SVALBARDLOFOTEN, BEAR ISLAND & SVALBARD - SPRINGTIME IN SVALBARD - SVALBARD ADVENTURE2 -0 EXPEDITION1 SVALBARD9 POLAR ADVENTURES SINCE 1999 For 20 years, we have taken adventurous travellers to the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. From May to September, our three small expedition ships explore this magnificent wilderness that are home to animals such as the charming walrus, the cute Arctic fox, the endemic Svalbard reindeer and last, but certainly not least, the king of the Arctic – the polar bear. Every expedition with PolarQuest is unique and our aim is that each passenger will have the trip of a lifetime. When you call our office you will speak to members of staff, whom all have been to Svalbard themselves and can answer all your questions about the big adventure. Welcome on board! SMALL EXPEDITION SHIPS – GREAT MOMENTS Our expedition ships are comfortable, carry only 12 or 53 passengers and when you travel through Svalbard’s untamed wilderness as the exact route offer a completely different experience compared to a larger ship. We can depends on weather, ice conditions and wildlife encounters. Sometimes you reach some of the most inaccessible areas, all passengers can go ashore might be woken up in the middle of the bright night if a polar bear has been at the same time and we can maximise the time to ensure that you get the spotted on the ice or a whale in front of the ship. Below, please find our most out of your trip. Unpredictability and flexibility are the main keywords three ships (read more on p. 14 - 19).
M/S QUEST - 53 PASSENGERS M/S STOCKHOLM - 12 PASSENGERS M/S SJØVEIEN - 12 PASSENGERS M/S Quest is a comfortable expedition ship that M/S Stockholm is a classic ship with beautiful M/S Sjøveien was built in 1964 and after being a was built in 1992 and started her Svalbard brass details and wooden decks, built in 1953. hotel ship for the past few years she was refurbished career in 2008. The ship offers several cabin After 20 years in Svalbard she has the experience into a classic and exclusive passenger ship and categories, spacious decks and a beautiful and track record of being able to reach sites that started her career in Svalbard in 2017. She offers panorama lounge offering breath-taking views are inaccessible to other ships. beautiful wooden decks and spacious cabins. of the surrounding polar landscape.
2 THE ZODIACS - THE KEY TO INTIMATE EXPERIENCES
One of the secrets behind a successful expedition cruise is Ar cti c Ci the Zodiacs. With these safe and sturdy rubber boats we can rc le navigate among icebergs, cruise along glaciers and go ashore to Greenland get unique nature and wildlife experiences. Our ambition is to make landings or cruises every day. Iceland North Pole
OUR EXPERIENCED POLAR GUIDES Norway We know that the most important part of a trip is knowledgeable Svalbard and enthusiastic guides with a genuine love of the Arctic. On board, ashore and in the Zodiacs, they will teach you more about the flora, fauna and history of Svalbard. We also set high standards when it comes to safety.
“Yesterday we received the fantastic log “The expedition was absolutely fabulous, ” I am still in a dreamlike state after my of our expedition to Svalbard. It bought with a very efficient and friendly crew, wonderful trip to Svalbard on M/S Quest. back many memories of all the wonderful and delicious food. The Zodiac outings Thank you to all your multitalented guides experiences and adventures we had on and landings were awe-inspiring with who could not have done more to make the board and in the Zodiacs. The stunning five exceptional, highly professional and trip a fantastic experience. Thanks to all of views, scenery and wildlife encounters enthusiastic guides, giving excellent and you in the office too who made it all work will never be forgotten. We thought that captivating explanations on the Arctic from afar! Many thanks.” the whole trip was very well organised and fauna and flora, as well as on their / Doreen McBarnet the guides so professional, knowledgeable, environment and on different explorers.” helpful and very friendly. We had so many / Marit and Don Meredith “Attenborough moments” which made this trip easily the best we have ever been on.”
