Come aboard the M/S Quest—one of the most intimate expedition ships cruising the Arctic. Enjoy social spaces that encourage camaraderie and a dedicated, experienced team on this classic ice breaker.
Photo by: Kerstin Langenberger
Svalbard Adventure Cruise
Explore Svalbard in May or June, when the midnight sun reigns supreme, bird colonies teem with life and the dramatic mountain ranges are beautifully snow-capped. Enjoy an intimate voyage aboard one of the smallest ships cruising in the Arctic: 50-guest Quest or 12-guest MS Sjoveien.
May
Jun
FROM
$6,990
USD
PER PERSON
/
From a selection of some of the smallest ships cruising in the Arctic, explore Svalbard in May or June, when the midnight sun reigns supreme, bird colonies teem with life and the dramatic mountain ranges are beautifully snow-capped. The ice still keeps the islands in its grip and you can admire the ever-changing ice formations. Spring has arrived and summer is just around the corner.
Your journey begins with a night in a hotel in Longyearbyen, followed by 7 nights on board. Navigate the magnificent Arctic wilderness of Svalbard, including glittering glaciers, and go ashore to take in the magnificent scenery. Along the way, keep an eye out for the iconic wildlife, including walruses, seals and polar bears.
Passage is aboard one of three sister ships in a fleet of intimate Arctic vessels. The 50-guest Quest offers 5 eager guides, a fleet of Zodiacs, and various unfussy social spaces, fostering exploration, connection and quiet contemplation. The 12-guest MS Sjoveien features a modern maritime interior, good options for solo travelers and a wood-fired hot tub on deck. This 12-guest yacht is an AdventureSmith favorite for private charter cruises due to her intimate size.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Svalbard cruises and widespread Arctic cruises and Arctic trips.
Svalbard Adventure Itinerary
Longyearbyen, SvalbardLongyearbyen, Svalbard
On these May and June departures, sail northern Spitsbergen round-trip from Longyearbyen for springtime landscapes teeming with wildlife. Enjoy a pre-cruise overnight in Longyearbyen, for an unhurried embarkation day.
Arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to the group hotel for a restful night of sleep.
Explore Longyearbyen on your own before meeting your fellow expedition members and guides for lunch. In the afternoon, board your expedition ship and sail out through Isfjorden—the Arctic expedition has begun! You are now in a part of the world where you are completely dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Your exact itinerary will depend on these factors and on the wildlife encountered. The aim is to head out on Zodiac cruises every day and also go ashore when the opportunity arises. Here are some examples of places you may visit:
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 harbor seals.
Virgohamna, Danskøya
Danskøya was the starting point for two of the most daring attempts to reach the North Pole. The Swedish explorer Andrée made an attempt with a hydrogen balloon and the American journalist Wellman started with an airship. Interesting remnants of these Arctic expeditions can still be seen here.
Fantastic Fjords
Svalbard offers countless spectacular fjords to visit. During your cruise, explore a selection of fjords such as:
Liefdefjorden: Meaning “The fjord of love,” Liefdefjorden is lined with snow-capped mountain peaks; hope to cruise along the face of the spectacular Monaco Glacier here. Many common eiders and pink-footed geese nest in the area and with luck, you may see the rare king eider.
Krossfjorden: Here, enjoy the beautifully sculpted front of the 14th of July Glacier and be greeted by the large numbers of kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots nesting on the nearby cliffs.
Raudfjorden: This is an area of immense natural beauty—dominated by magnificent glaciers. It is also a favorite spot for seals, and the bird cliffs are abuzz with activity.
Kongsfjorden: This is home to the scientific village of Ny-Ålesund. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile set out on their heroic expeditions to the North Pole.
Sjuøyane
These islands are situated north of Nordaustlandet and it is Svalbard’s northernmost outpost. On one of the islands, Rossøya, Andrée and his companions had one of their depots with supplies in case their, by now legendary, balloon trip in the late 1800s would fail.
North of Spitsbergen
North of Spitsbergen, you may come across the edge of the pack ice. Not many ships venture here and you can marvel at the silence and grandeur of this icy landscape. Keep an eye out for the iconic arctic wildlife.
In the morning, leave the ship in Longyearbyen and begin your journey home.
Included
1 pre-cruise night in a hotel in Longyearbyen, 7 nights on board the vessel indicated in the itinerary, lunch on Day 2, all meals on board, coffee and tea, an experienced expedition leader and knowledgeable guides, guiding ashore and talks on board, all excursions and activities, rubber boots on loan for the cruise (starting in 2027), airport transfers (if passengers arriving and departing via operator-recommended flights), taxes, port fees and AECO fees.
