SPITSBERGEN HIGHLIGHTS - ARCTIC 2021 | INAUGURAL SEASON - Private Travel Lab
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SPITSBERGEN
HIGHLIGHTS
Expedition in Brief
ARCTIC 2021 | INAUGURAL SEASON
Contents 1 Overview 2 Itinerary 4 Arrival and Departure Details 6 Your Ship Options 9 Included Activities 10 Adventure Options 11 Dates and Rates 13 Inclusions and Exclusions 14 Your Expedition Team 15 Extend Your Trip 16 Meals on Board 17 Possible Excursions 19 Packing Checklist
Overview
Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief
On this extraordinary journey, you will pack all the excitement of an epic Arctic EXPEDITION IN BRIEF
cruise into just seven days, cruising through pack ice along the west coast of View iconic Arctic wildlife, such as
Spitsbergen, retracing the steps of explorers from centuries past. Though this rocky polar bears, walrus and reindeer
island is covered in mountains and glaciers, the towering cliffs and fjords play host Enjoy all the adventure of an Arctic
to a thriving and diverse ecosystem. Exploring as much of the area as possible, you expedition in a week
will enjoy maximum opportunities to spot, among other wildlife, the walrus with its Cruise in a Zodiac to explore glaciers,
long tusks and distinctive whiskers, the resilient and Arctic birds in all their varied fjords, icebergs and more
majesty, and that most iconic of Arctic creatures, the polar bear. Hike the colorful tundra
As one of our most popular Arctic voyages, Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief is Immerse yourself in the icy realm
now available on two ships, each providing a distinct polar experience. Ultramarine, of the Arctic with optional kayaking
our new, game-changing polar vessel, can take you to remote destinations no other adventures
ships can reach. Aboard Ultramarine, explore Spitsbergen in brand new ways—taking
advantage of the 20 quick-launching Zodiacs and more outdoor wildlife viewing
spaces than other expedition ship its size—to create the Arctic experience perfect for
you. Ocean Adventurer, a passenger and staff favorite, is much loved for its intimate
onboard ambiance that enables guests to connect with other travelers and members
of the expedition team.
1
Itinerary
DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN OSLO, NORWAY DAYS 3 – 6 | EXPLORING SPITSBERGEN Kvitøya
Your Arctic voyage begins in Oslo, You’ll sail around the shores of this Phippsøya
Arctic Ocean
Norway’s vibrant capital city. If you magical island, constantly searching
arrive early, there are many museums, for polar bears and other natural Nordaustlandet
restaurants and green spaces to keep you wonders. Covering western Spitsbergen,
busy before retiring at your included your expedition will afford ample Monaco
airport hotel. opportunities to view immense glaciers, Glacier
SPITSBERGEN
deep fjords, soaring mountains and Smeerenburg Barentsøya
DAY 2 | FLY TO LONGYEARBYEN,
SVALBARD & EMBARK unique flora and fauna.
Longyearbyen Edgeøya
This morning, the group will transfer to Sailing north into Krossfjord, have your
the airport and board our private charter camera handy, ready to capture some of SVALBARD
Bellsund
flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s the best glacier calving in Spitsbergen.
