Brief Summary
This YouTube video documents a 10-day Arctic expedition to Svalbard, Norway, with Quark Expeditions. The vloggers share their experiences from travelling to Longyearbyen, exploring the area, touring their balcony suite on the Ultramarine, and participating in various excursions such as Zodiac cruises, kayaking, and hiking. They also provide packing tips for an Arctic expedition, highlighting essential items and things you might not need.
- Travel to Svalbard and exploration of Longyearbyen.
- On-board experiences, including room tour, safety briefings, and dining.
- Excursions to various locations like Lillihookbreen, Alkefjellet, and Ny-Alesund.
- Wildlife sightings, including polar bears, walruses, and Arctic foxes.
- Packing advice for an Arctic expedition.
Introduction to Svalbard, Norway
The vloggers have arrived in Helsinki and are preparing for their Quark expedition to Svalbard. They stayed overnight at the Hilton, conveniently located near the airport. Quark staff assisted with check-in and provided information about the early morning departure. They mention the option to meet the group in Longyearbyen but chose the organised travel from Helsinki. After a long travel day, they plan to rest before their early wake-up call at 5:00 a.m. for an 8:30 a.m. flight to continue their journey.
Getting to Longyearbyen, Svalbard (Travel Day)
Following a 5:00 a.m. wake-up call, the vloggers head to the breakfast buffet before bringing their luggage to the lobby for transport to the airport. They arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, excited to begin their 10-day Arctic expedition. The weather is beautiful, setting a positive tone for their adventure.
Exploring Around Longyearbyen (Seed Vault, Museum, Husky Cafe)
The first stop in Longyearbyen is the seed bank, where over 4.5 million seeds from around the world are stored as a safeguard against crop loss. Although internal access is restricted for security reasons, visitors can view the exterior. Next, they visit the museum to learn about Longyearbyen's history, which evolved from a coal mining area to a tourism-focused city. The last coal mine in the area is set to close this summer. They also stop at the Husky Cafe for refreshments and to interact with the dogs before exploring the downtown area, browsing shops, and searching for a Christmas ornament.
Balcony Suite Room Tour on the Ultramarine
The vloggers provide a tour of their balcony suite on the Ultramarine, noting its spaciousness compared to typical cruise ship cabins. The suite features a large bathroom with a good-sized shower, a comfortable bed with charging outlets, and a desk area. They appreciate the convenience of having their key cards and complimentary water bottles waiting in the room upon arrival. A notable perk is the provided waterproof jackets for all passengers. They highlight the convenience of having their luggage delivered directly to their room after exploring Longyearbyen. The balcony is exceptionally large, equipped with seating and a table, perfect for glacier and wildlife viewing. They mention that while their suite is mid-tier, smaller and larger options are available.
Welcome Party & Safety Briefing
The vloggers attend the welcome reception, enjoying refreshments and coffee after checking in. They then participate in a 45-minute safety briefing covering safety procedures, seasickness, and weather conditions. The ship has a high staff-to-guest ratio, with one staff member for every four people. They receive information about kayaking and other activities, building excitement for the trip. A safety drill is scheduled before dinner.
Lillihookbreen & Fjortende Julibukta
On their first official day at sea, the expedition heads into Lily Hook Fjordan. The expedition director provides daily briefings based on weather, swell, and ice conditions. The vloggers enjoy the midnight sun and prepare for a paddling excursion safety briefing, hoping to kayak. They express excitement about the stunning views from their balcony as they cruise into the fjord, spotting reindeer. They arrive at Lily Brook Fjordan, noting the peacefulness and solitude, with only their ship present. The vloggers express jealousy towards the kayakers and prepare for their Zodiac excursion after a safety briefing, eager to explore the glaciers.
Alkefjellet & Faksvagen
The vloggers return from their first expedition, recounting sightings of seals, walruses, and numerous birds. They praise the guides for their attentiveness and the spaciousness of the Zodiac boats, which held 6 to 10 people. They felt warm in minimal layers due to the good weather. After lunch, they prepare for their second excursion of the day, hoping to see a puffin. They then describe their Zodiac expedition across the Hin Loopin Strait, highlighting the beautiful birds resembling penguins nesting in the cliffs. An estimated 60,000 birds nest in the area, and they also spotted Arctic foxes. They enjoyed a quiet moment observing the birds before a phenomenal dinner. Later, they spotted a polar bear from a distance, noting new regulations prevent ships from approaching wildlife. They return to their room to find a towel art polar bear wearing their sunglasses and beanie.
