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Arctic & Alaska

Springtime in Svalbard

9 Days aboard M/S Quest. From AUD $9,406$9,116pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
No obligation enquiry
Details

Overview

Join a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the realm of the midnight sun! During the month of May, Svalbard is characterised by a wonderful purity and offers spectacular sceneries. The fairytale winter landscape is dominated by sparkling ice formations, snow covered mountains, fjord ice and pastel coloured skies.

It is spring in the Arctic and it is an indescribable experience to be there and witness the archipelago come to life.The polar bear yearlings venture out for the first time, the Arctic foxes and the Svalbard reindeers still wear their winter fur and seals and walruses can often be seen resting on the fjord ice. The little auks and the Brünnich’s guillemots have returned to their summer nests and the bird cliffs are teeming with life. This is also a great time to spot the king eider and rock ptarmigan.

Save up to A$725 pp

Book by 31 May 2026

Springtime in Svalbard
Springtime in Svalbard
Springtime in Svalbard
Springtime in Svalbard
Springtime in Svalbard
Springtime in Svalbard
Springtime in Svalbard
View cruise map

Itinerary Highlights

  • Explore this winter wonderland dominated by ice formations, snow-capped mountains, and fjords
  • Encounter the wildlife of the Arctic - polar bears, arctic foxes, reindeers, seals and walruses
  • Small-ship expedition that takes up to 53 passengers
  • Walk across the tundra in Bellsund and get closer to nesting auks
  • Opt to explore particular areas with snowshoes! 

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to hotel
  • Day 2-8: Expedition Svalbard
  • Day 9: Disembark in Longyearbyen and departure 

Ship Information

For more information on the M/S Quest please view the ship page.

View M/S Quest

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
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Day 1: Arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to hotel

We arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to our hotel.

Day 2-8: Expedition Svalbard

We start our Svalbard adventure by exploring Longyearbyen. In the afternoon we embark our expedition ship M/S Quest and head out through Isfjorden - our Arctic adventure has started. Perhaps we could make an evening landing before we continue either south or north – all depending on the weather and the current ice situation. Here are some examples of places we may visit:

Alkhornet
At the entrance of Isfjorden is the characteristic cliff Alkhornet. We go ashore to enjoy the beautiful tundra and its birdlife with barnacle geese, Brünnich’s guillemots, glaucous gulls, snow buntings and tens of thousands of kittiwakes. Arctic foxes are sometimes seen in the rock crevices around the mountain and with some luck we might see these lovely little animals scurrying around, frantically looking for food.

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

Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden
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. In the nearby 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
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.

Virgohamna, Danskøya
Two of the most courageous attempts to reach the North Pole started on the island of Danskøya. Swedish explorer Andrée made an attempt with a hydrogen balloon and American journalist Wellman started with an airship. There are still interesting remnants from these Arctic expeditions left on this site.

Bellsund
At the beautiful Vårsolbukta in Bellsund little auks nest by the tens of thousands. We go ashore and walk across the tundra to take a closer look at these charming birds.

Hornsund
The majestic Hornsund consists of several magnificent fjords along the west coast of Spitsbergen, where enormous glaciers calve out shimmering blue ice. This is one of the favourite haunts for some of Svalbard’s polar bears and if lucky we can spot one of them on the fjord ice.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 9: Disembark in Longyearbyen and departure

In the morning we leave the ship in Longyearbyen and begin our journey home.

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 14 May 2026
DatesCabinFromAdditional
14 May 2026 - 22 May 2026 AUD $9,406ppExpand to view prices
Triple CabinAUD $9,406ppContact us
Twin CabinAUD $10,855ppContact us
Double CabinAUD $11,435ppContact us
Twin Plus CabinAUD $11,435ppContact us
Double Superior Cabin AUD $13,174ppContact us
Owner's Cabin AUD $14,333ppContact us
21 May 2026 - 29 May 2026 AUD $9,406ppExpand to view prices
10 May 2027 - 18 May 2027 AUD $9,116ppExpand to view prices - Includes specials!
17 May 2027 - 25 May 2027 AUD $9,116ppExpand to view prices - Includes specials!
24 May 2027 - 01 Jun 2027 AUD $9,116ppExpand to view prices - Includes specials!

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Springtime in Svalbard
Springtime in Svalbard
Springtime in Svalbard
Springtime in Svalbard
Springtime in Svalbard

Cabin Details

Triple Cabin

Located on deck 3, 2 lower berths, 1 upper berth, private bathroom, bathroom amenities, window, desk, chair, storage space.

Triple Cabin
Triple Cabin
Twin Cabin

Located on deck 3, 2 single beds, private bathroom, shower, bathroom amenities, window, desk, chair, storage space.

Twin Cabin
Twin Cabin
Twin Plus Cabin

Located on deck 3, 2 single beds, private bathroom, shower, bathroom amenities, window, desk, chair, storage space.

(no twin plus cabin image available)

Twin Plus Cabin
Twin Plus Cabin
Double Cabin

Located on deck 3, double bed, private bathroom, bathroom amenities, shower, window, desk, chair, storage space.

Double Cabin
Double Cabin
Double Superior Cabin

Located on deck 3 and 4, large double bed, private bathroom, bathroom amenities, shower, window, desk, chair, storage space, TV, DVD player.

Double Superior Cabin
Double Superior Cabin
Owner's Cabin

Located on deck 3 and 4, large double bed, private bathroom, bathroom amenities, shower, window, desk, armchairs, storage space, TV, DVD-Player, minibar.

Owner's Cabin
Owner's Cabin
Superior - Twin Cabin

Private bathroom, bathroom amenities, shower, window, desk, chair, storage space.

Superior - Twin Cabin
Superior - Twin Cabin

M/S Quest Deckplan

M/S Quest deck plan

Specifications

  • Built: 1992, refurbished in 2018
  • Length: 50m
  • Breadth: 11m
  • Draft: 3.5m
  • Engines: MAN / B & W, 1470 KW
  • Ice Class: 1D (1B hull)
  • Speed: 10-12 knots
  • Displacement: 1,180 tonnes
  • Guests: 50
  • Registration: Bahamas
     

What's included?

  • 7 nights on board M/S Quest
  • 1 night in a hotel in Longyearbyen
  • Lunch 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
  • Comprehensive information material before the expedition
  • The trip is climate compensated

What's not?

  • Flight to/from Longyearbyen
  • Travel and cancellation insurance
  • The customary gratuity to the ship’s crew
  • Personal expenses such as bar and shop charges

Important notes and additional information

Please note: Our 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. We always strive to maximise your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

Season News – Boots Rental Included
As added value for our guests, boots rental is included in the price from the 2027 season onwards.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

No obligation enquiry

Destination: Arctic

Viking history, Inuit villages and an abundance of wildlife are just some of the wonders you’ll discover in the Arctic. You’ll be amazed by the natural beauty that surrounds you. Search for Polar Bears while cruising through breathtaking fjords or around the nature lovers dream, Spitsbergen.
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Travel information

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

View Arctic travel guide

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Springtime in Svalbard

9 Days aboard M/S Quest. From AUD $9,406$9,116pp.
No obligation enquiry