Arctic, Spitsbergen

Expedition Svalbard with Doug Allen

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Join a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through the magnificent wildernesses of 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 good opportunities to explore the seldom visited eastern parts of the archipelago. Whales are more frequently seen in the waters and more and more snowfree areas become accessible for longer walks. With ten nights on board we have plenty of time for grand nature experiences.

We are proud to present Doug Allan, award-winning polar photographer and cameraman, as special lecturer on this voyage.

Highlights

Cameraman Doug Allan as Special Lecturer
Experience the Arctic summer
A true Arctic adventure
10 nights on board M/S Quest
Small group - great moments
5-star nature experiences

Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

We arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to our hotel.

Day 2 - 11: Expedition cruising

We start our great adventure in Svalbard by exploring Longyearbyen. In the afternoon we embark the expedition ship and sail out through the spectacular Isfjorden - the Arctic expedition has started! We are now in a part of the world where we are totally dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Our exact itinerary depends on these factors and on the wildlife we encounter. Our ambition is to head out on Zodiac cruises every day and when the opportunity arises also go ashore. Here are some examples of places we may visit:

Northwest Spitsbergen

The scientific village of Ny-Ålesund is situated in Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. Two other courageous attempts to reach the North Pole started on the island of Danskøya. Swedish explorer Andrée made an attempt with a hydrogen balloon and American journalist Wellman started with an airship. There are still interesting remnants from these expeditions left on this site.

Magnificent fjords

Svalbard offers the visitor countless spectacular fjords. During our journey we will explore a few of them such as: 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 and Brünnich’s guillemots nesting on the nearby cliffs. Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty – dominated by beautiful glaciers. It is also a favourite spot for seals and the bird cliffs are bursting with activity.

Hinlopen Strait and Alkefjellet

If the ice allows we enter Hinlopen Strait. Here is Alkefjellet, an impressive, basaltic cliff, which is the home to an estimated 200 000 Brünnich’s guillemots. We may also continue into the beautiful bay Palanderbukta on Nordaustlandet.

Eastern Svalbard

The island of Nordaustlandet is covered by an enormous ice cap and fascinates naturalists as well as historians. There are huge glacier fronts here, intersected by hundreds of waterfalls. Barentsøya and Edgeøya offer magnificent landscapes and vast tundra. Chances to encounter walruses, Arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer are good here.

Southwest Spitsbergen

The grand fjords of Hornsund offer spectacular glaciers and a breathtaking landscape of towering mountain peaks, often reaching above the clouds. On a clear day we can see the summit of the highest mountain Hornsundtind, measuring 1431 meters. Hornsund is a favourite haunt for some of Svalbard’s polar bears and bearded seals are often seen resting on the fjord ice.

Day 12: Longyearbyen

Early morning we disembark our expedition ship and begin our journey back home.

All itineraries are for guidance only

Our exact route will depend on 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!

09 July, 2024 to 19 July, 2024
Quest

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Triple Cabin

$8,390 USD pp

The triple cabins have upper and lower berths. In your cabin you find a desk with a chair and a cupboard for storage.

Twin Cabin

$10,190 USD pp

Cabins have two lower berths or a double bed. In your cabin you find a desk with a chair and a cupboard for storage.

Twin Cabin Superior

$10,790 USD pp

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.

Double Cabin

$10,790 USD pp

Cabins have two lower berths or a double bed. In your cabin you find a desk with a chair and a cupboard for storage.

Double Cabin Superior

$11,690 USD pp

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.

Owners Cabin

$12,690 USD pp

In your cabin you find a desk with a chair and a cupboard for storage. The owner’s cabin has a double bed, two large picture windows, a separate seating area and TV.

Twin Cabin Solo

$16,990 USD pp

Cabins have two lower berths or a double bed. In your cabin you find a desk with a chair and a cupboard for storage.

Quest

Vessel Type: Expedition

Length: 66 metres

Passenger Capacity: 50

Built / refurbished: 1992 / 2005 / 2018

M/S Quest was built in Denmark in 1992 to serve as a ferry on Greenland`s west-coast. In 2004/2005 she was redesigned as an expedition ship and has now a career as a small and comfortable expedition vessel. She was extensively renovated in 2018. Quest takes 53 passengers in 26 cabins, all with sea-view and private facilities. The triple cabins on deck 3 have upper and lower berths. All other cabins have two lower berths or a double bed. In your cabin you also find a desk with chair and ample storage space for clothes and equipment. The superior cabins on deck 3 and 4 are spacious and have a separate sitting area and TV/DVD. The Owner`s cabin, next to the Captain`s cabin, on deck 4 has a double bed, two large picture windows, a sitting area and TV/DVD.

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.

Inclusions

• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• Coffee and Tea on board
• Experience expedition leader and guide(s)
• All shore excursions and guiding on shore
• Lectures/talks on board
• Comprehensive pre-departure material
• Climate compensated trips
10 nights on board M/S Quest
1 night in a hotel in Longyearbyen
Lunch day 2
All meals on board
Coffee and tea
An experienced Expedition Leader and knowledgeable guides
Doug Allan as Special Lecturer
Guiding ashore and talks on board
All excursions and activities
Comprehensive information material before the expedition

Exclusions

• International and domestic flights
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities unless otherwise stated
• Beverages other than those listed in inclusions
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Any items of a personal nature
Flight to/from Longyearbyen
Travel and cancellation insurance
Gratuity to the ship’s crew
Personal expenses such as bar and shop charges