Svalbard Adventure: M/S Stockholm

Svalbard

A trip on board M/S Stockholm is an experience of a lifetime! The atmosphere, the curiosity on board, the classic interior and the delicious food are elements that make this trip unique. The midnight sun reigns supreme, the bird colonies are teeming with life and the mountain ranges are beautifully covered with glittering snow. The ice still keeps the islands in its grip and we can admire the ever-changing ice formations. Spring has arrived and summer is just around the corner

Sail on board an intimate, charming and historic expedition ship with just 12 fellow travellers
See the spectacular mountains of Spitsbergen
Sail through amazing fjords and see impressive glaciers
Search for wildlife such as polar bears, walrus and whales
Incredible birdlife including eiders, vast numbers of kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots

GUIDES

Knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides are the key to a successful expedition. On these expeditions you will meet guides with long experience of the Polar Regions and a genuine love of the Arctic. Several of them have been commuting between the Arctic and the Antarctic for many years. All guides are highly qualified guides when it comes to safety.

There are two guides on board the M/S Stockholm. Few passengers per guide increase the flexibility on board as well as enable a smooth Zodiac operation. The guides also entertain and educate you with interesting talks in between landings, where you learn more about the flora, fauna and history of Svalbard.

Stewart's Take

To travel on board M/S Stockholm is a truly unique experience.

Overview

A trip on board M/S Stockholm is an experience of a lifetime! The atmosphere, the curiosity on board, the classic interior and the delicious food are elements that make this trip unique. The midnight sun reigns supreme, the bird colonies are teeming with life and the mountain ranges are beautifully covered with glittering snow. The ice still keeps the islands in its grip and we can admire the ever-changing ice formations. Spring has arrived and summer is just around the corner.

Day 1: Longyearbyen We arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to our hotel. Day 2 – 8: Svalbard We start our adventure in Svalbard by exploring the High Arctic capital of Longyearbyen. In the afternoon we embark the expedition ship M/S Stockholm and sail out through Isfjorden. We are now in a part of the world where we are totally dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Our exact itinerary depends on these factors and on the wildlife we encounter. Our ambition is to make landings or cruises every day with our Zodiacs. Here are some examples of places we 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 harbour seals. Virgohamna, Danskøya Two of the most courageous attempts to reach the North Pole started on the island of Danskøya. Swedish balloonist Andrée made an attempt with a hydrogen balloon and American journalist Wellman started with an airship. There are still interesting remnants from these expeditions left on this site. Fantastic fjords Svalbard offers the visitor countless spectacular fjords. During our journey we will explore a few of them such as: Liefdefjorden, meaning “The fjord of love”, is lined with snow-covered mountain peaks and here we hope to cruise along the face of the spectacular Monaco Glacier. Many common eiders and pinkfooted geese nest in the area and if lucky we can see the rare king eider. In Krossfjorden we revel in the beautifully sculptured front of the 14th of July Glacier to the raucous greeting of the large number of kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots nesting on the nearby cliffs. 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. The scientific village of Ny-Ålesund is situated in Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. North Spitsbergen & Hinlopen Strait North of Spitsbergen we might meet the edge of the pack ice. Not many ships venture here and we can marvel at the silence and grandeur of this icy landscape. Chances of meeting polar bears increase as we sail along the ice floes. If the ice allows we enter Hinlopen Strait. Here is Alkefjellet, an impressive, basaltic cliff, which is the home to an estimated 200 000 Brünnich’s guillemots. We may also continue into the beautiful bay Palanderbukta on Nordaustlandet. Day 9: Longyearbyen Early morning we disembark our expedition ship and begin our journey back home. Please note: The 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. The expedition team always strive to maximize your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

Expedition Vessel: M/S Stockholm

MS Stockholm small expedition ship Svalbard

The M/S Stockholm is a classic vessel built in 1953 for the Swedish National Maritime Administration and is a sister to the M/S Origo and M/S Malmö.

In 1999 she was refitted as a comfortable ice strengthened expedition vessel for 12 passengers. All the cabins are outside twins with upper and lower berths, and en-suite facilities. On board the ship you will enjoy the company of likeminded travelers who appreciate the natural world, and are fascinated by the remote regions. With such a small party on board, this is like travelling on a private yacht, and offers an entirely different experience to that of a larger cruise vessel.

For full information about this vessel click here:

Included

7 nights on board the M/S Stockholm, 1 night in a hotel in Longyearbyen
all meals and all beverages
an experienced Expedition Leader
lectures and guiding on board and ashore
all excursions by Zodiac
The customary gratuity to the ship’s crew
Comprehensive information material before the expedition
illustrated post-expedition log

Excluded

Flight to and from Longyearbyen
travel and cancellation insurance
personal expenses

Deposits - Reservations require a deposit of 25% at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card alternatively bank transfer. Bookings within 60 days of departure require full payment. Final Payments - Balances are due 60 days prior to departure. Final payment can be made by calling us (final payment cannot be made online) and may be paid by major credit card (however subject to a 2% surcharge) or bank transfer. Cancellations - All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellation received more than 60 days prior to departure: there will be a full refund of the program cost less 10%. Cancellation received between 60 days prior to departure and departure date: there will be no refund whatsoever. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. Booking Terms - Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Polar Quest Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.