Small ship polar adventures since 1999 +46 31 333 17 30 info@polar-quest.com
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Pre-departure information

WELCOME ONBOARD!


You are about to travel to some of the world’s most scenic places. The Northern Norway may be a bit cooler holiday destination than most, but it evokes warm feelings and lots of inspiration. Everyone at PolarQuest is truly passionate about its pristine nature and fascinating wildlife. Once back home, we hope that you will have the same passion for these unique environment and become a true ambassador.
POLAR SPECIALISTS
Everyone working at PolarQuest have been an expedition cruise. If you give us a call or send us an email, our enthusiastic travel consultants will answer all your questions regarding your trip – clothing, weather, landings or Zodiac cruises – we have all the answers! Hopefully you will find some of the answers in this document as well.

GUIDES

We know that one of the keys to a successful expedition is having knowledgeable and enthusiastic leaders. Many of PolarQuest’s guides have more than ten years’ experience of the Polar Regions and commute between the Arctic and Antarctica every year. A few weeks prior to your voyage, you will receive a short introduction of the guides who will be on your trip.

INSPIRATION

Don’t forget to follow our blog, Facebook or Instagram and take part of news, images and travel stories. On our website you find several inspirational movies from all our unique destinations.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION


GENERAL

Please note: The itineraries on our expedition cruises are subject to change. Factors such as the weather play an important role in where the ship can venture. The daily schedule is decided by the Captain and the Expedition Leader, who both have experience of the areas we are travelling in. Remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Participation on this expedition cruise requires that you are in generally good health and have good mobility. If you occasionally are in need of assistance due to reduced hearing, reduced eyesight or poor mobility, please note that you must have someone travelling with you. Our guides must be available to all passengers on board and can unfortunately not provide extra attention to someone in need of extra assistance.

INSURANCE

It is very important to have full medical, emergency evacuation and repatriation cover for the period of time you are away. 

PASSPORT & VISA

All visitors to Norway need a valid passport. Please check with your nearest Norwegian Embassy if you are required to obtain visa for this trip. You also need to check how many months your passport needs to be valid after the date you plan to leave Norway.

CURRENCY

  • The currency in Norway is Norwegian Krone (NOK)
  • Credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, AmEx) are accepted in almost all shops in Norway.

LOST LUGGAGE

Lost luggage is beyond our control. Please pack your essentials, such as medication, in your hand luggage. If you have a travel companion, we recommend that you pack a few items in each other’s luggage. If your luggage goes missing, you will still have some of your items and a change of clothes available.

 

CONSERVATION & SAFETY GUIDELINES


LANDINGS WITH ZODIACS

Always pay attention to your expedition leader and guides. Do not hesitate to ask them if you have questions regarding the landing procedures. Passengers must be aware of certain regulations involving the Zodiacs in order to ensure safety in our operations. A briefing will also be given by our guides.

  • The boat driver oversees the boat and its operations. His/her instructions must always be followed.
  • Please wear waterproof boots and appropriate waterproof clothing as protection from sea spray or rain when in the rubber boats. Use a water proof backpack to protect items such as cameras and binoculars.
  • Always wear the lifejacket in the rubber boat. This is for your safety, and is required at all times regardless of weather and sea conditions.
  • Accept the helping hands from crew members and drivers when stepping into or out of the rubber boat at the ship’s gangway. Keep both hands free for this operation, and use the “Sailor’s grip” (i.e. grip each other by the wrist).
  • Minimise the number of items you bring into the rubber boat. Backpacks are ideal for loose items such as cameras, binoculars, medication etc. It allows you to have both hands free.
  • If you have a loose item, it should be handed to the driver/crew member before embarking/disembarking the rubber boat.

 

WILDLIFE & NATURE

  • Watch your step and keep to established paths when possible. 
  • Never feed wild animals.
  • If no bins ashore, return all litter to the ship for proper disposal.
  • Keep noise level to a minimum.