Established in 1999, PolarQuest is a world leading operator of small ship expedition cruises in Svalbard. Our three expedition ships, built for Arctic waters, take a maximum of 12 or 50 passengers. Such small ships offer an entirely different experience compared to a larger cruise ship. Just imagine – viewing a seal on an ice floe in a group of 10 – 50 passengers, or to do so in a group of 250 – 500! Small ships can also reach some of the most remote areas and venture into narrow fjords. Sustainability is at the heart of what we do, we measure all our emissions and invest in climate projects that effectively reduce emissions.
PolarQuest has long experience of arranging small ship expedition cruises in Svalbard and other polar destinations. Every expedition is unique and our aim is that each passenger will have the trip of a lifetime. Travelling with PolarQuest allows you to enjoy remote wildernesses without having to undertake a scientific expedition or become an explorer with a beard full of ice. All you need is a curious mind and a desire for wildlife adventures! Sustainability is at the heart of PolarQuest, we measure all our emissions and invest in projects that have positive effects on our nature.
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 underwent 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 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.
SPRINGTIME IN SVALBARD
50 guests | MS Quest
9-day Expedition
|
DEPARTURE
From EUR
From USD |
May 12, 2025 - May 20, 2025 May 12, 2025 - May 20, 2025 | | |
May 19, 2025 - May 27, 2025 May 19, 2025 - May 27, 2025 | | |
May 26, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025 May 26, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025 | | |
Apr 30, 2026 - May 08, 2026 Apr 30, 2026 - May 08, 2026 | | |
May 07, 2026 - May 15, 2026 May 07, 2026 - May 15, 2026 | | |
May 14, 2026 - May 22, 2026 May 14, 2026 - May 22, 2026 | | |
May 21, 2026 - May 29, 2026 May 21, 2026 - May 29, 2026 | | |
SVALBARD ADVENTURE
50 guests | MS Quest
9-day Expedition
|
DEPARTURE
From EUR
From USD |
Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025 Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025 | | |
Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025 Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025 | | |
May 28, 2026 - Jun 05, 2026 May 28, 2026 - Jun 05, 2026 | | |
Jun 11, 2026 - Jun 19, 2026 Jun 11, 2026 - Jun 19, 2026 | | |
EXPEDITION SVALBARD
50 guests | MS Quest
12-day Expedition
|
DEPARTURE
From EUR
From USD |
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025 Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025 | | |
Jul 22, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025 Jul 22, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025 | | |
Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025 Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025 | | |
Aug 21, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025 Aug 21, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025 | | |
Jun 18, 2026 - Jun 29, 2025 Jun 18, 2026 - Jun 29, 2025 | | |
Cabins
All cabins are en suite, located on the outside and have large sea view windows. Windows on deck 4 can be opened. All cabins are equipped with separate air flow and temperature adjustment capabilities, hairdryers,
personal safety box, 1 writing desk, 1 chair, 1 large mirror, 1 or more wardrobes with hangers, 4 big hooks for outer wear, 1 European 2-prong electrical outlet, 1 waste paper basket and 1 Marshall speaker.
Bathrooms
All
cabins are en suite and the bathrooms are equipped with:
- a
safety handrail
- shower
- mirror
- 2
cupboards
- 2
towel hangers
- 3
button style hooks
- retractable
clothes line
- soap
cup in shower
- electrical
outlet for razor
To
enter the bathrooms there is a step over a high threshold.
Owner's Cabin
CABIN SIZE (starting from): Approx.
3.27 x 3.30 metres
BED: Double (two
fixed beds) 1.62 x 2 m equipped with 4 bed lamps and 2 nightstands with
2 drawers in
each and headrest.
WINDOWS: 2/45 x 65
possible to open. Mirrored glass for
privacy so no viewing can be done from the outside.
BATHROOM: Approx.
1.98 x 1.52 m, L-figuration.
STORAGE: 2 medium sized wardrobes, storage possibilities
under the bed.
SEATING AREA: 2
armchairs, 1 small round table.
