Quest – Amazing Arctic Expedition Cruises

12 min read

Want to embark on an extraordinary adventure? The Quest Arctic Expeditions offers a unique chase to experience ALL the Arctic highlights in just 4-6 days. From breathtaking whale observations and adventurous dog sledding tours to local history lectures and Sami culture, these expeditions have something for everyone.

Get the best possible experience

Our expert crew and guides have vast experience about the wildlife and the areas we sail through, making it possible for us to create the best possible experience on each trip. On these expeditions the schedule may change based on weather and Aurora forecasts, local knowledge and the current wildlife location. This way we can ensure you get the most out of your trip. For example, if the current conditions make whale observations impossible on a particular day, we will reschedule this event for a day where we have a higher chance of spotting these magnificent creatures.


The exact program for the day will be announced each morning. Being a small ship Quest has the ability to go where few other ships can, giving us a unique chance to explore all the hidden nooks and crannies of the Norwegian fjords. On board a Quest you get to experience all the Arctic highlights in one trip – at a cheaper price and in more efficient way than if you were to book everything separately. This is possibly the best way to experience the Arctic!

Choose between 6 different cruises

All the expedition cruises start and end in Tromsø. You have the choice of six different expeditions. Whale & Aurora Photo Expedition, Arctic Fjords & Northern Lights (Southbound), Arctic Fjords & Northern Lights (Northbound), Northern Lights & Whale Expedition, Northern Lights Christmas Expedition, and Northern Lights New Year Expedition. Details about the meeting place and time for each trip will be sent by email after booking. Read on to learn more about each of the different expeditions.

Whale & Aurora Photo Expedition

Experience the magic of the Arctic on a 4 day expedition cruise. The winter time is the prime time to spot orcas and humpback whales and see the beautiful Northern Lights dance in the night. The knowledgeable expedition team will teach you about the whales and marine biology, the science behind the Aurora Borealis, and show you how to take the million dollar Northern Lights shot. You will also get to visit the world’s northernmost distillery and an old NATO base. Experience the Arctic wonders, enjoy exquisite food and learn about the local culture. Read more about the Whale & Aurora Photo Expedition here.

Check out the Quest Expedition Cruises

Arctic Fjords & Northern Lights (Southbound and Northbound)

These cruises follow the exact same route, embarking from Tromsø. One goes in a southern direction and the other in the northern direction, but they both start and end in the same place, and includes a bus transfer to or from Tromsø at the beginning or at the end of the expedition.

Experience selected key locations such as Tromsø, Andenes, Henningsvær, Nusfjord, Svolvær, Sortland and Narvik during 6 days packed with once in a lifetime moments. Marvel at the mystical Northern Lights, experience the Arctic wildlife up close, try the tasty Arctic cuisine, go dog sledding in a winter wonderland and join a scenic Arctic train ride. Learn all about the Vikings and the Sami people – the indigenous people of Lapland. Read more about Arctic Fjords & Northern Lights (Southbound) and Arctic Fjords & Northern Lights (Northbound)

On all the expedition cruises the food is part of the experience. At our coastal kitchen we don’t just want to provide our guests with food, we want them to take part in the local culture by trying traditional dishes based on local ingredients. On this tour you don’t just get to see and experience the real Arctic – you get to taste it too.

Northern Lights & Whale Expedition

Combine stunning Arctic wildlife and the mesmerising Northern Lights! On this expedition you can experience everything there is to see and do in the Arctic in 5 days. You will also get to go whale watching, chase the Northern Lights, visit the world’s northernmost distillery, go dog sledding or snowmobiling (weather dependent), stop by the historical photo gallery in Havnnes, and catch a ride with the Fjellheisen Cable Car in Tromsø! The friendly and knowledgeable expedition team will tell you all you need to know about the whales and marine biology, teach you the science behind the Aurora Borealis, and show you how to shoot the perfect Northern Lights photo. Read more about the Northern Lights & Whale Expedition here.

Experience the Amazing Whale and Northern Lights Season

Each winter millions of herring migrate to the coast of Northern Norway to spawn, attracting huge accumulations of orcas and humpback whales. During the whale season (approximately from October to February) the Quest expedition cruises offer a unique experience to spot these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Coinciding with the spectacular Northern Lights season you also have the chance to see the Green Lady blow up the sky in beautiful colours. We sail through the centre of the Aurora Oval Zone, giving you a great chance to catch the spectacular light show first hand. Even with low solar activity this is the best place in the world to see the Northern Lights!

Northern Lights Christmas Expedition

Experience traditional Norwegian Christmas traditions on a 6 day expedition. On this trip you get the chance to experience a truly magical Arctic Christmas filled with adventures. In Norway, the 24th of December is the main day for Christmas celebrations. This day you will visit the beautifully decorated Christmas city Tromsø and go to the Full Steam Cod Museum. Here you can taste local delicacies and learn more about the Norwegian Christmas traditions and local products. We will take part in a Traditional Norwegian Christmas ceremony in Tromsø Domkirke and have a nice Christmas dinner on board the ship. Apart from the Christmas celebrations our main goal of the trip will be to see the Northern Lights and local wildlife, as well as important landmarks in the area. Want to spend a magical Christmas at sea? Read more about the Northern Lights Christmas Expedition here.

Northern Lights New Year Expedition

This 6-day expedition gives you a unique start to the year, loaded with adventurous activities.

On the 31st of December the activities for the day will be planned according to weather and availability. Activities could include a visit to Gasvaer Chapel, a reindeer herder experience, or an Arctic Zodiac excursion.​ In the afternoon we'll set sail for Tromso City and indulge in a nice New Year's dinner. Each year the Fjellheisen Cable Car organises a magnificent fireworks display. Back aboard the ship we will serve something to drink and enjoy Fjellheisen’s beautiful fireworks display from the deck. Read more about the Northern Lights New Year Expedition here.

Both the Christmas and New Year Expedition will be packed with activities and experiences. Visit the world’s northernmost distillery and taste some of the finest whiskey and gin around. Stop by an abandoned NATO bunker from the Cold War and step right into a piece of history. Join us at the Breivikeidet Camp and get an introduction to dog sledding or snowmobiling. Learn all about Sami culture, polar expeditions, geology, marine biology and local history through a variety of educational lectures.

The Most Affordable way to Catch all the Arctic Highlights

The Quest expedition cruise is the most affordable way to catch all the Arctic highlights in one trip. All meals, accommodation, and activities are included in the price – all you need is tickets to and from Tromso. Ready for the Norwegian winter wonders? All aboard the Arctic experience of a lifetime!

Why travel with Norwegian Travel?

Norwegian Travel is a premium brand aiming to offer high-quality experience-based tourism in selected unique destinations in Norway. From the fjords to the mountains. From the sandy beaches to the rough cliffs. From urban buzz to the massive stillness of the old mountains. We wish to inspire people to explore the treasures to be found in Norway. At our destinations you can explore amazing nature, good food and exciting activities all year round.

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