Expedition blog
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Season start M/S Quest
M/S Quest has started the 2025 season! We’re now heading from Northern Norway to Bjørnøya – and onward to the Arctic gem of Svalbard.
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M/S Stockholm has reached Svalbard
Read our guide Beau Pruneau’s report from the final days of this incredible journey from Bergen to Svalbard.
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The second part of our coastal Norway expedition
On this part of the expedition, we discover beautiful spots such as the Lofoten Islands, Henningsvær, and Trollfjord.
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Season’s first expedition with M/S Stockholm
PolarQuest guide Beau Pruneau reports from M/S Stockholm, four days into our first Arctic expedition of the season.
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PolarQuest guide Sven Lidström: Research and Adventures in Greenland
Discover Sven Lidström’s fascinating research and adventures at Summit Station, one of the world’s most remote research stations, on the Greenland Ice Sheet.
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Brattahlid: A journey back in time to Erik the Red's Greenland
The legendary Viking Erik the Red, known for naming Greenland, also established one of history's most remote settlements.
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Join Nils Carlsson on an unforgettable expedition this spring!
Nils Carlsson leads our exciting expedition from the stunning Lofoten to the realm of ice, Svalbard. Here, he shares his expectations.
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Film from an expedition in East Greenland and Sermilik
In this video you get a unique insight into the majestic and untamed wilderness around the Sermilik Fjord in East Greenland.
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Falkland Islands: a natural paradise
Falklandsöarna offer a rare combination of pristine nature, incredible wildlife, and a fascinating history – far from the noise of civilization.
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A film from Sermilik – one of the world's most beautiful places
Discover the Sermilik Fjord – a natural paradise with majestic glaciers, icebergs, and crystal-clear waters. Watch our film!
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Discover Bear Island – A hidden gem in the Barents Sea
The legendary Bear Island captivates with its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and over a million nesting seabirds.
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Watch the slideshow from our trips in Northern Norway 2024!
A magical season in Northern Norway has now come to an end. Watch some of the unforgettable moments.
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Galapagos – a little paradise on Earth
Our guide Zet Freiburghaus has returned from this year’s Galapagos expedition. He and the travellers agreed: The Galapagos Islands are a paradise on Earth.
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Carina Svensson and the findings on Kvitøya in 2004
Carina Svensson is celebrating 20 years at PolarQuest. Her first trip, an expedition to White Island in 2004, resulted in unique finds.
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Magical colours in Northern Norway
The polar night is not as I had imagined – it reveals itself in black and white, but also in a palette of magical colours.
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Meet our new Operation Manager Henry
Meet Henry Páll Wullf, our Operations Manager for Greenland & Antarctica.
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Weronica's Spring Expedition in Svalbard
Read about our traveller Weronica's solo adventures and close contact with nature.
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Hundereds of orcas
As the day drew on, we spotted and maneuvered with over a hundred individual orcas, all scouting along Altafjorden, searching for food.
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2025 – a peak year for Northern Lights
Do you dream of experiencing the spectacular Northern Lights? Now is the time to plan your adventure.
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Northern Lights on the first expedition day
The very first evening of the very first expedition in Northern Norway on MS Stockholm, the Northern Lights appeared.
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Slideshow Svalbard Season 2024
A successful season in Svalbard has come to an end, here are just some of the highlights. Many thanks to our fantastic guides and travellers for making this season unforgettable.
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Travellers Blog: West Greenland and Disko Bay
After five years of anticipation, Anne Livingstone and David Park finally realised their dream trip to Greenland.
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PolarQuest's Maria Nordvall in the Realm of Icebergs
Rising into the air, excitement and anticipation for our adventure: What can one experience in East Greenland?
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Three Generations of Guides at PolarQuest
Olle, Nils and Johan Carlsson - three generations of PolarQuest guides.
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Interview with PolarQuest's Managing Director Marie Lannborn
Read about PolarQuest's CEO's journey from intern to where she is today.
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PolarQuest's Carina on Expedition in the Sermilik Fjord
"A dreamy place that will stay in our hearts forever." says Carina Svensson about Sermilik Fjord in East Greenland. Read her blog about the first days of the trip!
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10 Facts About the Orca
The orca is one of the most iconic and impressive marine mammals in the world. In this blog post, we have listed 10 facts about the orca that you might not know.
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Hiking in Historical Kinnvika
Visiting Kinnvika, a scientific station where studies in geophysics, meteorology, and geomagnetism were carried out.
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Magic by the glacier Bråsvellbreen
M/S Sjøveien glided effortlessly through the calm, crystal-clear waters, slightly tainted by the glitter of glacial silt, turning them into a turquoise soup.
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An abundance of life
Join M/S Sjøveien and experience close encounters with Svalbard’s majestic walruses. Learn about their habits, habitats, and role in the Arctic ecosystem.
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Peaceful Encounterns
We were greeted by clear blue skies and calm waters in St Jonsfjorden, where, having escaped the wind and fog, we saw humpback whales up close.
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A journey with nature cameraman Doug Allan
What happens when a BBC nature cameraman boards the M/S Quest?
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Hiking in the Arctic Wilderness
This is Nordaustlandet, a remote island with unforgettable hiking experiences.
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A Journey Back in Time
A journey north into the Uummannaq fjord system.
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Film from Springtime in Svalbard with M/S Quest
Watch a film about Svalbard's unique landscape and life on board M/S Quest. Join an early expedition and enjoy Zodiac cruises and adventures in the Arctic.
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Bråsvellbreen – race for the ice
Bråsvellbreen is part of the Austfonna ice cap on the island of Nordaustlandet and here there was a zodiac race between the ice blocks.