Calypsobyen
largest settlement, where you’ll have Greenland
Deep in the fjord, the highly active Sea
TO/FROM
some time to explore before embarkation. Hornsund
OSLO
Lilliehöök Glacier awaits. Listen in awe to
As your ship sets sail, enjoy great vistas of
the growling as big chunks break off into SPITSBERGEN HIGHLIGHTS:
the mountainous landscape that serves as Expedition in Brief
the icy waters below. A Zodiac excursion
a backdrop for this historic frontier town. Onboard the Ocean Adventurer & Ultramarine
to nearby Ny London, an abandoned Flights to/from Oslo
2
mining settlement, provides an ideal cruising to Magdalenafjord rewards you
place for a guided walk. Encounters with with panoramic vistas of snow-capped
EXPEDITION SPIRIT
wildlife, such as the endemic Svalbard mountains and massive glaciers reflected
Embracing the unexpected is part
reindeer, are possible here. in the crystal-clear waters. of the legacy—and excitement—
After cruising overnight, wake up to During your last full day of your Arctic of expedition travel. When
the stunning sight of the magnificent adventure, you may visit the Russian traveling in extremely remote
Monaco Glacier, another prolific iceberg mining town of Barentsburg, home of regions, your Expedition Team
must consider the sea, ice and
producer. To make this even more Russia’s northernmost brewery. We
weather to guide the route and
thrilling, help your Expedition Team hope to round out the day in Alkehornet,
itinerary details. This itinerary is a
to scan the shorelines and ice edge for taking in the towering cliffs teeming
tentative outline of what you may
marine mammals. Possible landing sites with nesting seabirds, such as fulmars experience on this voyage; please
include Texas Bar, Worsleyneset and and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed be aware that no specific itinerary
the Andoyane Islands. If ice conditions murres). Encounters with reindeer can be guaranteed. By the same
permit reaching 80°N, you’ll reach a might be possible here too. Later, in token, wildlife encounters as
walrus sanctuary on the tiny, crescent- the evening, swap stories with your described are expected, but not
shaped Moffen Island. Watching from shipmates and crew one last time, at the guaranteed. Your Expedition
the water as large groups of these captain’s farewell dinner. Team will use their considerable
lumbering giants jockey for space is an experience to seek out wildlife in
DAY 7 | DISEMBARK IN known habitats, but the presence
unforgettable experience, so be ready
LONGYEARBYEN & FLY TO OSLO of any particular species of bird or
with your binoculars.
The time to say goodbye has come. marine wildlife is not guaranteed.
At Smeerenburg you can see the remains Your adventure ends as it began,
of an abandoned settlement that was in the frontier-style settlement of
established by Dutch whalers nearly Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer
400 years ago. Here, at one of Europe’s you to the airport for your return group
most northerly outposts, you’ll have charter flight to Oslo, included in the
time to explore ashore and learn about transfer package.
Spitsbergen’s whaling history. Afterwards,
3
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. Looking to extend
your adventure beyond your polar expedition? On page 15, learn how to add on a
pre- or post-expedition stop—or both!—in Oslo or a nearby region of your choice.
Arrival Day and Embarkation
ARRIVING IN OSLO
You may arrive at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon your arrival in
Oslo, you will make your way to the included group hotel. Check in time is 3pm.
Early the following morning, on Day 2, your group will transfer to the airport and PLEASE NOTE
board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen. The scheduled flight time will be There is a strict luggage limit of
communicated in your final documents. 50 lbs (23 kg) checked luggage
and 18 lbs (8 kg) cabin baggage
LONGYEARBYEN AND EMBARKATION on the flights between Oslo and
Upon arrival in Longyearbyen (Day 2 of your itinerary), you will be transferred from Longyearbyen. Should you have
the airport to a drop off point to have some free time to explore this historic town. additional luggage, it can be stored
Your luggage will be taken directly to the ship, and later you will be transferred at the hotel in Oslo. There is NO
from the designated meeting point to the pier. Details of ship transfer times will be option to pay for additional luggage.
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.
4
Final Day and DEPARTING FROM OSLO
Upon arrival in Oslo, you may connect
Arrival and Departure
Departure directly with your onward flight. Transfers
DISEMBARKATION IN Scheduled charter flight times will OSLO AIRPORT TRANSFERS
LONGYEARBYEN AND ONWARD appear in your final documents, and any Arrival and departure transfers in Oslo
Your ship is scheduled to arrive back in additional updates will be communicated are not included in the expedition. Your
Longyearbyen between 7am and 8am on board prior to disembarkation. first night’s included accommodation will
local time. After breakfast, you will have be provided at the airport hotel, so please
time to bid farewell to your Expedition Included Hotel make your way to the lobby for check-in
Team and shipmates before completing
your disembarkation. The process takes
Accommodations when you arrive. The voyage concludes
on arrival at the Oslo airport; if you
Your included accommodation begins on
about an hour and due to port logistics, require a transfer to the city, a Polar
Day 1 of your itinerary, and the specific
may involve one last Zodiac ride to the Travel Adviser or your travel professional
hotel(s) will be indicated in your final
pier. After disembarkation, you’ll be can arrange one for you.