EXTRA SERVICE: TV,
DVD-player, personal library, mini bar
(first content complimentary), 2 pairs of slippers, 2
bathrobes, free fruit basket.
Double Cabin Superior
CABIN SIZE: Approx.
3.89 x 3.03 metres
BED: Double (two
fixed beds) 1.62 x 2 m equipped with 2 bed
lamps and 4 small shelves.
WINDOWS: 2 large
windows 90x65 cm.
BATHROOM: Approx.
1.56 x 1.10 m, triangle configuration.
STORAGE: 2
wardrobes, storage possibilities under the bed.
SEATING AREA: 2
armchairs, 1 small round table.
EXTRA SERVICE: TV,
DVD-player, 2 pairs of slippers, 2
bathrobes.
Double Cabin
CABIN SIZE: Approx.
3.05 x 2.82 metres
BED: Double bed 1.40
x 2 m equipped with 1 bed lamp and 1 storage pocket.
WINDOWS: 1 large
window 90x65 cm.
BATHROOM: Approx.
1.56 x 1.10 m, triangle configuration.
STORAGE: 2
wardrobes, storage possibilities under the bed.
SEATING AREA: 1
armchair.
Twin Cabin Plus
CABIN SIZE: Approx.
3.24 x 3.09 metres
BED: 1 fixed bed
0.81 x 2 m, one foldable sofa 0.71 x 2 m equipped with 2 bed lamps, 1
storage pocket and 1 nightstand with 2 drawers.
WINDOWS: 1 large
window 90x65 cm.
BATHROOM: Approx.
1.56 x 1.10 m, triangle configuration.
STORAGE: 2
wardrobes, storage possibilities under the bed.
Twin Cabin
CABIN SIZE: Approx.
4.20 x 2.10 metres
BED: 1 fixed bed
0.81 x 2 m, one foldable sofa 0.71 x 2 m equipped with 1 bed lamp for
each bed and 1 nightstand with 2 drawers between the beds.
WINDOWS: 1 large
window 90x65 cm.
BATHROOM: Approx.
1.56 x 1.10 m, triangle configuration.
STORAGE: 1 wardrobe,
storage possibilities under the bed.
Triple Cabin
CABIN SIZE: Approx.
4.42 x 2.56 metres
BED: 1 lower fixed
bed 0.81 x 2 m, one foldable sofa 0.71 x 2 m, 2 foldable upper beds
0.81 x 2 m equipped with 1 bed lamp for each bed, 1 nightstand with 2
drawers for lower beds and 2 storage pockets for upper beds (one each).
WINDOWS: 1 large
window 90x65 cm.
BATHROOM: Approx.
1.56 x 1.10 m, triangle configuration.
STORAGE: 2 medium
sized wardrobes, storage possibilities under the lower bed.
LOUNGE & BAR
In the panorama lounge on deck five you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Here you can listen to interesting talk on the area’s flora, fauna and history. Slideshows are presented on two 60 inch TV-screens. In the lounge you also find a bar and a small library with fact books, novels, board games and DVDs. Coffee, tea and cookies are available around the clock. From the panorama lounge you can also access the outdoor top observation deck.
RESTAURANT
The
dining room is found in the aft on deck 2. Here you are treated to
delicious meals in between landings. It is comfortable and spacious
enough to accommodate all passengers and expedition staff in one
seating and the portholes offers a nice sea view. The breakfast and
lunch are buffet style and the dinner is a combination of starters and
salad buffet and served main course and desserts. The meals offer
choice of fish, meat, pasta and vegetarian.
LANDINGS
The
ship has five Zodiacs, perfect for landings and shuttling. With these
safe and sturdy rubber boats we navigate among icebergs, cruise along
glaciers and go ashore to get unique nature experiences. The solution
for getting in and out of the Zodiac is superb. Through a hatch in the
hull you just take one step and you are in the Zodiac. For Zodiac
operations M/S Quest is equipped with horseshoe style life jackets. All
jackets have both manual and automatic inflation.