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A Rare Encounter
Read about a rare encounter with the beautiful glaucous gull in Svalbard, during one of the expeditions with M/S Sjøveien. The sun was shining and the icebergs were glittering.
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Season Start Greenland
This year’s first Greenland expedition began in Ilulissat.
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Inspiring Moments from Ilulissat
Greenland – how we have longed for this island, a place unlike any other on Earth.
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Rare Wildlife Encounters
After a successful morning, we suddenly saw a V-shaped blowout - bowhead whales! An extremely rare and critically endangered species around Svalbard.
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Meet the Crew on M/S Quest
Meet the crew aboard the M/S Quest, the people who week after week make each journey unique.
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A Morning with Walruses
As we got out of bed, we could see that the sun was shinning, the sky was blue, and the water was flat calm. Another amazing day was starting in Svalbard.
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The Green Land of Greenland
A trip from Ilulissat to Narsarsuag on Greenland.
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The Magical Polar Silence
After a beautiful morning discovering Texas bar and its polar desert, we headed towards the beautiful glacier of Monacobreen.
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Polar History and Polar Bear Encounters
A day at the legendary and equally beautiful Virgohamna.
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Glaciers and Walruses
A zodiac cruise into the beautiful Fuglefjord and encounters with walrus, harbour seals and eiders.
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Polar Bear Encounter, Polar Plunge and BBQ
We landed in a small bay in Liefdefjord, next to the ‘Texas Bar’, a traditional trapper's cabin built by Norwegian trapper Hilmar Nøis in 1927.
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The Northernmost Settlement in the World
We walk around the world's northernmost settlement, the research village of Ny-Ålesund, in snowy dew.
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Local Tales and Wildlife Encounters
A lovely 2-hour cruise along the ice edge of Liefdefjord, where we shared stories from Svalbard.
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Zodiac Cruises and Hikes
We hiked at Idunneset on Nordaustlandet, north-east of Spitsbergen. Chilly but sunny, with wonderful views as far as the eye could see.
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Springtime and Yoga in Svalbard
During a spring trip to Svalbard, we had the privilege of having yoga teacher Isabel Holmquist on board M/S Quest.
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An expedition day with M/S Quest
Join us for a day of expeditions in Svalbard on M/S Quest, with Zodiac cruises and memorable animal encounters.
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Lilliehöökbreen – An afternoon in paradise
M/S Sjøveien anchored at Lillihöökbreen in icy, turquoise blue waters reminiscent of the Caribbean
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An exciting day in Hamiltonbukta
At nine o'clock on the seventh of May, we got into our zodiacs and set off on the day's excursion in Hamiltonbukta.
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Encounter with the king of the Arctic
We had started in Bergen, continued to Tromso, sailed across the Barents Sea to Bear Island and finally reached Spitsbergen. Now we hoped to meet the king of the Arctic.
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PolarQuest's Staff Seminar 2024
PolarQuest's annual guide meeting in Gothenburg marked the start of the 2024 season.
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Guide meeting 2025
PolarQuest’s annual guide meeting in Gothenburg marked the start of the 2025 season.
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Guide interview: Fredrik Aurell
Fredrik Aurell, expedition guide at PolarQuest, has guided on Svalbard and been on board all three of our ships. Read the interview.
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Tunniit - lines of tradition
Tunniit – the Inuit equivalent of what we usually call face and body tattoos – originates from ancient traditions and holds both spiritual and cultural significance.
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The blue whale – the largest animal in the world
The blue whale is the largest animal on earth. During our Svalbard expeditions, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this majestic sea giant.
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Andrée's North Pole expedition
In 1897, Andrée, Strindberg and Frænkel attempt to reach the North Pole by balloon. Two days later they are forced to make an emergency landing, and their fate remains unknown for 33 years.
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Discover the scenic Westman Islands
One of our trips to East Greenland and the magnificent Sermilik Fjord includes a full day excursion to the scenic Westman Islands. It's also one of the best places in the world to see puffins.
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7 reasons to visit Svalbard during springtime
Here we list seven advantages of travelling to Svalbard in spring and experiencing the archipelago then.
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7 reasons to visit the Sermilik fjord
In this blog post Gunilla Lindh tells you why you should visit what she considers to be one of the most beautiful places in the world - the Sermilik Fjord.
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Springtime in Svalbard – the Arctic awakens
Polar Quest's Lillemor Främberg witnessed how Svalbard comes to life in spring. Read the interview about a May expedition with M/S Quest.
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Get to know M/S Stockholm
Get to know M/S Stockholm, our classic gem with room for 12 passengers.
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The Story of the Greenlandic Qajaq
The Qajaq has been an important survival tool for Inuit for centuries, developed for navigating icy waters and hunting.
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Traditional Greenlandic food
Traditional Greenlandic food is strongly influenced by the Arctic environment. Hunting and fishing are important sources of food.
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Winter landscape in September
PolarQuest's Maria Malmborg shares a magical morning and wild encounters from the last Svalbard expedition in 2023.
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Film from Expedition Svalbard with M/S Quest
Watch our film from the 2023 summer voyage on M/S Quest and experience the Arctic wilderness.
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Diary from the Galapagos trip 2023
Here, expedition leader Martin Berg takes you from historic Quito to the Galapagos Islands.
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Get to know the Svalbard reindeer
The Svalbard reindeer is a true survivor, adapted to the harsh Arctic climate. Learn more about this magnificent animal in our latest blog.
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The magical polar night in Svalbard
The polar night in Svalbard lasts for weeks without sunshine, but still provides magical light. Read our guide Olivier's experiences of this unique time of year.
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Witnessing the incredible Northern Lights
This was another day of extraordinary experiences in Northern Norway, from whale watching to exploring the charming Langfjordhamn, culminating in the awe-inspiring sight of the Northern Lights.