Exclusions
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; travel and cancellation insurance, and insurance of any kind; gratuity to the ship’s crew; and personal expenses such as bar and shop charges.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 181 days – 15% of total trip cost
180 to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The Svalbard Adventure cruise begins and ends in Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR). Longyearbyen is only accessed via flights from Oslo, Norway (OSL). Some flights arrive very early in the morning, before standard hotel check-in; in these cases, we recommend booking an extra hotel night or arranging a day room option. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues.
Plan flights to arrive to Longyearbyen anytime on Day 1 of the itinerary. Disembarkation is from 8:00-9:00am on Day 9 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Longyearbyen no earlier than 12:00pm Noon on Day 9. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page. Additionally, the cruise operator offers group flights between Oslo, Norway and Longyearbyen—inquire with your Adventure Specialist for details.
Activities
There are no added-cost activities available on your Svalbard Adventure cruise. Guided shore excursions, walks, wildlife spotting and Zodiac cruises are included in the fare and will be offered to all passengers during each voyage. Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting.
Room Configuration
In addition to listed Single cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy at roughly 1.7x the per–person listed rate (your Adventure Specialist can confirm). Single travelers wishing to book on a “sharing basis” may do so at no additional cost in Twin categories upon availability.
Families & Children
Children 12 years and older at time of travel are welcomed on this cruise. There are no child discounts. On board MS Quest, by special request, families of 4 may be able to share a triple cabin for quad occupancy—inquire with your Adventure Specialist for details.
Travel Insurance
Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip (the ship operator does not have a required minimum, so it’s recommended to discuss the appropriate coverage with your insurance company). Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.
Loading rates & dates…
No upcoming departures available at this time.
Sort
No departures match your filters.
USD
Per Person
Per Person
With only 50 guests, the Quest is one of the smallest expedition ships operating in the Arctic. She offers guests a safe, community-minded and comfortable home base for exploring ice-laden seas. Her panoramic lounge and 360-degree deck space invite guests to capture wildlife, relax and take in the stunning views.
Quest Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Quest review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Please read our Quest review below then contact our experts to compare the Quest with other ice-class expedition ships offering Arctic cruises, including cruises to Greenland and Spitsbergen and Svalbard cruises.
The Quest was built in 1992 in Denmark to ferry passengers along Greenland's west coast. The ship was significantly refurbished in 2004-2005 to become a comfortable expedition ship, with further cabin upgrades in 2018. Satellite WiFi, a recent upgrade, is available at added cost.
Choose the Quest for an intimate polar experience. A maximum of only 50 guests creates a strong sense of onboard camaraderie. And her ice-strengthened hull is ideally suited for expedition travel in the Arctic.
Onboard Facilities
The 5-deck Quest expedition ship encourages her guests to become fast friends via a few key common spaces. The Dining Room offers an inviting atmosphere with open seating, encouraging travelers to mix and mingle for each meal. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, while dinner is a three-course, plated affair. The daily menu offers vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and other dietary requests are considered with advanced notice. Meals are international and wide-ranging in variety, with common plates such as pasta and Scandinavian dishes always available.
The top deck Panorama Lounge features a 360-degree wall of windows (and ceiling), a well-stocked bar, filtered water, a coffee/tea/hot chocolate machine, cookies, a small library and comfortable viewing chairs bathed in natural light. Onboard lectures detailing the flora, fauna and history of the region are held in this space. Alcohol and soft drinks are available for purchase from the bar and in the dining room during meals.
Further learning can be had while visiting the open Bridge, to watch the captain and officers navigate the challenging ice floes through which the M/S Quest sails. Rounding out the onboard experience are the forward (bow and off-lounge) and aft outdoor observation decks, which enable guests to take in the views and feel the arctic sun and breeze.
Activities & Expeditions
The Quest small ship is crewed by a friendly international group, including an onboard doctor/clinic and five expedition guides—all excited to facilitate an exciting (and comfortable) polar expedition cruise. The 1:6 guide-to-guest ratio ensures plenty of access to knowledgeable guides. The five Zodiac boats on board Quest are loaded and unloaded via a mid-ship side door with a stable drawbridge, and Zodiac groups are divided among guests for language if/as needed. Expect two to three off-ship explorations each day while sailing aboard Quest, including one landing and one Zodiac cruise. The ship's doctor joins most outings, for added security.
Cabins & Quest Deck Plan
All 24 cabins aboard the Quest come equipped with twin beds or a double bed, a view window, reading lamps, a bedside table(s) with four USB charging outlets, a desk, chair, closet, hooks, and a private bathroom with an integrated shower. All cabins are accessed by a sheltered interior hallway.
