Join us for an unforgettable Arctic expedition cruise through the land of the polar bear and the midnight sun - Svalbard! During the month of May, Svalbard is characterised by a wonderful purity and spectacular scenery. The fairytale winter landscape is dominated by glittering ice formations, snow-capped mountains, fjord ice and pastel-coloured skies.

It’s spring in Svalbard, and being there as the archipelago awakens is truly awe-inspiring. The Arctic fox and the Svalbard reindeer still wear their thick winter coats, and walruses are often seen resting on drifting ice floes. With a bit of luck, we might even spot the king of the Arctic – the polar bear – silently roaming across the ice. Birdlife is beginning to return to Svalbard, and it's a good time to see king eiders and rock ptarmigans.

With our sturdy Zodiacs we explore this winter wonderland, heading for some of Svalbard’s most magnificent fjords. We also try to go ashore whenever the ice and snow allow.

Itinerary

day 1 | Longyearbyen, Svalbard

We arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to our hotel.

day 2-8 | Expedition cruising

We start our Svalbard expedition by exploring Longyearbyen. In the afternoon we embark our expedition ship M/S Quest and head out through Isfjorden - our Arctic adventure has started! We are now in a part of the world where we are completely dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Our exact itinerary will depend on these factors and on the wildlife we encounter. We may make a first excursion before heading south or north, depending on the weather and ice conditions. Here are some examples of places we may visit during our Arctic cruise:

Alkhornet

At the entrance of Isfjorden is the characteristic cliff of Alkhornet. We go ashore to enjoy the beautiful tundra and its birdlife, including 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 a bit of luck we 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 located in Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. In the nearby Krossfjorden we can admire the beautifully sculpted front of the 14th of July Glacier and listen to the sounds of the many kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots that nest on the nearby cliffs.

Raudfjorden

Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty – dominated by magnificent glaciers. It is also a favourite haunt of seals, and the bird cliffs are bursting with activity.

Virgohamna, Danskøya

Danskøya was the starting point for two of the most daring attempts to reach the North Pole. The Swedish explorer Andrée made an attempt with a hydrogen balloon and American journalist Wellman started with an airship. Interesting remnants of these Arctic expeditions can still be seen here.

Bellsund

At the beautiful Vårsolbukta in Bellsund little auks nest by the tens of thousands. We go ashore and walk across the tundra to get a closer look at these charming birds.

Hornsund

The majestic Hornsund consists of several magnificent fjords along the west coast of Spitsbergen, where huge glaciers calve out shimmering blue ice. This is one of the favourite haunts of some of Svalbard's polar bears, and we may be lucky enough to spot one on the fjord ice.

day 9 | Longyearbyen

In the morning we leave the ship in Longyearbyen and begin our journey home.

Please note: All itineraries are for guidance only. Our exact route will depend on the 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 maximise your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

Ships

MS Quest

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

What's included

Included in the price:

1 night in a hotel in Longyearbyen
7 nights on board M/S Quest
Lunch day 2
Visit to Svalbard Museum day 2
All meals on board
Coffee and tea
An experienced Expedition Leader and knowledgeable guides
Guiding ashore and talks on board
All excursions and activities
Slideshow from the trip
Full carbon offset

Not included in the price:

Flight to/from Longyearbyen
Travel and cancellation insurance
Gratuity to the ship’s crew
Personal expenses such as bar and shop charges

Practical information

The best time to visit Svalbard is between May and September, when the Arctic ice has melted enough to allow ship access. Each part of the season offers something unique:

May – Early Season: Pristine snow-covered landscapes and the chance to see polar bears on sea ice.
June & July – Midnight Sun: 24-hour daylight, active wildlife, and the best time for birdwatching.
August & September – Late Season: Stunning autumn colors, peak whale watching, and increased access to fjords.

Svalbard is one of the best places to see Arctic wildlife, including:

Polar Bears – The king of the Arctic, often spotted hunting on the ice.
Walruses – Large herds resting on ice floes and beaches.
Whales – Beluga, Humpback, Blue, and Minke Whales.
Seals – Bearded, Ringed, and Harp Seals.
Arctic Foxes & Reindeer – Unique to Svalbard’s tundra.
Seabirds – Thousands of Puffins, Arctic Terns, and Guillemots nest on cliffs.

