We are delighted to be working with Polar Quest, our long time Swedish associates for this exploration of magnificent Svalbard aboard their vessel, the 50-passenger MS Quest. Polar Quest have been taking travellers on remarkable journeys to the Arctic for over 25-years and for this departure in late summer, they have made some cabins available to us at much reduced prices.
A trip to Svalbard leaves few visitors unmoved. It is a magical world of midnight sun and pack ice, sparkling glaciers and incredible wildlife – just a stone's throw from the North Pole. This remote and spectacular archipelago of immense glaciers, narrow fjords and abundant wildlife is a true Arctic wilderness. Unlike many other places in the Arctic, the animals in Svalbard are protected, which means that they do not shy away from humans but rather show curiosity. It is difficult to say exactly how many polar bears there are in Svalbard as the population moves over large areas, but during an expedition cruise the chances are good of seeing some of them. In addition to polar bears, there are 21 different species of mammals that live on land and ice or in the sea around Svalbard. Half of these are whales. Other mammals that we find here are walrus, various species of seals, arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer.
Svalbard also has a rich birdlife, especially seabirds that breed in large colonies around the archipelago. More than 200 bird species have been observed on Svalbard and its waters, but only a few dozen species breed. Four species make up 95 percent of the birdlife: the Spitsbergen tern, the petrel, the auk and the kittiwake. Their enormous populations reflect the richness and productivity of the sea. Nowhere else is such a rich birdlife found so far north.
The MS Quest is a comfortable, small expedition ship which was built in Denmark to operate in the Arctic. The vessel’s superior manoeuvrability coupled with a veteran crew will allow us to access the bays and fjords and the ship’s fleet of Zodiac landing craft will enable us to explore even further, get close to wildlife and make landings for walks ashore. Joining you on board will be a knowledgeable expedition team which includes naturalists and geologists, all of whom have a genuine passion for the Polar regions. Their expertise and professionalism will enhance your cruise in so many ways. The voyage is undertaken in the spirit of discovery; the pace is unhurried and the options are many, so the day-by-day itinerary shown is a thoughtfully considered framework based on the vessel’s long experience in this region.
Quest
The MS Quest is the ideal small expedition ship, accommodating a maximum of 50 passengers in attractive and comfortable cabins with outside views. Built in Denmark in 1992 and last refurbished in 2018, this stout-hearted ship can operate in the most demanding and difficult places. As you would expect from a vessel designed and built in Denmark, she is comfortable and up to date with all the latest safety and communications equipment and her small size allows her to venture where larger ships cannot.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
Fly by scheduled flight via Oslo. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 Longyearbyen.
After a leisurely morning to explore Longyearbyen independently we will meet our fellow travellers for lunch. In the afternoon we transfer to the MS Quest and this evening will sail through the spectacular Isfjorden as our Arctic adventure commences.
Days 3 to 11 Expedition Cruising in Svalbard.
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 Zodiac cruises every day and to go ashore when the opportunity arises and below are examples of places we hope to visit.
The scientific village of Ny-Ålesund is located 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. The Swedish explorer Andrée made an attempt with a hydrogen balloon, and the American journalist Wellman started with an airship. Interesting remnants of these expeditions can still be seen here. Svalbard offers visitors countless spectacular fjords which we hope to explore. 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. In Krossfjorden we revel in the beautifully sculpted front of the 14th of July Glacier and are greeted by the many kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots that nest on the nearby cliffs. Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty – dominated by magnificent glaciers and a favourite haunt of seals whilst the bird cliffs are abuzz with activity. Ice conditions permitting, we enter the Hinlopen Strait. Here we find Alkefjellet, an impressive basalt cliff that is home to an estimated 200 000 Brünnich’s guillemots. We may also continue into the beautiful bay of Palanderbukta on Nordaustlandet. The island of Nordaustlandet is covered by a huge ice cap and has fascinated naturalists and historians alike. Here the giant glacier Bråsvellbreen stretches for 180 kilometres. The 15-20 metre high ice edge is punctuated by hundreds of waterfalls. Barentsøya and Edgeøya offer magnificent scenery and vast tundra where there is a good chance of seeing walrus, arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer. 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 you can see the summit of the highest mountain, Hornsundtind, at 1431 metres.
Day 12 Longyearbyen to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to
London
Dates and Prices
WEB EXCLUSIVE – LATE AVAILABILITY OFFER
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 21 August to 1 September 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Twin Cabin | £8295 | |
| Double Cabin | £8895 | |
| Twin Cabin | On Request | |
| Double Cabin Superior | £9295 | |
| Owners Double | On Request | |
| Twin Cabin for Sole Use | On Request | |
Tour Reference Code: SCQU210825
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel accommodation in Longyearbyen with breakfast • Lunch on Day 2 • 10 nights aboard the MS Quest on a full board basis • Polar Quest expedition team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, drinks.
During this expedition you will be visiting out of the way destinations and will be accompanied by an expedition team. Landings and excursions will be made by Zodiac landing craft. The use of Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the itinerary as shown. If you have any queries pertaining to the use of Zodiacs or the level of fitness required for this voyage, please do not hesitate to ask one of our experienced travel consultants.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
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Deck plan
Quest
The MS Quest is the ideal small expedition ship, accommodating a maximum of 50 passengers in attractive and comfortable cabins with outside views. Built in Denmark in 1992 and last refurbished in 2018, this stout-hearted ship can operate in the most demanding and difficult places. As you would expect from a vessel designed and built in Denmark, she is comfortable and up to date with all the latest safety and communications equipment and her small size allows her to venture where larger ships cannot.
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Deck Plan
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Deck plan
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Deck plan
Travelling with You
Guest Speaker - Mattias Klum
World-famous photographer and filmmaker, Mattias Klum will be joining the team on board as Guest Speaker. Mattias will present talks about his worldwide projects and expeditions to some of the most unique, remote, and exciting places on our planet. He will also conduct photo workshops and be available to answer questions and provide tips on photography. He has worked as a professional photographer since 1986, and as a cinematographer and director on numerous film and television projects since 1994. Mattias Klum is internationally recognised for describing, visualizing and portraying animals, plants, and natural and cultural settings in the form of articles, books, films, lectures and exhibitions. Mattias Klum’s work has been featured in many international publications, such as National Geographic, BBC Wildlife and The New York Times.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000