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Slideshow Svalbard 2023
From May to September, our expedition ships are in the Svalbard wilderness. Watch our slideshow and experience glimpses of this magnificent Arctic world!
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A flying start to the great penguin adventure
The adventure started in the Beagle Channel! We saw albatrosses and petrels on our very first day at sea on our way to the Falkland Islands with Ocean Nova.
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Photographer Mattias Klum about his trip to Svalbard
An interview with internationally recognised photographer and filmmaker Mattias Klum.
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The Greenlandic National Dress
Före europeiskt inflytande tillverkade inuiterna kläder av skinn från djur som säl, isbjörn och ren för uppvärmning och isolering beroende på var de bodde.
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Encounters with Orcas and Humphbacks
Darkness. Before light, comes the darkness. Such was the morning as the MS Stockholm slowly cruised through the very back of Kvænangen fjord. Scouting for Orcas.
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And they say whales can't fly
The day started without the proverbial bang—grey, overcast, and dreary. But calm. Calm enough to scout for whales. Humpback whales.
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Spotting the rare blood red Aurora
Night fell upon us. M/S Stockholm lay against the pier in the small village of Sør-Tverrfjord. After casually strolling around the quiet little settlement, guests were cozily snuggled up inside the quaint saloon on board.
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A traveller's diary: Exploring the Arctic with M/S Stockholm
After four years, I would finally get to return to Svalbard, but this time with a new ship, M/S Stockholm.
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Scouting for orcas
I morgonljuset seglade M/S Stockholm mot Kvænangenfjorden medan guiderna spanade efter späckhuggare.
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Why do the Northern Lights occur?
The night sky suddenly comes alive with shades of green, yellow, blue, or red, and gentle waves dance across the heavens. But what causes the Northern Lights to occur?
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Get to know M/S Sjøveien
Get to know the M/S Sjøveien, an elegant expedition ship with room for 12 guests that offers a family atmosphere and access to remote locations.
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Full moon magic
At 9am we launched the Zodiacs towards the Monaco and Seliger glaciers. The roar of calving glaciers filled the bay as we enjoyed the sunshine.
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Blue glaciers and incredible wildlife
We boarded M/S Sjøveien for a 10-day journey from Longyearbyen. Passed Alkehornet and spotted auks as puffins on the first day.
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Learn more about M/S Quest
This small ship has been taking travellers on unforgettable expedition cruises through Svalbard for years.
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Blue fox and blue whales at sunset
Reached eastern Svalbard and saw blue whales at sunset. An unforgettable sight for everyone on board M/S Stockholm.
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Explore the Galapagos with Martin Berg
Here, Martin shares his expectations for the trip and lists some of the reasons he believes make the Galapagos a world-class destination.
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Ny-Ålesund - history and future
During our visit to Ny Ålesund we got to experience everything that Svalbard is and has been.
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The sunset has returned to Svalbard
We change course towards Faksevågen. Flexibility is key on our expeditions, where tonight we choose to follow the sun and the light.
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Five reasons to explore Svalbard with a small ship
Small expedition ships are the best way to explore the polar regions. Our three ships in Svalbard take a maximum of 12 or 51 passengers. Read more below!
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Get to know the charming Atlantic puffin
A puffin with a rainbow-coloured beak and sad eyes is often called the ‘clown of the sea’. It is a favourite of photographers and can be seen in Svalbard and Greenland.
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Join Zet on a Svalbard expedition!
Here, our expedition leader Zet describes the benefits of travelling during the late season in Svalbard.
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What do you know about the humpback whale?
During our last Svalbard expedition with M/S Stockholm we saw humpback whales, read more about their special characteristics!
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The blooming Arctic summer
M/S Sjøveien sailed into Lomfjorden with perfect conditions, pleasant climate and calm waters. Disembarkation at Faksevågen for hiking.
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Landing on the east coast of Svalbard
Sailing south to round Spitsbergen. Not an easy choice, as weather and wind in Storfjorden change quickly.
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Cruising in the mirror-like Lady Franklin fjord
M/S Stockholm has anchored in an unexplored part of the Lady Franklin Fjord, thanks to our captain who knows the waters.
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A Polar Bear Day
We sailed towards Raudfjorden hoping to meet the king of the Arctic, the polar bear.
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Searching for shelter
We woke up early in the morning to heavy seas and met the swells at Spitsbergen.
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A magical landscape of ice
Today we woke up to large ice floes stretching as far as the eye could see.
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Polar bears and mosquitoes!
A perfect morning with two polar bears, a mum and a cub.
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Stunning views and polar bear encounters
What an incredible start! Clear skies, sunshine and no wind - something to celebrate as a Svalbardsbo.
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A day in Hinlopen
A day with the 12-passenger ship M/S Stockholm in Hinlopen, between Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet.
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A moment in Kongsfjorden
The day started at the Kongsbreen glacier with mirror-like water and brilliant sunshine.
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Wildlife encounters in the pack ice
After a tasty buffet on the M/S Quest, it was time to relax to a beautiful view of the pack ice.
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Whales in sight!
Just after midnight on the first day of the expedition, guests were woken up by the guides shouting - whales in sight! Whales in sight!
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The calm of the wild Arctic
A journey characterised by tranquillity on board M/S Sjøveien, with a mirror-like sea and new friendships made.
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Summer at Alkehornet
Summer has arrived in Alkehornet, while north-west Svalbard is still covered in spring-like snow and ice.
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Polar bears & Zodiac cruising in Raudfjorden
M/S Sjøveien sailed into Lomfjorden with perfect conditions, pleasant climate and calm waters.
