Arctic Cruise: The North Pole
The ultimate goal for the most ambitious explorer. The top of the world. For centuries, adventurers and explorers tried to get here by sled, ship, aircraft, dogs and balloons. The harsh realities of the Arctic climate defeated every single one of them until as recently as 1948. Even today, reaching the North Pole is a difficult and challenging journey. Only a select few make it each year. Here is a chance to add your name to the short list of adventurers who have made the ultimate journey to the top of the world.
Arctic Cruise: The North Pole Itinerary:
- Days 1-2 Travel over 400 years in one day
- Day 3 Magnificent and awe-inspiring. And that’s just the ship.
- Days 4-7 Crossing the Great White Expanse
- Day 8 The North Pole. You have arrived.
- Days 9-10 Now it’s just you and the polar bears
- Days 11-12 A virtually unexplored archipelago
- Days 13-16 The journey ends, but the stories have just begun
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Air transportation from the staging point to the port of embarkation, as well as your return flight from the port of disembarkation, hotel accommodations - 1 night pre-expedition and 1 night post-expedition lodging with breakfast at the hotel named in the itinerary (please note: Because this itinerary is published well in advance of the departure dates, occasionally the hotels listed in the itinerary are not available. In such cases, we arrange for stays at hotels of comparable quality in similar locations.), all meals on board the ship throughout your voyage, including a complimentary glass of house wine with every dinner, all shore landings and excursions by Zodiac according to the daily onboard program, all helicopter transfers and aerial sightseeing according to each day's onboard program, leadership throughout the voyage by an experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities arranged by the Expedition Team, formal and informal educational presentations by the Expedition Team and guest lecturers as scheduled during the voyage, an onboard multimedia artist who, in the tradition of early expeditions, will chronicle the voyage and produce for each traveler a remarkable memento of the experience - a digital work on CD combining narrative, photography and video in the artist's individual style, a specially designed expedition parka that is yours to keep. (To simplify packing, we also lend you a pair of rubber boots for use on landings throughout your voyage aboard the Yamal.), round-trip transfers between the host hotel and the airport for your flights out of and back to the staging point, and between the ship and the local airport at the port(s) of embarkation and disembarkation - plus all baggage handling aboard ship, all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
Airfares to or from the gateway city, whether on scheduled or charter flights; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel; baggage, cancellation and travel insurance (please note that emergency medical insurance is mandatory - see Terms & Conditions); excess baggage charges; laundry, bar, beverage and other charges of a personal nature; telecommunications charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided). Any possible helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group will be charged at an hourly rate to be announced on board.
Quark Expeditions ships are smoke-free with the exception of some outside decks and designated areas. The helicopter deck and Zodiac decks are smoke-free. There is no smoking in the cabins. You are welcome to visit the Bridge as often as maritime regulations and the safety of the ship permit.
The expeditions travel to the Arctic during the boreal summer months. We visit high latitudes where the ice never disappears. Sunny conditions are common but they can change quickly to storms with cold winds and snow flurries. Travelers must be prepared for rapid weather changes.
It is mandatory that travelers to the Polar Regions are covered by travel insurance that will reimburse them for emergency medical services and evacuation. While our ships offer a clinic staffed by a licensed doctor, serious medical emergencies would require evacuation, which is extremely expensive, because our voyages travel to remote locations far from medical care facilities.
A deposit of $2000 of the cabin rate is required to confirm a reservation with final payment due 100 days prior to departure. All prices and payments are in U.S. dollars, and no other currencies can be accepted.
All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received up to 150 days prior to departure are refunded less an administrative fee of $500 per person. If cancellation is received between 149 and 90 days prior to departure, the deposit is forfeited. Please note that for cancellations received within 89 days prior to departure, all deposits and tariffs are forfeited. If cancellation occurs within the 89 -day period and full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid monies are due immediately. For these and other reasons mentioned below, you are strongly encouraged to obtain trip cancellation insurance. Prices quoted are based on group participation and no refunds will be made for any part of the program in which you choose not to participate, including any helicopter flying time (if applicable and which, at the discretion of the Captain and Expedition Leader, may or may not be utilized).
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Arctic Cruise: The North Pole
The key to staying comfortable during this expedition is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Trapped air is a very good insulator, and you stand a much better chance of staying warm by wearing several thin layers rather one or two heavy items. You will also be able to add or shed layers more easily as the temperature changes. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
The weather in the Arctic can be quite variable. Average temperatures during the summer months range from approximately 25°F-40°F with daylight almost round the clock. Although heavy rainfall is unusual, trip members must be equipped with appropriate foul weather gear as specified below.
Gear Checklist
- Insulated parka—Quark Expeditions will provide each trip member with their own expedition parka (included in trip price)
- Waterproof, over-the-calf, rubber boots with non-slip soles
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
- Duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase (2 maximum)
- Daypack or fanny pack to carry your camera, water bottle, extra clothing during shore landings
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Passport pouch or money belt
- Heavyweight fleece top or wool sweater
- Midweight thermal underwear tops and bottom, synthetic or wool
- Casual shirts/pants for use aboard ship
- Underwear
- Hiking socks (for use during shore landings under boots)
- Casual socks
- Rain jacket, waterproof and breathable
- Rain or wind pants, waterproof and breathable, side-zip pants are highly recommended
- Wool or fleece hat
- Wool or fleece gloves
- Heavier, ski-type gloves
- Comfortable shoes (also for use aboard ship; non-slip soles are best!)
- One-quart water bottle (to stay hydrated during shore landings)
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- Electrical adapter plug
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Toiletry kit/toiletries
- Personal first-aid kit
- Camera, film and spare batteries
- Small binoculars
- Favorite energy snacks
- Sewing kit
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Reading and writing materials
Things to Consider
- Wind chill can be a significant feature of this trip. When the wind is constant, you can be robbed of body heat quickly. Adequate wind/raingear is vital!
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
- Hair dryers and robes in every cabin.
- Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
- The dress code on board the ship is strictly casual, in the expedition spirit. There is no need to dress formally for meals.
- A few large zip-lock bags are useful to keep camera equipment and film dry while riding in the Zodiac and during wet shore landings.
- Bring more film than you think you will need. Certain film types will be difficult to purchase or unavailable once the trip begins. It is not unusual for participants to shoot a roll per day (even more if you are an enthusiastic photographer!).
- Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staffs at our stores or Direct Sales (800-426-4840) are happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The Expert Advice section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
