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Springtime in Svalbard | MS Quest

USD $500 OFF per person

Valid for ALL Arctic 2026 Svalbard Departures

Offer available in all cabin categories

Available until 3 Jan 25 unless withdrawn/sold out prior

See additional T&Cs below*

9 Days
From NZD 10,150

STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACPQSPSV

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (Light Adventure)

Start: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Finish: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

SHIP: M/S Quest

DestinationDestination

Svalbard & The Arctic

DestinationDeparture Date

19/05/2025, 26/05/2025, 30/04/2026, 07/05/2026, 14/05/2026, 21/05/2026

MealsMeals

All Meals, Tea, And Coffee On Board Throughout Your Voyage

TransportAccommodation

Cabin On Board Ship & Hotel



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Included SightseeingIncluded 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

Come along on a once-in-a-lifetime Arctic cruise to Svalbard, the land of the midnight sun and polar bears! Svalbard is marked by breathtaking beauty and a lovely purity in May. Pastel-colored skies, snow-capped mountains, fjord ice, and shimmering ice formations dominate the winter scenery of fairy tales.

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, and birdlife is starting to return to Svalbard. 

ITINERARY

Arrival in Longyearbyen

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.

Exploring Svalbard - Day 2 to 8

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.

Disembarkation in Longyearbyen

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!

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?

  • Discover the Arctic spring, a breathtaking transition where the harsh, frozen landscapes of winter slowly give way to the delicate awakening of life

  • The Arctic winter is not just cold and stark; it is a land of extraordinary contrast and subtle beauty. Here, the snow-covered tundra is home to resilient wildlife, from herds of reindeer grazing on the frozen ground to Arctic foxes and polar bears hunting across the vast, white expanse. The jagged cliffs and glaciers, encrusted in ice, sparkle with an almost crystalline purity, as if the earth itself is a work of art

  • 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

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 More

Pricing per person & date

Springtime in Svalbard | MS Quest from NZD 10,150
Departing Ending Duration
19 May 202527 May 20259
26 May 202503 Jun 20259
30 Apr 202608 May 20269
07 May 202615 May 20269
14 May 202622 May 20269
21 May 202629 May 20269

Important Information

  • *Save $500 USD Off Per Person On All 2026 Svalbard Departures

    Valid on all Svalbard departures in the 2026 Arctic season
    Discount will apply on all available cabin categories
    Discount is valid until 3 January 25 unless withdrawn, sold out or varied prior
    Not combinable with any other promotions and valid on new bookings only.


    Please Contact Us for the latest availability, pricing and details of your preferred voyage. Chimu Adventures are Antarctica Experts and we will endeavour to find you the perfect Antarctica expedition cruise to ensure you have an unforgettable adventure!

    NOTE: Pricing is subject to change, currency fluctuation and availability at the time of booking and may be varied without notice by us or any of the operators and partners we work with. It is only confirmed and guaranteed at the time of making a booking, agreeing to our terms and conditions and paying a deposit. 

  • 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.

From Price Information

  • From Price is based on a Triple Cabin 
  • Valid for 19 May 2025 Departure

NOTE: Pricing is subject to change, currency fluctuation and availability at the time of booking and may be varied without notice by us or any of the operators and partners we work with. It is only confirmed and guaranteed at the time of making a booking, agreeing to our terms and conditions and paying a deposit.