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So why is the ice blue?
The question arises as we Zodiac cruise among ice blocks and small icebergs in Bjørnfjorden. Why is the ice so blue?
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A stunning day in Kongsfjord & Krossfjord
Today we visit a research community in Northwest Svalbard with a history of coal mining.
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My first day as a Svalbard guide
My first week as a guide gave me experiences that made me forget the summer in Sweden.
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A day in the Arctic wilderness
Our expedition through Svalbard began with sunshine and a glimpse of blue sky between the clouds.
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Did you know this about the polar bear?
The polar bear, King of the Arctic, is large and majestic. For many, seeing this iconic species in its natural habitat is a dream come true.
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To do in Oslo
We’ve listed our top tips for experiencing Norway’s beautiful capital!
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Española Island
Join us on the Polar Quest departure to Española Island.
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An unforgettable trip to Svalbard
For nine days, we explored the enchanting world of Svalbard with new experiences every day.
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5 whale species you may encounter in Disko Bay
As many as 16 different whale species can be seen in the Greenlandic waters.
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Life as a chef on M/S Stockholm
What is it like to be the only cook on a small ship in the Arctic? We spoke to John about preparing meals and Lillbritt who is in charge of provisioning.
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The enchanting Disko Bay
Dånet från kalvande glaciärer överröstar valars utblås i Diskobukten. Grönlands västkust bjuder på ett storslaget landskap som lämnar ingen oberörd.
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Life as a sailor on M/S Stockholm
M/S Stockholm has left Gothenburg for the Arctic. With room for 12 passengers, the atmosphere is familiar. Read the interview with sailors Julia and Linnea.
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The magical midnight sun
Midnight sun, polar day or eternal sun - whatever the name, it's a unique experience in Svalbard when the days never end. Do you know what causes this phenomenon?
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Light therapy in Svalbard
Summer in Svalbard in July offers midnight sun, vibrant bird mountains and brisk hikes. Discover what you can experience while travelling with PolarQuest.
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Mask dance – A living cultural heritage
If you enjoy seeing local culture close up, mask dance is a completely unique experience that you will remember forever.
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Five Greenlandic traditions that will surprise you
From enormous glaciers and iceberg-filled fjords to its hot springs, Greenland’s natural appeal has no limits.
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The story behind the Greenlandic tupilak
You might be surprised to know that in Greenland you are the odd one out if you don’t believe in spirits and monsters.
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The backstory of Greenland’s colourful houses
You might think that Greenland’s eye-catching multi-coloured buildings have been painted in a variety of colours as Instagram bait for visitors?
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A flight to Ilulissat – West Greenland
An early morning approaches and with our breakfast bags in hand, we board the morning flight that will take us to the largest island in the world – Greenland.
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Five bird species you have a chance to see in Svalbard
Five bird species to look out for in Svalbard: during the summer, the cliffs are filled with thousands of nesting birds - an impressive experience!
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When is the best time to travel to Svalbard?
When should you travel to Svalbard? From sparkling landscapes to pack ice and perfect photo opportunities, each month offers unique experiences.
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The Sirius Patrol – Greenland
When traveling to Greenland you most likely will hear about the elite unit in the far north – The Sirius Patrol, patrolling the Arctic tundra all year around.
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Christian Engelke shares his experience of the world's largest island
Christian Engelke, one of PolarQuest's most experienced Greenland guides, has been leading expeditions for many years. We asked him a few questions.
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The sky exploded in colour
Towards the end of the first Tromsø expedition of the season with M/S Stockholm, we visited Finnkroken, after days of fantastic whale watching and Northern Lights.
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10 facts you might not know about the walrus
Walruses fascinate travellers to Svalbard. See this impressive animal on the pack ice or beaches and learn more about the walrus in our blog post.
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Gunilla Lindh about her life in Greenland
Winters in East Greenland are long and harsh, with snow and frost for seven months. PolarQuest guide Gunilla Lindh swapped a career in finance for a life close to nature.
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Slideshow Svalbard 2022
In April, our expedition ships arrived in Svalbard and a long-awaited polar adventure began. Here's a flavour of this year's magical experiences in the Arctic.
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ARCSAR's catastrophe exercise in Svalbard
After a successful morning, we suddenly saw a V-shaped blowout - bowhead whales! An extremely rare and critically endangered species around Svalbard.
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A day at the Seven Islands
Woke up to the call: Bear in sight!
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The indescribable silence of Svalbard
I joined PolarQuest in the middle of the pandemic. When I finally got to visit Svalbard, my expectations were exceeded!
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Seven facts about the Musk ox
Ice stretches towards the horizon in eastern Greenland. At minus 60°C, the muskox has survived in the Arctic for thousands of years. Here are seven facts about this ancient animal!
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Schnapps and Polar plunge at the Monacobreen glacier
On a rainy August morning, M/S Sjøveien sailed into Liefdefjorden. Red mountains and the glacier Monacobreen appeared as the sun broke through the veil clouds.
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A polar bear encounter on the island Karl XII
The M/S Sjøveien is ready to explore the small barren Karl XII island under blue skies.
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Seven different penguin species
Marty, a penguin enthusiast and marine biologist, has met countless penguins. Here he shares the seven species we might see on our Antarctic expedition in 2023.
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The Arctic fulmar a beautiful companion at sea
In this post, our Operations Manager Henrik Törnberg highlights one of his favorites - the Artic fulmar!
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Mighty encounters between man and nature
We have travelled from the easternmost island of Svalbard to Nordaustlandet, the island that is 80% covered by ice.
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Arctic summer with polar bears and whales
We have spent ten fantastic days with the people of Svalbard both on land and at sea.
