Included
Mandatory Transfer Package (approximate package price for 2025 is $895 and includes one night’s pre-expedition hotel night in Aberdeen, group transfer from Aberdeen hotel to ship on embarkation day, departure transfer in Longyearbyen on disembarkation day and charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki on disembarkation day); shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; beer, wine, standard spirits and cocktails during dinner and bar service hours; complimentary WiFi; leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leaders, including shore landings and other activities; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by the expedition team and special guests as scheduled; photographic journal documenting the expedition; a pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions; official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep; hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard the ship; emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US $500,000 per person.
Exclusions
International airfare; arrival and departure transfers, except where listed in the Mandatory Transfer Package; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above; meals ashore unless otherwise specified; baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended), or insurance of any kind; excess baggage fees on international and domestic flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, and any gear not mentioned; laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified; phone charges; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; additional overnight accommodation; any adventure options or excursions.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required when booking 181 days or more prior to departure. A second deposit of 25% of trip cost is due 180 days prior to departure. Bookings made 180 days or less prior to departure require a deposit of 50% of total trip cost. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days prior to departure. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 121 days – 100% of deposit
120 to 91 days – 75% of total trip cost
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
(For expeditions booked prior to October 15,2024: Please refer to your invoice for your payment and cancellation terms.)
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The 2025 Arctic Saga voyage begins in Aberdeen, Scotland (ABZ) and ends in Helsinki, Finland (HEL). Plan flights to arrive to the Aberdeen airport at any time on Day 1 of the itinerary, and make your way to the included hotel. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues.
On Day 14 of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier between 7:00am and 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast, with a transfer downtown (prior to a later transfer to the airport), or to your independently arranged Longyearbyen hotel. Plan flights to depart Helsinki no earlier than three hours following arrival of your group charter flight from Longyearbyen on Day 14. Airport transfers in Aberdeen and Helsinki are not included and cannot be pre-arranged through the cruise operator. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Internal Flights
A group charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki is required on this trip’s itinerary; see the Mandatory Transfer Package information listed above under Inclusions. The flight to Helsinki is expected to depart in the late afternoon on Day 14 of the itinerary. There is a strict luggage limit on the flight to Helsinki, which will be detailed in your final documents as flights are confirmed close to departure. There is no option to leave or pay for additional luggage. On Day 14 of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier between 7:00 and 8:00am local time, with an exploration of Longyearbyen before the charter flight to Helsinki.
Activities
Various optional activities may be available on your Arctic Saga cruise. Included are optional hiking, Zodiac cruising, daily presentations, photography guides and the polar plunge. There are no added-cost activities available on this cruise.
Room Configuration
Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (2x for Premium cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Premium Cabins are as follows:
Ultramarine: Deluxe Balcony Suite, Terrace Suite, Penthouse Suite, Owner’s Suite & Ultra Suite
Families & Children
At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 8 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times, and may not participate in adventure options.
Travel Insurance
Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of up to $500,000 USD per paying traveler provides coverage between the first and last day of ship-based travel and is included in the cost of this trip. For ship- and land-based trips, additional days of travel pre- and post-expedition are not covered. Travelers are responsible for having adequate international medical coverage prior to embarkation, with a minimum benefit of $50,000 USD. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers also protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.