Expedition Svalbard with M/S Stockholm 2020
To travel on board our 12-passenger ship M/S Stockholm is a truly unique experience. After 20 years in Svalbard she has the experience and track record of being able to reach sites that are inaccessible to other ships. In July the summer has arrived, the midnight sun reigns supreme and the purple saxifrage decorates the slopes. The ice is slowly starting to loosen its grip, 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 snowfree areas become accessible for longer walks. Later in August the sun is closer to the horizon, preparing for the polar night, giving us beautiful sunsets and a warm light, perfect for photography.
- Only 12 passengers
- Unique expedition ship from 1953
- M/S Stockholm has salied in Svalbard since 1998
- 2 experienced guides
- Every trip is unique
- 100 % climate compensated
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 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!
The ship M/S Stockholm
A CLASSIC EXPEDITION SHIP LOVED BY MANY
The M/S Stockholm is a classic ship built in 1953 for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. In 1998 she was totally refitted and started her career as a comfortable polar passenger ship. The M/S Stockholm carries a maximum of 12 passengers in twin cabins with bunk beds. All cabins have private facilities and small windows (portholes). M/S Stockholm is a marvellous piece of maritime history with beautiful brass details and
wooden decks. It is no wonder she is loved by so many! After 20 years of navigating the waters in Svalbard she has the experience and track record of being able to access difficult to reach sites that are inaccessible to other ships.
On board you will enjoy delicious meals in the company of
likeminded travellers, who are all fascinated by the Arctic nature, wildlife and history. The food on board is of high standard and all beverages are included in the price. With such a small party on board, this is like travelling on a private yacht. The crew on board M/S Stockholm are also great enthusiasts of the unique wildlife and unspoiled nature. Their genuine curiosity is a prerequisite for expedition cruises of this kind. A trip on board M/S Stockholm in these northern waters, with its unique wildlife and pristine nature, is an experience of a lifetime! There are two Zodiacs and two guides on board M/S Stockholm.
Cabins & prices
Cabin category | Price per person | ||
---|---|---|---|
Twin Cabin | bunk beds & private facilities | USD 11 490 | |
Twin Cabin for single use | USD 21 890 |
Price includes
- 10 nights on board M/S Stockholm
- All meals on board
- All beverages
- 1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide
- Guiding ashore and talks on board
- All excursions and activities
- The customary gratuity to the ship’s crew
- Comprehensive information material before the expedition
- The trip is climate compensated
Not included
- Flight to/from Longyearbyen
- Travel and cancellation insurance
Departures & booking
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or wish to make a reservation.
Booking requestDeparture | Return |
---|---|
25 June 2020 | 5 July 2020 |
15 July 2020 | 25 July 2020 |
25 July 2020 | 4 August 2020 |
4 August 2020 | 14 August 2020 |
14 August 2020 | 24 August 2020 |
24 August 2020 | 3 September 2020 |
3 September 2020 | 13 September 2020 |
Related blog posts
-
5 September - Isfjorden
PolarQuest's Niklas Nilsson was given the opportunity to travel with our gem M/S Stockholm on a trip in early September - please read his blog post below!
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50 shades of blue
Please read a blog post about when M/S Stockholm's expedition members visited the former mining settlement Pyramiden.
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