Today we woke up to the sound of sea ice sliding along the ship's hull. When you opened the curtains, there were big chunks of sea ice as far as you could see. I have seen my share of sea ice, both around the coast line of Svalbard but also on the North Pole & South Pole. But I simply never get tired of it. This type of landscape has its own energy, its own, almost magic atmosphere.
From here on - there is nothing but ice until you reach the North Pole.
An exciting but also a scary thought. Up here you are truly exposed to the rough elements, both the wind and the cold. But today we were lucky, again. The sky was as clear as crystal and there was not even a tiny breath of wind. We spent a couple of hours on the water in the Zodiacs, surfing between the sea ice sheets, just taking in the view.
After that, all the guests got to experience what swimming in 0,5DC feels like, since we organised the famous “polar plunge” at 80,30DN. Since we did the plunge in the pack ice, Zodiacs were continuously busy to clear the gangway area of ice, at least so the guest had some space to swim around.
We got to see a lot of funny faces, and a lot of brave souls embracing the challenge to jump into such cold water.
Please note: Depending on the lens used for a photo or video shot an animal may appear to be closer than it is. We always follow strict wildlife guidelines to ensure that we do not cause any disturbance.
Join us on our next adventure
-
Svalbard Adventure
9 days May, JuneM/S Quest
50 passengers 6 590 USD -
Springtime in Svalbard
9 days April, MayM/S Quest
50 passengers 6 090 USD -
Expedition Svalbard
12 days June, July, AugustM/S Quest
50 passengers 8 790 USD -
M/S Quest
50 passengersA small and comfortable ship, with good service and a family atmosphere.
More about M/S Quest
More inspiration
-
Weronica's Spring Expedition in Svalbard
Read about our traveller Weronica's solo adventures and close contact with nature.
Read the whole post -
Hiking in Historical Kinnvika
Visiting Kinnvika, a scientific station where studies in geophysics, meteorology, and geomagnetism were carried out.
Read the whole post -
A journey with nature cameraman Doug Allan
What happens when a BBC nature cameraman boards the M/S Quest?
Read the whole post -
Film from Springtime in Svalbard with M/S Quest
Watch a film about Svalbard's unique landscape and life on board M/S Quest. Join an early expedition and enjoy Zodiac cruises and adventures in the Arctic.
Se filmen -
Bråsvellbreen – race for the ice
Bråsvellbreen is part of the Austfonna ice cap on the island of Nordaustlandet and here there was a zodiac race between the ice blocks.
Read the whole post -
Rare Wildlife Encounters
After a successful morning, we suddenly saw a V-shaped blowout - bowhead whales! An extremely rare and critically endangered species around Svalbard.
Read the whole post