/ Richard and Christine Shortt
3 LOFOTEN, BEAR ISLAND & SVALBARD
Join us on an expedition cruise along the dramatic coastline and magnificent fjords of northern Norway, via the seldom visited Bear Island to the pearl of the Arctic: LOFOTEN, SVALBARD Svalbard. It is a busy time of the year. The sea eagles are frequenting Lofoten and the BEAR ISLAND Longyearbyen impressive cliffs of Bear Island are teeming with tens of thousands of birds. Svalbard & SVALBARD Storfjorden greets us with a breathtaking landscape, glittering ice, snow covered mountain tops, Hornsund midnight sun and magnificent wildlife. Bear Island GREENLAND Day 1: Bodø wooden houses, is overlooking Kirkefjord with
We arrive in Bodø and embark our expedition high mountaintops in the background. It is not Tromsø ship M/S Quest. Once settled in our cabins, we difficult to see how it has been voted Norway’s are welcomed by the guides and crew. During most beautiful place. Lofoten the afternoon we begin our voyage towards the Day 3: Nusfjord - Trollfjorden Bodø ICELAND dramatic Lofoten Islands. Today we visit Nusfjord. This is one of the NORWAY Day 2: Vedøya - Reine most well-preserved and picturesque fishing After breakfast we make a first trip in our Zodiac communities in the area, included on UNESCO’s around the spectacular island of Vedøya with its World Heritage list of unique wooden structures. Bear Island. After a few hours we reach a well- tens of thousands of nesting sea birds. Vedøya We go ashore and explore this historic little village known whale watching area that stretches along is also often frequented by eagles. We sail along with its distinct atmosphere and cod fisheries. We the continental shelf and we keep our eyes open the southern side of Lofoten, a vast collection of continue our cruise along the Lofoten wall and for these marvellous creatures of the sea. rocky islands rising from the sea, towards Reine. later arrive at the magically beautiful Trollfjorden. Day 4: Barents Sea This charming fishing village, with characteristic Afterwards we head out to sea and set course for Our sea journey continues further north. Interesting
4 talks on board introduce us to Bear Island’s of drift ice in the vast Storfjorden between the these charming birds swarming around us. exciting history. islands of Edgeøya and Spitsbergen, but we try Isfjorden Day 5: Bear Island to get as far north as possible. On the island of At the entrance of Isfjorden is the characteristic With our solid Zodiacs we explore this fascinating Edgeøya are remnants of the first Pomors who cliff Alkhornet. We go ashore to enjoy the beautiful rocky island in the middle of the Barents Sea. came to the area in the 1600s. These Russian tundra and its birdlife with barnacle geese, Because of the remoteness only a few ships can trappers came here to hunt polar bears, seals and Brünnich’s guillemots, glaucous gulls, snow stop by for a visit. Vertical 400-meter cliffs rise reindeers. On the east coast of Spitsbergen lies buntings and tens of thousands of kittiwakes. Some in the distance as we approach, and here we find Isbukta. In this spectacular bay we head out in Arctic foxes are often seen in the rock crevices one of the largest seabird colonies in the North our Zodiacs to enjoy the stunning views of the around the mountain and with some luck we might Atlantic. Tens of thousands of guillemots nest snow covered mountain peaks and the front of the see these lovely little animals scurrying around, here, as well as puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes and impressive glacier Vasil’evbreen. The bay is also a frantically looking for food. glaucous gulls. Our main goal is to go ashore and popular spot for Sabine’s gulls, Arctic skuas and Day 10: Longyearbyen explore Bear Island by foot. We then continue bearded seals. In the morning we leave the ship in Longyearbyen our journey into the Arctic waters and our next Hornsund & Bellsund and begin our journey home. destination is Svalbard – one of the world’s most The majestic Hornsund consists of several magnificent wildernesses. magnificent fjords along the west coast of Read more about the ship M/S Quest, dates and Day 6 - 9: Svalbard Spitsbergen, where enormous glaciers calve out prices on p. 14 - 15. It is early in the season so our route the shimmering blue ice. This is one of the favourite following days will depend on the weather and haunts for some of Svalbard’s polar bears and if Please note: ice conditions. These are examples of places we lucky we can spot one of them on the fjord ice. At Our exact route will depend on ice, weather might visit: the beautiful Vårsolbukta in Bellsund little auks conditions and wildlife. We always strive to Storfjorden nest by the tens of thousands. We go ashore and maximise your experience. Please remember that During this time of the year there is often a lot walk across the tundra to take a closer look at flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!
5 SPRINGTIME IN SVALBARD
During the month of May, Svalbard is characterised by a wonderful purity and offers breathtaking sceneries. The fairytale winter landscape is dominated by Storøya Danskøya Kvitøya sparkling ice formations, snow covered mountains, fjord ice and pastel coloured Nordaustlandet skies. It is spring in the Arctic and it is an indescribable experience to be there and witness the archipelago come to life. The polar bear yearlings venture out for Spitsbergen the first time, the Arctic foxes and the Svalbard reindeers still wear their winter fur and seals and walruses can often be seen resting on the fjord ice. The little Longyearbyen 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 time to spot the king eider and Hornsund SVALBARD rock ptarmigan.
With our sturdy Zodiacs we explore this winter Isfjorden. Perhaps we could make an evening buntings and tens of thousands of kittiwakes. Arctic wonderland, heading for some of Svalbard’s most landing before we continue either south or north foxes are sometimes seen in the rock crevices magnificent fjords and we try to make landings – all depending on the weather and the current around the mountain and with some luck we might wherever the ice allows us. ice situation. Here are some examples of places see these lovely little animals scurrying around, Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard we may visit: frantically looking for food. We arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to our hotel. Alkhornet Prins Karls Forland Day 2 - 8: Expedition At the entrance of Isfjorden is the characteristic This narrow strip of land is covered by a We start our adventure in Svalbard by exploring cliff Alkhornet. We go ashore to enjoy the beautiful magnificent and snow-covered mountain chain. Longyearbyen. In the afternoon we embark our tundra and its birdlife with barnacle geese, The island is also home to many seabirds and expedition ship M/S Quest and head out through Brünnich’s guillemots, glaucous gulls, snow harbour seals.
