About the ship
Passengers
12Crew
7Built
1964Flag
PanamaCruising Speed
11 knDraft
3,4 mLength
40,66 mBeam
8 mIMO Number
7739777Ice class
1CGuides
2Inflatable boats
2With space for just 12 passengers, M/S Sjøveien (meaning “the Seaway”) offers one of the most intimate and authentic ways to experience Svalbard. Built in Bergen in 1964 for the Norwegian government, she has served in many roles over the years – from a training vessel for mariners to a hotel ship along the Norwegian coast. Following an extensive refurbishment, she began a new chapter in 2017 as a classic expedition ship with a modern touch.
EXPLORE SVALBARD WITH ONLY 11 FELLOW TRAVELLERS
Travelling on a small expedition vessel like M/S Sjøveien means a closer connection to nature. With only 12 passengers on board, every voyage offers flexibility and time for exploration. Thanks to her size, Sjøveien can navigate narrow fjords and reach remote anchorages that larger ships simply cannot access. Once there, two experienced polar guides and two Zodiacs ensure safe and engaging cruises and shore landings.
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Daniel Kahn, USA
verything was well run and smooth. You guys have got this down. Guides were really passionate about what they were doing, and it really impacted the experience for all of us. Many elements on the ship over-delivered. Food, cabin daily housekeeping, genuine friendliness of the ship s crew. Everything was great.
ENJOY THE ARCTIC SCENERY FROM THE SPACIOUS DECKS
You can enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the spacious observation decks, where you’ll also find the wood-fired hot tub – offering a unique Arctic experience. The deck areas provide sweeping views and excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife observation, far away from the crowds. The bridge is also open to visitors.
RELAXED LIFE ON BOARD
The dining room and lounge on the main deck form the social heart of the ship. Here, you can enjoy well-prepared meals, listen to talks by the guides or have a cup of coffee in a welcoming atmosphere. Each voyage is unique, with the itinerary shaped by weather, ice and wildlife – allowing time for discovery and reflection in one of the world’s most remarkable wilderness areas.
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© Harris DroSuperior cabin (no. 303) -
Bathroom (cabin no. 303) -
© Harris DroSuperior cabin (no. 201) -
© Harris DroTwin cabin with windows (no. 203) -
Twin cabin with windows (no. 203) -
© Niklas NilssonBathroom (cabin no. 203) -
© Niklas NilssonTwin cabin with windows (no. 202) -
© Niklas NilssonTwin cabin with portholes (no. 108) -
© Harris DroTwin cabin with portholes (no. 107) -
© Niklas NilssonBathroom (cabin no. 107)
COMFORTABLE EN-SUITE CABINS
M/S Sjøveien accommodates 12 guests in eight outside cabins, all with private facilities. On the lower deck, there are four twin cabins with portholes. The main deck features two larger twin cabins and one superior double cabin, all with windows, while the upper deck offers a spacious superior cabin with excellent views. Well-designed cabins provide a relaxing retreat after each day of Arctic exploration.
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Accommodates only 12 guests
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The most intimate nature experience
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Wood-fired hot tub
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Spacious observation decks
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1 guide for every 6 guests
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Modern maritime interior
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© Kerstin Langenberger -
© Niklas NilssonSvalbard in September light. -
© PolarQuestEnjoy a bath in the hot tub -
© PolarQuest -
© Niklas Nilsson -
© Niklas NilssonDining room -
© Niklas NilssonBreakfast buffet -
© Niklas Nilsson -
© Boris Wise -
© PolarQuest -
© Kerstin LangenbergerSvalbard in May -
© Therese Horntrich -
© PolarQuest -
© Ryan Hope Inglis -
© Niklas NilssonSvalbard in September light. -
© Harris Dro
Superior cabin (no. 303) -
Bathroom (cabin no. 303) -
© Harris Dro
Superior cabin (no. 201) -
© Niklas Nilsson
Twin cabin with windows (no. 202) -
© Niklas Nilsson
Bathroom (cabin no. 202) -
© Harris Dro
Twin cabin with windows (no. 203) -
Twin cabin with windows (no. 203) -
© Niklas Nilsson
Twin cabin with portholes (no. 108) -
© Harris Dro
Twin cabin with portholes (no. 107) -
© Niklas Nilsson
Bathroom (cabin no. 107)
Trips with M/S Sjøveien
Said about the trips
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Sue Werner, Australia - July 2024
We had such a fantastic voyage on Sjøveien. She is the perfect expedition vessel for Svalbard. We had so many wonderful experiences with the wildlife, ice and the beautiful scenery and nature Svalbard had to offer. The Captain and crew are to be applauded for all their hard work in making us comfortable and well looked after.