voyage confirmation. If you are arriving
transferred to the central shopping area
prior to Day 1 of your expedition or are If you are flying home right away, you will
in Longyearbyen, and if you’ve chosen
staying after the disembarkation day and most likely be able to board a connecting
to continue your time in Svalbard, you
would like help booking a pre- or post- flight on the same day. Please be sure to
will be dropped off at your hotel. If
stay, please contact your Polar Travel allow three hours between our charter
you’ve purchased the Oslo hotel and
Adviser or travel professional for hotel arrival and your international departure.
transfer package, your luggage will be
options. As accommodation space is
transferred to the airport while you enjoy
limited, you are encouraged to request
some free time in town. Later you will be
any extra nights as early as possible.
transferred to the airport by bus to pick
up your luggage and check in for our
return charter flight.
5
Your Ship
Options
Quark Expeditions® boasts the largest
polar-class fleet of any polar operator,
and the ability to offer you this
incredible voyage on one of our
ice strengthened vessels.
The entire Quark Expeditions®
fleet is built for challenging polar
environments, allowing us to
take you to places ordinary cruise
companies wouldn’t dream of going.
6
NEW! ULTRAMARINE Ultramarine
The newest ship in our fleet, Ultramarine is designed to Ultra Suite
go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover Owner’s Suite
Penthouse Suite
new places, and to immerse you in the best the region
Terrace Suite
has to offer.
Deluxe Balcony Suite
Deck 8
Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Balcony Suite
Explorer Suite
Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of
Explorer Triple
adventure activities in the industry, and features
Biiissttr
B ro the
ttro
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Solo Panorama
708
706
704
702
category’s most spacious suites, breathtaking public
WC
WC Balcony
spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than E WC WC Lounge
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ou &
Interconnecting Suites
WC
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707
705
703
701
other expedition ships its size, complemented
Fitnessby an
Fitness
Accessible cabin; please speak to your
Polar Travel Adviser for details
Ceenteer
Center Spa Saaun
Spa na
innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed Deck 7
all industry standards.
Staff Cabin
628
626
624
622
620
618
616
With all this and more, Ultramarine is perfectly
638
636
634
632
614
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610
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606
604
602
positioned to deliver the ultimate polar expedition E Bridg
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experience. E
627
625
623
621
613
611
609
607
605
603
601
619 617 615
Deck 6
SHIP SPECIFICATIONS:
Staff & Crew: 140
Guests: 199
Lifeboats: 4, fully enclosed
WC
Ice Class: PC6 Theater
eateer
ea
Reesta
taura
raant
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Visit QuarkExpeditions.com to view deck plan details.
WC
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Deck 5
All images are artist's renderings.
432
430
428
426
424
422
418
416
414
412
410
408
406
404
402
E
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431
429
427
425
423
421
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411
409
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403
Deck 4
7
334
332
330
328
326
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320
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Reeceeptio
Receptionon
OCEAN ADVENTURER
Ocean Adventurer has long been a fleet favorite among guests
and crew who’ve appreciated the charm of this nimble
vessel, its ample outdoor deck space, numerous cozy spots
to socialize onboard, the outdoor jacuzzi and, of course, the
intimacy of a 128-passenger vessel. In 2017, Ocean Adventurer
underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation including
a refreshed look and feel throughout, plus a completely
remodeled lounge, dining room and bar. All cabins received
brand new bathroom facilities. Six new deluxe cabins, as
well as three new suites, were also added. Major technical
enhancements featured two new Rolls-Royce engines, which
yield increased speed and fuel efficiency, and a minimized
carbon footprint.
SHIP SPECIFICATIONS:
Staff & Crew: 87 Ocean Adventurer
Guests: 128
Owner’s Suite
Lifeboats: 4, partially enclosed
Ice Class: 1A
Suite
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com to view deck plan details.