81° North
The expedition reaches its northernmost point at 81°, with a landscape of ice. The crew is on the lookout for wildlife, having seen seals and birds. They hope to encounter more polar bears, having spotted two or three the previous day. The vloggers describe the magical winter view. They get a rare opportunity to walk on the sea ice due to perfect weather and ice conditions. The crew is excited, as such conditions are uncommon. Armed guards are present for safety in case of polar bear sightings.
Grahuken & Roosneset
The ship sails from 81° North back down to Svalbard, stopping at a historic hut just north of 79° in Woodjordan. The hut is the location where a book was written, and the vloggers plan to explore it and learn about the history of the trappers who inhabited it. They enjoy tea on their balcony with views of the fjord. They discuss the book "A Woman in the Polar Night," which tells the story of an Austrian woman who spent a winter there in the 1920s. While the excursion was less exciting than previous ones, they found it interesting to imagine living there a century ago.
Arctic Polar Plunge & Boogie Bingo
The vloggers participate in the polar plunge, finding the 2°C water cold but manageable, especially after visiting the sauna. They recommend the experience, noting the provided harness, doctor standby, and photographer. Participants receive a patch for completing the plunge. Later, they enjoy boogie bingo, describing it as a fun and engaging activity. They reflect on a day filled with history, wildlife sightings, including a polar bear and beluga whales, and entertainment. They are heading to the northernmost part of Svalbard, hoping for good weather for kayaking.
Sjuoyanne & Chermsideoya (Kayaking Excursion)
On day six, the expedition arrives at the Seven Islands, the northernmost part of the Svalbard Archipelago. They spotted a polar bear in the morning and hope to see more wildlife like walruses, puffins, and ivory gulls. They are hopeful to get off the ship for a Zodiac or kayaking excursion. They then go kayaking, enjoying the stunning day.
Quark’s PEP Program vs. Sea Kayaking Program
The vloggers discuss Quark's sea kayaking and PEP (Paddling Excursion Program) options. The sea kayaking program offers daily kayaking, weather permitting, for enthusiasts wanting close-to-shore experiences. The PEP program is for those wanting a single kayaking experience, allowing time for Zodiac excursions. The vloggers chose the PEP program to maximise wildlife viewing via Zodiacs. During their kayaking excursion, they saw walruses, including a baby, and paddled on glassy water next to fast ice. They note that PEP program participants have less choice in kayaking locations due to pre-assigned groups.
Ny-Alesund & Camp Zoe (History Chats)
On day seven, the ship travels from northeastern Svalbard to the northwest side, stopping at Camp Zoe for a hike. Due to windy weather, sea kayaking and the PEP program are cancelled. They hike to learn about the history and visit a historic town with the northernmost post office. They hike at Camp Zoey, home to a famous trapper known as the polar bear king. They found the "medium fast" hike challenging but enjoyable, with great views. They then visit Ny-Alesund, a research centre with the northernmost post office. The town has satellites for tracking Earth's position in the solar system. Research focuses on climate change's impact on animals, with microplastics and toxins found in the animals.
Alkhornet & Poolepynten (Hiking & Walrus Haul Out)
On the last day of the expedition, the vloggers visit Al Cornet, seeing reindeer. They hike at a medium-fast pace, enjoying views and wildlife. The weather changes rapidly, turning snowy. They then visit a walrus haul out at Poolepynten, observing around 40-50 walruses. Quark enforces wildlife viewing restrictions, maintaining a respectful distance.
Arctic Expedition Packing Dos & Don’ts
The vloggers share packing tips for an Arctic expedition, starting with essentials like a dry bag backpack. Quark provides a yellow waterproof jacket with a liner, reducing the need for heavy mittens or multiple beanies. Rain pants are essential, paired with base layers. They recommend bringing glove liners and synthetic wool base layers. Workout shoes are unnecessary due to the activity level. More regular shirts are recommended for dinners. A puffy jacket might not be needed due to the provided jacket. Two pairs of wool socks are sufficient due to the provided muck boots. Swimsuits are needed for the polar plunge. Ski goggles might be useful in windy conditions. A zoom lens (100-400mm or 100-500mm) with a converter is crucial for wildlife photography. Quark offers a photo journal for those without professional gear. Gazelle recommends binoculars, multiple gloves, base layers, wool socks, and waterproof pants. A camera strap is essential, along with a GoPro or zoom lens for wildlife. She didn't use waterproof fanny packs, snow boots (except for travel days), workout shoes, a heavy parka, Dramamine, or Sea Bands.