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Jayleen, Australia - June 2025
This was the most incredible trip I have ever been on. PolarQuest delivered beyond my expectations. The ship was well maintained, small yet spacious. There was so much food, which was unexpected and the quality was impeccable. The crew were exceptional and looked after all of us without fault, every single one of them were kind, always smiling and happy. Made the trip a really homey and comfortable environment. The Expedition guides went above and beyond every single day to ensure we saw as much as possible. They were super friendly, kind, caring, funny and always looking out for our safety. They were incredibly knowledgeable and answered all our questions. The presentations each evening were really informative and appreciated. The guides really made the whole experience so special, with so many ‘WOW’ moments! We saw all the animals I wanted to see including walruses, arctic foxes and 4 polar bears. The only negative is that I was greedy and wanted to see more polar bears, hahaha! Thank you so much for everything. This trip was more amazing than I ever could imagined and will cherish those memories forever.
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Ingemar Larsson, Sweden - June 2025
Svalbard must be experienced and we are very pleased with the arrangement and the knowledgeable guides. Very nice ship and staff.
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Janet & Eddie Brown, United Kingdom
Our trip was faultless, everything was so well organised, and every person so pleasant. We have travelled a lot, to over 80 countries in the world, with different companies, but yours “PolarQuest” certainly came out the top, yes you are our no. 1 company.
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Helene Hildebrandt, Switzerland
Very comptent Guides Ida and Ryan, excellent Boot (Comfort, good Food, friendy Personel), PolarQuest got 12 Points from Switzerland. It s the trip of my Life!"
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Jane & James Ellis, United Kingdom
A unique and mindful experience in the wilderness with two exceptional guides.
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Leaf Seligman, USA
Superb guides (ask for Ida and Ryan), excellent crew, super knowledgeable captain.
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Peggy Friar, USA
I really wanted to go to the Arctic and PolarQuest made that possible in a most unobtrusive, way. The 12 passenger ship was the perfect size for exploring and maximizing opportunities to see and experience the wild Arctic. The guides and crew had intimate knowledge of the area and the sea/ice/weather conditions.
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Diana Elias & Mark Herbst, USA
The enormity and beauty of the landscape was multiplied by the warmth and ability of the crew and guides. Our expectations were vastly exceeded!
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Kerri & Graham Parkes, Australia
Loved the small boat. Boris and Eva were so informative and their love of the land and environment shone through whilst showing us the sights. Ensuring our trip was the best it could be. The Captain and crew were wonderful, food was amazing. Thank you kindly.
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Daniel Kahn, USA
Everything was well run and smooth. You guys have got this down. Guides were really passionate about what they were doing, and it really impacted the experience for all of us. Many elements on the ship over-delivered . Food, cabin daily housekeeping, genuine friendliness of the ship s crew. Everything was great.
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Johanna Storm & Andrew Greenwood
This was THE trip of a lifetime for us, and we see it as such a privilege to have been allowed to share, for 10 days, the remarkable living space of all those incredible Arctic animals we encountered. The geology and landscape were simply mind-blowing, the midnight sun a unique experience that took a while to sink in, and the botany a revelation! Many memories of unexpected encounters in the Arctic region of Svalbard and of all those glacier walls and mesmerizing blue icebergs will remain with me until I die. The ship crew was formidable, the food copious and delicious, and no request was ever a problem. Our guides, Eva and Boris, were lovely and simply the best professional guides anyone could have wished for. Both our guides and the entirety of our ship staff are a true asset to PolarQuest Expeditions and made our experience into what it was – absolutely unique and unforgettable!
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Willem van Breugel & Imke de Pater, USA
Excellent guides, crew, and food:-) Flexible route planning as weather conditions and viewing opportunities would allow. Right size, small group with similar adventurous ideas.
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Grace Ann Flesher, USA
Amazing guides, great itinerary, comfortable accomodations, good food, professional crew, excellent logistics.
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Fiona & John Galazin, United Kingdom
Great guides, wonderful ship, great food, helpful captain and crew, good weather. Everything was wonderful from beginning to end.
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Ralph Rudolf, Germany
I have no friends with interest in polar travel or the financial ability to finance such a trip. Nevertheless, the trip with M/S Sjøveien, its crew, and in particular our exceptional guides Ida and Ryan in the great Svalbald geoscape was delightful!