Days
10 Nights
Get your FREE Cruise Brochure
SOLD OUT!
Experience the Arctic with Daryl Braithwaite
Departs Helsinki | 30 May 26 | 10 Nights | Quark Expeditions
Svalbard Explorer Voyage — High Arctic Norway Cruise with Daryl Braithwaite.
Departs Helsinki | 30 May 26 | 10 Nights | Quark Expeditions
After the roaring successes of our previous expedition charters we decided to look North for our next adventure - in this case, just about as far North as you can go - to the Arctic circle. Here you'll see that the stars are completely different to the southern hemisphere, so we decided to bring our own... The legendary Daryl Braithwaite!
from AUD $15,622 per person - SOLD OUT
Get your FREE Cruise BrochureWhat to expect
Experience the extraordinary on this once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago and known as the Wildlife Capital of the Arctic.
This 11-day polar journey offers a rare opportunity to encounter polar bears, walrus, and reindeer in their natural habitat—under the surreal magic of 24-hour Arctic daylight.
You’ll travel with Australia’s most awarded cruise agency, Destination HQ, aboard the luxurious Ocean Explorer, joined by special guest Daryl Braithwaite, who will deliver exclusive performances onboard.
Led by Quark’s expert polar team, each day brings new landscapes, ice formations, and unforgettable wildlife sightings.
Tour details
Start/End
Return from Helsinki
Date
Departs May 30th 2026
Transport
Cruise
Group Size
110
Accommodation
8 nights on cruise
2 nights Helsinki
Cruise Highlights
Your expedition will cover western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords to the north. From polar flora to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife.
Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice conditions. Consequently, there is no fixed itinerary. However, some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet and the Hinlopen Strait. The destinations we visit will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing with an appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen.
Get your FREE Cruise Brochure
Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice conditions. Consequently, there is no fixed itinerary. However, some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet and the Hinlopen Strait. The destinations we visit will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing with an appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen.
Included activities
- Zodiac Cruising to explore fjords, glaciers, icebergs and more
- Hike the Arctic tundra and polar desert with expert guides
- Presentations by Expedition experts
- Polar Plunge
- Intimate concerts with Daryl Braithwaite onboard
Possible Excursions (weather dependent)
- Alkefjellet
- Lilliehöök Glacier
- Longyearbyen
- Monaco Glacier
- Nordaustlandet Island
- Hornsund
The Voyage
11 Days | Helsinki Return | From AUD $15,622 per person
This fascinating expedition provides a taste of everything Spitsbergen has to offer, starting with its largest settlement, Longyearbyen. The largest island of the Svalbard archipelago is known as the “wildlife capital of the Arctic,” and on this stirring voyage, you’ll see why.
A key focus of this 11-day expedition will be to seek out the abundant wildlife that resides here, including walrus, seals, reindeer, arctic fox, birds, and that most iconic of Arctic denizens, the polar bear, in their natural habitat, while marveling at the surreal experience of continuous daylight.
What’s Included in Your Fare
- Shipboard accommodation & daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, juices & soft drinks
- Select wines, beers, and cocktails during bar hours and dinner
- All shore landings & Zodiac cruises
- Presentations by the Expedition Team & guest speakers
- Entertainment by Daryl Braithwaite and band
- Official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
- Waterproof boots on loan for landings
- Complimentary Wi-Fi (basic access)
- Gratuities for shipboard staff
- Photographic journal of your voyage
- Transfers in Longyearbyen
- Charter Flight & Hotel Package:
- 2 nights at Helsinki airport hotel (pre- and post-expedition)
- Round-trip charter flights between Helsinki and Longyearbyen
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
This fascinating expedition provides a taste of everything Spitsbergen has to offer, starting with its largest settlement, Longyearbyen. The largest island of the Svalbard archipelago is known as the “wildlife capital of the Arctic,” and on this stirring voyage, you’ll see why.
A key focus of this 11-day expedition will be to seek out the abundant wildlife that resides here, including walrus, seals, reindeer, arctic fox, birds, and that most iconic of Arctic denizens, the polar bear, in their natural habitat, while marveling at the surreal experience of continuous daylight.
