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Voyage to the depths of the Russian Arctic on a unique polar expedition
From watching a glittering glacier calve into Inostrantseva Bay to sailing across the icy, wildlife-filled Barents Sea, a voyage around the archipelagos of Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land is the adventure to end all adventures. Starting and ending in Helsinki, this journey will take you to see some of the Russian Arctic’s most fascinating wildlife, geology and ecology. Polar bear encounters are a real possibility and there will be plenty of opportunities to spot walrus, seals, whales and wide variety of seabirds – both nesting on the icy cliffs and soaring above your ship.
- Code
- PPJR
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 8
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 132
Why you'll love this trip
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Visit Eurasia’s largest Arctic Archipelago – the striking and diverse Noyaua Zemlya – and get up close to the stunning glacier of Inostrantseva Bay.
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Search for polar bears, walrus and other wildlife in Franz Josef Land on a number of Zodiac excursions in the Arctic, led by an expert polar team.
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Learn more about the biology, geography, history and glaciology of the Russian High Arctic with a number of onboard lectures presented by your expedition crew while at sea.
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After days of spotting wildlife on deck and cruising the seas in search of rugged Arctic wilderness, relax on your fully equipped polar vessel with comfortable staterooms and multiple lounging areas.
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Explore the extraordinary mix of architectural influences and cultural sights in Finland’s capital, Helsinki, with included pre- and post-expedition accommodation.
Is this trip right for you?
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As you’d expect, temperatures in the Arctic are very cold. A warm parka will be provided along with waterproof boots and unlimited hot drinks, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information for further important details about what to bring.
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Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Some ships also have a lot of stairs.
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The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area.
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This trip takes places during the time of year that Spitsbergen enjoys 24-hour daylight. Just one of the benefits of this is that incredible wildlife can be seen at any time of the day – be prepared to be woken at any time so as to not miss out on exciting animal sightings.
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Polar bears are one of the most incredible and appealing animals on the planet, but they are also powerful predators with little fear of humans. Therefore, it’s necessary to be aware of the guidelines surrounding any contact with Polar bears. Follow your leader’s instructions and do not stray from your group.
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Boats

Ocean Adventurer
This sturdy expedition ship was built in 1975 and underwent an $8 million refurbishment in 2017 which included new engines and refurbished cabins...
Itinerary
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
No arrival transfer is included but the joining hotel is an airport hotel so easily reached on your arrival.Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Meals Included
- Breakfast (2)
- Lunch (2)
- Dinner (2)
Meals Included
- Breakfast (3)
- Lunch (3)
- Dinner (3)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Meals Included
- Breakfast (4)
- Lunch (4)
- Dinner (4)
Meals Included
- Breakfast (2)
- Lunch (2)
- Dinner (2)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
15 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 13 dinnersTransport
Expedition cruise ship, Plane, ZodiacAccommodation
Expedition Cruise ship 13 nights, Quality hotel 2 nightsDates & availability - 2021 season
Important notes
BOOKING CONDITIONS
Arctic and Antarctic bookings have an increased deposit requirement of 20% of the full voyage cost (before any discount). The balance is due 120 days before departure.
If a booking is cancelled 120 days or more before departure – the cancellation fee is the full loss of the deposit paid.
If a booking is cancelled between 119 days and departure – the cancellation fee is 100% of the total price of the voyage.
Other fees may apply for air tickets and other arrangements booked in conjunction with a Polar voyage.
There are strictly enforced luggage allowances on the charter flights included in this voyage. Please see the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
Your voyage is operated by our polar partner, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.

Essential trip information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information