An absolutely amazing trip that surpassed all expectations. The cabin was bigger than expected, the food great, the wildlife plentiful and close, the crew were friendly, organisation was superb and there was so much to do I didn't even get to read my book!
This was one of the most amazing trips we have ever done. The scenery was breathtaking. The crew and expedition team were cheerful, helpful and knowledgeable. The kayaking with penguins and whales popping up feet away was fabulous.
Unlike most people on this trip my husband had to drag me kicking and screaming to Antarctica! I am so glad he did. This has been the most amazing time. Everything surpassed my expectations. Cabins were much bigger than I had thought and the food was wonderful-thankyou Tracie and her fabulous staff Service both meals/bar and cabin was wonderful too. But more importantly the excursions, experiences and JUST EVERYTHING was mind blowingly fabulous. We have made many beautiful friends from all over the world which i also did not expect Thank you thankyou thankyou Shane and all the team from out tour operator <3
Checking in for the internal flights Buenos Aires to and from Ushuaia was chaotic. Despite arriving well in advance check ins opened with barely enough time to make the flights. Once at Ushuaia outward and return all Quark arrangements were clear and efficient. Hotel Albatross in Ushuaia was very good. Onboard Ocean Diamond the hotel service was excellent. The Quark team were excellent. The photographic, historical, geological, ornithological and wildlife lectures were of the highest quality in terms of technical content, detail and delivery. The daily briefings and recaps were informative and entertaining. The zodiak cruises, landings, hikes, paddling and other activities were excellent: fascinating; informative; exciting; well managed; safe; well supervised; well guided. The experienced Quark staff ensured that we saw at close quarters all the wildlife that could be expected for this trip: all penguin species except the Emperor; nesting albatross; elephant, fur, Weddell, leopard seals; orca; humpback and fin whales; guillemots, skewers, etc. The weather was kind to us so we were able to visit nearly all the planned destinations on this expedition skilfully scheduled by the ship's captain and the Quark Expedition Leader to ensure interesting activities each day. The scenery throughout was stunning, especially in the earie light of the midnight sun below the Antarctic Circle. I enjoyed the paddling, not booked in advance, which turned out to be an unexpected highlight getting really close to the wildlife. In conclusion the expedition exceeded my expectations!
A thoroughly enjoyable trip. It was a priviledge to be able to go to Antarctica, where so few actually go. Very difficult to put into words what the trip meant other than amazing.
I would do the trip again.
Everything was perfect -food, expedition leader, guides, hotel staff. Perfect weather too. 8 polar bears and 8 blue whales too and all these rest. The trip was excellent through and through.
Thanks for everything !!! This trip was just perfect. This was my first cruise ever and I loved it. I thought the stop at Port Lockroy was the icing on the cake. I was really worried that we would not be able to stop there as I didn't know if it was a sure thing or not. But we went there and I got a TON of souvenirs. I hope to travel with this tour operator in the near future. Thanks again !!!!!!!
Imagine tracing the legendary paths of Norse explorers as you journey from Aberdeen to Helsinki on the "Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen." This guided polar expedition and cruise tour spans 14 days, weaving through the captivating landscapes of Scotland, Norway, and Finland—including Longyearbyen, the remote Faroes, and enigmatic Jan Mayen. While this trip promises encounters with the raw beauty of Arctic fjords, calving glaciers, and dramatic icebergs, it also unveils the lesser-known cultural treasures of the region: from Viking settlements and whaling stations to museums rich with Inuit lore and Norse mythology. Travelers can anticipate minimal physical effort, making this relaxed tour accessible to all who wish to absorb the Arctic’s history, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for a potential polar bear sighting—the unique thrill that sets this adventure apart. Accommodation, transport, meals, and more are included for a seamless experience into the far north’s saga.
