Sara, one of the team members of PolarQuest’s ever busy and creative Marketing department, travelled with M/S Sjøveien through the untamed wilderness of Svalbard during eleven days in June. Below can you read about an unforgettable visit to beautiful Magdalenefjorden.
My watch says it is just before midnight when Max, who is traveling with us as a photographer, says that I have to go out to admire the beautiful surroundings. Honestly, I first hesitated, thinking that then I have to dress warmer, at least bring a beanie because my hair is still wet after the shower I recently took. But once I get out on deck I regret nothing but that I did not do it earlier - the sea is calm and looks just like a mirror, and for a brief moment it is too difficult to decide what is up and down. The horizon is nearly invisible as the sky and sea are seamlessly woven together, and the mountain peaks are almost perfectly reflected on the water's surface.
Time passes midnight and even 1 AM while we stay on deck. The wind, which only slightly increases, as we slowly reach a little further into the fjord, is somewhat chilly, but the sun is still high up and it warms us enough to stay up a bit longer. Someone is joking, saying that it is soon time to eat again, breakfast is just a few hours away, and around 1:30 AM, I sit down on the aft deck with the computer in my knee - I just have to write about this! I want everyone to see what I see! And besides, I'm not tired at all. The day-bright summer nights makes it easy to stay awake many more hours than I am used to back at home. Maybe I'll be tired tomorrow, but I don't really care about that now. Even time freeze up here, and I am pretty sure that the planned visit to the pack ice tomorrow morning will keep me awake after all. Because when you think that it can not be much more beautiful or more exciting, Svalbard's snow-covered mountain peaks, sparkling fjords, and unique wildlife always manage to surprise you over again.
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.