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Dolphins, Arctic fox and beach clean up
An adventure with rubber boat cruises and fantastic encounters with Svalbard's animals and nature.
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Our best film and book recommendations!
We've gathered book, film and series tips from our favourite destinations for relaxing this summer.
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Far east - Storøya and Kvitøya
It was finally time to explore the remote north-east of Svalbard.
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Storøya and encounter with the King of the Arctic
Storøya, a miniature of Kvitøya, is covered in ice and offers magnificent views.
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Edgeøya – walruses, reindeer and hiking on the Arctic tundra
After travelling with M/S Sjøveien through the tidal currents of Freemansundet, we anchor at Cape Lee, in the far north of Edgeøya.
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On a climate mission in Antarctica
Looking for rocks on a continent that is 98% ice is no easy task. Henrik Törnberg spent two months in Antarctica.
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Polar bear encounter & thousands of of Brünnich’s Guillemots
M/S Sjøveien anchors in Kinnvika near the sheds from a research expedition in 1957.
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Coal mining in Svalbard
Coal production was Svalbard's main industry for a long time, but today tourism and research dominate. The goal is for Svalbard to become climate neutral within ten years.
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Johan's second encounter with Svalbard
At the end of May, Johan Reuthammar from PolarQuest participated in the expedition ‘Spring on Svalbard’ with M/S Quest.
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Yoga in the Arctic wilderness
Read the interview with yoga teacher Isabel about her yoga trip to Svalbard.
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Zodiac – the perfect Exploration tool
Our Operations Manager Henrik Törnberg was recently a guide on a Svalbard trip with M/S Sjøveien.
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M/S Quest första resa 2022
M/S Quest has started the season with an expedition from Tromsø via Björnön to Svalbard, with landings and encounters with several polar bears.
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Gunilla about the first trip with M/S Stockholm
In April 2022, M/S Stockholm left Gothenburg for its first expedition in two years.
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5 facts about penguins
Sydney-based polar guide Marty Garwood has a degree in marine biology and guides in both the Arctic and Antarctic. Here he shares five fun facts about penguins!
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PolarQuest's Staff Seminar 2022
After a three-year hiatus, PolarQuest's office staff and guides have finally been able to meet again.
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A heart-warming Polar adventure!
We welcome our first two travellers home from their South Pole expedition. Our first trip after the pandemic!
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Marie's favourite travel memory
PolarQuest's CEO Marie Lannborn Barker shares her favourite travel memory on the expedition blog.
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Five reasons to visit Svalbard in the spring
The season in Svalbard is short but varied. Here we list five advantages of travelling in spring and why this period can be particularly charming!
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My favourite travel memory – Carina Svensson
PolarQuest's Carina plans our trips around the world. Here she shares one of her best travel memories from the Galapagos, high on many travellers' wish list!
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Clean Seas - turn the tide on plastics
Read about the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) participation in the ‘Clean Seas’ project.
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My favourite travel memory - Jenny Bruce
Below you will find an extract from our exciting expedition cruise with M/S Stockholm to the Orkney and Shetland Islands on 30 April - 11 May.
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My favourite travel memory - Niklas Nilsson
Niklas Nilsson dreamed of Antarctica and booked the adventure of a lifetime with PolarQuest. See his slideshow from the unforgettable journey here!
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Penguins - some of the world's most fascinating animals!
Gun von Krusenstjerna loves nature, but mostly penguins. Read about her expeditions to the southern hemisphere and her exciting penguin adventures here!
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Personal Christmas greetings from the PolarQuest-office
As the year draws to a close, we want to spread warmth with Christmas greetings from us at PolarQuest.
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My favourite travel memory by Lillemor Främberg
Lillemor Främberg, reseproducent på PolarQuest, delar sitt bästa resminne. Läs om hennes äventyr bland fjordar, fjäll, späckhuggare och valar i magiska Tromsø!
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Slideshow: The magical autumn in Svalbard
Take a few minutes to be inspired by beautiful autumn images from Svalbard, taken during some of our previous trips.
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Brief facts about five Arctic seals
Experience Svalbard's unique fauna on a trip to the Arctic, one of our last untouched wildernesses, and learn about five different seal species that live there.
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Disko Bay Exploration - Ice, whales & mountains
Disko Bay on the west coast of Greenland offers magnificent scenery with fjords, icebergs and tundra walks. A trip here is deeply moving and impressive!
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The Global Seed Vault
Svalbard's Global Seed Vault stores agricultural crops from around the world. The seed vault is located near Longyearbyen, with a tunnel leading 130 metres into the mountain.
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Niklas Nilsson’s dream adventure to Antarctica
11 years ago, I made the trip of a lifetime with PolarQuest. At the time, I was a 22-year-old nature photographer whose big dream was to visit the seventh continent.
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Exploring the Norwegian fjords
Maria Malmborg, travel consultant at PolarQuest, got the chance to travel to a wintry northern Norway with M/S Quest to explore the fantastic wildlife and magnificent nature of the fjords. Read a blog post written by her below!
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South Georgia - a wildlife haven
Read and dream away to the sub-Antarctic gem of South Gerogia, one of the most magnificent animal kingdoms on Earth!
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Wilpattu National Park
Read about our guests' experiences in Wilpattu, Sri Lanka.
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Expedition Svalbard - a life changing experience
Only 3 hours from Oslo, the wilderness of Svalbard awaits. Leave civilisation behind, experience the silence and see what's waiting around the corner. Read our travellers' stories!
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Video clips – Orcas and Northern Lights 2019
Would you like to get a taste of what you could experience during a trip in Tromsø with M/S Stockholm? Then watch this fantastic video that summarises one of our expeditions in 2019!
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Antarctica at last!