Svalbard is part of Norway, but it has a unique visa policy.

Most travelers do NOT need a visa for Svalbard, but if you transit through Oslo or Tromsø, you may need a Norwegian Schengen visa depending on your nationality.
Schengen residents must carry a valid passport, as other forms of ID (such as national ID cards) are not sufficient for entry into Svalbard.
Polar Quest will provide necessary permits for landing in protected areas.

Svalbard’s Arctic climate is cool but variable, with temperatures ranging from:

May - June: -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F)
July - August: 3°C to 10°C (37°F to 50°F)
September: 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F)

Despite the cold, summer in Svalbard can feel mild, especially with proper clothing.

Packing properly for your Svalbard expedition is key to staying warm, dry, and comfortable in the Arctic environment. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Clothing & Footwear

Layering is essential – opt for wool, silk, or synthetic fabrics rather than cotton.
Waterproof & Windproof Outerwear – a warm winter jacket and wind/water-resistant trousers or ski pants (some cruises require waterproof pants for landings and Zodiac excursions).
Thermal Base Layers – long-sleeved tops and leggings made of wool or synthetic materials.
Warm Mid-Layers – wool jumpers and fleece jackets for insulation.
Gloves & Mittens – a combination of fleece and wool for maximum warmth
Warm Hat or Headband – protects against Arctic winds.
Scarf or Fleece Tube – for extra warmth around the neck.
Warm Socks – wool socks to keep your feet insulated.
Regular Indoor Shoes – for comfort while onboard.
Sturdy Hiking Shoes – for exploring on land.
Sunglasses with UV Protection – essential for the Midnight Sun.
Sleeping Mask – to block out 24-hour daylight and help with sleep.

Expedition Gear & Accessories

Small Waterproof Backpack – useful for landings and carrying essentials.
A Good Pair of Binoculars – great for wildlife viewing (ask the Cruise Norway team if they are included in your cabin).
Camera & Extra Memory Cards – the Arctic landscapes and wildlife are breathtaking.
Extra Batteries & Power Banks – cold temperatures can reduce battery life.
Chargers, Electrical Adapters & Converters – check your travel documents for ship-specific requirements.
Sea Sickness Medication – the Arctic waters can sometimes be rough.

Personal Care & Essentials

Your Passport & a Copy of It
Cash in the Applicable Currency – check your travel documents for information about onboard payments.
Sun Protection – high-SPF sunscreen and UV lip balm to protect against intense Arctic sunlight.
Moisturizer – cold, dry air can be harsh on the skin.
Enough Medication & Essentials – bring extra in case of unforeseen delays.

While Arctic waters are generally calmer than the Drake Passage, conditions can vary. Some areas, like the Barents Sea, can be choppy. Seasickness medication is recommended for those prone to motion sickness.

No, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are only visible in Svalbard between October and March, when the region experiences polar night. Cruises operate during the summer (May - September), when the Midnight Sun keeps the skies bright 24/7.

For an Arctic Northern Lights experience, consider visiting Svalbard in winter on a land-based tour.

Svalbard is home to an estimated 3,000 polar bears, and while sightings are not guaranteed, Swan Hellenic’s expert expedition guides maximize your chances of spotting them in their natural habitat.

Polar bears are often seen hunting on sea ice, resting on shorelines, or swimming in Arctic waters. Your guides will ensure safe and responsible viewing from Zodiacs and onboard observation decks.

The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon where the sun never sets, providing 24-hour daylight from late April to late August in Svalbard.

This extended daylight allows for longer excursions, wildlife spotting at any hour, and breathtaking Arctic scenery under golden light.

Arctic weather is unpredictable, and landings are always subject to conditions. If a scheduled landing isn’t possible, the expedition team will:

Adjust the itinerary to find an alternative landing site.
Offer an extended Zodiac cruise in sheltered areas
Provide enrichment lectures, photography sessions, or wildlife viewing from the ship.

Polar Quest’s’ small expedition ships allow for maximum flexibility, ensuring a full experience despite changing conditions.