We arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to our hotel.
Join us on an extraordinary Arctic adventure as we explore the realm of the polar bear, Svalbard!
Summer arrives at the end of June. The midnight sun reigns supreme and purple saxifrage decorates the slopes. As the ice around the islands thaws, it provides excellent opportunities to explore the archipelago's seldom-visited eastern parts. Whales are increasingly common in these waters, and more snow-free areas are opening up, allowing for longer walks. Autumn arrives in late August, when 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.
With ten nights on board the small and comfortable expedition vessel M/S Quest, we have ample time for experiencing the grandeur of nature.
• A once-in-a-lifetime adventure
• 10 nights on board M/S Quest
• Small group - great moments
• 5-star nature experiences
• 5 experienced guides
• All trips are unique
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 board the expedition ship and sail out through the spectacular 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 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 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.
Magnificent fjords
Svalbard offers visitors countless spectacular fjords. During our journey 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. 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. It is also a favourite haunt of seals and the bird cliffs are abuzz with activity.
Hinlopen Strait and Alkefjellet
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.
Eastern Svalbard
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 by hundreds of waterfalls. Barentsøya and Edgeøya offer magnificent scenery and vast tundra. Barentsøya and Edgeøya offer magnificent scenery and vast tundra. There is a good chance of seeing walrus, arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer.
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 you can see the summit of the highest mountain, Hornsundtind, at 1431 meters. Hornsund is a favourite haunt of some of Svalbard’s polar bears and bearded seals can often be seen resting on the fjord ice.
Day 12 - Longyearbyen
In the morning we leave the ship in Longyearbyen and begin our journey home.
Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.
M/S Quest 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 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.
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Guests #: | 50 |
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Ice Class: | 1D |
Speed: | 11 |
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Length: | 49m |
Width: | 11 |
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We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.