Polar Quest: Small Ship Expeditions to the World's Last Frontiers
For more than 25 years, Polar Quest has taken adventurous travelers on extraordinary small ship expedition cruises through the world’s most breathtaking and untouched wildernesses: the Arctic and Antarctica. Polar Quest is known for a tailored polar expeditions on small vessels, taking you to some of the most unspoiled and awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth.
The Small Ship Expedition Difference
The philosophy is centered on an intimate, crowd-free experience that immerses you in nature. The expeditions utilize small vessels that accommodate only 12 or 50 passengers at most. This small scale allows us to:
Access Secluded Spots: Navigate the Arctic’s most secluded areas, narrow fjords, and shallow waters inaccessible to larger vessels.
Unparalleled Intimacy: Imagine observing a walrus on an ice floe with a small group of just 11 fellow enthusiasts instead of hundreds. This scale ensures rare and transformative experiences for those with a thirst for true adventure.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. We meticulously measure all our emissions and proactively invest in climate projects that effectively reduce our environmental impact, ensuring we protect the fragile ecosystems we explore.Travel aboard our ice-strengthened vessels, led by passionate and knowledgeable guides, and set sail with Polar Quest to unlock the mysteries of the Arctic and Antarctic.The Polar Quest Expedition FleetOur fleet of small, intimate vessels is perfectly designed for deep exploration in the High Arctic, prioritizing comfort, authenticity, and access to wildlife.
Designed for unique-scale expedition cruising in Svalbard, M/S Quest was originally built as a ferry in Denmark in 1992. She was fully converted into a comfortable expedition ship in 2004-2005 and further renovated in 2018, offering a classic but refreshed experience with a maximum capacity of just 50 guests.
Offering relaxed, luxurious accommodation for only 12 guests in seven spacious cabins, all with private facilities and lower beds. Cabin options include one Owner’s Cabin (21 m² with six windows and a queen bed), a Superior Cabin, Double Cabin, Twin Cabins, and Single Cabins. The Balto provides a boutique, high-end expedition experience.
M/S Sjøveien (Maximum 12 Guests)
Meaning “the Seaway,” M/S Sjøveien offers one of the most intimate and authentic ways to experience Svalbard with space for only 12 passengers. Built for the Norwegian government in 1964, she has a rich history before being extensively refurbished in 2017 to serve as a classic expedition ship with a modern touch.
M/S Stockholm (Maximum 12 Guests)
A truly classic vessel, M/S Stockholm was originally built in 1953 for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. Following a complete refit in 1998, she was transformed into a comfortable polar expedition ship. The ship accommodates up to 12 passengers in cozy twin cabins with private facilities, perfect for a traditional, close-knit expedition atmosphere.
The ship M/S Balto is named after the lead sled dog of the 1925 Nome serum run. Built to the highest ice class standards in Rauma, Finland, she originally served as a government service ship in the Baltic Sea. In recent years, she has undergone a complete refurbishment and is now one of the most spacious and elegant small polar expedition ships in service.
M/S Balto offers relaxed, luxurious accommodation for 12 guests in seven spacious cabins, all with private facilities and lower beds. The cabins include one Owner’s Cabin, one Superior Cabin, one Double Cabin, two Twin Cabins, and two Single Cabins. The Owner’s Cabin is 21 m², featuring six windows and a queen bed (160 cm), while the Superior Cabin has two twin beds. The Double Cabin features a double bed (140 cm), and the Twin Cabins each have two separate beds. Both the Owner’s Cabin and the Superior Cabin also offer a separate seating area. All cabins are equipped with a desk, a chair, and a wardrobe for storage.
On the guest deck, there is a small sauna with a cold shower. The richly appointed saloon and beautiful dining messroom feature crotch-mahogany panelling, a bar, a library, and coffee and tea stations. There are several open and semi-enclosed deck spaces where you can enjoy the stunning Arctic scenery. You are welcomed by an international crew, and the bridge is open to visitors.
With our two Zodiacs, we will explore the wilderness and go ashore in settlements and breathtaking natural landscapes. M/S Balto is truly one of a kind among small polar expedition ships. Travelling aboard this unique 12-passenger ship offers a completely different and much more intimate experience of Greenland compared to a larger ship.
A small group of just 12 passengers allows for greater flexibility, unique itineraries, and more time ashore. Moreover, the environmental footprint we leave behind is significantly smaller. M/S Balto is designed to explore the most remote fjord systems, visit Inuit settlements, reach secluded anchorages, and maximise each guest’s experience in the pristine wilderness.
Several open and semi-enclosed decks
Accommodates only 12 guests
Sauna onboard
Big spacious cabins
Brass fittings and wooden deck
2 Zodiacs for excursions
The M/S Stockholm is a classic vessel, originally built in 1953 for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. In 1998, she underwent a complete refit and embarked on her new journey as a comfortable polar expedition ship. The M/S Stockholm accommodates up to 12 passengers in cozy twin cabins equipped with bunk beds, private facilities, and small windows (portholes).
