Established in 1999, PolarQuest has a long tenure of arranging small ship expedition cruises in Svalbard and Greenland. In fact, they offer some of the smallest cruise options in the Arctic.
Travelling with PolarQuest allows you to enjoy remote wilderness without having to become a scientist or an explorer with a beard full of ice. Learn here about PolarQuest’s sustainability commitment and expedition ships, plus reasons to take a PolarQuest cruise and how to get aboard.
The PolarQuest Expedition Fleet
PolarQuest specializes in small groups and strives to have minimal impact on the environment. PolarQuest ships in Svalbard take 12 or 50 passengers: Quest (50 Passenger), MS Balto (12 Passenger), MS Sjoveien (12 Passenger), MS Stockholm (12 Passenger). These small expedition ships are the most sustainable way to explore the wildlife and nature of Svalbard. The classic charm of these expedition ships perfectly complement the rugged beauty of the destinations they explore.
PolarQuest Standout Features
PolarQuest offers the smallest ships that AdventureSmith works with in the Arctic, providing exclusive opportunities. Traveling with PolarQuest means embarking on adventures in small groups, offering private and up-close encounters with the wild. This flexibility allows for maximized shore time and personalized experiences for each guest.
The Greenland expeditions feature a remarkable guide-to-passenger ratio of 1:6, ensuring exceptional attention and individualized service. Select ships offer included beverages, an onboard sauna, a wood-fired hot tub, and dedicated solo cabins—a rarity among Arctic ships of this size.
PolarQuest’s Sustainability Focus
PolarQuest’s focus on sustainability is deeply rooted in its commitment to responsible tourism and environmental stewardship. PolarQuest is one of the eight companies that founded the Association of Arctic Expeditions Cruise Operators (AECO) in 2003, to regulate tourism in Svalbard and promote sustainable, environmentally friendly and safe tourism in the area. The organization strives to conduct expeditions with the utmost respect for nature and wildlife. One part is carefully developed guidelines that all members are to follow during cruises and landings. Today, AECO is a respected representative of the cruise industry and an invaluable support to operators who wish to conduct responsible tourism in the Arctic.
FIND ARCTIC CRUISES
View all the options in Svalbard and Greenland, for PolarQuest & beyond.
Why Choose PolarQuest
Choose PolarQuest for your Arctic cruise if you are seeking small groups, experienced guides, sustainable travel and an expedition of a lifetime. PolarQuest encourages you to slow down, take part of the unique arctic environment and create a connection with the region. When traveling with PolarQuest, you will be accompanied by guides who possess extensive polar experience and a deep passion for the Arctic. Whether on board, ashore, or in the Zodiacs, the guides deliver engaging and educational presentations about the area’s flora, fauna, and history.
The Zodiacs are one of the secrets behind a successful expedition cruise. With these safe and sturdy rubber boats you can navigate among icebergs, cruise along glaciers and go ashore to get unique nature experiences. Each day, the goal is to make several landings or cruises with the Zodiacs. The Zodiac operation is fast and efficient and all guests can get ashore on short notice.
By choosing PolarQuest, you’re not only experiencing the Arctic’s raw beauty but also contributing to sustainable tourism. As one of the leading expedition companies in the region, PolarQuest offers the smallest group sizes, ensuring personalized experiences and exclusive access to remote communities. Polar Quest’s experienced guides and sustainable practices make your journey truly immersive and responsible.