Blue icebergs floating by, the sun shining, the view of huge and snowy mountain ranges along the ship. The Antarctic at last!
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Galapagos at its best
The Galapagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador, are an oasis for nature lovers. Read about our travellers' experiences in guide Adam Rheborg's blog post.
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A true Svalbard adventure
Svalbard offers unique experiences. Watch our film from M/S Sjøveien.
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50 shades of blue
A journey with M/S Stockholms to the abandoned mining community of Pyramiden.
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British Columbia
Read about our travellers exploring the vast wilderness of British Columbia, Canada's westernmost province.
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The great lion day
Read about our travellers' adventures in Namibia with encounters with lions.
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The Namib desert
‘It is difficult to give a fair picture of this unforgettable day in the Namib Desert, it must be experienced on site’
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September in Isfjorden
A journey through Isfjorden in Svalbard.
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Eolusneset, Sorgfjorden - the bay of grief
Sorgfjorden offers historical remains and stories from 17th century whaling. Read about our travellers' encounter with history at Eolusneset!
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Horse racing & wrestling in Mongolia
Read about the annual Naadam Festival in Mongolia on PolarQuest's blog. Travelling to Mongolia is an unforgettable experience!
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Blue whales, belugas and the King of the Arctic
Read about M/S Quest's eventful encounters with blue whales, white whales and polar bears!
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M/S Stockholm first ship to circumnavigate Spitsbergen 2019
The captain of the M/S Stockholm tried to get round Spitsbergen, despite tough ice conditions.
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Midnight sun in Magdalenefjorden
Sara, Marketing Assistant at PolarQuest, went on an unforgettable adventure with M/S Sjøveien in the Svalbard wilderness.
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A walk on the beach
Join our travellers for a walk along the beach at Bjonahamna!
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North west corner-adventures
PolarQuest's amazing guides are blogging from Svalbard. Read about an eventful day in the wild Northwest corner of Svalbard!
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Polar history & glacier cruise
Read about a great day on board the ship M/S Quest and our travellers' experiences from 31 May 2019.
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Polar bear encounter in the magical pack ice
Read a blog post about M/S Quest's encounter with a polar bear on 2 June!
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Ekmanfjorden & Yoldiabukta
Read about a hard-to-beat rubber boat cruise during the 22 - 29 May trip with M/S Quest!
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Perseverance harbour, Campbell Island
The sub-Antarctic islands are some of the most species-rich places on Earth and are all inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
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MacQuarie Island
The sub-Antarctic islands south of New Zealand and Australia are home to half of the world's penguin and albatross species. Read about MacQuarie Island!
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Blog from the subarctic island South Georgia
Read and dream away to the sub-Antarctic gem of South Gerogia, one of the most magnificent animal kingdoms on Earth!
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Judy Ersvaer – the M/S Stockholm’s most frequent passenger
Our traveller Judy Ersvaer tells us about her many trips on M/S Stockholm.
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Magnificent and magical – Mongolia
Read about a place that warms the heart a little extra, that instils calm and invites laughter.
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In the land of Northern Lights
In true expedition spirit, we recently traveled to the fjords of Northern Norway, where the herring gather. Read about killer whales, humpback whales and the Northern Lights in our guide Andrea's blog post!
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Falling in love – with mountains and fjords
Journalist Kicki Lind traveled with PolarQuest on a mid-winter expedition cruise in northernmost Norway and fell in love - with mighty mountains and fjords.
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Whales, northern lights and towering mountain peaks in Tromsø
I november 2018 fick Sara Larsson från PolarQuest chansen att följa med M/S Stockholm på ett oförglömligt äventyr i Tromsøs fjordar. Läs om hennes paradis på jorden!
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Encounters with Sri Lanka's exciting wildlife
Sri Lanka is a very colourful island. You can read more about its wildlife here.
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From Black Turtle Cove to Punta Espinosa
The Galapagos Islands, a paradise for nature lovers, are located nearly 100 miles off the coast of Ecuador. Read an extract from our tour leader Adam's logbook from the trip in October!
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The tragedy of Svenskhuset
Svalbard's history is fascinating. Read about Svenskhuset, a place of dramatic events, now listed as a cultural monument and an important part of Svalbard's heritage.
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Dream away to Svalbard!
Join Johan Hammar to Svalbard on board M/S Quest and experience sparkling glaciers, snow-capped mountain peaks and unique encounters with Arctic wildlife.
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The Namib Desert from above
Read about our travellers' adventures above the spectacular dunes of the Namib Desert in a blog post written by our tour leader Adam Rheborg.
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A visit to the mythical Vitön
Our journey took us to Vitön, where the remains of the Andrée expedition were found in 1930.
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Karl XII & Storøya
Experience an exciting Zodiac adventure along the rocky shores of Storøya and Karl XII-øya.
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Hiking in Svalbard
In May, Ira Schack travelled on the M/S Quest to explore the Svalbard wilderness.
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Vagabonds Marcus Westberg on Svalbard
Vagabond's Marcus Westberg talks about his expedition cruise with M/S Stockholm.
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Zodiac cruising, walrus & our first polar bears
In 2017, M/S Sjøveien started its career as a comfortable expedition ship in Svalbard.
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81° 41,317N, 17° 23.362E
This year, the sea north of Svalbard has been free of ice. This has meant that the vast pack ice has taken some patience to reach, but once up there, exciting wildlife and stunning views await.
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Bear encounter in Raudfjorden
Read about an exciting encounter with a female polar bear on a bright Arctic summer night.
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A perfect start
Our expedition leader Elke shares her experiences from the 8-15 June 2018 trip on M/S Quest.