Carrying a maximum of 12 guests on 3 decks, MS Sjoveien (“hwer-vye-en") is one of the smallest Arctic ships in AdventureSmith's selection. Come aboard in Svalbard for a truly intimate experience rivaling that of a riverboat, but instead sailing among icebergs.
MS Sjoveien Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Sjøveien review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Please read our Sjoveien review below then contact our experts to compare the M/S Sjoveien with other ice-class expedition ships offering Arctic cruises, including Spitsbergen and Svalbard cruises and private charter cruises.
M/S Sjøveien (meaning the Seaway) was built in 1964 in Bergen, Norway, for various governmental duties. She went on to be a home base for mariners-in-training from 1979 to 1995. The ship then went under private ownership, sailing for the Norwegian Coast Guard and as a floating hotel. Following a refurbishment in 2016, Sjoveien began expedition cruising around Svalbard.
Choose the MS Sjoveien for a Svalbard ship with an exclusive feel. Her classic makeup is complimented by a modern maritime interior. And travelers are sure to love watching for polar bears from the on-deck, wood-fired hot tub. With the flexibility of 8 cabins for only 12 guests, this ship is ideal for both private parties and solo travelers (including the lowest single supplement among her fleet).
Onboard Facilities
MS Sjoveien features an adjacent lounge & dining room on the Main Deck. The 12-chair wooden dining room table invites all passengers to eat together, fostering a real sense of camaraderie among likeminded, new-found friends. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style while dinner is plated. Daily meals are all shared by the full guest complement in one open seating, with international fare and specialty foods (e.g. vegetarian and vegan options) to accommodate all. Beverages are available for an added cost.
The Lounge is equipped with wraparound couches for relaxing between activities, enjoying a hot drink and taking in guide lectures. Also on the Main Deck are a wraparound breezeway and wood-fired hot tub, both providing excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting and relaxation. Note that there is currently no internet on board, enabling a true digital detox and opportunities to focus on wildlife and landscapes.
Travelers are welcome to meet the captain and crew in the open Bridge on the Upper Deck. The classic charm and forward views of the Bridge encourage guests to soak in the process of navigation among icebergs and Arctic passages.
Activities & Expeditions
Cruising alongside the 12 or fewer guests on board MS Sjoveien are 2 bilingual guides (speaking English and Swedish) and a 7-member international crew. Daily off-ship excursions, including landing for walks or hikes and cruising along shorelines or icebergs, is facilitated by the ship's 2 Zodiacs. Guests must be comfortable using a short ladder to embark and disembark the ship.
Cabins & MS Sjoveien Deck Plan
Common to every cabin aboard MS Sjoveien is a private ensuite bathroom with shower; a wardrobe for storage; and a desk. All but 1 (#303) of the 8 cabins on board this Svalbard ship open to an interior deck; #303 has both interior and exterior entryways. While all cabins can accommodate 2 guests, MS Sjoveien only cruises with up to 12, providing good options for solo travelers. Her 8 cabins are spread across three decks, creating a variety of options.
Carrying a maximum of 12 guests on 3 decks, MS Sjoveien (“hwer-vye-en") is one of the smallest Arctic ships in AdventureSmith's selection. Come aboard in Svalbard for a truly intimate experience rivaling that of a riverboat, but instead sailing among icebergs.
MS Sjoveien Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Sjøveien review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Please read our Sjoveien review below then contact our experts to compare the M/S Sjoveien with other ice-class expedition ships offering Arctic cruises, including Spitsbergen and Svalbard cruises and private charter cruises.
M/S Sjøveien (meaning the Seaway) was built in 1964 in Bergen, Norway, for various governmental duties. She went on to be a home base for mariners-in-training from 1979 to 1995. The ship then went under private ownership, sailing for the Norwegian Coast Guard and as a floating hotel. Following a refurbishment in 2016, Sjoveien began expedition cruising around Svalbard.
Choose the MS Sjoveien for a Svalbard ship with an exclusive feel. Her classic makeup is complimented by a modern maritime interior. And travelers are sure to love watching for polar bears from the on-deck, wood-fired hot tub. With the flexibility of 8 cabins for only 12 guests, this ship is ideal for both private parties and solo travelers (including the lowest single supplement among her fleet).
Onboard Facilities
MS Sjoveien features an adjacent lounge & dining room on the Main Deck. The 12-chair wooden dining room table invites all passengers to eat together, fostering a real sense of camaraderie among likeminded, new-found friends. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style while dinner is plated. Daily meals are all shared by the full guest complement in one open seating, with international fare and specialty foods (e.g. vegetarian and vegan options) to accommodate all. Beverages are available for an added cost.
