Polar Quest is a small Swedish company established in 1999, it is the world leading operator in expedition cruises to Svalbard. While many others chose to invest in bigger ships, this company promotes cruises in a more intimate environment.
Their fleet can take between 12 and 53 passengers. Therefore, the experience becomes more personal and you can reach the most remote areas and venture into narrow fjords, where more imposing ships will have difficulties to navigate through or simply couldn’t explore.
Sustainability is at the heart of Polar Quest’s projects.
All their expedition cruises are climate compensated and even more so, as they aim to over-compensate each year - their way to give back to mother earth for what they’ve been taken from it.
Cruising with Polar Quest not only give you the best experience when it comes to seeing remarkable wildlife but also they will take you to sites where only small ships can explore, making the expedition a truly unique experience for travellers.
Ready to plan your perfect expedition cruise? Simply complete the enquiry form to get in touch, or call our Polar Specialists on 0203 196 1000.
Please find a selection of cruises below. If you want to discuss something in particular that isn't listed here, please speak to our Polar Specialists.
The ship is a marvellous piece of history loved by many travellers.
The M/S Stockholm was built in 1953 for the Swedish Maritime Administration, it is only in 1998 that she underwent a complete refurbishment. This will also mark the start of her career as a comfortable polar ship.
Build in Bergen in 1964 for the Norwegian Government, M/S Sjøveien is a classic ship with a modern touch.
She was used to train mariners between 1979 and 1995 before being in private ownership and turn into a hotel ship. She was then refurbished into an exclusive passenger ship, starting her career in Svalbard the summer of 2017.
The 50 Years of Victory is a purpose-built ship which originally took scientific and cargo ships to remote areas of the Arctic and the Northeast Passage.
It is one of the most powerful nuclear icebreakers ever built with nuclear reactors generating up to 74,000 horsepower and a spoon-shaped bow allowing to break through three meters thick ice layers.
The MS Balto is the latest addition to Polar Quest's fleet of small expedition ships. Named after the leading sled dogs of 1925 Nome serum run. Built for the highest ice class in Rauma, Finland, she has now been refurbished into one of the most spacious and elegant small polar expedition vessels in service. Offering relaxed luxury accommodation for 12 guests in 7 outside cabins, all with private facilities and lower beds, the MS Balto truly is one-of-a-kind when it comes to small polar expedition ships. Travelling on this unique 12-passenger ship offers a completely different and much more intimate experience of Greenland compared to a large expedition ship.
The expedition ship Ocean Nova (sister ship to M/S Quest) was built in Denmark in 1992 and underwent a complete refurbishment in 2006. This small and comfortable expedition ship takes up to 78 passengers in twin and triple cabins, all with exterior views and en suite facilities. All cabins also have a desk with a chair and ample storage space for clothes and equipment.
When Do You Want To Go?
From your first booking with us, you’ll become a member of My Routes Rewards and begin collecting points for every holiday you book!
We'll compare a huge selection of expedition ships, cruises and operators to find your perfect cruise.
Our prices are amongst the best you'll find, plus look out for Polar Routes exclusive offers!
As supporters of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, booking with us helps support the work of the trust within Antarctica.
All our holidays are ATOL protected (11104), for your complete peace of mind.