Deluxe
Ocean Adventurer
Superior
Owner’s Suite Main Deck Twin Window
Observation
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Suite Main Deck Twin Porthole
Deluxe Lower Deck Twin
Superior Triple
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Lower Deck Twin
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TripleIncluded Activities
Ready for a little adventure beyond your are provided at each landing for your PHOTOGRAPHY
ship? Each Quark Expeditions® voyage convenience. As there are a limited Documenting your voyage so you can
offers a variety of recreational activities number of poles available, please bring take the memories home is a rewarding
to enhance your polar experience. your own if you require them on every experience. Our photography guides will
landing. Some landing sites will offer help you hone your skills to capture the
ZODIAC CRUISING more demanding options than others. beauty of the polar regions.
Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar
expeditions, taking you to places the PRESENTATIONS Contact your Polar Travel Adviser or your
ships can’t access, allowing you to reach Enjoy daily chats with and presentations by Travel Professional for more information about
remote shorelines, explore shallow our world-class onboard polar experts— your Included Activities and Adventure Options,
guides, scientists, naturalists, historians including the necessary experience, physical
inlets and search for unique wildlife.
and other special guests who will requirements and cost.
Expedition staff make stepping in and
out of them safe and comfortable, and introduce you to the fascinating history,
your Zodiac drivers will provide active biology, ornithology, and glaciology of
interpretation, making the landscape the region, and much, much more.
come even more alive.
POLAR PLUNGE
HIKING This rite of passage, scheduled only once
Led by experienced staff, exploring on per expedition, gives you the chance to
foot is the best way to appreciate the jump safely into the bracing Arctic waters
polar landscapes. Our guides are able under the watchful eye of our staff—and
to accommodate a range of skill levels just about every single camera on board!
to suit every passenger. Walking poles
9Adventure Options
SEA KAYAKING PADDLING EXCURSION
Imagine gliding across the surface of If you’re interested in kayaking but
a bay in the presence of icebergs and would like to try something a bit less
glaciers. Our Sea Kayaking program is demanding than Sea Kayaking, you’re
a great way to intimately explore your the perfect candidate to sign up for a
surroundings. A small group of kayakers one-time paddle on our stable sit-on-
will plan to go out multiple times per top kayaks—perfect for anyone with
voyage as an alternative to shore landings minimal or no kayaking experience.
or Zodiac cruises. Small groups of passengers will be
taken out on calm days, with our
The number of opportunities to kayak
expert guides always present to provide
is weather dependent, and will be
PLEASE NOTE instruction and help you connect
For all paid activities pre-booking is conducted only during calm conditions.
with the polar sea. Two outings will
required. We recommend booking Prior kayaking experience is required,
be pre-booked, and once successfully
early as spaces fill quickly. Please and you must be able to do a wet exit
completed, any subsequent outings will
see your pre-departure book for to participate. Beginners interested in
be offered via lottery on board.
a list of provided gear for each kayaking should consider participating
Adventure Option. in the Paddling Excursion.
10Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions Exclusions
RATES INCLUDE: RATES SPECIFICALLY
• Leadership throughout your voyage by our • F ormal and informal presentations by our DO NOT INCLUDE:
experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled • andatory Transfer Package*
M
landings and other activities • A photographic journal documenting the expedition • International airfare
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for • Arrival and departure transfers in Oslo
program landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
• Passport and visa expenses
• All shore landings as per the daily program • An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
• Government arrival and departure taxes not
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin mentioned above
• All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges • Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any throughout the program
• Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical
dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. • All luggage handling aboard the ship travel insurance—strongly recommended
Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare
• Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers • Excess-baggage fees on international flights
kosher meals.)
to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
• Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruis-
• Transfers between Longyearbyen town center and ing, or any other gear not mentioned
and cocoa available around the clock
port on embarkation and disembarkation day
• Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless
specified
*MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may
• One night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Oslo airport hotel, with breakfast vary by location)
• Charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for
• Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen shipboard staff and crew
• Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo • Additional overnight accommodation
• Adventure Options not listed in Included
PACKAGE PRICE: $995 USD Activities
13Your 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.