The Lounge is equipped with wraparound couches for relaxing between activities, enjoying a hot drink and taking in guide lectures. Also on the Main Deck are a wraparound breezeway and wood-fired hot tub, both providing excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting and relaxation. Note that there is currently no internet on board, enabling a true digital detox and opportunities to focus on wildlife and landscapes.
Travelers are welcome to meet the captain and crew in the open Bridge on the Upper Deck. The classic charm and forward views of the Bridge encourage guests to soak in the process of navigation among icebergs and Arctic passages.
Activities & Expeditions
Cruising alongside the 12 or fewer guests on board MS Sjoveien are 2 bilingual guides (speaking English and Swedish) and a 7-member international crew. Daily off-ship excursions, including landing for walks or hikes and cruising along shorelines or icebergs, is facilitated by the ship's 2 Zodiacs. Guests must be comfortable using a short ladder to embark and disembark the ship.
Cabins & MS Sjoveien Deck Plan
Common to every cabin aboard MS Sjoveien is a private ensuite bathroom with shower; a wardrobe for storage; and a desk. All but 1 (#303) of the 8 cabins on board this Svalbard ship open to an interior deck; #303 has both interior and exterior entryways. While all cabins can accommodate 2 guests, MS Sjoveien only cruises with up to 12, providing good options for solo travelers. Her 8 cabins are spread across three decks, creating a variety of options.
Access Greenland as few travelers can—from a classy 12-passenger yacht, richly appointed with mahogany wood panels, polished brass, colorful splashes of tile and clean Scandinavian lines. Join likeminded travelers for an intimate arctic expedition with rare amenities such as a sauna and dedicated solo cabins.
MS Balto Ship Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ MS Balto review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Please read our MS Balto ship review below then contact our experts to compare the M/S Balto with other ice-class expedition ships offering Arctic cruises, including Greenland small ship cruises.
Named after the leading sled dog of the 1925 Nome serum run, MS Balto takes her place at the head of the pack when it comes to small yachts sailing Arctic waters. Built as a Finnish government service vessel to cruise the Baltic Sea, this ship now serves as one of the smallest Greenland passenger yachts that AdventureSmith offers.
Choose the MS Balto for her onboard sauna and dedicated solo cabins—a rarity among Arctic ships this small—as well as her cozy and inviting spaces. This Arctic yacht blends Finnish design with classic maritime charm for an atmosphere that combines history with modern comforts.
Onboard Facilities
The MS Balto invites her 12 or fewer guests to relax and recharge in warm social spaces, including a sauna, saloon, dining room and open Bridge. Outside, the Main and Top Decks feature various spaces to take in the sea breeze and spy for arctic wildlife. Indoors, the Lower Deck's Finnish-inspired wooden sauna and neighboring cold shower offers a pleasant way to warm up after chilly off-ship excursions.
An elegant saloon bar with crotch-mahogany paneling harkens back to an era of opulence and grace. Enjoy a warm drink or spirit with fellow guests from a plush wraparound couch or small wooden table, surrounded by historic photos from the ship's storied past. Warm your hands beside a cast iron stove while taking in views of the icy polar wilds outside the ship's large view windows.
The rustic dining room blends seamlessly with the saloon via a half-wall. All 12 guests are treated to international dishes in a casual atmosphere with unassigned seating. The onboard chef is prepared to dazzle, as well as accommodate many specialty diets such as vegan and vegetarian. A coffee and tea station accompanies a small library for unwinding between off-ship activities.
Activities & Expeditions
An international crew of 7 attends to daily meals, housekeeping and navigation. One guide for each 6 guests plans and executes twice-daily off-ship excursions by Zodiac boat and on land. The privileged group size of up to 12 guests means that activities from MS Balto are more flexible and can go longer—think exploring narrow fjords, remote anchorages and Inuit settlements.
Cabins & MS Balto Deck Plan
All of MS Balto's 7 cabins open to the exterior, for easy deck access. Each cabin offers a private bathroom with shower, 1-2 non-convertible lower beds, a wooden desk, leather chair and storage closet. Modern pops of color mix with muted maritime tones in the textiles, walls and tile of the ship's cabins, for a feel that's both classic and modern, charming and eclectic. Cabins offer either windows or portholes, some of which open.
