About the ship
Passengers
12Crew
7Built
1953Flag
SwedenCruising Speed
9 knDraft
3,7 mLength
40 mBeam
8,8 mIMO Number
8226612Ice class
1AEngine
1 x 423 kWInflatable boats
2The M/S Stockholm is a classic vessel, originally built in 1953 for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. In 1998, she underwent a complete refit and embarked on her new journey as a comfortable polar expedition ship. The M/S Stockholm accommodates up to 12 passengers in cozy twin cabins equipped with bunk beds, private facilities, and small windows (portholes).
With her beautiful brass details and wooden decks, M/S Stockholm stands as a stunning piece of maritime history, cherished by many for her charm and elegance. On board, you'll enjoy delicious meals in the company of like-minded travellers who share a fascination for the Arctic's captivating nature, wildlife, and history. The food on board is of high standard and all beverages are included in the price. The intimate setting, akin to a private yacht, ensures a personalised and unforgettable experience.
A classic expedition ship loved by many.
The crew's genuine enthusiasm for the Arctic's unique wildlife and pristine environments is a key to the authentic expedition cruises offered on the M/S Stockholm. Boasting 25 years of navigating Svalbard's challenging waters, the M/S Stockholm has proven her capability to reach remote sites that are inaccessible to larger ships. A journey through these northern waters, with its unparalleled wildlife and untouched landscapes, is an experience of a lifetime! To enhance exploration, the ship is equipped with two Zodiacs and staffed by two knowledgeable guides.
-
25 years exploring Svalbard
-
Accommodates only 12 guests
-
All bevarages included
-
1 guide for every 6 guests
-
Brass details and wooden decks
-
Immersive historical charm
-
© Ulrich Kühn -
© Peter PousardLounge. -
© Peter PousardCabin -
© Peter PousardCabin -
© Peter PousardCabin -
© Peter PousardBridge -
© Peter PousardBridge -
© Peter Pousard -
© Peter PousardBridge -
© Peter PousardBridge -
© Peter PousardDining room -
© Peter PousardDining room -
© Peter PousardDining room -
© Peter PousardDining room -
© Peter PousardDining room -
© Peter PousardDining room -
© Peter PousardLounge -
© Peter PousardLounge -
Bråsvellbreen -
-
© PolarQuestSpringtime in Svalbard. -
© Johanna Vakkila -
© Ulrich KühnSvalbard in September. -
© Ulrich Kühn -
-
Trips with M/S Stockholm
Said about the trips
-
Annie Katz
I have finally come up for my first breath of air and had to write you & tell you about our trip. It was, simply put…..WONDERFUL in ALL respects. The Stockholm is the best ship. I just loved being on her again. Our guides could not have been a better choice for us. Both of them full of life, adventure, knowledge about the Arctic and all of the flora and fauna to be met there. The cook was fabulous! The food was exceptional….his cookies are to absolutely die for. We saw every animal and bird there was to see in Svalbard. As you mentioned, every trip is different, and I think this time I got to photograph things I did not see the last time. What a plus! The trip was just plain PERFECT.
-
Mary Ann McDonald
Every one of the crew worked very hard to give us the best trip possible. They went out of their way to look for bears and seals, to provide Zodiac excursions and to help make it like ‘home’ on the M/S Stockholm. Both our guides spent many hours either up in the crow’s nest, or awake during the night in the bridge, helping to look for photo subjects. We couldn’t have asked for more.
-
Blair & Jacob Briggs
Jacob and I enjoyed the trip on board M/S Stockholm very much. It was truly an incredible experience. Our guide was very helpful and qualified. He was always pleasant and willing to answer questions for everyone.
-
Gerry Van der Walt
The trip was absolutely amazing and I cannot commend the staff and crew of the Stockholm enough. The sightings and weather obviously takes care of itself but the Captain and his team made the experience truly next level. They are a very special group of people.
-
Birgitta Kimber, Sweden - June 2025
The highlights of our trip were the amazing crew who were so helpful and the incredibly good food, as well as the beautiful ship. And of course the experience of seeing all the wildlife in their natural habitat.
-
Dave Berrington, United Kingdom - May 2025
We have recently returned from our Arctic expedition around Svalbard on the MS Stockholm, a small classic ship (12 passengers) with an ice-strengthened hull. The 2 guides and the crew were excellent, the food (buffet breakfast and lunch, and 3-course dinner) was varied and so good and catered for both vegetarian and vegan passengers. We reached the Arctic pack ice to the north (80 47”) which was stunning and surreal, then visited many gorgeous fjords down the west of the archipelago. With 2 zodiacs, our daily excursions were comfortable, safe and very respectful to the wildlife we encountered. We were equipped with weather-proof suits which were great to keep us dry and warm on the zodiacs though bringing our own thermal rubber boots (Muckboots) was useful. We were so fortunate with the wildlife - many walrus and seals, arctic fox (gorgeous), Minki and Baluga whales, Reindeer and 4 Polar bear sightings! Between the stunning scenery, the wildlife, the fantastic guides and crew, and a ship with huge character, this was an unforgettable experience.
-
John Stanford, United Kingdom - June 2025
The cruise was very well organised. The guides were very knowledgeable about the wildlife, geology and landscapes and clearly explained the intentions for the following day, whilst also explaining the need for flexibility. They were also very supportive with equipment, getting on and off Zodiacs and on landings. The crew of MS Stockholm was very helpful with advice and support. The food was absolutely first class. Ms Stockholm is a very attractive ship of great character, Its size promotes a team ethos and allows more flexibility than a larger ship.
