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Watching for Polar Bears on ice

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Contemplating walruses at a haul-out

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Cruising spectacular ice-laden channels

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Sharing the tundra with reindeer and ptarmigan

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Witnessing seabirds swirling overhead

Svalbard Explorer

Jun 12-22, 2024

11 days | Arctic | Expedition Cruise

This tour is sold out. Please view our 2026 departure here.

Svalbard remains uncharted territory for most North Americans. Situated far above Norway, this remote High Arctic archipelago is a vast wilderness area of ice sheets, cliffs, tundra and mountains, whose northern borders and channels are firmly clenched by the solid sheet of sea ice that forms each winter. It is inhabited only by that High Arctic wildlife adapted to its rigours, and here that wildlife thrives.

On this exclusively chartered expedition cruise, we course the archipelago’s rugged coastlines and inlets with a special interest in Spitsbergen, the largest island. We’ll admire and experience Svalbard’s spectacular landscapes from our vessel and through a combination of Zodiac cruises and walks, ever watchful for wildlife and for spontaneous opportunities for discovery. Polar Bears find a stronghold here, and Svalbard offers a good chance to see them while they are still coursing over sea ice. Atlantic Walrus and Svalbard Reindeer can usually be seen well. The bird life is exquisite, with the gorgeous Red Phalarope, King Eider and Ivory Gull being standouts among a variety of other sea and land birds getting on with breeding activities. The tundra flora will be awakening as well! Wildlife and scenery photographic opportunities abound as we skirt huge glaciers and jagged peaks!

We’ll sail on a customized itinerary upon the MV Polarfront, a small (16-passenger) vessel that gives us maximum maneuverability and provides the highest degree of comfort without losing that ‘expedition feel’ that Quest travellers enjoy. This is a high value and high impact experience. If you love big, wild spaces, please join us on this exclusive journey!

Tour Cost (per person):

US$12,950 - US$14,960, depending on cabin type

Group Size:

12 - 16 participants

What’s included: Services and meals as listed in the itinerary; 10-night cruise aboard the M/V Polarfront based on double occupancy; gratuities for services provided by Quest; services of your TWO on-board Quest expedition leaders; wine aboard the vessel with dinner.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Activity
1	Meet in Longyearbyen
2	Embark the MV Polarfront
3 - 11	Explore the archipelago
12	Disembark, depart

Download Itinerary

Ship Information

We have chartered the M/V Polarfront exclusively for our Quest group. Built in 1974-1975, she originally served as a Norwegian weather ship maintained by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute. The last working weather ship in the world, she was retired in 2010, and found new life in 2017 when she was refurbished for expedition travel in the High Arctic. She is 55 metres long and sails at maximum speed of 10 knots. She accommodates 12-16 passengers and 12 crew members.

Your Tour Leaders

A veteran Svalbard explorer and animal-loving outdoor enthusiast, Eva Molin Westerholm considers herself very lucky having explored many countries of the world in the last 15 years. The polar regions are of particular interest to her, and she cannot wait to share whatever can be found out there – whether it be a whale, bird, or the flora – nothing is too small to inspire investigation.

Boris Wise is a passionate naturalist, wilderness guide, and excellent photographer. He began his career guiding in Southeast Alaska, where he worked for 10 years before sailing on his first expedition cruise ship in 2010. Boris is a seasoned polar expedition explorer having sailed throughout Arctic Canada, along the coasts of Greenland, Antarctica and throughout Svalbard many times, among other places. He spends much of his professional and personal time exploring with his wife Eva Westerholm.

Email Us

Or call 1-800-387-1483 with any questions or to reserve your spot!

Tour Cost (per person):

US$12,950 - US$14,960, depending on cabin type

Group Size:

12 - 16 participants

What You'll See:

Where You'll Stay:

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Expedition Cruise

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Svalbard Explorer