Expedition Svalbard with M/S Stockholm 2026
Embarking on a Svalbard journey on board the quaint and timeless 12-passenger ship M/S Stockholm promises an unparalleled adventure. With over two decades of exploring the Svalbard region, the M/S Stockholm boasts a wealth of experience and an impressive track record, enabling access to remote locations that other ships cannot reach.
From late June through early August, Svalbard basks in the embrace of summer. The magical midnight sun reigns supreme, illuminating slopes adorned with purple saxifrage. As the surrounding ice gradually recedes, it expands the possibilities for exploration, particularly towards the eastern reaches. Whales are more frequently seen in the waters, and more and more snow-free areas open up for longer walks in the pristine wilderness.
Autumn arrives in late August and it is now that the snow free landscape is most visible. The midnight sun is brushing 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
- Each trip is unique
- Offer: USD 500 Discount
Itinerary
Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
We arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to our hotel.
Day 2 - 11: Expedition cruising
Explore Longyearbyen on your own before meeting up your fellow travellers and guides for lunch. In the afternoon we embark the expedition ship and sail out through the spectacular Isfjorden - the Arctic expedition has started! 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 head out on Zodiac cruises every day and to go ashore when the opportunity arises. 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. Here the giant glacier
Bråsvellbreen stretches for 200 kilometres! The
15-20-metre high ice edge is intersected by
hundreds of melt-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.
Day 12: Longyearbyen
Early morning we disembark our expedition ship and begin our journey back home.
Please note: All itineraries are for guidance only. Our exact route will depend on the ice, weather conditions, wildlife and government regulations. The places mentioned are just examples of some of the many sites Svalbard has to offer. We always strive to maximise your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!
Important: To ensure responsible tourism and protection of the environment, new regulations come into force in Svalbard on 1 January 2025. Read more about the regulations and PolarQuest's comments about these changes.
The ship M/S Stockholm
- 25 years exploring Svalbard
- Accommodates only 12 guests
- 1 guide for every 6 guests
- All bevarages included
- Brass details and wooden decks
- Immersive historical charm
A CLASSIC EXPEDITION SHIP LOVED BY MANY
The M/S Stockholm is a classic vessel, originally built in 1953 for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. In 1998, she underwent a complete refit and embarked on her new journey as a comfortable polar expedition ship. The M/S Stockholm accommodates up to 12 passengers in cozy twin cabins equipped with bunk beds, private facilities, and small windows (portholes). With her beautiful brass details and wooden decks, M/S Stockholm stands as a stunning piece of maritime history, cherished by many for her charm and elegance.
Boasting 25 years of navigating Svalbard's challenging waters, the M/S Stockholm has proven her capability to reach remote sites that are inaccessible to larger ships.
On board, you'll enjoy delicious meals in the company of like-minded travellers who share a fascination for the Arctic's captivating nature, wildlife, and history. The food on board is of high standard and all beverages are included in the price. The intimate setting, akin to a private yacht, ensures a personalised and unforgettable experience.
The crew's genuine enthusiasm for the Arctic's unique wildlife and pristine environments is a key to the authentic expedition cruises offered on the M/S Stockholm. A journey through these northern waters, with its unparalleled wildlife and untouched landscapes, is an experience of a lifetime! To enhance exploration, the ship is equipped with two Zodiacs and staffed by two knowledgeable guides.
Cabins & prices
- Book any Svalbard expedition in 2026 by 31st May 2025 at the latest and get a USD 500 discount per person! Cannot be combined with any other offers.
Cabin category | Price per person | ||
---|---|---|---|
Twin Cabin | bunk bed & private facilities | USD 12 690 | |
Twin Cabin for single use | bunk bed & private facilities | USD 24 090 |
Price includes
- 1 night in a hotel in Longyearbyen
- 10 nights on board M/S Stockholm
- Lunch day 2
- All meals on board
- All beverages
- 1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide
- Guiding ashore and talks on board
- All excursions and activities
Not included
- Flight to/from Longyearbyen
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Gratuity to the ship’s crew
Departures & booking
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or wish to make a reservation.
Booking requestDeparture | Return |
---|---|
5 July 2026 | 16 July 2026 |
15 July 2026 | 26 July 2026 |
4 August 2026 | 15 August 2026 |
14 August 2026 | 25 August 2026 |
3 September 2026 | 14 September 2026 |
13 September 2026 | 24 September 2026 |