6 Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden hydrogen balloon and American journalist Wellman Read more about the ship M/S Quest, dates and The scientific village of Ny-Ålesund is situated in started with an airship. There are still interesting prices on p. 14 - 15. Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen remnants from these expeditions left on this site. and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the Bellsund Please note: Our exact route will depend on North Pole. In the nearby Krossfjorden we revel At the beautiful Vårsolbukta in Bellsund little ice, weather conditions and wildlife. The places in the beautifully sculptured front of the 14th of auks nest by the tens of thousands. We go ashore mentioned are just examples of some of the many July Glacier to the raucous greeting of the large and walk across the tundra to take a closer look sites Svalbard has to offer. We always strive to number of kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots at these charming birds. maximise your experience. Please remember that nesting on the nearby cliffs. Hornsund flexibility is the key to a successful expedition! Raudfjorden The majestic Hornsund consists of several Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural magnificent fjords along the west coast of beauty – dominated by beautiful glaciers. It is Spitsbergen, where enormous glaciers calve out also a favourite spot for seals and the bird cliffs shimmering blue ice. This is one of the favourite Snowshoeing For the active there is a chance are bursting with activity. haunts for some of Svalbard’s polar bears and if to explore the areas we visit with snowshoes. This is an extra option that requires a good Virgohamna, Danskøya lucky we can spot one of them on the fjord ice. level of fitness. Please note: this activity is Two of the most courageous attempts to reach Day 9: Longyearbyen always dependent on weather, wind and other the North Pole started on the island of Danskøya. In the morning we leave the ship in Longyearbyen safety precautions. Swedish explorer Andrée made an attempt with a and begin our journey home.
7 SVALBARD ADVENTURE The midnight sun reigns supreme, the bird colonies are teeming with life and the peaks of the dramatic mountain ranges are beautifully snow-covered. The ice still keeps the islands in its grip and we can admire the ever-changing ice formations. Spring has arrived and summer is just around the corner. This Arctic pearl has fascinated explorers for centuries, starting with Willem Barentzs, who discovered the main island Spitsbergen in 1596.
Storøya Danskøya Kvitøya
Nordaustlandet
Spitsbergen
Longyearbyen
Hornsund SVALBARD
Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard Zodiacs. Here are some examples of places we hydrogen balloon and American journalist Wellman We arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to our hotel. may visit: started with an airship. There are still interesting Day 2 - 8: Expedition Prins Karls Forland remnants from these expeditions left on this site. We start our adventure in Svalbard by exploring This narrow strip of land is covered by a Fantastic fjords Longyearbyen. In the afternoon we embark the magnificent and snow-covered mountain chain. Svalbard offers the visitor countless spectacular expedition ship and sail out through Isfjorden. We The island is also home to many seabirds and fjords. During our journey we will explore a few of are now in a part of the world where we are totally harbour seals. them such as: dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Virgohamna, Danskøya Liefdefjorden, meaning “The fjord of love”, is lined Our exact itinerary depends on these factors and Two of the most courageous attempts to reach with snow-covered mountain peaks and here we on the wildlife we encounter. Our ambition is the North Pole started on the island of Danskøya. hope to cruise along the face of the spectacular to make landings or cruises every day with our Swedish explorer Andrée made an attempt with a Monaco Glacier. Many common eiders and
8 pinkfooted geese nest in the area and if lucky we the pack ice. Not many ships venture here and Day 9: Longyearbyen could see the rare king eider. In Krossfjorden we we can marvel at the silence and grandeur of this Early morning we disembark our expedition ship revel in the beautifully sculptured front of the 14th icy landscape. Chances of meeting polar bears and begin our journey back home. of July Glacier to the raucous greeting of the large increase as we sail along the ice floes. number of kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots Southwest Spitsbergen Read more about the ships, dates and prices on nesting on the nearby cliffs. Raudfjorden is an area The grand fjords of Hornsund offer spectacular p. 14 - 19. of immense natural beauty – dominated by beautiful glaciers and a breathtaking landscape of glaciers. It is also a favourite spot for seals and the towering mountain peaks, often reaching above Please note: Our exact route will depend on bird cliffs are bursting with activity. The scientific the clouds. On a clear day we can see the ice, weather conditions and wildlife. The village of Ny-Ålesund is situated in Kongsfjorden. It summit of the highest mountain Hornsundtind, places mentioned are just examples of some was from here that Amundsen and Nobile started measuring 1431 meters. Hornsund is a of the many sites Svalbard has to offer. We their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. favourite haunt for some of Svalbard’s polar always strive to maximise your experience. North Spitsbergen bears and bearded seals are often seen resting Please remember that flexibility is the key to a North of Spitsbergen we might meet the edge of on the fjord ice. successful expedition!
