Majestic Wonders in Spitsbergen, Norway
I continue to be enchanted by the remote icy kingdoms that cover our southern and northern poles. Finally, I was able to tick off another bucket list item by visiting the islands of Svalbard—an archipelago under the jurisdiction of Norway that sits above the Arctic Circle in northern Atlantic waters. Highlighting this chain is the island of Spitsbergen, a paradise of icy glaciers and fjords where a small human population coexists with abundant wildlife. Here in the vast open expanse of sea ice, tundra and jagged mountain peaks, the premier species, the magnificent polar bears, rule supreme. They are joined by reindeer, arctic foxes and diverse populations of birdlife and marine mammals. All extraordinary, but it is truly the expectation of seeing polar bears in their natural environment that draws travelers to Spitsbergen.
To visit this very special corner of the planet, I was a guest privileged to sail on Quark Expeditions Ultramarine—a new state of the art vessel designed to offer passengers intimate interactions in polar worlds. With only 199 guests and 20 zodiacs that enter the water in lightening speed, there are ample opportunities for wonderful experiences off the ship and no one misses anything! Whether by foot, zodiac or kayak, Quark’s dedicated team of naturalists serve as hosts and guides, introducing the guests to creatures who inhabit this unique ecosystem. It is a marvel how they can survive and thrive in a world of such harsh conditions. Seeing them in action in the wild is always unforgettable as are the landscapes that stun and impress us with pristine natural beauty. In these moments, we are touched by the purity of this ecosystem which reflects the timelessness and the majesty of creation that dwarves and transcends us.
Back onboard after peeling off boots and jackets, we enjoy lovely evenings featuring fine food and drink and lectures describing the day’s highlights and planning the adventures to follow in the morning. With wildlife there are no guarantees—perhaps not necessarily what was expected but always wonderful surprises that dazzle and delight. As the market for expedition cruising expands and stories spread of the magic they deliver, I expect a number of luxury cruisers will be drawn to this trend where creature comforts and wild creatures combine to produce life-changing memories.
