It is spring in the Arctic and it is an indescribable experience to be there and witness the archipelago spring to life. The polar bear yearlings venture out for the first time, the Arctic foxes and the Svalbard reindeer still wear their winter fur and seals, and walruses can often be seen resting on the fjord ice. The little auks and the Brünnich’s guillemots have returned to their summer nests and the bird cliffs are teeming with life. This is also a great period to spot the king eider and rock ptarmigan. Join the M/S Quest on this fantastic 9-day voyage that offers you the opportunity to admire the dazzling beauty of the Arctic.
Highlights
Enjoy Alkhornet's beautiful tundra and its incredible birdlife
Keep your eyes open and search for the exotic wildlife, such as arctic foxes
Visit Prins Karls Forland to admire a magnificent and snow-covered mountain
Discover Danskøya, where Andrée made an attempt to reach the North Pole
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Start your adventure in Svalbard by exploring Longyearbyen. In the afternoon embark the expedition ship and head out through Isfjorden. Perhaps make an evening landing before continuing either south or north – all depending on the weather and the current ice situation. Here are some examples of places you may visit:
Alkhornet
At the entrance of Isfjorden is the characteristic cliff Alkhornet. Go ashore to enjoy the beautiful tundra and its birdlife with barnacle geese, Brünnich’s guillemots, glaucous gulls, snow buntings, and tens of thousands of kittiwakes. Arctic foxes are sometimes seen in the rock crevices around the mountain and with some luck you might see these lovely little animals scurrying around, frantically looking for food.
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.
Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden
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. In the nearby Krossfjorden 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
Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty – dominated by beautiful glaciers. It is also a favorite spot for seals and the bird cliffs are bursting with activity.
Virgohamna, Danskøya
Two of the most courageous attempts to reach the North Pole started on the island of Danskøya. Swedish balloonist 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.
Bellsund
At the beautiful Vårsolbukta in Bellsund little auks nest by the tens of thousands. Go ashore and walk across the tundra to take a closer look at these charming birds.
Hornsund
The majestic Hornsund consists of several magnificent fjords along the west coast of Spitsbergen, where enormous glaciers calve out shimmering blue ice. This is one of the favorite haunts for some of Svalbard’s polar bears and if lucky you can spot one of them on the fjord ice.
Day 9: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen
1 Breakfast
Arrive in Longyearbyen in the early morning and begin your journey home.
Please note: The itinerary is for guidance only. Our exact route will depend on 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 maximize your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$5,790
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Triple Cabin
Triple Cabin with upper and lower berths. Located on Deck 3.
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Twin Cabin
Twin Cabin with two twin beds. Located on Deck 3.
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Twin Cabin Plus
Twin Cabin Plus with two twin beds. Located on Deck 3.
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Double Cabin
Double Cabin with one double bed. Located on Deck 3.
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Double Cabin Superior
Double Cabin Superior with one large double bed. Located on Deck 3.
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Owners Cabin
Owners Cabin with one large double bed. Located on Deck 4.
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Solo Twin Cabin
Twin Cabin for solo use. Same cabins as the Twin Cabin, located on Deck 3.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 166 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
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Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
1 day ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
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2 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner
Fiona Lonsdale
3 days ago
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!