9 EXPEDITION SVALBARD In July the summer has arrived, the midnight sun reigns supreme and the purple saxifrage decorates the slopes. The ice is slowly starting to loosen its grip, which offers Storøya Danskøya Kvitøya good opportunities to explore the seldom visited eastern parts of the archipelago. Nordaustlandet Later in August the sun is closer to the horizon, preparing for the polar night, giving us beautiful sunsets and a warm light, perfect for photography. With ten nights on Spitsbergen board we have plenty of time for grand nature experiences and wildlife encounters. Longyearbyen
Hornsund SVALBARD
Liefdefjorden, meaning “The fjord of love”, is lined with snow-covered mountain peaks and here we hope to cruise along the face of the spectacular Monaco Glacier. Many common eiders and pinkfooted geese nest in the area. In Krossfjorden we revel in the beautifully sculptured front of the 14th of July Glacier to the raucous greeting of the large number of kittiwakes Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen and Brünnich’s guillemots nesting on the nearby We arrive in Longyearbyen, embark our expedition and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the cliffs. Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural ship in the afternoon and sail out through the North Pole. beauty – dominated by beautiful glaciers. It is spectacular Isfjorden. Two other courageous attempts to reach the also a favourite spot for seals and the bird cliffs Day 2 - 10: Expedition North Pole started on the island of Danskøya. are bursting with activity. We are now in a part of the world where we Swedish explorer Andrée made an attempt with Hinlopen Strait and Alkefjellet are totally dependent on the ice and weather a hydrogen balloon and American journalist If the ice allows we enter Hinlopen Strait. Here conditions. Our exact itinerary depends on these Wellman started with an airship. There are still is Alkefjellet, an impressive, basaltic cliff, factors and on the wildlife we encounter. Our interesting remnants from these expeditions left which is the home to an estimated 200 000 ambition is to make landings or cruises every on this site. Brünnich’s guillemots. We may also continue day with our Zodiacs. Here are some examples of Magnificent fjords into the beautiful bay Palanderbukta on places we may visit: Svalbard offers the visitor countless spectacular Nordaustlandet. Northwest Spitsbergen fjords. During our journey we will explore a few of Eastern Svalbard The scientific village of Ny-Ålesund is situated in them such as: The island of Nordaustlandet is covered by an
10 enormous ice cap and fascinates naturalists as well mountain peaks, often reaching above the Read more about the ships, dates and prices on as historians. There are huge glacier fronts here, clouds. On a clear day we can see the summit of p. 14 - 19. intersected by hundreds of waterfalls. Barentsøya the highest mountain Hornsundtind, measuring and Edgeøya offer magnificent landscapes and 1431 meters. Hornsund is a favourite haunt for Please note: Our exact route will depend on vast tundra. Chances to encounter walruses, some of Svalbard’s polar bears and bearded seals ice, weather conditions and wildlife. The places Arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer are good here. are often seen resting on the fjord ice. mentioned are just examples of some of the many Southwest Spitsbergen Day 11: Longyearbyen sites Svalbard has to offer. We always strive to The grand fjords of Hornsund offer spectacular Early morning we disembark our expedition ship maximize your experience. Please remember that glaciers and a breathtaking landscape of towering and begin our journey back home. flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!
11 SPRING, SUMMER AND AUTUMN IN SVALBARD Thanks to the Gulf Current, Svalbard has a following is however a general description of the Colourful flowers are in bloom. mild climate compared to other areas on the Arctic summer season: Autumn arrives in late August and it is now same latitude. The average temperature in May and the beginning of June are that the snow free landscape is most visible. Longyearbyen in May - September is -5°C to characterised by a lot of snow and a wonderful The tundra is shifting in autumn colours and +5°C. During winter ice and snow cover the purity. It is still spring in the Arctic. This year’s the midnight sun is getting closer and closer archipelago, but when the warmer weather polar bear cubs are still small and sometimes to the horizon, which offers wonderful red arrives, the ice losens its grip and the coasts both bears and seals can be seen on the fjord ice and pink skies at sunset, as well as a warm become accessible by ship. Millions of seabirds in front of the glaciers. and soft light, perfect for anyone interested in arrive to their annual nesting sites and the Summer arrives in late June. The ice thaws photography. From mid-August you may be able archipelago teems with life. around the islands and this makes it possible to see the Ivory Gulls’ chicks, while some birds Please remember that no Arctic season is to get further east. Whales are more frequently are preparing to migrate. Harp seals can be exactly like the previous one. There is no way to seen in the waters and more and more snow- seen and female walruses with pups are not an tell what this year’s ice conditions will be. The free areas become accessible for longer walks. uncommon sight.
