MS Sjøveien Arctic Cruises

Stockholm

Stockholm is one of the ships we love recommending when travellers tell us they want the Arctic to feel like a real expedition, not a cruise. With only 12 guests, two expedition guides and two inflatables, the entire group can head out together when wildlife, ice or light create an opportunity. Recent guests repeatedly single out the guides, crew, food and close-knit atmosphere—exactly the qualities that give this little 1953 expedition vessel so much soul. The ship's long experience is as valuable as her character. Stockholm has spent more than 25 years exploring Svalbard, and current voyages range from spring ice and autumn light to pack-ice expeditions, Norway's fjords, Bear Island, whales and the northern lights. Her compact size cannot overrule weather, ice or wildlife, but it helps the expedition team keep the days personal and flexible. Inside, expect warm wood, brass and the honest proportions of a working expedition ship rather than contemporary luxury. All six outside cabins have portholes, upper and lower berths and a private shower and WC. Book Stockholm if you value time outside, capable guides and the camaraderie of a 12-person expedition team more than large cabins, balconies or hotel-style facilities.

Balto

M/S Balto is named in honor of the legendary sled dog who led the 1925 Nome serum run, symbolizing endurance and bravery. Originally built in Rauma, Finland, for government service in the Baltic Sea, this remarkable vessel was constructed to the highest ice-class standards. Between 2019 and 2022, M/S Balto underwent a complete refurbishment, transforming her into one of the most spacious and elegant small polar expedition yachts in service today. Onboard M/S Balto, you'll find a relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere with accommodations for just 12 guests across 7 beautifully appointed outside cabins, each featuring private facilities and lower beds. The ship offers a range of cabin types: a stunning 30m² Owner’s cabin with six windows and a queen bed, a Superior cabin with twin beds, three Double cabins with queen beds, and two Single cabins. Both the Owner’s and Superior cabins also boast a cozy seating area. Every cabin is equipped with a desk, a chair, and ample storage space. Guests can unwind in the cedar-lined sauna, complete with a cold shower and a small changing room, or relax in the richly appointed saloon and dining messroom, featuring luxurious crotch-mahogany paneling, a bar, a card table, and a library. Several open and semi-enclosed deck spaces provide perfect vantage points to soak in the breathtaking Arctic scenery. An international crew will warmly welcome you aboard, and the bridge is always open for visits, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the ship’s operations. M/S Balto is powered by an advanced electric diesel propulsion system, ensuring smooth and quiet maneuvering, making it an ideal platform for filming and photography. The ship is also equipped with a mudroom for your expedition gear and two Zodiacs for thrilling wilderness cruises and offshore experiences. Traveling aboard M/S Balto offers an intimate and unique experience of Greenland, far beyond what larger expedition ships can provide. With just 12 passengers, you'll enjoy greater flexibility, exclusive itineraries, and more time exploring ashore, all while leaving a smaller environmental footprint. M/S Balto is designed to take you deep into the most remote fjord systems, visit isolated Inuit settlements, and anchor in secret, pristine locations. Every moment onboard is crafted to maximize your experience in Greenland’s untouched wilderness. This is true micro-cruising at its finest.

Meredian

Meredian is a robust, ocean-capable support vessel built for high-latitude operations. With large fuel and cargo capacity, a powerful crane, and a dedicated landing craft, she handles challenging logistics in remote environments. Ideal for expeditions, filming crews, ski and diving trips, and special projects, Meredian combines comfort and functionality with endurance, versatility, and efficient shore access across Antarctica, South Georgia, the Falklands, and beyond. All cabins feature private bathrooms, and the deck saloon offers panoramic views, while the conference room supports workshops and mission planning.

Hans Hansson

Hans Hansson is one of the rare ships where Antarctica still feels like an expedition shared by a small team. With only 12 guests, Zodiac launches are quick, there is no rotation between large landing groups, and the day can flex when whales appear, the light improves or a penguin colony deserves more time. On the 14-day fly-in/fly-out programme, you skip the Drake Passage at sea and spend the voyage exploring from King George Island along the Antarctic Peninsula, potentially as far south as Lemaire Strait when ice and weather allow. What we love is the human scale. Guests and crew share meals, the decks put you close to the action, and citizen-science activities turn observation into participation. Recent Hans Hansson travellers repeatedly highlight unhurried landings, crew warmth and the camaraderie that comes from sharing such a small yacht. Its rescue-vessel heritage and ice-strengthened steel hull give it real expedition character: this is a working vessel, not a floating hotel. Book Hans Hansson if you care more about time outside, wildlife, photography and a close-knit group than large cabins or luxury facilities. The four lower-deck Standard cabins are compact twins with washbasins and shared bathrooms; the two Superior cabins add more space and private bathrooms. You also need to be comfortable with stairs, tight passages, Zodiac transfers and a roughly two-metre boarding ladder. For the right traveller, that trade-off is precisely the appeal: fewer people, more freedom and a much more direct relationship with Antarctica.