STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACPOEXSV
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (Light Adventure)
Start: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Finish: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
SHIP: M/S Quest
Svalbard & The Arctic
12/07/2025, 01/08/2025, 11/08/2025, 18/06/2026
All Meals, Tea, And Coffee On Board Throughout Your Voyage
Cabin On Board Ship & Hotel
Daily Arctic Excursions, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings By The Experienced Expedition Team
NOTE: Itinerary Is Subject To Change Depending On Weather & Ice Conditions
Come along on an incredible Arctic journey with us as we investigate Svalbard, the home of the polar bear!
The end of June marks the arrival of summer. Purple saxifrage adorns the mountains, and the midnight sun rules supreme. The thawing of the ice around the islands offers fantastic chances to see the eastern regions of the archipelago, which are rarely visited. Longer hikes are becoming possible as more snow-free areas open up and whales become more frequent in these waters. In late August, when the snow-free landscape is most noticeable, autumn arrives. In preparation for the arctic night, the midnight sun is grazing the horizon, providing us with stunning sunsets and a warm glow that is ideal for photography.
We arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to our hotel.
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. 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.
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!
A once-in-a-lifetime Arctic adventure that is not just about seeing the world; it’s about stepping into a place where the Earth still feels wild, ancient, and full of endless possibility
A 5-star nature experience that is more than a vacation—it’s a profound connection to the Earth’s most beautiful, fragile, and awe-inspiring landscapes, offering moments of quiet reflection, exhilarating discovery, and unforgettable memories that will stay with you long after you leave
Every Arctic journey is a unique odyssey, a story waiting to unfold in the stark, frozen wilderness where no two experiences are ever quite the same
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 renovation of the passenger areas. Enjoy your next adventure on this comfortable, small and nimble vessel Onboard you will find a laid back atmosphere and you'll be able to get to know your fellow guests, with a maximum of just 50 guests onboard. Take some time out on the observation decks to enjoy the beautiful views of the icy and desolate landscapes of the Arctic and get cosy in the Panorama Lounge with large windows, perfect for watching the world go by. All of the cabins onboard have picture windows and private bathrooms.
Ice Class:
Length: 49.65 m
Breadth: 11 mMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:50
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
These are included in your cruise fare. Activities vary by itinerary and destination and are subject to regulations, weather conditions and other factors.
These can be booked in advance at an extra cost. Activities vary by itinerary and destination.
Pricing & Availability Last Updated 22 May 2025
Expedition Svalbard | MS Quest from £ 8,107 | ||
Departing | Ending | Duration |
---|---|---|
12 Jul 2025 | 23 Jul 2025 | 12 |
01 Aug 2025 | 12 Aug 2025 | 12 |
11 Aug 2025 | 22 Aug 2025 | 12 |
18 Jun 2026 | 29 Jun 2026 | 12 |
Prices are based on per person, and vary from single, triple, and twin cabins.
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Please note this itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions*
One night in a hotel in Longyearbyen.
Cabin accommodation on board ship.
Lunch on day two.
All meals, tea, and coffee on board throughout your voyage.
All scheduled landings and excursions.
Guiding and leadership by expert exploration team and crew.
Flights to/from Longyearbyen.
Group transfers to/from hotel and ship.
Any other pre or post land arrangements not mentioned above.
Passport and visa expenses.
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above.
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended.
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned.
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew.
Meals ashore unless otherwise specified.
Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights.
Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified.
Optional Adventure Activities.
Available upon request. A supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.
Departure date, fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.