12 SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT AWARENESS - AECO We have returned from our wonderful The weather is stable during the summer months We travel carefully through ecologically sensitive journey and wanted to thank you, and even if fog, rain and snowfall may occur. Rainfall places, striving to have minimal impact on its especially everyone on the ship itself. is very limited as parts of Svalbard are considered environment and animals. PolarQuest is a proud Every single day that we had on board to be Arctic desert. There is midnight sun from member of AECO, an organisation promoting was a great experience. The flexibility and April to the end of August. To participate in our sustainable tourism in the Arctic. Travelling with inventiveness of the Expedition Leader expeditions you need to bring warm thermal PolarQuest, we hope that you will experience and the ship’s Captain and First Mate in underwear, warm middle layers, wind and many memorable moments, that you will have ensuring that we made the best of our waterproof jacket and trousers and a pair of fun, feel curious and act respectfully. Once back time considering the ice conditions as solid rubber boots. Thick soles for the boots home again, we encourage you to become a good well as the care taken not to disturb the and warm socks are also needed, as well as a ambassador for the Polar Regions. If you tell others native animal life and respect the distance warm hat, scarf and windproof gloves. A pair of about your experience, hopefully an increased needed, so as not to overstress them, was good binoculars is also highly recommended. awareness of the Arctic’s unique and fragile much appreciated. The ship’s crew, the When you book a trip with us, you will receive an environment will lead to a greater commitment restaurant staff who served our cheerful equipment checklist with suggestions on what to and a lifestyle that contributes to maintaining this and tasty ”yummi yummi” meals, our bring on the expedition. natural wonderland for many generations to come. cabin, were all excellent.”
/ Trevor Soames and Camilla Permin
13 THE SHIP M/S QUEST (FORMERLY SEA ENDURANCE, 53 PASSENGERS) A COMFORTABLE EXPEDITION SHIP WITH A WONDERFUL CREW The ship 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 is undergoing a renovation of the passenger areas. M/S Quest takes 53 passengers and all 26 cabins are outside cabins with private facilities. The triple cabins have upper and lower berths. All other cabins have two lower berths or a double bed. In your cabin you find a desk with a chair and a cupboard for storage. The superior cabins are spacious The lounge offers magnificent views. Triple cabin. and have armchairs and TV. The owner’s cabin has a double bed, two large picture windows, a separate seating area and TV. In the dining room you are treated to delicious meals in between landings and in the panorama lounge you can enjoy breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape. Here you can listen to entertaining talks on the area’s flora, fauna and history. In the lounge you also find a bar and a small library. The ship 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. There are five Zodiacs and five guides on board M/S Quest.
The ship has spacious observation decks and the Zodiacs are very easy to access.
“We have just finished our magnificent circumnavigation of Svalbard with PolarQuest and M/S Quest. What a fantastic experience. Our trip was really 318 316 314 312 310 308 306 304 302 320
great and your guides superb. They went out of our way to help at all times, 402 Deck 3 Bridge and the Captain also was magnificent, entering the true “expedition” spirit Deck 4 401 and steering the ship into the ice for our convenience, and participating 329 327 325 323 321 319 317 315 311 309 307 305 303 301 in all manner of events. All-in-all we have had a fantastic time with the PolarQuest people, and would certainly look for further adventures sometime in the future.” / Richard Boweb
14 TRIPS, DATES & PRICES WITH M/S QUEST LOFOTEN, BEAR ISLAND SPRINGTIME IN SVALBARD ADVENTURE EXPEDITION SVALBARD & SVALBARD SVALBARD Duration: 9 days. Duration: 11 days. Dates: 4 - 12 June, 11 - 19 June, 2019. Dates: 5 - 15 July, 15 - 25 July, 4 - 14 Aug, Duration: 10 days. Duration: 9 days. Dates: 14 - 22 May, Group Size: Maximum 53 passengers. 14 - 24 Aug, 24 Aug - 3 Sep, 2019. Dates: 6 - 15 May, 2019. 21 - 29 May, 28 May - 5 June, 2019. Accommodation: Cabin on board M/S Quest, Group Size: Maximum 53 passengers. Group Size: Maximum 53 passengers. Group Size: Maximum 53 passengers. hotel. Accommodation: Cabin on board M/S Quest. Accommodation: Cabin on board M/S Quest. Accommodation: Cabin on board M/S Quest, Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiacs. Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiacs. Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiacs. hotel. Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiacs. Price: From USD 5 690 per person. Price: From USD 7 490 per person. Price: From USD 5 290 per person. Price: From USD 5 090 per person. RATE INCLUDES: RATE INCLUDES: RATE INCLUDES: RATE INCLUDES: 7 nights on board M/S Quest. 