With her beautiful brass details and wooden decks, M/S Stockholm stands as a stunning piece of maritime history, cherished by many for her charm and elegance. On board, you'll enjoy delicious meals in the company of like-minded travelers who share a fascination for the Arctic's captivating nature, wildlife, and history. The food on board is of high standard and all beverages are included in the price. The intimate setting, akin to a private yacht, ensures a personalized and unforgettable experience.
A classic expedition ship loved by many.
The crew's genuine enthusiasm for the Arctic's unique wildlife and pristine environments is a key to the authentic expedition cruises offered on the M/S Stockholm. Boasting 25 years of navigating Svalbard's challenging waters, the M/S Stockholm has proven her capability to reach remote sites that are inaccessible to larger ships. A journey through these northern waters, with its unparalleled wildlife and untouched landscapes, is an experience of a lifetime! To enhance exploration, the ship is equipped with two Zodiacs and staffed by two knowledgeable guides.
25 years exploring Svalbard
Accommodates only 12 guests
All bevarages included
1 guide for every 6 guests
Brass details and wooden decks
Immersive historical charm
The ship M/S Quest was built in Denmark in 1992 to serve as a ferry along the west coast of Greenland. In 2004-2005, it was completely refurbished into a comfortable expedition ship, and in 2018, the passenger areas underwent further renovation.
M/S Quest can accommodate 50 passengers, with all 24 cabins being outside cabins equipped with private facilities. The triple cabins feature upper and lower berths, while all other cabins have either two lower berths or a double bed. Each cabin includes a desk with a chair and a cupboard for storage. The superior cabins are spacious, featuring armchairs and a TV. The owner’s cabin offers a double bed, two large picture windows, a separate seating area, and a TV.
A comfortable expedition ship with a wonderful crew
In the dining room, you enjoy delicious meals between landings, while the panorama lounge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This lounge serves as the venue for entertaining talks about the area's flora, fauna, and history. It also features a bar and a small library. The ship boasts spacious observation decks for you to enjoy the stunning vistas. The bridge welcomes you around the clock, and there is always something to see or search for. You are welcomed by an international crew, and the atmosphere on board is relaxed and very friendly. There are five Zodiacs and five guides on M/S Quest.
We always offer the possibility to share a cabin on board M/S Quest as many of our customers are travelling on their own. The cabins are divided into women's and men's cabins.
Only 50 passengers
5 Zodiacs & 5 guides
Beautiful panorama lounge
Spacious outer decks, free from crowds
Several cabin categories
Small ship with a relaxed atmosphere
The expedition ship M/S Sjøveien (meaning the Seaway) was constructed in Bergen in 1964 for the Norwegian government, fulfilling various roles over the years. From 1979 to 1995 she was used as a training ship for mariners. Since transitioning to private ownership in 1995, it has undertaken tasks for the Norwegian Coast Guard and, more recently, functioned as a hotel ship. Following extensive refurbishments, in the summer of 2017, M/S Sjøveien began a new chapter as a classic and exclusive passenger ship in Svalbard.
She is a true beauty with wooden decks and classic details. There is plenty of space on the main deck, as well as an excellent area on top of the bridge, from where you have wonderful views of the magnificent Svalbard scenery. Additionally, guests can enjoy a unique experience in the wood-fired hot tub located on deck.
A classic ship with a modern touch.
The ship accommodates a maximum of 12 passengers in eight outside cabins, all equipped with en-suite facilities. On the lower deck, there are four twin cabins with portholes. The main deck features two larger twin cabins with windows and one superior cabin with a double bed and windows. Additionally, there is a large superior cabin with windows on the upper deck. Meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the dining area located on the main deck. The ship also has a lounge area where you can relax with a cup of tea or coffee and attend talks given by the guides. An international crew welcomes passengers, and the bridge is accessible to visitors. The ship is equipped with two Zodiacs and staffed by two knowledgeable english speaking guides.
Accommodates only 12 guests
The most intimate nature experience
Wood-fired hot tub
Spacious observation decks
1 guide for every 6 guests
Modern maritime interior
Our expedition yacht was refurbished in 2018 and the comfortable cabins accommodate 19 passengers. The yacht has the latest navigation equipment and is decorated in classic maritime style with teak and brass.
All cabins are air-conditioned, have private shower/WC and windows/port holes. Facilities on board include a comfortable lounge, a dining room, a well-stocked bar, three sun decks and a plunge pool. The bridge is open to visitors at all times.
DISCLAIMER: Rates are per person, subject to availability and can change at any time
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Cruise Norway International
Tallinn, Estonia
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