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Pack ice & Polar bear in midnight sun
Travelling through the Svalbard wilderness on a small ship means being constantly prepared for the unpredictable.
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Arctic Digital Detox
Susanne Korsvoll from Unlimited Travel Group blogs about her seven days without connectivity on Svalbard.
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In the realm of the polar bear
Curious about what it's like to join an expedition cruise in Svalbard with PolarQuest? Read this recent travelogue.
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Adventures above the 80th parallel
Below you can read about PolarQuest's own Heidi's encounter with walruses in early May.
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Sula Sgeir & Rona
Far off the north-west coast of Scotland lies Sula Sgeir, a remote and rocky island where seabirds and seals live in shelter.
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An Arctic wilderness evening in Camp Barentz
The Svalbard season has started! Read about our travellers' visit to Camp Barentz. The text is written by Heidi from the PolarQuest office who is travelling with us on the first trip!
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Hebrides, Scotland
Our fantastic guides blog from our travels around the world, and below you can read a post from Scotland and the exciting Hebrides archipelago!
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Ittoqqortoormiit – one of the world's most remote villages
At the entrance to the world’s largest fjord system, Scoresbysund, lies the small village with the long name Ittoqqortoormiit.
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Fernandina & Isabela, Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, nearly 100 miles from Ecuador. Read about our travellers' adventures on the enchanting islands of Fernandina and Isabela!
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AECO represents cruising in the new rescue network
The cruise industry and authorities are working together to develop Arctic Search and Rescue. PolarQuest is expected to contribute with a vessel to the planned exercise.
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Sri Lanka ReQuest
Read about our travellers' experiences during a ReQuest trip to Sri Lanka.
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5 whale species you may encounter in Svalbard
Dreaming of meeting the giants of the sea? During the summer in Svalbard, you have a great chance of seeing whales, especially in July and August.
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Sea captain in Svalbard
Magnus Reteike has been captain of M/S Stockholm since 2007. Read about his exciting life as a sea captain!
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Karin's Svalbard Adventure
Our traveller Karin returned to Svalbard after longing to go since 1999.
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Kaiser Franz Josefs Fjord, Waltershausen Glacier & Laksehytta
Read about a spectacular journey to north-east Greenland with M/S Quest.
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The real Jungle Book
Exciting wildlife, beautiful scenery and sparkling starry skies, cosy lodges, wilderness breakfasts and culinary dining experiences in India.
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Summer in the Arctic with M/S Stockholm
A summer trip on board the ship M/S Stockholm.
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Great experiences on board the small ship M/S Stockholm
Read about the amazing adventures our travellers experience on board the small, popular ship M/S Stockholm in our guides' latest blog from the Arctic.
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What to do in Longyearbyen?
Mia Lundqvist works as a guide manager at PolarQuest's office, and has spent a lot of time in the village. Here she shares her top to-do tips!
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Marine mammals and singing bird cliffs
Read more about a fantastic day of exciting excursions in July with M/S Quest.
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Blue whales, Atlantic puffins and glaciers
Read about an eventful visit to Kongs- and Krossfjorden.
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Humpback whales in Isfjorden
Read about a journey on M/S Quest that started with humpback whales in the midnight sun and much more!
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Fridtjof Nansen – the first man to cross Greenland’s ice cap
Get to know history's greatest polar explorers such as Nansen, Barentsz and Nordenskiöld. Read about their expeditions and exciting adventures in the polar regions!
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Erik Edvardsson's South Georgia
Twenty-year-old Erik Edvardsson's bucket list included South Georgia, a wildlife paradise in the Southern Ocean. Read about his 2008 trip and return visit two years later with PolarQuest!
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Foxes, belugas and polar bears in Hornsund
Read about an adventure with exciting animal encounters in Hornsund!
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Arctic magic
Read about the sparkling pack ice, the vast silence and the amazing wildlife!
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The world's northernmost post office and curious walruses
Fartyget förflyttade sig in i Kongsfjorden för en magisk Zodiackryssning längs Kongsbreen.
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Polar bears and Polar plunge
PolarQuest guides blogging from the ship M/S Quest in May 2017.
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Nordenskiöld – the first man to sail through the Northeast Passage
Get to know history's greatest polar traveller! We have previously written about Willem Barentsz, now we highlight Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld - first through the Northeast Passage.
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Magnificent fjords
Our guides blog from M/S Stockholm and Sea Endurance, and this is what Åsa, who is on board M/S Stockholm, wrote on Saturday.
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Report from Scottish Hebrides
Below you will find an extract from PolarQuest's trip to the Hebrides, Scotland with M/S Stockholm.
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Lofoten, Bear Island & Svalbard with M/S Quest
Our ship M/S Quest is currently sailing from Bodø to the pearl of the Arctic: Svalbard
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Get to know the Polar Explorers!
In something of a serial, we will shed light on some of the most talked about polar explorers in history. We'll start at the beginning, with a short story about the man who put Svalbard on the map - Dutchman Willem Barentsz.
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PolarQuest’s Guide Seminar– for the 10th time in a row!
This year's successful guide meeting took place in Gothenburg and was also the tenth in a row!
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A selection of Polar Museums
Here we recommend museums with exciting exhibitions on the Arctic and Antarctic.
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International Women’s Day - Louise Boyd
On International Women's Day, we want to recognise one of the brave female polar explorers - Louise Boyd.
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Polar-jubilee Adam Rheborg
PolarQuest expedition leader Adam Rheborg is travelling to Svalbard for the twentieth year in a row. We asked what makes Svalbard so special to him.
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Galapagos - among lava rocks and fur seals
PolarQuest has arranged three fantastic trips to Galapagos this autumn. Below you can read an excerpt from the trip on 25 October - 7 November 2016.
