My Arctic Adventure Aboard the M/V Polar Quest
An unforgettable Svalbard cruise through ice, wildlife, and midnight sun. Exploring this remote Arctic world aboard the M/V Polar Quest was everything I hoped for and more.
A true expedition filled with breathtaking glaciers, close encounters with wildlife, and moments of pure wonder beneath the never-ending daylight. I can’t wait to share what made this journey so special.
Lesia – Wildfoot Travel consultant
The Journey North
My Arctic adventure began long before I set foot on the ship. After landing in Oslo, I spent a night at the Radisson Blu Hotel beside the airport, which was modern, stylish, and perfectly located for an early flight north.
When the rain finally cleared, I took a short trip into the city. Locals were dancing tango by the waterfront, and others relaxed in open-air saunas beside the fjord. It was a surprising and joyful scene that showed how much Norwegians embrace life outdoors.
The next morning’s flight to Longyearbyen felt like leaving the known world behind. As we descended over Svalbard, the landscape turned to shades of grey, brown, and white. Snow clung to the mountain peaks, and the Arctic Ocean shimmered below.
Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town, greeted us with crisp air, wandering reindeer, and a quiet sense of isolation. Even the first polar bear I saw was a taxidermy one inside the airport terminal, a playful reminder of where I had arrived.
After checking into a small, comfortable hotel, I wandered through the town’s two main streets, stopping at souvenir shops and outdoor gear stores. Later that evening, I met some of the fellow travellers who would soon share the voyage with me, and together we enjoyed a hearty dinner before turning in early. The next morning, our Arctic expedition would truly begin.
Setting Sail for the High Arctic
There is a moment, standing on the deck of a small ship as it pulls away from the harbour in Longyearbyen, when you realise just how far north you really are.
The world quiets, the air turns crisp, and everything feels possible. My Svalbard expedition cruise aboard the M/V Polar Quest began that way, with a deep breath of polar air and a sense of anticipation for what lay ahead.
The Polar M/S Quest is an intimate 50-passenger vessel built for true adventure. Small enough to reach hidden coves and ice-choked fjords, yet warm and comfortable inside, it was the perfect base for exploring Svalbard’s extraordinary wilderness.
The crew greeted us with genuine smiles and made us feel at home immediately. Within hours, the ship felt less like a cruise and more like a floating community.
Life Aboard the Polar Quest
My cabin was compact but cosy, with two beds, a large window framing Arctic views, and just enough room for the essentials. Packing light turned out to be one of the best decisions I made. When your days are filled with Zodiac rides, hikes, and wildlife encounters, you do not need much more than warm layers and a camera.
Meals were another highlight. Every dish was freshly prepared and delicious, from buffet breakfasts to à la carte dinners. There were plenty of options for all tastes, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Evenings often ended with a cup of tea or a glass of wine in the Panorama Lounge, where the soft Arctic light lingered late into the night. One evening, we even had a barbecue on deck beneath the midnight sun, with laughter, music, and a golden glow that never faded.
What made this Svalbard cruise truly special was the connection between guests and crew. Everyone shared the same excitement and curiosity about the Arctic. It did not matter where you were from; conversations flowed easily, friendships formed quickly, and by the end of the journey, we felt like a small family.
Discovering Svalbard’s Wild Heart
From the very first Zodiac landing, the sense of discovery was constant. Each day brought new sights: glaciers, wildlife, and stories from the region’s remarkable history.
We spotted belugas gliding gracefully near the ship, Arctic foxes darting along rocky shores, and reindeer wandering through Longyearbyen as casually as city pigeons.
Then came the day everyone had been hoping for. Under a bright Arctic sun, as we sailed near Elvetangen and Nordbreen, the call came over the loudspeaker: “Polar bears ahead.”
Two young polar bears were roaming along the shoreline, playing and occasionally swimming.
For nearly two hours we watched them through binoculars, quietly gathered on deck. Even from a distance, their power and beauty were unmistakable. The atmosphere on board was filled with quiet awe and pure excitement.
Seeing the bears in their natural habitat felt like a gift, a moment of connection with the wild heart of Svalbard. It reminded us that this environment belongs to them, and that we are only visitors passing through their icy kingdom.
