Are you looking for a unique trip where you can combine amazing nature experiences with yoga? Then this adventure might be perfect for you! In May, you have the chance to join PolarQuest and yoga teacher Isabel Holmquist on an unforgettable expedition cruise in the realm of the midnight sun and the polar bear - Svalbard. Here we experience exciting Zodiac cruises and explore the magnificent nature up close. As an added value to the trip, Isabel will lead yoga and meditation sessions whenever an opportunity arises. Practicing yoga in this awe-inspiring environment, far from the constant noise of civilization and the demands of everyday life, is an unparalleled experience


During the month of May, Svalbard is characterised by a wonderful purity and offers spectacular sceneries. The fairytale winter landscape is dominated by sparkling ice formations, snow covered mountains, fjord ice and pastel coloured skies. It is spring in the Arctic and it is an indescribable experience to be there and witness the archipelago come to life. The Arctic foxes and the Svalbard reindeers still wear their winter fur and walruses can often be seen resting on the fjord ice and if we are lucky we might see a polar bear hunting for seals.


Highlights


• Experience the Arctic spring

• Stunning winter landscapes

• Magical midnight sun

• True expedition cruising

• 5 experienced guides

• Yoga teacher on this voyage

 

We arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to our hotel.

 

We start our Svalbard adventure by exploring Longyearbyen. In the afternoon we embark our expedition ship M/S Quest and head out through Isfjorden - our Arctic adventure has started. Perhaps we could make a first outing before we continue either south or north – all depending on the weather and the current ice situation. Here are some examples of places we may visit:

Alkhornet

At the entrance of Isfjorden is the characteristic cliff Alkhornet. We go ashore to enjoy the beautiful tundra and its birdlife with 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 some 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 situated in Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. In the nearby 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

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.

Virgohamna, Danskøya

Two of the most 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 Arctic expeditions left on this site.

Bellsund

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

Hornsund

The majestic Hornsund consists of several magnificent fjords along the west coast of Spitsbergen, where enormous glaciers calve out shimmering blue ice. This is one of the favourite haunts for some of Svalbard’s polar bears and if lucky we can spot one of them on the fjord ice.

 

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

Triple Cabin

$5,790 USD pp
Triple Cabin
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

$6,690 USD pp
Twin Cabin
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

$7,090 USD pp
Double Cabin
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

$7,090 USD pp
Twin Cabin Superior
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 Superior

$8,190 USD pp
Double Cabin Superior
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

$8,790 USD pp
Owners Cabin
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

$10,890 USD pp
Twin Cabin Solo
Cabins have two lower berths or a double bed. In your cabin you find a desk with a chair and a cupboard for storage.

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.

Cabin layout for Quest

Flights

We offer group flights from Oslo to Longyearbyen with return (limited availability). Contact us for more information!

Snowshoeing

For the active there is a chance to explore the areas we visit with snowshoes. This is an extra option that requires a good level of fitness. Please note: this activity is always dependent on weather, wind and other safety precautions.

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

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
Quest
Spitsbergen ExpeditionExpedition
9 Days from
$5,790 USD pp

or call us on

NZ Freephone
0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

to help you make your reservation

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