Springtime in Svalbard with Doug Allan | MS Quest
9 Days
From NZD 10,150
STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACPQSSDA
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (Light Adventure)
Start: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Finish: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
SHIP: M/S Quest
Destination
Svalbard & The Arctic
Departure Date
12/05/2025
Meals
All Meals, Tea, And Coffee On Board Throughout Your Voyage
Accommodation
Cabin On Board Ship & Hotel
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Included Sightseeing
Daily Arctic Excursions, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings By The Experienced Expedition Team
NOTE: Itinerary Is Subject To Change Depending On Weather & Ice Conditions
OVERVIEW
Join award-winning photographer and cameraman Doug Allan for a once-in-a-lifetime excursion voyage into the stunning Svalbard wilderness!
With the Arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer still sporting their winter coats, walruses frequently resting on the ice floes, and, with any chance, the polar bear wandering on the ice, springtime in Svalbard is an incredible time to witness the archipelago come to life. It's a fantastic time to see rock ptarmigans and king eiders, as birdlife is starting to return to Svalbard. Pastel-colored skies, snow-capped mountains, fjord ice, and shimmering ice formations dominate the winter scenery of the fairy tale.
Doug Allan will talk passionately and authoritatively about his experiences working behind the camera in some of the world's most isolated and breathtaking locations while aboard MS Quest.
Join Doug Allan On A Special Svalbard Adventure!
Doug Allan is a renowned cameraman with over 40 years of experience, specializing in natural history and science documentaries, particularly in extreme environments like the polar regions. He worked for the British Antarctic Survey before transitioning to full-time filming in 1984, contributing to iconic series like Blue Planet and Planet Earth. With over 65 film projects and 20 expeditions to Svalbard, his expertise is unparalleled. Allan has received numerous accolades, including eight Emmys, five BAFTAs, and three Honorary Doctorates. Sir David Attenborough describes him as a "special" wildlife cameraman.
ITINERARY
Today you will arrive in Longyearbyen where you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day will be spent at your leisure to explore the quaint sights of Longyearbyen.
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 an evening landing 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:
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.
Bellsund - At the beautiful Varsolbukta 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.
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.
In the morning we leave the ship in Longyearbyen and begin our journey home.
Please note: Our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions and wildlife. 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!
WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?
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Doug Allan, acclaimed cameraman and renowned wildlife filmmaker, brings his unparalleled expertise and captivating storytelling to life as a special lecturer
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Discover the Arctic spring, a breathtaking transition where the harsh, frozen landscapes of winter slowly give way to the delicate awakening of life
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The Arctic's midnight sun casts its spell over the land for weeks, turning the landscape into a living painting, where the boundaries between reality and dream blur
M/S Quest
M/S Quest 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 renovation of the passenger areas. Enjoy your next adventure on this comfortable, small and nimble vessel Onboard you will find a laid back atmosphere and you'll be able to get to know your fellow guests, with a maximum of just 50 guests onboard. Take some time out on the observation decks to enjoy the beautiful views of the icy and desolate landscapes of the Arctic and get cosy in the Panorama Lounge with large windows, perfect for watching the world go by. All of the cabins onboard have picture windows and private bathrooms.
Ice Class:
Length: 49.65 m
Breadth: 11 mMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:50
View Ship Details
Accommodation
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Standard
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Superior
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Deluxe
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.
Snowshoeing
Go even deeper into Antarctica’s interior and reach less visited places where many other visitors simply don’t go!
Learn MorePricing per person & date
| Springtime in Svalbard with Doug Allan | MS Quest from NZD 10,150 | ||
| Departing | Ending | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 12 May 2025 | 20 May 2025 | 9 |
Important Information
Prices are based on per person, and vary from single, triple, and twin cabins.
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Please note this itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions*
INCLUSIONS
One night in a hotel in Longyearbyen.
Cabin accommodation on board ship.
Lunch on day two.
All meals, tea, and coffee on board throughout your voyage.
All scheduled landings and excursions.
Guiding and leadership by expert exploration team and crew.EXCLUSIONS
Flights to/from Longyearbyen.
Group transfers to/from hotel and ship.
Any other pre or post land arrangements not mentioned above.
Passport and visa expenses.
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above.
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended.
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned.
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew.
Meals ashore unless otherwise specified.
Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights.
Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified.
Optional Adventure Activities.
- 2 (Light Adventure)
Available upon request. A supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.
Departure date, fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.