There are some places where the landscape completely changes your sense of scale. Svalbard is one of them.
Located high above mainland Norway, this Arctic archipelago is a place of towering glaciers, snow-covered mountains and wildlife that has adapted to one of the world’s harshest environments. It’s somewhere that rewards patience and curiosity, where every day is shaped by the weather, the ice and the wildlife rather than a fixed timetable.
On my Svalbard in Spring: Sea Ice, Pristine Snow and Wildlife voyage with Quark Expeditions, I was fortunate enough to experience Svalbard aboard their purpose-built expedition ship Ultramarine, and it quickly became clear that the ship and destination work hand in hand.
An expedition that begins before you step ashore
Unlike traditional cruising, travelling in Svalbard isn’t about ticking off ports.
Each day is different.
Your expedition team studies the weather and sea ice, looking for the best opportunities to explore. One morning might begin with a Zodiac cruise beneath towering bird cliffs, while the afternoon could see you landing on a remote Arctic beach surrounded by glaciers.
That flexibility is one of the reasons expedition cruising feels so rewarding. Rather than following a timetable, the itinerary follows nature.
Wildlife around every corner
One of the greatest joys of exploring Svalbard is never quite knowing what you’ll encounter next.
During our voyage we watched walrus hauled out on remote beaches, thousands of seabirds nesting on dramatic cliffs and reindeer quietly grazing across the tundra. Arctic foxes and whales are also regular visitors, while Svalbard remains one of the best places in the world for the possibility of seeing polar bears in their natural habitat.
Of course, wildlife is never guaranteed, and that’s exactly how it should be. The excitement comes from being in their world, observing from a respectful distance whenever the opportunity arises.
Life aboard Ultramarine
Built specifically for expedition cruising, Ultramarine carries just 199 guests and every part of the ship has been designed to make exploring remote regions as straightforward as possible.
From the spacious mud rooms where you prepare for excursions to the marina at the stern for Zodiac boarding, everything flows naturally.
One of the ship’s standout features is its pair of twin-engine helicopters. On selected voyages they offer flightseeing experiences that reveal the glaciers and mountains from above, giving an entirely different perspective on the Arctic landscape.
Embarkation also reflects Quark’s approach. Rather than lengthy queues and paperwork, you’re welcomed aboard by the expedition team and shown straight to your cabin.
A floating base for exploration
Cabins are spacious, with either balconies or large picture windows, although I found myself spending very little time in mine.
Most of us naturally gravitated towards the public areas or out on deck, watching for wildlife or chatting with the expedition team.
Quark’s guide-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:6 means there is always someone nearby to answer questions, explain the geology, identify seabirds or simply share their enthusiasm for the Arctic.
The bridge is often open too, giving guests the chance to watch navigation in action while enjoying one of the best views on board.
Sharing the journey
One thing I particularly enjoy about expedition cruising is the people.
Everyone arrives with the same sense of curiosity, and conversations come easily after a day exploring together.
Dinner at Balena Restaurant became a chance to swap stories from the day’s adventures, while the Panorama Lounge was the perfect place to relax with a drink, binoculars never too far away in case someone spotted a whale.
The crew made everyone feel incredibly welcome, whether accommodating dietary requirements or helping celebrate a special occasion. Nothing ever felt like too much trouble.
Jane’s verdict
Ultramarine feels exactly as a polar expedition ship should. Comfortable without distracting from the destination, practical without ever feeling utilitarian, and thoughtfully designed to help guests spend as much time as possible exploring.
Combined with Quark Expeditions’ experienced team and Svalbard’s extraordinary landscapes and wildlife, it creates an experience that’s about far more than the ship itself.
If you’re looking to experience the Arctic properly, this is a voyage that offers exactly what expedition cruising is all about.
Why book with Cruise Routes?
At Cruise Routes, we believe cruising is designed for exploration.
The opportunity for real discovery is the golden thread connecting every journey we recommend. From extraordinary wildlife and spectacular landscapes to meaningful encounters with the places you visit, our carefully selected expedition cruises are chosen to help you experience destinations more deeply – not simply pass through them.
Whether you’re considering Svalbard as your first expedition cruise or planning a journey that continues across the Arctic, our Cruise Consultants are here to help you find the right voyage for you.
Speak to a Cruise Consultant about your Svalbard cruise on 0203 924 8888 or enquire here.
