Vestland MS Quest

MS Sea Endurance cruise ship (formerly MS Quest) is a converted ferry built in Denmark (Frederikshavn) in 1992, fully refitted and refurbished in 2004-2005. The vessel accommodates just 53 passengers in 26 outside cabins. Its small size allows navigation where bigger ships cannot access. Yet, due to its substantial build and design, the ship cruises easily the Svalbard's wilderness and the tranquil Scottish lochs. Sea Endurance cruises on 7-night one-way Alaskan itineraries between Seattle WA and Sitka AK.

The vessel (IMO number 8913904) is currently Faroe Islands-flagged (MMSI 231763000) and registered in Torshavn. Until 2019, it was Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 308198000) and registered in Nassau.

In 2019, Sea Endurance was renamed to "MS Quest", after changing ownership, as it was sold by SunStone Ships Inc to Northern Expeditions AS.

Two of the vessel's former charterers were Albatros Travel (Denmark) and Noble Caledonia (UK), both specializing in polar expedition cruises and tours.

The current ship charterer (Vestland Classic Cruises) is a Norwegian small-ship cruise company and travel brand (Vestland Classic) specializing in intimate expedition travel. The company, a subsidiary of Vestland Marine, operates a fleet of small-capacity ships. The itineraries are based on classic routes with less-visited ports, scenic coastal cruising and voyages in the polar regions.

Vestland Classic’s fleet consists of MS Quest (fka Sea Endurance), MS Nordstjernen (previously chartered by Hurtigruten), and Vestland Adventurer (fka MS Expeditions for G Adventures Canada).

Decks and Cabins

Passenger cabins (26 total) are spread on two decks and are priced according to location and size. All feature outside views, individually controlled air-conditioning, private toilet and shower. They are well designed with pleasing colours and typical Scandinavian light woods. The superior grade staterooms on decks three and four are quite spacious and feature a seating area. The Owner's Suite on deck four has armchairs and a small table, as well as two large picture windows.

The boat has 5 decks, of which 4 are passenger-accessible and 2 with cabins.

Shipboard facilities

The Panorama lounge is located on the top deck of MS Sea Endurance and affords excellent views. It is the main meeting place onboard and here the team provides informative and informal briefings and talks. A small library and the bar are also found in the lounge. The elegant dining room seats all travellers in a single sitting and pampers with delicious meals with a mixture of buffet and table service. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style affairs and dinner combines a salad and starter buffet with served main course and dessert. All meals offer a choice of meat, fish and vegetarian options.

The Bridge/Wheelhouse is open to passengers and Scandinavian officers provide charts and sailing information for those interested in ship's navigation and operation. A doctor is also at hand onboard. There is ample space to relax and take in the surroundings, but communal spaces are buzzy following a wildlife sighting. Adventure cruising is all about exploration and this is the reason why an itinerary aboard Sea Endurance ship is never fixed. Cruises appeal to those with an adventurous streak, keen to get off the beaten track and experience destinations removed from civilization.

The vessel is equipped with 5x Zodiacs (large inflatable motorboats/RIBs used for near-coast navigation, passenger transportation and landings in remote areas without port docking infrastructure. Each Zodiac boat is served by its own tour guide. Onboard tour guides are bilingual (speaking Swedish and English). The onboard atmosphere is consequently informal. Most time onboard is spent on Panorama Deck.

As source market, most passengers are from Scandinavian countries, also groups from the USA, Germany and Japan. Cruise itineraries are flexible, with routes often depending on weather and ice conditions.