Arctic

Departing from Reykjavík, Iceland, we cross the Denmark Strait to Greenland aboard Quark Expeditions' 138-passenger mid-sized ship Ocean Explorer or 199-passenger mid-sized ship Ultramarine, equipped with stabilisers and 24-hour medical support. If you are departing from Hong Kong together with the DeWonder team, the recommended flights are as follows:

Outbound:

• AY100 Hong Kong HKG 2055 – Helsinki HEL 0535 (+1)
• AY991 Helsinki HEL 1500 – Reykjavík KEF 1540

Return:

• AY994 Reykjavík KEF 1715 – Helsinki HEL 23:40
• AY99 Helsinki HEL 00:35 (+1) – Hong Kong HKG 1740

The Arctic travel season falls mainly during the Northern Hemisphere summer from May to September, with September offering the following features:

• Temperatures usually range between 0°C and -10°C, dropping close to freezing at night
• The best season for viewing the Northern Lights
• Magnificent scenery, with snowfields, ice sheets and polar wildlife to admire

To cope with changing weather, we provide:

• Polar jackets
• 24-hour medical support on board
• Ships equipped with stabilisers to reduce the impact of wind and waves

Comprehensive medical support arrangements are available on board:

• A medical team is on standby 24 hours a day and can provide immediate assistance to ease seasickness discomfort
• Before departure, we recommend:
  • Consulting your personal doctor first
  • Preparing anti-seasickness medication

In the Arctic summer (the travel season), temperatures range from about 0°C to -10°C. The Ocean Explorer and Ultramarine cruise ships are equipped with heating, so the interiors are warm, and travellers can wear comfortable casual clothing such as light shirts, trousers or jeans. In addition, for safety reasons, non-slip, well-covered closed-toe shoes must be worn on board (no flip-flops, sandals or slip-on footwear) to ensure safety while walking.

The journey begins in Reykjavík, Iceland, where we will cross the Denmark Strait to Greenland. Travellers holding an HKSAR passport can enter Iceland visa-free, with no additional visa required. Travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least 6 months and have a return air ticket ready for immigration inspection.

There is no official currency in the Arctic. Transactions on the Ocean Explorer or Ultramarine are generally conducted in US dollars (USD), and the ships also accept credit cards, but we recommend bringing a moderate amount of cash for unexpected needs.

Yes. The Ocean Explorer or Ultramarine provides 5 GB of free data; usage beyond 5 GB requires an additional purchase (USD 30-40 per GB). However, please note that we are sailing to one of the most remote regions in the world, so the internet connection relies on satellite equipment and may experience weakened signals or brief interruptions.

Information regarding the types of power sockets and voltage specifications available on board will be provided at the pre-departure briefing. Please refer to it at that time.

Arctic expeditions do not follow a fixed itinerary, because each day's schedule is adjusted according to weather conditions and wildlife activity. The captain and expedition team plan the day's activities flexibly to ensure travellers enjoy the best possible polar experience.

Travellers can take part in a wide range of enriching activities, including:

• Daily themed lectures: Experts from various fields deliver fascinating talks that delve into the Arctic's history, geography, ecology and wildlife.
• Polar Plunge: Each traveller has one chance to brave the frigid Arctic waters and experience an unprecedented thrill.
• Hiking on Land: Set foot on the Arctic mainland to explore magnificent glaciers and polar landscapes.
• Zodiac Adventure: Cruise among icebergs and glaciers aboard a rubber boat and admire wildlife up close.
• Onboard relaxation: The ship features a spa and sauna, where travellers can enjoy warm, comfortable moments of rest after a day of exploration.

Every day is a brand-new Arctic adventure. Travellers can adjust the itinerary at any time and choose their favourite activities to fully experience the unique charm of the Arctic!