What’s Included in Your Fare
- Shipboard accommodation & daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, juices & soft drinks
- Select wines, beers, and cocktails during bar hours and dinner
- All shore landings & Zodiac cruises
- Presentations by the Expedition Team & guest speakers
- Entertainment by Daryl Braithwaite and band
- Official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
- Waterproof boots on loan for landings
- Complimentary Wi-Fi (basic access)
- Gratuities for shipboard staff
- Photographic journal of your voyage
- Transfers in Longyearbyen
- Charter Flight & Hotel Package:
- 2 nights at Helsinki airport hotel (pre- and post-expedition)
- Round-trip charter flights between Helsinki and Longyearbyen
Your Ship: Ocean Explorer
Ocean Explorer is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship. Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design and almost all have verandas. Guests can relax and find comfort in the spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis.
Ocean Explorer features ample outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs that enable guests to get off the ship quickly and safely for off-ship adventures.
Your Expedition Team
Your journey will be led by Quark Expeditions’ world-class team of seasoned polar experts, naturalists, and photographers—passionate Arctic specialists who are eager to share their knowledge and bring the polar environment to life.
Quark’s Expedition Leaders and their teams bring a wealth of expertise across a wide range of fields, including:
- Polar history
- Marine biology
- Glaciology.
- Ornithology
- Expedition photography
Their knowledge and enthusiasm will greatly enhance your immersion in the Arctic wilderness, helping you develop a deeper understanding and connection to this remote, fragile environment.
With over 30 years of experience leading expeditions in the polar regions, Quark has developed industry-leading safety protocols and a high staff-to-guest ratio, ensuring expert guidance and personalised support throughout your voyage. Whether it’s your first time in the Arctic or your fifth, you’re in exceptionally capable hands. From guiding Zodiac excursions to delivering engaging onboard presentations, the expedition team is there to ensure every moment is as safe, educational, and unforgettable as possible.
With Quark, you’re not just sightseeing—you’re learning, discovering, and connecting with the last true wilderness.
Request Your Free Cruise Brochure
Fill out the form and we’ll email you a copy of our cruise guide with more details on fares, dates and essential information about your luxury cruise with Destination HQ.
Experience the Destination HQ Difference
Trusted Travel Experts Since 1972
We’ve helped thousands of travellers avoid the overwhelm of planning, with expert advice, insider knowledge, and personalised service every step of the way.
Australia’s Leading Cruise Agency
Proudly awarded CLIA Cruise Agency of the Year, we’re cruise specialists who know the industry inside out.
Expertly Hosted Group Journeys
For 25+ years, we’ve been hosting group journeys. Every detail is handled, giving you peace of mind, so you can simply relax and enjoy the adventure.
What Our Valued Customers Say
Dear Stuart, I wanted to thank you personally for everything you did for us on the Quark Expedition Cruise to the Arctic. The whole trip exceeded our expectations and we are very grateful to you Sophie, Vanessa, Jo, Leanne plus all the team that kept things running back at the office while you all got to join in on the amazing adventure.Jane & Greg
Just a quick note to thank you and your team for providing the wonderful , spectacular Arctic trip with Daryl, it was a bucket list ticked off. Please pass on our sincere thanks to your team, especially those who sorted our overnight accommodation in Lapland at short notice, it was seamless. We look forward to another voyage in the future, so please keep us on your mailing list. Sincere thanksDavid and Sue
It was a magical experience. These experiences can only come from a lot of excellent planning, coordination and execution especially when it involves more than one provider. And when things didn't go as planned, Destination HQ went way beyond expectations to allow us to continue on the journey. Underlying all of this is the care for every customer - something that money cannot buy. Thank you Stuart and team for an incredible and unforgettable experienceElizabeth B
Wonderful trip in every regard. Destination HQ people completely exceeded my expectations of travel agents, by going above & beyond to provide high quality personalised and professional serviceJennifer H
We had a fantastic time and loved the Mekong River, and particularly enjoyed our upgrade. Thanks Nicole for making our holiday wonderful.Joanna and Chris
Stuart, thank you for organising a fantastic trip. It was amazing. Everything was so well planned and we appreciate the effort required for such a seamless trip.Cathy Coe
Hi Stuart, best holiday ever and we owe a lot of that to you! All your recommendations were fantastic! Now we have to plan our next trip. Thanks for everything!Peter