SAFETY
M/S
Quest exceeds all SOLAS-requirements (Safety Of Life At Sea) and is
equipped with the latest communication- and navigation equipment.
LIFE BOATS & LIFE RAFTS
M/S
Quest has a total life boat and raft capacity of 160 passengers. It
consists of two life boats with space for 45 passengers in each and 2
life rafts with space for 35 passengers in each. The boats and rafts
are equipped with drinking water, survival equipment and survival food
rations and sea-sickness pills. The diesel powered boats are also
equipped with navigational equipment, medication, and communication
equipment.
LIFE SAVING EQUIPMENT
For
emergency situations M/S Quest has an overcapacity of life vests and
the highest grade of Immersion Suits.
FIRE SAFETY
The
ship is equipped with automatic smoke detectors, a sprinkler system and
fire safety doors. Fire alarms and fire extinguishers are placed around
the ship.
OBSERVATION DECKS
The
ship’s two observation decks are located on deck 5 (exit from
the Panorama lounge) and in front of the bridge on deck four (access
via the passage on both sides of the Bridge). In addition, there is
also access to outer deck 4. From the observation decks and deck four
you can comfortably and safely observe the wildlife and enjoy the
magnificent scenery. During certain weather conditions and situations
the outer decks might be closed for safety reasons.
COMMUNICATION
For
passenger use M/S Quest can offer an on board e-mail account charged by
a set up fee and a data transmission rate. This e-mail account can be
accessed from the passengers own laptop via a wireless network from
almost anywhere on the ship. The passengers can also buy
phone cards for the satellite phone available in the lobby on deck 4.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROCEDURES
The
tap water is drinkable and of high quality. All fresh water is produced
on board from sea water. The system is oversized and the purified and
desalinated water is stored in buffer tanks in case the purification
system should fail.
All
sewage is taken care of on board the ship. The three stage cleaning
system is based on the latest technology and before the sewage is
released into the sea it’s completely decontaminated. The
remaining waste products are emptied and taken care of by special
vehicles or ships when the ship is in port.
All
rubbish created on board is sorted and whatever is recyclable is handed
over for recycling while in port after each expedition.
For
the laundry they use organic detergent and in the shower there are
organic protera body wash, shampoo/ conditioner and body lotion.
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 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.
SVALBARD ADVENTURE
12 guests | MS Stockholm
9-day Expedition
|
DEPARTURE
From EUR
From USD |
May 11, 2025 - May 19, 2025 May 11, 2025 - May 19, 2025 | | |
Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 09, 2025 Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 09, 2025 | | |
Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025 Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025 | | |
May 18, 2026 - May 26, 2026 May 18, 2026 - May 26, 2026 | | |
EXPEDITION SVALBARD
12 guests | MS Stockholm
12-day Expedition
|
DEPARTURE
From EUR
From USD |
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025 Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025 | | |
Jul 21, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025 Jul 21, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025 | | |
Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025 Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025 | | |
Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025 Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025 | | |
Aug 20, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025 Aug 20, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025 | | |
Jul 05, 2026 - Jul 16, 2026 Jul 05, 2026 - Jul 16, 2026 | | |
Jul 15, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026 Jul 15, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026 | | |
Aug 04, 2026 - Aug 15, 2026 Aug 04, 2026 - Aug 15, 2026 | | |
Aug 14, 2026 - Aug 25, 2026 Aug 14, 2026 - Aug 25, 2026 | | |
Sep 03, 2026 - Sep 14, 2026 Sep 03, 2026 - Sep 14, 2026 | | |
Sep 13, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026 Sep 13, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026 | | |
Cabins
All cabins have bunk beds, are en suite, located on the outside and have portholes. All cabins are equipped with heaters, hooks, wardrobes, European 2-prong electrical outlets, waste paper basket and mirror. All
cabins are en suite and in the bathrooms you find shower, mirror, towel hangers, hooks and glass holders. There’s ample storage space in each cabin.
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 an excellent area on top of the bridge, from where you have wonderful views of the magical Svalbard scenery. You also find a wood-fired hot tub out on deck.
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.
