Triple Cabin
#306 & 312: Three twin beds, picture window & desk.
Photo by: Helbild
Quest
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.
Capacity
50
Remodeled
2018
Crew Members
22 (avg)
Length
163 feet
Beam
36 feet
Draft
14 feet
Cruising Speed
11 knots
Flag
Denmark
Ice Class
1B
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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.
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.
OUR EXPERTS SAILED
You have questions.
We have answers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Twin Cabin
#303, 305, 307, 309, 311, 314-316, 318, 321, 323, 325 & 327: Two twin beds, picture window & desk.
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Twin Cabin Plus
#302 & 304: Two twin beds, picture window & desk.
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Double Cabin
#320 & 329: One double bed, picture window, armchair & desk.
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Double Cabin Superior
#301, 317, 319 & 402: One large double or two twin beds, two large picture windows, armchairs, desk & TV.
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Owner's Cabin
#401: One large double or two twin beds, two large picture windows, armchairs, desk & TV.
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Twin Cabin for Single Use
#303, 305, 307, 309, 311, 314-316, 318, 321, 323, 325 & 327: Two twin beds, picture window & desk.
Hear It From Travelers Who’ve Sailed Aboard the Quest
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Get Aboard M/S Quest
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Learn More About Sailing Aboard the Quest & Similar Ships
Eager to learn more about what it is like to travel aboard the Quest? Read our blog from our time aboard a similar-build ship. Or give our experts a call or email. We can help you compare the Quest to similar ships cruising the Arctic. These ships will have similar amenities, guides, meals and other services. Contact us to compare them all.
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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.
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