Svalbard Adventure with M/S Quest 2025
Experience a remarkable Svalbard adventure on board the small and comfortable 50-passenger expedition ship M/S Quest!
In June, the midnight sun reigns supreme, bird colonies teem with life, and the dramatic mountain ranges are beautifully snow-capped. The ice still keeps the islands in its grip and we can admire the ever-changing ice formations. Spring has arrived and summer is just around the corner.
Your journey begins with a night in a hotel in Longyearbyen, followed by seven nights on board the M/S Quest. As we navigate the magnificent Arctic wilderness of Svalbard, we will cruise along glittering glaciers and go ashore to take in the magnificent scenery. We also keep an eye out for the iconic wildlife, including walruses, seals, and polar bears.
- A true Arctic adventure
- 1 night in Longyearbyen
- 7 nights on the small expedition ship M/S Quest
- Magical midnight sun
- 5-star wildlife and nature experiences
- 5 experienced guides
Itinerary
Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
We arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to our hotel.
Day 2 - 8: Expedition cruising
Explore Longyearbyen on your own before meeting up your fellow expedition members and guides for lunch. In the afternoon we board the expedition ship and sail out through Isfjorden - the Arctic expedition has begun! We are now in a part of the world where we are completely dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Our exact itinerary will depend on these factors and on the wildlife we encounter. Our aim is to head out on Zodiacs cruises every day and also to go ashore when the opportunity arises. Here are some examples of places we may visit:
Prins Karls Forland
This narrow strip of land is covered by a magnificent and snow-covered mountain chain. The island is also home to many seabirds and harbour seals.
Virgohamna, Danskøya
Danskøya was the starting point for two of the most daring attempts to reach the North Pole. The Swedish explorer Andrée made an attempt with a hydrogen balloon and the American journalist Wellman started with an airship. Interesting remnants of these Arctic expeditions can still be seen here.
Fantastic fjords
Svalbard offers the visitor countless spectacular fjords. During our cruise we will explore some of them such as: Liefdefjorden, meaning “The fjord of love”, is lined with snow-capped mountain peaks and here we hope to cruise along the face of the spectacular Monaco Glacier. Many common eiders and pink-footed geese nest in the area and if we are lucky we may see the rare king eider. In Krossfjorden we enjoy in the beautifully sculpted front of the 14th of July Glacier and are greeted by the large numbers of kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots nesting on the nearby cliffs. Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty – dominated by magnificent glaciers. It is also a favourite spot of seals and the bird cliffs are abuzz with activity. Kongsfjorden is home to the scientific village of Ny-Ålesund. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile set out on their heroic expeditions to the North Pole.
North of Spitsbergen
North of Spitsbergen, we may come across the edge of the pack ice. Not many ships venture here and we can marvel at the silence and grandeur of this icy landscape. We keep an eye out for the iconic Arctic wildlife.
Day 9: Longyearbyen
Early in the morning, we disembark from 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!
Flights
We offer group flights from Oslo to Longyearbyen and return (limited availability). Contact us for more information.
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.
Upcoming webinar: Svalbard – The land of the midnight sun
28 October
Do you dream of experiencing Svalbard, this remote Arctic archipelago where the magical midnight sun reigns during the summer, sparkling glaciers reflect in the fjords, and where you can encounter animals like polar bears, walruses, and whales? Sign up for our webinar where Niklas Nilsson, Svalbard specialist at PolarQuest will take us on an exciting virtual journey into the Arctic wilderness.
The ship M/S Quest
- Only 50 passengers
- 5 Zodiacs & 5 guides
- Beautiful panorama lounge
- Spacious outer decks, free from crowds
- Small ship with a relaxed atmosphere
- Several cabin categories
A COMFORTABLE EXPEDITION SHIP WITH A WONDERFUL CREW
The ship was built in Denmark in 1992 to serve as a ferry along the west coast of Greenland. In 2004-2005, it was completely refurbished into a comfortable expedition ship, and in 2018, the passenger areas underwent further renovation. M/S Quest can accommodate 50 passengers, with all 24 cabins being outside cabins equipped with private facilities. The triple cabins feature upper and lower berths, while all other cabins have either two lower berths or a double bed. Each cabin includes a desk with a chair and a cupboard for storage. The superior cabins are spacious, featuring armchairs and a TV. The owner’s cabin offers a double bed, two large picture windows, a separate seating area, and a TV.
In the dining room, you enjoy delicious meals between landings, while the panorama lounge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This lounge serves as the venue for entertaining talks about the area's flora, fauna, and history. It also features a bar and a small library. The ship boasts spacious observation decks for you to enjoy the stunning vistas. The bridge welcomes you around the clock, and there is always something to see or search for. You are welcomed by an international crew, and the atmosphere on board is relaxed and very friendly. There are five Zodiacs and five guides on 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
Cabin category | Price per person | ||
---|---|---|---|
Triple cabin | upper/lower beds | USD 6 590 | |
Twin cabin | 2 twin beds | USD 7 890 | |
Twin cabin Plus | 2 twin beds | USD 8 190 | |
Double cabin | double bed | USD 8 190 | |
Double cabin Superior | large double bed* | USD 9 390 | |
Owner’s cabin | large double bed | USD 10 190 | |
Twin cabin for single use | USD 12 590 |
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 the Superior cabins is separable.
Price includes
- 1 night in a hotel in Longyearbyen
- 7 nights on board M/S Quest
- Lunch day 2
- All meals on board
- Coffee and tea
- An experienced Expedition Leader and knowledgeable guides
- 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
- 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 |
---|---|
2 June 2025 | 10 June 2025 |
16 June 2025 | 24 June 2025 |
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