After spending a full day exploring Hornsund, it was time to work our way further north. As rough weather was predicted along the whole western coast of Svalbard for many days, it was decided to head to Isfjord for the second half of our expedition.
A fjord where we could find protection from the weather.
But Isfjord is huge, a massive fjord system with many side fjords, bays, and sounds to explore. One can easily spend days exploring a new part each day.
And we were graced by lady luck once again. With amazing sightings of walrus, bearded seals, harp seals, and king eider ducks, an unexpected arrival: we experienced the king of the Arctic once again.

A unique experience, something very few ships offer as an experience. But the MS Stockholm does.

Or not?
The queen of the north, a large female ice bear, walked along the ice in the far distance, a backdrop of glacier and mountains. A backdrop only Svalbard can provide.
But that evening was spent anchoring the ship at the ice edge of a different fjord. A unique experience, something very few ships offer as an experience. But the MS Stockholm does.
After anchoring mooring lines onto the ice, we sat and enjoyed an amazing evening on the aft deck. And waited to see what the evening would bring...
After an eventful evening anchored alongside the ice edge, we continued scouting along the various fjords within Isfjord.
Beautiful ice patterns, opportunities to scale the mast and look out from the crows nest, landing with the zodiacs on an ice floe, and experiencing another ice bear was all on the agenda.
More harp seals swam by, eider ducks flew by, and beautiful reflectionscapes became the normal day to day scenery. Lectures about polar bears and sea ice kept us entertained during slower afternoons.

Nothing is perfect in this world. But my love of the polar regions, for wild places, for raw beauty, for peace amongst the chaos, never changes.

But one constant is always there. The cozy MS Stockholm, our home away from home.
Superb ice strength, unique capabilities not offered by many other ships, and classic Swedish lines from this all-original lighthouse support vessel from 1953. The beautiful original wooden bridge remains a recognizable sight.
Nothing is perfect in this world. But my love of the polar regions, for wild places, for raw beauty, for peace amongst the chaos, never changes.
For now, I continue on this polar journey. Until next time.
Please note: Depending on the lens used for a photo or video shot an animal may appear to be closer than it is. We always follow strict wildlife guidelines to ensure that we do not cause any disturbance.