14Extend
Your Trip
PRE- AND POST-EXPEDITION
TRIP EXTENSIONS
You can extend your trip by booking
extra days to explore other northern
cities before or after the voyage. Since
you’re traveling such a long way, you
may want to spend extra time in Oslo.
Immerse yourself in Norwegian history
with a visit to Oslo’s Viking Ship
Museum or the Fram Museum where
you can learn about Norway’s polar
history. Then tour the Royal Palace and
take in the sweeping views, and delicious
seafood, from a hillside restaurant.
FROM TOP: Oslo’s Opera House; Longyearbyen; Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum
15Meals 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.
16Possible Excursions
When traveling in extremely remote regions, LONGYEARBYEN
your Expedition Team must consider the Home to 2,400 people, the administrative
sea, ice and weather to guide the route and capital of Svalbard is situated on the
itinerary details. The following sites are a southern side of Adventfjord. The
sample of what you may experience on your settlement was founded in 1905 by John
expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, Munroe Longyear, the majority owner
or shore landing. of the Arctic Coal Company of Boston.
Today as much as ever, this is a true
Spitsbergen frontier town.
LILLIEHÖÖK GLACIER MOFFEN ISLAND
In 2005, nearly 100 years after his great- This island is designated as a protected
great-grandfather conducted scientific sanctuary for walrus, which are best
investigations here, Prince Albert II of viewed from the water—have your
Monaco returned to Lilliehöök Glacier to binoculars ready!
further our understanding of the Arctic
MONACO GLACIER
clam, a species that lives for more than
Prince Albert I of Monaco, a pioneer
a century. Here, you can take a Zodiac
of oceanography, led an expedition
cruise amid labyrinths of sparkling
to Svalbard in 1906. His team used
icebergs, and witness breathtaking
sophisticated photographic techniques
panoramas of ice. You may even spot
to understand the shape and position of
bearded seals hauled out on the floes.
several glacier fronts. Monaco Glacier
17honors 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.
WORSLEYNESET
Worsleyneset is a colorful tundra-
covered island with flora boasting such
unique names as moss campion (a bright
green cushion plant dappled in pink
flowers), saxifrage and Arctic mouse-
eared chickweed. The island is a pleasure
to explore.
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’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.
18Packing 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
Checklist
areas so that you may sometimes find it warm
enough for t-shirts. However, you may encounter
snow squalls, fog and white-outs during an
expedition and should be ready for any conditions.
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 an expedition parka to keep, and a loan of insulated waterproof boots. Additional
suggested items include:
FOR SHORE LANDINGS SUGGESTED ITEMS
Base layers (wool, synthetic or a blend) Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack
Mid-layer warm/fleece top Swimsuit (for the Polar Plunge!)
Mid-layer warm/fleece pants Binoculars
Wool and synthetic socks (3 to 4 pairs) Camera with charger and extra batteries
Extra memory cards
Neck warmer or balaclava
Earplugs
Warm hat that covers ears
Eye masks for sleeping
Waterproof pants (mandatory for every Zodiac ride)
Moisturizer and lip balm (polar air can be drying)
Waterproof gloves and glove liners
Seasickness, indigestion, headache
Sunscreen
or other medicines as required
Sunglasses with UV protection
Voltage converters and plug adapters
Spare set of gloves (220V/European outlets)
Ski goggles (for Zodiac cruising on snowy or windy days)
Passports, visas, and travel documents as required
FOR ON BOARD
Comfortable casual clothing
(pants/jeans, shirts, sweaters)
Lighter shirts (in case the ship gets warm)
Comfortable non-slip closed-toed unheeled shoes
(NOTE: Flip flops, sandals or slip-on shoes should not be
worn on board due to safety concerns)
19TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
Contact your Travel Professional
PHOTO CREDITS:
Acacia Johnson; David Merron; Nicky Souness; Michelle Sole; Sam Edmonds;
EXPEDITION BROCHURE
Grange Productions; Adobe Stock
November 2020
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