthetic/quick- dry or merino (smart) wool (Hiking) gloves (medium thickness, waterproof preferred) Hat, buff or scarf (for wind and weather protection) UV protection (hat, polarized sun glasses, sun block, lip balm) Collapsible walking sticks for hikes (if required) Quantities are available to borrow on every vessel Additional reusable thermos or water bottle (in addition to the reusable collapsible water bottle provided)
Scan this QR code or click here to watch our video on what to pack before you go!
To view our packing checklist online, visit: QuarkExpeditions.com/What-to-Pack/Greenland Related topics are covered on our Frequently Asked Questions page: QuarkExpeditions.com/Frequently-Asked-Questions
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 BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE Contact your Travel Professional
or a Quark Expeditions® Polar Travel Adviser
TOLL FREE AND LOCAL NUMBERS: North America (Toll Free) 1 888 332 0008 U.K. Tel +44 203 514 2712 U.K. (Toll Free) 0 808 120 2333 Australia Tel +61 2 72580333 Australia (Toll Free) +61 1800 953518 France Tel +33-1 80 14 01 05 France (Toll Free) 08 05 08 66 46 QuarkExpeditions.com
Photos captured with a telephoto lens from a responsible distance, following regulatory/AECO guidelines.
PHOTO CREDITS: (over all Expedition Brochures for the Arctic 2026 season) : Acacia Johnson; David Merron; Nicky Souness; Samantha Crimmin; Sam Edmonds; Michelle Sole; Grange Productions; Peter Lindstrom, Visit Greenland; Adobe Stock; iStock;
September 13, 2024 EXPEDITION BROCHURE
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