1 night in a hotel 10 nights on board M/S Quest . All meals 9 nights on board M/S Quest . All meals on board . 7 nights on board M/S Quest . 1 night in a hotel in in Longyearbyen . Lunch day 2 . All meals on on board . Coffee and tea . An experienced Coffee and tea . An experienced Expedition Leader Longyearbyen . Lunch day 2 . All meals on board . board . Coffee and tea . An experienced Expedition Expedition Leader and knowledgeable guides and knowledgeable guides . Guiding ashore and Coffee and tea . An experienced Expedition Leader Leader and knowledgeable guides . Guiding ashore . Guiding ashore and talks on board . All talks on board . All excursions and activities . and knowledgeable guides . Guiding ashore and and talks on board . All excursions and activities excursions and activities . Comprehensive Comprehensive information material before the talks on board . All excursions and activities . . Comprehensive information material before the information material before the expedition . expedition . An illustrated post expedition log Comprehensive information material before the expedition . An illustrated post-expedition log An illustrated post-expedition log expedition . An illustrated post-expedition log NOT INCLUDED: NOT INCLUDED: NOT INCLUDED: Flights to Bodø and from Longyearbyen . Travel and NOT INCLUDED: Flight to/from Longyearbyen . Travel and Flight to/from Longyearbyen . Travel and cancellation insurance . The customary gratuity to Flight to/from Longyearbyen . Travel and cancellation cancellation insurance . The customary gratuity cancellation insurance . The customary gratuity the ship’s crew . Personal expenses such as bar and insurance . The customary gratuity to the ship’s crew to the ship’s crew . Personal expenses such as to the ship’s crew . Personal expenses such as shop charges . Personal expenses such as bar and shop charges bar and shop charges bar and shop charges
Read more about the trip on p. 4 - 5. Read more about the trip on p. 6 - 7. Read more about the trip on p. 8 - 9. Read more about the trip on p. 10 - 11.
Cabin category Price per person in USD Cabin category Price per person in USD Cabin category Price per person in USD Cabin category Price per person in USD
F: Triple cabin (upper/lower beds) 5 290 F: Triple cabin (upper/lower beds) 5 090 F: Triple cabin (upper/lower beds) 5 690 F: Triple cabin (upper/lower beds) 7 490
E: Twin cabin (2 twin beds) 6 190 E: Twin cabin (2 twin beds) 5 890 E: Twin cabin (2 twin beds) 6 590 E: Twin cabin (2 twin beds) 9 290
D: Twin cabin Plus (2 twin beds) 6 590 D: Twin cabin Plus (2 twin beds) 6 290 D: Twin cabin Plus (2 twin beds) 6 990 D: Twin cabin Plus (2 twin beds) 9 790
C: Double cabin (double bed) 6 590 C: Double cabin (double bed) 6 290 C: Double cabin (double bed) 6 990 C: Double cabin (double bed) 9 790
B: Double cabin Superior (large double bed*) 7 190 B: Double cabin Superior (large double bed*) 7 490 B: Double cabin Superior (large double bed*) 8 290 B: Double cabin Superior (large double bed*) 10 690
A: Owner’s cabin (large double bed) 7 790 A: Owner’s cabin (large double bed) 8 190 A: Owner’s cabin (large double bed) 9 090 A: Owner’s cabin (large double bed) 11 990 E: Twin cabin for single use 10 290 E: Twin cabin for single use 9 590 E: Twin cabin for single use 10 690 E: Twin cabin for single use 15 590
Share a cabin: It is always possible to share a cabin on board M/S Quest. Secure payment: According to Swedish law, PolarQuest places all revenue in a bond with the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency until the completion of your expedition. * separable double bed
15 THE SHIP M/S STOCKHOLM (12 PASSENGERS) A VINTAGE EXPEDITION SHIP LOVED BY MANY The M/S Stockholm is a classic ship built in 1953 for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. In 1998 she was totally refitted and started her career as a comfortable polar passenger ship. The M/S Stockholm carries a maximum of 12 passengers in twin cabins with bunk beds. All cabins have private facilities and small windows (portholes). M/S Stockholm is a marvellous piece of maritime history with beautiful brass details and wooden decks. It is no wonder she is loved by so many! After 20 years of navigating the waters in Svalbard she has the experience and track record of being able to access difficult to reach sites that are inaccessible to Comfortable cabins with bunk beds. The service on board is outstanding. other ships. On board you will enjoy delicious meals in the company of likeminded travellers, who are all fascinated by the Arctic nature, wildlife and history. The food on board is of high standard and all beverages are included in the price. With such a small party on board, this is like travelling on a private yacht. The crew on board M/S Stockholm are also great enthusiasts of the unique wildlife and unspoiled nature. Their genuine curiosity is a prerequisite for expedition cruises of this kind. A trip on board M/S Stockholm in these northern waters, with its unique wildlife and pristine nature, is an experience of a lifetime! There are two Zodiacs and two guides on board M/S Stockholm. It is with a small expedition ship that you get the most extraordinary experiences.