Access Greenland as few travelers can—from a classy 12-passenger yacht, richly appointed with mahogany wood panels, polished brass, colorful splashes of tile and clean Scandinavian lines. Join likeminded travelers for an intimate arctic expedition with rare amenities such as a sauna and dedicated solo cabins.
MS Balto Ship Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ MS Balto review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Please read our MS Balto ship review below then contact our experts to compare the M/S Balto with other ice-class expedition ships offering Arctic cruises, including Greenland small ship cruises.
Named after the leading sled dog of the 1925 Nome serum run, MS Balto takes her place at the head of the pack when it comes to small yachts sailing Arctic waters. Built as a Finnish government service vessel to cruise the Baltic Sea, this ship now serves as one of the smallest Greenland passenger yachts that AdventureSmith offers.
Choose the MS Balto for her onboard sauna and dedicated solo cabins—a rarity among Arctic ships this small—as well as her cozy and inviting spaces. This Arctic yacht blends Finnish design with classic maritime charm for an atmosphere that combines history with modern comforts.
Onboard Facilities
The MS Balto invites her 12 or fewer guests to relax and recharge in warm social spaces, including a sauna, saloon, dining room and open Bridge. Outside, the Main and Top Decks feature various spaces to take in the sea breeze and spy for arctic wildlife. Indoors, the Lower Deck's Finnish-inspired wooden sauna and neighboring cold shower offers a pleasant way to warm up after chilly off-ship excursions.
An elegant saloon bar with crotch-mahogany paneling harkens back to an era of opulence and grace. Enjoy a warm drink or spirit with fellow guests from a plush wraparound couch or small wooden table, surrounded by historic photos from the ship's storied past. Warm your hands beside a cast iron stove while taking in views of the icy polar wilds outside the ship's large view windows.
The rustic dining room blends seamlessly with the saloon via a half-wall. All 12 guests are treated to international dishes in a casual atmosphere with unassigned seating. The onboard chef is prepared to dazzle, as well as accommodate many specialty diets such as vegan and vegetarian. A coffee and tea station accompanies a small library for unwinding between off-ship activities.
Activities & Expeditions
An international crew of 7 attends to daily meals, housekeeping and navigation. One guide for each 6 guests plans and executes twice-daily off-ship excursions by Zodiac boat and on land. The privileged group size of up to 12 guests means that activities from MS Balto are more flexible and can go longer—think exploring narrow fjords, remote anchorages and Inuit settlements.
Cabins & MS Balto Deck Plan
All of MS Balto's 7 cabins open to the exterior, for easy deck access. Each cabin offers a private bathroom with shower, 1-2 non-convertible lower beds, a wooden desk, leather chair and storage closet. Modern pops of color mix with muted maritime tones in the textiles, walls and tile of the ship's cabins, for a feel that's both classic and modern, charming and eclectic. Cabins offer either windows or portholes, some of which open.
Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary
MS Sjoveien (“hwer-vye-en") is the smallest Arctic ship in AdventureSmith's selection. Come aboard in Svalbard for a truly intimate experience rivaling that of a riverboat, but instead sailing among icebergs.
Access Greenland as few travelers can—from a classy yacht with mahogany wood, polished brass, colorful tile and clean Scandinavian lines. Join likeminded travelers for an intimate Arctic expedition with rare amenities such as a sauna and dedicated single cabins.
Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect
-
Expert Review: Polar Quest Svalbard
Tiny ships, big moments. Get our expert's insights into how Polar Quest’s cozy, no-frills vessels (12-50 guests) deliver big on raw nature, abundant wildlife, standout guides & authentic adventure in Svalbard.
-
Expert Review: What to Expect on a Polar Bear Cruise
A travel expert lends her Arctic cruise insight on what you can expect aboard a small ship polar bear cruise in the Arctic Svalbard region.
Trips You Might Also Like
View All Svalbard Cruises
Save up to 20%
+1
Icelandic Mosaic Cruise
Luxury voyage with included shore excursions & onboard entertainment
Save up to 20%
+1
Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords
High-end Scotland to Norway cruise with on- & off-ship entertainment
Save up to 20%
+1
Wild Lands of Scotland, the Faroe Islands & Iceland
Scotland to Iceland expedition for wildlife, cliffs & remote nature
Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise
View All Svalbard Cruises
Springtime in Svalbard
Smallest early-season voyage, with included Longyearbyen hotel
Expedition Svalbard
Circumnavigation via the region's smallest ships with included Longyearbyen hotel
Around Spitsbergen
Economical Svalbard circumnavigation with included hotels & flights
Our experts will save you hours.
A single conversation with us is worth hours of internet scrolling. Find your next best trip with ease, then book with the confidence of our 20+ year experience.