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Report from the Antarctic Peninsula
Our travellers are now on the Antarctic Peninsula. Below you can read an extract from one of the days.
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Among orcas & humpback whales
We have now completed two fantastic trips with M/S Stockholm in Northern Norway. Travelers have experienced killer whales, humpback whales and magical northern lights over the fjords.
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Whales & Northern Lights
What a trip! A group of PolarQuest travelers experienced the fjords of Tromsø with northern lights, magical sunsets and encounters with orcas and humpback whales.
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Northeast Greenland
PolarQuest´s guides blogs on board Ocean Nova. Here you can read an excerpt from the expedition cruise to Northeast Greenland.
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New film - Bear Island
In 1596, two Dutch ships sailed north, aiming for the North Pole, hoping to discover a shortcut to China and India. Instead, they discovered Svalbard!
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Summer in Svalbard
An extract from our Expedition Svalbard trip in July 2016.
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Blue whale, Beluga & polar bear
PolarQuest guides blogging from the ship M/S Quest in July 2016.
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A day in the pack ice with M/S Stockholm
A day of sunshine, blue skies and a sleeping polar bear.
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Packisen and Karl XII øya
A short extract of our trip: Expedition with M/S Quest 22 June - 2 July.
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What a first day of the trip!
PolarQuest guides blogging from the ship M/S Quest in June 2016.
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National Day in the wilderness
On National Day we visited Virgohamna, the place where Andrée started his balloon flight in 1897.
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Alkefjellet & ice cruise
PolarQuest guides are blogging from the M/S Quest. Read an extract from the 24 May - 1 June trip.
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What a start to the adventure!
PolarQuest guides blogging on board the M/S Quest in May 2016.
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The Season has started!
After being docked in Helsingborg harbour over the winter, M/S Quest left Bodö harbour on 4 May.
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Fair Isle
Below you will find an extract from our exciting expedition cruise with M/S Stockholm to the Orkney and Shetland Islands on 30 April - 11 May.
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India adventure
PolarQuest's Maria Nordvall has always loved travelling and animals, preferably in combination. A few years ago, she travelled to India to stay at Kanha Jungle Lodge for a month. Read about her time at the lodge and in the park.
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Interview with a polar bear researcher
We are proud to have polar bear researcher Nikita Ovsyanikov as a guide and lecturer on our expeditions to Svalbard in May and June 2016.
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Improve your photo skills and take amazing photos!
We've probably all experienced that great moment during a trip that couldn't be captured on film. Maybe the picture was blurry, overexposed or just very flat.
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Honeymoon
Some couples choose to celebrate their honeymoon in the Arctic. Therése and Marcus chose Svalbard - here they talk about their adventure on board M/S Quest.
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Interview with Captain Per Engwall
Captain Per Engwall talks about his 25-year-long love for Svalbard.
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A wonderful day in Antartica
Today's excursion to Mikkelsen Harbour offered magnificent views with sun and light. We saw seals, penguins and glaciers, and were served hot juice.
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Landing on the Antarctic continent
Finally we set foot on the continent at the Almirante Brown station. Despite the wind, we were able to enjoy the view and were greeted by lively gentoo wines!
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Along the pack ice
An excerpt from the season's final expedition cruise aboard M/S Quest.
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The Northwest Passage
A group of PolarQuest travellers exploring the Northwest Passage, Canada's historic waterway.
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Glacier calvings, bird cliffs & BBQ
PolarQuest guides blog from M/S Quest. Read about the trip ‘Expedition Svalbard with M/S Quest’, 16-26 July 2015.
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A polar bear day
An excerpt from the journey "Polar Bear Adventure with M/S Quest," June 28 – July 6, 2015.
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A day in the pack ice
Read a report from the trip ‘Svalbard Adventure on board M/S Stockholm’ from June 2015.
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What a trip!
Ett litet utdrag från resan ombord på M/S Quest den 24 maj – 2 juni 2015.
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A first report from Svalbard!
In the morning we walked on Vaærøy and at Å. Nusfjord saw some killer whales.
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Carina's Antarctic Adventure
Carina Svensson, who is responsible for our Antarctic trips, set off on her first Antarctic adventure in February. Curious about how it went?
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Living in the Arctic
Listen to PolarQuest's expedition leader Christian Engelke talk about his vast experience of Svalbard, where he previously lived for several years.
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Film from one of our guests!
Recently, one of our travellers sent us a video clip from his Svalbard trip in September 2014.
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Blog from South Georgia
Antarctica impresses with its icy landscape. Read the blog from our trip, where we visited Deception Island and some brave ones took a polar plunge!
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Namibia
A group of PolarQuest travellers have just returned from an adventure in Namibia.
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Polar history & our first polar bear
The day started with polar history and a chilly wind from the north-western of Spetsbergen.
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Glacier, whale, walrus & bird cliffs
Svalbard has offered amazing wildlife and nature encounters this season.
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Polar bear day
Below you can read an extract from our trip ‘Discovery of Svalbard’ on board Ocean Nova, 5 - 15 July.
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In the pack ice
Below you can read an extract from our trip ‘Discovery of Svalbard’ on board Ocean Nova, 5 - 15 July.
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The ice & Wilhelmøya
The Svalbard season is in full swing!
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Bear Island, walrus & midnight sun
A leisurely night's journey north took us to a snow-covered sandbar where a dozen of the charismatic walruses were present.
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Blue whales!
Read about M/S Quest's eventful encounters with blue whales, white whales and polar bears!
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Expedition Vega
Today, Ola Skinnarmo, one of our most successful adventurers, set out on a new expedition! This time, the goal is to find the greatest symbol of Swedish polar history - the ship Vega.
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