21 22 23
Upper Deck Main Deck 25 26 27
16 TRIPS, DATES & PRICES WITH M/S STOCKHOLM SVALBARD ADVENTURE EXPEDITION SVALBARD
Duration: 9 days. Duration: 11 days. Dates: 14 - 22 May, 17 - 25 June, 2019. Dates: 25 June - 5 July, 15 - 25 July, Group Size: Maximum 12 passengers. 25 July - 4 Aug, 4 - 14 Aug, 28 Aug - 7 Sep, Accommodation: Cabin on board M/S Stockholm, 7 - 17 Sep, 2019. hotel. Group Size: Maximum 12 passengers. Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiacs. Accommodation: Cabin on board M/S Stockholm. Price: From USD 8 990 per person. Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiacs. Price: From USD 11 490 per person. RATE INCLUDES: 7 nights on board M/S Stockholm . 1 night in a hotel RATE INCLUDES: in Longyearbyen . Lunch day 2 . All meals on board 10 nights on board M/S Stockholm . All meals on board . All beverages . 1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide . . All beverages . 1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide Guiding ashore and talks on board . All excursions . Guiding ashore and talks on board . All excursions and activities . The customary gratuity to the ship’s and activities . The customary gratuity to the ship’s crew . Comprehensive information material before crew . Comprehensive information material before the the expedition . An illustrated post-expedition log expedition . An illustrated post-expedition log
NOT INCLUDED: NOT INCLUDED: Flight to/from Longyearbyen . Travel and cancellation Flight to/from Longyearbyen . Travel and cancellation insurance insurance
Read more about the trip on p. 8 - 9. Read more about the trip on p. 10 - 11.
Cabin category Price per person in USD Cabin category Price per person in USD
Twin Cabin (bunk beds & private facilities) 8 990 Twin Cabin (bunk beds & private facilities) 11 490
Twin Cabin for single use 17 090 Twin Cabin for single use 21 890
SECURE PAYMENT According to Swedish law, PolarQuest places all revenue in a bond with the Legal, Financial and Administrative On board we enjoy the spectacular views and relax after an eventful day. Services Agency until the completion of your expedition.
”The trip was absolutely amazing and I cannot commend the staff and crew of the Stockholm enough. The sightings and weather obviously takes care of itself but the Captain and his team made the experience truly next level. They are a very special group of people.”
/ Gerry Van der Walt
17 THE SHIP M/S SJØVEIEN (12 PASSENGERS) A CLASSIC SHIP WITH A MODERN TOUCH M/S Sjøveien (meaning the Seaway) was built in Bergen in 1964 for the Norwegian Government and she worked for them in various capacities. From 1979 until 1995 she was used as a training ship for mariners. Since 1995 she has been in private ownership and during the many years since, worked for the Norwegian coast guard. After being a hotel ship for the past few years, she has now been refurbished into a classic and exclusive passenger ship and started her career in Svalbard the summer of 2017. She is a true beauty with wooden decks and classic details. There is a lot of deck space on the main deck and there is also Double Cabin Superior. Twin Cabin with portholes. an excellent area on top of the bridge, from where you have wonderful views of the magical Svalbard scenery. To accommodate a maximum of 12 passengers there are eight outside cabins, all with private facilities. On the lower deck there are four twin cabins with portholes. On the main deck there are two larger twin cabins with windows and one large superior cabin with a double bed and windows. The eighth cabin is located on the upper deck and is a large superior cabin with windows. The dining area on the main deck is where you are served breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here is also a lounge area where you can relax with a cup of tea or coffee and listen to interesting talks by the guides. You are welcomed by an international crew and the bridge is open for visitors. Combined lounge and dinner area.
18 TRIPS, DATES & PRICES WITH M/S SJØVEIEN SVALBARD ADVENTURE EXPEDITION SVALBARD
Duration: 9 days. Dates: 10 - 18 May, 17 - 25 May, Duration: 11 days. 13 - 21 June, 2019. Dates: 18 - 28 Aug, 28 Aug - 7 Sep, 2019. Group Size: Maximum 12 passengers. Group Size: Maximum 12 passengers. Accommodation: Cabin on board M/S Sjøveien, Accommodation: Cabin on board M/S Sjøveien. hotel. Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiacs. Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiacs. Price: From USD 7 390 per person. Price: From USD 9 590 per person.
RATE INCLUDES: RATE INCLUDES: 7 nights on board M/S Sjøveien . 1 night in a hotel in 10 nights on board M/S Sjøveien . All meals on board . 1 Longyearbyen . Lunch day 2 . All meals on board . 1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide . Guiding ashore and talks Expedition Leader and 1 guide . Guiding ashore and talks on board . All excursions and activities . Comprehensive on board . All excursions and activities . Comprehensive information material before the expedition . An illustrated information material before the expedition . An post-expedition log illustrated post-expedition log NOT INCLUDED: NOT INCLUDED: Flight to and from Longyearbyen . Travel and can- Flight to and from Longyearbyen . Travel and cancellation cellation insurance . The customary gratuity to the insurance . The customary gratuity to the ship’s crew . ship’s crew . Personal expenses such as bar and shop Personal expenses such as bar and shop charges charges
Read about the trip on p. 8 - 9. Read about the trip on p. 10 - 11.
