PolarQuest has been operating small ship expedition cruises to polar destinations since 1999. With five different destinations, the company offers a tailored and unique experience to those looking to explore the wilderness. CEO Marie Lannborn discussed PolarQuest’s new journeys and memorable experiences, in conversation with Antonia Cole.
Photo: Ulrich Kühn
Celebrating 25 years in business, PolarQuest has grown into a worldleading provider of small ship expedition cruises and is now operating fully-booked vessels across the polar regions. The company used six vessels that deliver journeys to the most remote corners of the world.
The MS Quest carries 50 passengers, whilst the MS Stockholm and MS Sjøveien both carry 12 passengers on expeditions to Svalbard. The MS Stockholm is also used for journeys to the Norwegian coast and Lofoten Islands.
PolarQuest uses three more ships, Ocean Nova (78 passengers), the MS Balto (12 passengers) and the Coral II (19 passengers) that travel to Antarctica, Greenland and the Galápagos Islands, respectively. These smaller ships can reach remote areas and venture into narrow fjords, delivering unique and immersive experiences to guests. The limited number of passengers allows for more personal and
intimate journeys, with once-in-a-lifetime encounters in the wild.
Travelling in small groups results a more relaxed atmosphere, maximising time ashore and creating opportunities for memorable moments and sights. Zodiac boats allow guests to safely navigate through icebergs and land ashore, feeling close to the natural wonders the polar region has to offer.
“With small groups, we can focus on providing high-quality experiences,” said CEO Marie Lannborn. “People who travel with us know that they are getting a journey like no other. With our variety of destinations, including our newest trips to Greenland, we offer life-changing expeditions.”
Travel with awareness
As a company built on the appreciation of nature, sustainability has always been at the heart of PolarQuest’s operations. Through measuring and reducing emissions, investing in environmental projects and managing tourism, the company minimises environmental impact.
“We calculate everything,” explained Ms Lannborn. “From the lightbulbs in our office to the journeys of the ships, we measure our carbon impact and we work to compensate for it.”
PolarQuest is one of eight founders of the Association of Arctic Expeditions Cruise Operators (AECO). This organisation strives to conduct responsible and sustainable expeditions, respecting the natural environment of the Arctic.
Tourism in the polar regions is closely monitored. PolarQuest’s educated and
experienced Expedition Leaders and guides observe and record wildlife sightings for research and record any changes to the natural environment in order to prevent environmental deterioration.
“We strive to create awareness and want to educate ambassadors,” said Ms Lannborn. “Our presence in the polar regions creates ambassadors solely through the environment’s beauty, but also through education.
“At PolarQuest, we aim to provide our guests with a deeper understanding of these environments and how climate change is impacting them. Our hope is that after their trip, guests will spread the word about these vulnerable areas
and create a broader interest in environmental conservation.”
The company also has a giving back programme, in which it donates to sustainability researchers spots on the trips or projects that create awareness. Last year a study was conducted through this programme, investigating how the mentality of guests evolves throughout the trip regarding environmental conservation. This study produced very positive results, supporting the company’s ambassador theory.
PolarQuest encourages travellers to collect waste during expeditions through project Clean Up Svalbard, a coastal cleanup programme supervised by the Governor of Svalbard, in coordination with AECO. The company is also working to reduce the use of single-use plastics on vessels as a preventative measure.
As well as these compensation measures, PolarQuest is actively trying to reduce its carbon footprint by planning itineraries in advance to minimise fuel consumption and investing in technical upgrades to improve efficiency.
Unique destinations
PolarQuest’s newest vessel, the MS Balto, delivers travellers to the remarkable wilderness of Greenland. Able to travel through remote fjord systems and visit isolated Inuit set tlements, the MS Balto shows travellers majestic peaks and wildlife such as whales, arctic foxes, seals
“Adding Greenland to our portfolio has been an important step for us,” explained Ms Lannborn. “As we use a 12-passenger vessel, we are able to visit small communities without them feeling invaded and we can see some of the most beautiful sites the world has to offer.”
The trip from Disko Bay to Uummannaq offers a diverse landscape with unique geological formations. Whilst the trip from Narsarsuaq to Tasiilaq offers rich history and Innuit culture, as well as views of the Prince Christian Sound mountains. PolarQuest’s true expeditions mean that each trip is different and has a new natural wonder to discover.
The company also invites specialist speakers onto trips, such as BBC filmmaker Doug Allen and photographer Rick Tomlinson, to deliver informative and inspiring talks. This not only adds value to the trips but encourages the environmental awareness of guests and creates more ambassadors.
On an upcoming journey through Svalbard, PolarQuest will not only show guests the magnificent polar scenery, but will attempt to reach Kvitøya, the historical site where Salomon August Andrée, Knut Frænkel and Nils Strindberg were found 33 years after their fateful North Pole expedition with the hydrogen balloon Örnen. Special lecturer, polar historian Håkan Jorikson, will teach guests the story of Kvitøya, providing an interesting and immersive experience in Svalbard.
“Svalbard has always been our primary destination,” said Ms Lannborn. “It is the Arctic Pearl, and we have an in-depth knowledge of the area, which is our strength in providing high-quality, memorable expeditions.
“For me, being able to experience these natural wonders up close is a really incredible adventure. Having seals pop-up next to you with the beautiful views of icebergs, glaciers and mountains is a
memory like no other. It’s that closeness to nature that we want our guests to be able to experience too.”
Polar community
After 25 years in business, PolarQuest has built an expansive knowledge of Svalbard and the polar regions, as well as building long-standing and valuable partnerships. Starting with the original owner of the MS Stockholm, the company has formed relationships with people across the industry to create unique polar expeditions.
“Our suppliers are fantastic,” explained Ms Lannborn. “We work with the best people out there. People who are detailoriented, know what customers want and how to create those experiences, as well as having the same vision as PolarQuest. Our partners value environmental conservation, just like we do, and we are working together with the aim of eventually decarbonising the industry.”
Going forward, the company hopes to continue improving sustainability and spreading the word about ambassadorship for the environment, whilst offering the best nature experiences in the area.
“The most rewarding part of working for PolarQuest is not only being out on the trips myself, but talking to our guests about their incredible adventures,” concluded Ms Lannborn. “Hearing their stories about spotting whales and being by the pack ice is what really drives me.
“Having this community of people with a passion for the natural world and environmental conservation is amazing and I feel honoured to be a part of it.” n