The following day brought a completely different spectacle at the towering bird cliffs of Alkefjellet. Thousands of seabirds filled the air in a swirl of sound and motion, one of nature’s great displays.
That evening, two professional photographers on board hosted an informal lecture, sharing tips on how to capture the magic of the Arctic light and movement. It was inspiring, practical, and perfectly timed after such an incredible day behind the lens.
Later in the voyage, we visited Sarstangen, where more than a hundred walruses lay on the beach under the midnight sun. Lying quietly on the sand just a few metres away, listening to their grunts and splashes, felt surreal. It was a rare privilege that words can barely capture.
Glaciers, Ice, and Endless Light
Nothing prepared me for the first glacier. It shimmered in countless shades of blue, towering above the water like a living sculpture. As we cruised deeper into the fjords, icebergs floated past in strange and beautiful shapes.
Further north, we reached the edge of the pack ice, a vast frozen expanse that seemed to stretch into forever.
During a hike in Oskar II Land, we climbed above the glaciers and looked out over a panorama of pure wilderness. It was one of those moments when silence says everything. The Arctic has a way of making you feel small but also profoundly alive.
Daily Adventures and Zodiac Excursions
Every day on this Arctic expedition cruise offered something new. Some mornings began with early Zodiac rides along cliffs filled with thousands of nesting birds. Others started with hikes through valleys sprinkled with tiny Arctic flowers.
We often made two or even three excursions a day, exploring, photographing, learning, and simply soaking it all in.
One of the bravest moments for me was the polar plunge. Jumping into the icy Arctic Ocean was both terrifying and exhilarating, an instant jolt that turned into laughter and applause from everyone on deck.
We visited remarkable places such as Smeerenburg, Virgohamna, Ny-Ålesund, Kongsbreen, Alkefjellet’s bird cliffs, and many more. Each destination revealed another side of Svalbard, from historic whaling stations to modern research outposts and untouched coastlines.
Hiking and Farewell to the Arctic
Toward the end of the voyage, we reached Osbornebreen and Valentinryggen for a day of hiking. We split into three groups, each following a different trail across the tundra. I joined the more active group and climbed to a high ridge overlooking the glacier. The view was breathtaking: endless ice, still air, and the faint sound of distant meltwater streams.
Later, in Eidembukta, we explored patches of Arctic vegetation, tiny but beautifully coloured flowers thriving in the cold. Reindeer wandered nearby, unbothered by our presence.
That evening, we gathered in the lounge for a farewell dinner. The captain and crew gave heartfelt speeches, and there was laughter, music, and a sense of gratitude that filled the room. It was the perfect ending to a journey that had touched everyone on board.
People Who Made It Unforgettable
The expedition team was exceptional: knowledgeable, passionate, and endlessly patient with our questions. Their enthusiasm was contagious. Every briefing and lecture deepened our understanding of the Arctic and its delicate ecosystem.
The crew also went above and beyond to ensure every detail of life on board was smooth and enjoyable. And then there were the fellow travellers, adventurous spirits from all over the world who shared this once-in-a-lifetime journey. We are still in touch today, dreaming of where the next voyage might take us.
Honest Reflections and Travel Tips
Looking back, this Svalbard cruise was one of the most moving experiences of my life. The landscapes, the light, and the wildlife all left a lasting impression, but what stood out most was the feeling of being so far from the familiar, surrounded only by nature, ice, and possibility.
- Pack light and smart. Cabins are compact, and you will spend most of your time outdoors.
- Bring earplugs and a sleep mask. The midnight sun is beautiful, but it never sets.
- Stay open to adventure. Weather and wildlife can be unpredictable, and that is part of the magic.
- Enjoy every moment. This is not a typical cruise; it is a journey into one of the planet’s last true wildernesses.
Final Thoughts
As we sailed back toward Longyearbyen beneath the glowing Arctic sky, I felt both content and wistful. The Arctic has a quiet power that stays with you long after you leave.
Would I go again? Absolutely. A Svalbard cruise aboard the M/V Polar Quest is not just a holiday. It is an experience that reshapes how you see the world.
If Lesia’s story inspires you to plan your own Arctic journey, explore our range of Arctic expeditions and discover where your next adventure might take you.
For help and guidance in planning your own Arctic adventure, get in touch with our expert team on 0161 568 2002, or send an enquiry.
