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Ship

Balto

Spacious and elegant ice class polar vessel

Balto exploring in Svalbard

Built to the highest ice class standards, M/S Balto offers one of the most spacious and elegant small polar expedition ships in the Arctic. 

Balto was built in Rauma, Finland, in 1975, originally serving the Finnish goverment in the Baltic Sea. After recent refurbishments, this polar ship has received an upgrade both in expedition capacity, guest comfort, and environmental standards. With just 12 passengers, Balto is designed to explore remote and difficult-to-access fjords, while offering a personal and private expedition feeling. Traveling onboard this vessel has its added advantages of smooth low-vibration manoeuvering due to a strong electric-diesel propulsion system. She is a great vessel offering a highly personal Arctic experience.

Outdoor Space Designed for Exploration

Externally she offers a crowd-free deck space, low deck boards for excellent photography perspectives, and a chance to breathe in the fresh Arctic air. On a small expedition ship, there is no need to queue for a spot in the zodiac or set up your tripod early to ensure the photographic angle you were hoping for. Onboard, there is plenty of space and vantage points to look out over the horizon, scan for wildlife, have a quiet moment to yourself or enjoy your morning coffee on deck with fellow travellers.

Comfort and Warmth Await you Inside

Internally she offers a combination of tasteful design, a comfortable, warm place to relax after a day of exploration, and seven spacious cabins. M/S Balto is also equipped with a cosy sauna, perfect for relaxing after a long day of expedition or to jump-start your morning. If you prefer a higher vantage point, you are welcomed up to the bridge. With an open-bridge policy, this is a great place to chat with the ship’s officers and crew while utilizing your binoculars looking for wildlife.

 

Private Arctic Charter Expeditions

M/S Balto is a perfect option to charter for your curated Arctic expedition. Contact us to begin planning your private Arctic expedition on this one-of-a-kind polar ship.

Impression

Accommodation

M/S Balto has seven spacious cabins available with five different cabin catergories, ensuring each type of traveler can have their cabin preference met. All cabins are newly renovated with private washrooms and lower beds.

All cabins onboard have a outside view, and come equipped with a desk, chair, and warebrode for storage. All cabins, except for the Owner’s Cabin, are located on the lower deck.

Owner's Cabin

Located on the main deck and the only one of its kind! Luxury is of highest importance in the Owner’s Suite whi...

Owner's Cabin

Located on the main deck and the only one of its kind! Luxury is of highest importance in the Owner’s Suite which is equipped with six windows, a queen bed (160 cm), and a separate seating area. This cabin is 21 meters squared, adding to the overall comfort throughout the duration of your voyage.

Superior Cabin

One Superior Suite is offered on M/S Balto, located on the lower deck towards the forward. This cabin allows for extr...

Superior Cabin

One Superior Suite is offered on M/S Balto, located on the lower deck towards the forward. This cabin allows for extra comfort with a separate seating area and two twin beds.

Double Cabin

Located on the lower deck, towards the forward, there is one Double Cabin available for explorers. This cabin feature...

Double Cabin

Located on the lower deck, towards the forward, there is one Double Cabin available for explorers. This cabin features a double bed with a size of 140 cm.

Twin Cabin

Located on the lower deck, towards the stern, there lies two Twin Cabins. Each cabin is equipped with two separate b...

Twin Cabin

Located on the lower deck, towards the stern, there lies two Twin Cabins. Each cabin is equipped with two separate beds.

Single Cabin

M/S Balto is a great option for single travelers, and has two Single Cabins located on the lower deck.

...

Single Cabin

M/S Balto is a great option for single travelers, and has two Single Cabins located on the lower deck.

Facilities

M/S Balto’s welcoming interior houses numerous places to enjoy a quiet moment on your own or engage in lively conversations with your fellow shipmates. Her stunning mahogany interior promotes a home-away-from-home feeling while helping you access some of the most remote places on the planet.

Bar Area

The bar area, fitted with a circular table to facilitate conversations or a game of cards, is a well visited place du...

Bar Area

The bar area, fitted with a circular table to facilitate conversations or a game of cards, is a well visited place during these expeditions.

Dining Room

The beautiful dining room is used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner while onboard. Here, you will endulge in the delic...

Dining Room

The beautiful dining room is used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner while onboard. Here, you will endulge in the delicious food prepared by the ship’s chef. A well-curated dinner meal at the is a fantastic way to reflect on the day and prepare for tomorrow.

Lounge Area

The lounge area is located on the main deck and will be the central gathering place onboard. From expedition announce...

Lounge Area

The lounge area is located on the main deck and will be the central gathering place onboard. From expedition announcements, to daily recaps and academic lectures, this will be a place to connect with your guides and crew onboard, as well as the other guests. There is also a library and coffee and tea station in this area.

Sauna

On the guest deck, there is a small sauna and cold shower available. This offer a perfect way to wind down after a da...

Sauna

On the guest deck, there is a small sauna and cold shower available. This offer a perfect way to wind down after a day outside or to start the morning off prepared for the day’s adventures!

Spacious Outside Deck

There are several open and semi-enclosed deck spaces to take in the Arctic scenery. With the low-vibrations of the sh...

Spacious Outside Deck

There are several open and semi-enclosed deck spaces to take in the Arctic scenery. With the low-vibrations of the ship while underway, this poses a clear advantage for photography and filmmaking.