Cabin category Price per person in USD Cabin category Price per person in USD
Twin Cabin with portholes (twin beds) 7 390 Twin Cabin with portholes (twin beds) 9 590
Twin Cabin with windows (twin beds) 7 790 Twin Cabin with windows (twin beds) 10 190
Double Cabin Superior (double bed & windows) 8 190 Double Cabin Superior (double bed & windows) 10 790 There is a lot of open space on the main deck from where you have Twin Cabin for single use 10 890 Twin Cabin for single use 14 290 wonderful views of the magical Svalbard scenery.
SECURE PAYMENT 202 According to Swedish law, PolarQuest places all revenue in a bond with the Legal, Financial and Administrative Upper deck Lounge/ 201 Main deck Mess Services Agency until the completion of your expedition. 303 203
108 106 104 Lower deck
107
”We had such a fantastic voyage on Sjøveien. She is the perfect expedition vessel for Svalbard. We had so many wonderful experiences with the wildlife, ice and the beautiful scenery and nature Svalbard had to offer. The Captain and crew are to be applauded for all their hard work in making us comfortable and well looked after.”
/ Sue Werner
19 PHOTO: ADAM RHEBORG (P. 3 BACKGROUND & UPPER, P. 9 NO. 4, 6 & 9, P. 10 UPPER LEFT, P. P.O. Box 180 11 NO. 2 & 4, P. 16 MIDDLE), ADRIAN NORDENBORG (P. 3 MIDDLE, P. 6 BACKGROUND NO. 1 & 3, P. 7 NO. 5, P. 14 MIDDLE RIGHT), ANDREAS BERGSTRÖM (P. 9 NO. 7), ANNETTE SCHEEPSTRA SE- 401 23 Göteborg, Sweden (P. 11 NO. 9), ELKE LINDNER (P. 4 NO. 5, P. 7 NO. 3, P. 9 NO. 2), ERIK EDVARDSSON (P. 9 NO. 8), HELBILD.SE (P. 2 MIDDLE LEFT, P. 14 BACKGROUND), HENRIK HAANING NIELSEN (P. 4 NO. 2, P. 8 UPPER LEFT, P. 11 NO. 3, P. 14 MIDDLE LEFT, P. 17 UPPER RIGHT), JOHANNA VAKKILA (P. 5 Phone: +46 31 333 17 30 NO. 2, P. 7 BACKGROUND & NO. 2), J-P LAHALL (P. 14 UPPER LEFT & RIGHT, P. 16 UPPER LEFT), KERSTIN LANGENBERGER (P. 9 NO. 10, P. 11 BACKGROUND), LISA STRÖM (P. 17 BACKGROUND e-mail: [email protected] & MIDDLE), MAGNUS LUNDGREN (P. 7 NO. 10), MARIA NORDVALL (P. 7 NO. 7), MARTIN BERG (P. 2 MIDDLE RIGHT, P. 18 BACKGROUND, P. 19 MIDDLE), MATTIAS HENNINGSSON (P. 4 NO. 4, P. 5 NO. 5, P. 7 NO. 4, P. 10 BACKGROUND, P. 11 NO. 1), MAURIZIO BIANCARELLI (P. 9 NO. 3), www.polar-quest.com NIKLAS NILSSON (P. 5 NO. 6, 7 & 9, P. 6 NO. 2, P. 9 BACKGROUND, P. 11 NO. 6 & 7, P. 18 UPPER & MIDDLE, P. 19 UPPER), OLLE CARLSSON (P. 4 NO. 3, P. 15), PETER & BEVERLY PICKFORD (P. 11 NO. 8), RONALD VISSER (P. 7 NO. 6), THÉRÈSE HORNTRICH (P. 19 BACKGROUND), ULRICH KÜHN (FRONT COVER, P. 2 MIDDLE, P. 5 NO. 10, P. 8 UPPER RIGHT, P. 10 UPPER RIGHT, P. 11 NO. 5 & 10, P. 16 BACKGROUND & UPPER RIGHT, P. 17 UPPER LEFT), VERA SIMONSSON (P. 7 NO. 1), ZET FREIBURGHAUS (BACK COVER, P. 7 NO. 9), ÅSAM LINDGRENin 12 mm (P. 5 BACKGROUND hög & Follow us! NO. 1, P. 8 BACKGROUND). WE RESERVE THE RIGHTS TO ALTER ANY INFORMATION DUE TO PRINTING OR TYPE ERRORS. PolarQuest PolarQuest Expeditions