Many trips to Svalbard offer the chance to explore the vast pack ice, but this expedition stands out for the additional time devoted to this unique ecosystem — at once frozen and in constant motion — north of Spitsbergen.
Aboard the M/S Quest, a comfortable 50-passenger ship, travellers will experience the exceptional stillness of the pack ice while observing the Arctic Ocean's iconic wildlife — seals, ivory gulls and polar bears.
Day-by-day itinerary:
Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Arrival in Longyearbyen and transfer to the hotel.
Days 2 to 11: Expedition cruise
In the morning, free time to explore Longyearbyen at your own pace before meeting your fellow travellers and guides for lunch.
In the afternoon, boarding of the expedition ship and sailing through the spectacular Isfjorden — the Arctic adventure begins!
We enter a region of the world entirely dependent on ice and weather conditions. The exact route will therefore be determined by these factors, as well as by the wildlife encountered along the way.
Our goal: to run zodiac excursions and landings every day whenever conditions allow. Here are a few examples of sites we might explore:
Northwest Spitsbergen
Isfjorden is home to magnificent landing sites and excellent hiking opportunities. At its entrance stands the iconic cliff of Alkhornet, where arctic foxes often slip between the rocks in search of food.
In Kongsfjorden lies the scientific village of Ny-Ålesund, from which Amundsen and Nobile launched their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. It was also from Danskøya that other bold attempts were made: the Swede Andrée's hydrogen balloon expedition, and the American Wellman's airship attempt. Remnants of these legendary expeditions can still be seen there.
The majestic fjords of Spitsbergen
Svalbard is famous for its spectacular fjords.
Among those you might visit:
Liefdefjorden, or “the fjord of love”, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, where we hope to sail along the Monaco glacier. Numerous eiders and pink-footed geese nest in the area.
Krossfjorden, with its impressive 14th of July Glacier and cliffs where kittiwakes and Brünnich's guillemots nest.
Raudfjorden, of striking natural beauty, dominated by vast glaciers and frequented by seals and numerous seabirds.
Northern Spitsbergen
Heading toward the North Pole, the goal is to reach the pack ice north of Spitsbergen and spend about two days there. This shifting, spectacular environment offers a unique experience of silence and natural power.
Few ships venture here: we will be able to enjoy the stillness of this icy world while observing the Arctic's iconic wildlife — polar bears, seals and ivory gulls.
Sjuøyane
This archipelago, located north of Nordaustlandet, forms the northernmost land in Svalbard. On the island of Rossøya, Andrée and his companions had set up a supply depot in case their balloon expedition failed in the late 1800s.
Hinlopen Strait and Alkefjellet
If ice conditions allow, we will enter the Hinlopen Strait, home to Alkefjellet, an impressive basalt cliff sheltering around 200,000 Brünnich's guillemots.
We may also continue toward the superb Palanderbukta bay, on Nordaustlandet.
Eastern Svalbard
The island of Nordaustlandet is covered by an immense ice cap that fascinates naturalists and explorers alike. The gigantic Bråsvellbreen glacier stretches nearly 180 kilometres, and its 15- to 20-metre-high ice front is pierced by hundreds of waterfalls.
Day 12: Longyearbyen
Morning disembarkation from the expedition ship, followed by transfer for the journey home.
Important notes
This itinerary is given as a guide only. The exact route will depend on ice and weather conditions, wildlife encountered and local regulations. The sites mentioned are only a few examples among the many treasures Svalbard holds.
Flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!
Important information
To ensure responsible tourism and environmental protection, new regulations came into force in Svalbard as of 1 January 2025.
