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Exploration of Svalbard

Longyearbyen - Longyearbyen

Expeditions aboard M.S. Stockholm

• M.S. Stockholm - 11 Days Jun - Aug 2012
• *5% Discount on all Exploration of Svalbard Departures

Svalbard is a vast, glaciated archipelago dominated by wild, pointed mountain ranges - often referred to by the name of its largest island, Spitsbergen. Our classic expedition ship M/S Stockholm exclusively carries just 12 passengers, assuring you the best possible experience. Welcome to a magic world of midnight sun and pack ice, of glittering glaciers and abundant wildlife. This is truly the High Arctic - our nearest neighbour is the North Pole!

To many people, an expedition cruise to Svalbard is a life-changing experience. The overwhelming scenery, extraordinary wildlife and unpredictable encounters with animals such as polar bears and walruses are simply very special. Not to forget the delicious meals and the comfortable cabins onboard the expedition cruise ship M/S Stockholm, with its warm and friendly atmosphere. Travelling with PolarQuest allows you to enjoy the amazing Arctic wilderness without having to undertake a scientific expedition or become an explorer with an icy beard. A curious mind and a sense for nature and wildlife is all you need!

Day 1

Longyearbyen - Embarkation

We arrive in Longyearbyen, embark our expedition ship in the afternoon and leave civilisation behind us.

Days 2-10

Spitsbergen

We are now in a part of the world where we are totally dependent on ice and weather conditions. Our exact itinerary depends on these factors and on the wildlife we encounter. The goal is to make landings each day with our Zodiacs and the following are examples of exciting places we may visit:

In Kongsfjorden, famous for its beauty, we find the scientific settlement Ny Ålesund. Arctic terns nest by the main street and we often see wild reindeer grazing. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. Svalbard offers the visitor countless spectacular fjords such as Liefdefjorden, Krossfjorden and Raudfjorden - areas of immense natural beauty - dominated by beautifully sculptured glaciers. The ice floes are frequently visited by resting seals and walrus.

North of Spitsbergen we may meet the pack ice edge. Not many ships venture here and we can marvel at the silence and grandeur of this icy landscape. Chances of meeting polar bears increase as we sailalong the ice floes. If the ice allows we may enter Hinlopen Strait. Here is Alkefjellet, a sheer, basaltic cliff, which is the home for some 200 000 Brunnich`s guillemots. 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 melt-waterfalls. Even further east is Kvitøya (White Island). In very favourable ice and weather conditions, we may land on this ice-capped island where few people have ever set foot. Here Andrée and his men were found 33 years after their unsuccessful attempt to reach the North Pole with a hydrogen balloon. Barentsøya and Edgeøya south of Nordaustlandet offer magnificent landscapes of vast tundra. Chances are good to encounter walrus, arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer here.

Day 11

Longyearbyen - Disembarkation

We arrive in Longyearbyen early morning, disembark the ship and begin our journey back home.

Our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions and wildlife sightings. The places mentioned above and in the brochure are just examples of some of the many sites Svalbard has to offer. We always strive to maximise your experience, but remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!