-
Rowan Forster, United Kingdom - May 2025
Visiting Svalbard itself is the most important aspect, but second to that is the unique experience of the M/S Stockholm and crew, as well as the expertise of the guides.
-
Rowan Forster, United Kingdom - June 2025
Visiting Svalbard itself is the most important aspect, but second to that is the unique experience of the M/S Stockholm and crew, as well as the expertise of the guides.
-
Britt-Marie Chrona, Sweden - May 2025
I have long had a trip to Svalbard on my bucket list, but it was conditional, I would go with a smaller group. The trip in May met expectations. Crew and guides were top ten. What a nature experience we got to be part of. One of the travellers had also previously been on a trip with Stockholm and that says a lot.
-
Anders Norlander, Sweden - June 2025
Knowledgeable and dedicated guides. A lovely ship with skilled crew. Great food. The whole trip was very successful and actually an experience of a lifetime. It is possible to pour praise and in summary it was “as good as it gets”.
-
Eric Schneider & Cathrine Humphries, USA
We already have been recommending Polar Quest to friends/colleagues/family even though we are not even home from our vacation yet. For many reasons: intimate experience with such a small manifest of passengers; M/S Stockholm perfect for navigating the rough seas and ice pack — while also small enough to get us up close to the best sites; incredible guides (Zet and Annette) who were attentive to all our interests including birds and Zet especially looked after our 12 yo son; wonderful crew who also introduced us to Swedish Midsummer celebration; exceptional culinary experience (thanks to Kalle, Charlie and Viktoria) that we did not expect as this was not emphasized pre-departure . We ended up taking hand-written notes on recipes. You should publish a Ship’s recipe book as a souvenir ! This will be hard for any future trips to live up to. We were spoiled — thank you!!"
-
Peter Hergesheimer, USA - May 2025
All three of our PolarQuest trips have been wonderful experiences. Everything from the office staff to the guides and ship crews have been excellent.
-
Lauren Boyd, Wildlife Worldwide, United Kingdom - October 2024
The tour leader and our group had the most incredible time aboard the M/S Stockholm! The ship, crew, expedition team, and itinerary was a dream!
-
Helene Darrieutort & Florence Garoscio, France - November 2023
We would recommend this trip because of the spirit of PolarQuest. I mean the organisation (both the administration and on board) are so professional and attentive. They care a lot about everything. Because we were so lucky about the nature (orcas,whales, northern lights). Because we had so lovely guides who knew how to do where and when, and take decision, so it’s a talent to be a guide like that. They communicated passion and happiness! The crew was perfect with very good quiet ambiance. And finally because it’s like a little sweden family that we had during few days and it was so nice.
-
Russell Brimelow & Philippa Marshall, United Kingdom - November 2023
Absolutely wonderful trip. Atmospheric boat and everyone working on it was great.
-
Lena Näslund, Sweden - October 2023
Travelled with Polarquest twice now. Both times it has been very well organised trips with knowledgeable guides and very nice crew. Also good and well cooked food.
-
Lena & Anders Luts, Sweden - November 2024
Expedition feeling, good guides, small group, commitment, nice ship.
-
Lars Ekberg, Sweden - October 2024
My trip to Northern Norway was a fabulous experience that proves the value of knowledgeable guides (and crew) to give us an unforgettable experience. Given the weather and northern lights forecasts I read the week before the trip, I had rather low expectations. But they were exceeded by far.
-
Liselotte, Sweden - November 2024
A fantastic experience and completely professionally executed. Feels genuine and exclusive in that you get to be part of something that is not a dozen goods. Superb guides that do everything to give us guests the best possible experience. In addition, a very pleasant and family atmosphere on board the ship, which the whole crew contributed to. Can only recommend!
-
Carin Berghult, Sweden - October 2023
Apart from the desire to see whales and the northern lights, the crew and guides were absolutely fantastic and contributed to a familiar and cosy feeling. The chef served food that was amazingly good. The superlatives never end!
-
Gisela Thorildsson, Sweden - November 2023
PolarQuest's trips are unique in different ways. My first trip with PolarQuest in October 2023 to the Galapagos Islands cannot be described in words. And this trip to Northern Norway was no worse, completely beyond expectations considering what we saw and experienced. The guides impressed us all. I am super happy and look forward to the Svalbard trip with PolarQuest in 2024 with great anticipation!
-
Carina Lüppert, Sweden - November 2023
My expectations were exceeded as we saw so many whales up close! Liked the flexible arrangement. Lovely ship, M/S Stockholm, with fantastic crew, all meals were great. The guides so knowledgeable and dedicated.
-
Harriet Berghult, Sweden - Oktober 2023
Fantastic experiences, Orcas in masses, humpback whales that put on a show, fantastic northern lights etc. And to go on such a fantastic ship as M/S Stockholm. In addition, super guides, super staff and fantastic food, plenty of good, cosy, in short such a nice experience, thanks to everyone at M/S Stockholm.
-
Marianne Hörding, Sweden - November 2023
PolarQuest has a unfailing ability to always look for the unique and different and not to take the easy way out with places where all other tourists are! We have never been disappointed in our now nine trips with PolarQuest and are ambassador to anyone who wants to know which travel agency to go with. Not the cheapest but the best! As always, you get what you pay for, but with PolarQuest you get a little more!