Expedition Spitzbergen with M/S Quest 2021
Join a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in one of the world's most remote wildernesses - Svalbard! In August it is Arctic summer, the midnight sun reigns supreme and the ice thaws around the islands, which offers good opportunities to explore the seldom visited eastern parts of the archipelago. Whales are more frequently seen in the waters and more and more snow-free areas become accessible for longer walks. With ten nights on board we have plenty of time for grand nature experiences. Please note that this is a German speaking departure.
- A once-in-a-lifetime adventure
- 10 nights on board M/S Quest
- Small group - great moments
- 5-star nature experiences
- 5 German speaking guides
- 100 % climate compensated
- Offer: Risk-free bookings
Itinerary
Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
We arrive in Longyearbyen, embark our expedition ship in the afternoon and sail out through the spectacular Isfjorden.
Day 2 - 10: Expedition
We are now in a part of the world where we are totally dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Our exact itinerary depends on these factors and on the wildlife we encounter. Our ambition is to make landings or cruises every day with our Zodiacs. Here are some examples of places we may visit:
Northwest Spitsbergen
The scientific village of Ny-Ålesund is situated in Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. Two other courageous attempts to reach the North Pole started on the island of Danskøya. Swedish explorer Andrée made an attempt with a hydrogen balloon and American journalist Wellman started with an airship. There are still interesting remnants from these expeditions left on this site.
Magnificent fjords
Svalbard offers the visitor countless spectacular fjords. During our journey we will explore a few of them such as: Liefdefjorden, meaning “The fjord of love”, is lined with snow-covered mountain peaks and here we hope to cruise along the face of the spectacular Monaco Glacier. Many common eiders and pinkfooted geese nest in the area. In Krossfjorden we revel in the beautifully sculptured front of the 14th of July Glacier to the raucous greeting of the large number of kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots nesting on the nearby cliffs. Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty – dominated by beautiful glaciers. It is also a favourite spot for seals and the bird cliffs are bursting with activity.
Hinlopen Strait and Alkefjellet
If the ice allows we enter Hinlopen Strait. Here is Alkefjellet, an impressive, basaltic cliff, which is the home to an estimated 200 000 Brünnich’s guillemots. We may also continue into the beautiful bay Palanderbukta on Nordaustlandet.
Eastern Svalbard
The island of Nordaustlandet is covered by an enormous ice cap and fascinates naturalists as well as historians. There are huge glacier fronts here, intersected by hundreds of waterfalls. Barentsøya and Edgeøya offer magnificent landscapes and vast tundra. Chances to encounter walruses, Arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer are good here.
Southwest Spitsbergen
The grand fjords of Hornsund offer spectacular glaciers and a breathtaking landscape of towering mountain peaks, often reaching above the clouds. On a clear day we can see the summit of the highest mountain Hornsundtind, measuring 1431 meters. Hornsund is a favourite haunt for some of Svalbard’s polar bears and bearded seals are often seen resting on the fjord ice.
Day 11: Longyearbyen
Early morning we disembark our expedition ship and begin our journey back home.
Please note: Our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions and wildlife. The places mentioned are just examples of some of the many sites Svalbard has to offer. We always strive to maximize your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!
Language
On this expedition cruise you travel with five experienced German speaking guides and the language on board will be German. Since we are a Swedish based company, your booking confirmation, forms and predeparture information will be in English.
Secure Payment
PolarQuest places all revenue in a bond with the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency until the completion of your expedition. Read more here.
Risk-free bookings until 1st March 2021!
For all Svalbard voyages departing in 2021, we offer a risk-free booking policy until 1st March 2021. For cancellations made before 1st March 2021 all to PolarQuest paid means are 100 % refundable. This applies to all Svalbard bookings made after 22nd April 2020. After 1st March 2021 our general terms and conditions apply.
If you as per today have a risk-free cancellation date until 10th January 2021 stated in your reservation, it has automatically been extended to 1st March 2021.
Be inspired by our digital polar lectures!
Few trips can compare with a magnificent adventure to the realm of the polar bear, Svalbard, or the world's most remote continent, Antarctica. Our popular Expedition Leader Adam Rheborg has recorded short lectures on what it is like to travel with PolarQuest to these spectacular places on earth, and we hope that your longing to experience these fantastic places is even greater after you have listened!
The ship M/S Quest
A COMFORTABLE EXPEDITION SHIP WITH A WONDERFUL CREW
The ship was built in Denmark in 1992 to serve as a ferry on Greenland’s west coast. In 2004/2005 she was completely refurbished into a comfortable expedition ship and in 2018 she underwent a renovation of the passenger areas. M/S Quest takes 53 passengers and all 26 cabins are outside cabins with private facilities. The triple cabins have upper and lower berths. All other cabins have two lower berths or a double bed. In your cabin you find a desk with a chair and a cupboard for storage. The superior cabins are spacious and have armchairs and TV. The owner’s cabin has a double bed, two large picture windows, a separate seating area and TV.
In the dining room you are treated to delicious meals in between landings and in the panorama lounge you can enjoy breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape. Here you can listen to entertaining talks on the area’s flora, fauna and history. In the lounge you also find a bar and a small library. The ship has spacious observation decks, where you can enjoy the beautiful vistas. Passengers are welcome on the bridge around the clock and there is always something to see or search for. You are welcomed by an international crew and the atmosphere is relaxed and very friendly. There are five Zodiacs and five guides on board M/S Quest.
It is always possible to share a cabin on board M/S Quest. All cabins have windows and private facilities.
Cabins & prices
- For all Svalbard voyages departing in 2021, we offer a risk-free booking policy until 1st March 2021. For cancellations made before 1st March 2021 all to PolarQuest paid means are 100 % refundable. This applies to all Svalbard bookings made after 22nd April 2020. After 1st March 2021 our general terms and conditions apply. If you as per today have a risk-free cancellation date until 10th January 2021 stated in your reservation, it has automatically been extended to 1st March 2021.
Cabin category | Price per person | ||
---|---|---|---|
Triple cabin | upper/lower beds | USD 7 790 | |
Twin cabin | 2 twin beds | USD 9 490 | |
Twin cabin Plus | 2 twin beds | USD 10 090 | |
Double cabin | double bed | USD 10 090 | |
Double cabin Superior | large double bed* | USD 10 890 | |
Owner’s cabin | large double bed | USD 11 990 | |
Twin cabin for single use | USD 15 990 |
Please note: It is always possible to share a cabin on board M/S Quest. All cabins have windows and private facilities.
*The double bed in cabin 402, 319 & 301 is separable.
Price includes
- 10 nights on board M/S Quest
- All meals on board
- Coffee and tea
- An experienced Expedition Leader and knowledgeable guides (English & German speaking)
- Guiding ashore and talks on board
- All excursions and activities
- Comprehensive information material before the expedition
- The trip is climate compensated
Not included
- Flight to/from Longyearbyen
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- The customary gratuity to the ship’s crew
- Personal expenses such as bar and shop charges
Departures & booking
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or wish to make a reservation.
Booking requestDeparture | Return |
---|---|
7 August 2021 | 17 August 2021 |
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