Ship
Kinfish
Explore the Arctic fjords in Style
RV Kinfish is an excellent small ship to explore the Arctic. With an advantageous layout, state-of-the-art technical equipment, and only 12 guests, she offers a polar expedition in style.
RV Kinfish is more than just a polar expedition vessel, she is a piece of maritime history. Built in 1958 at Stord Verft Norway, the ship had many previous purposes, including sea rescue cruiser and research survey vessel. Impressively, RV Kinfish was once used by the Norwegian government to map sections of the ocean floor. The designation “RV” stands for Research Vessel, a title she proudly retains in honour of her many years dedicated to scientific work.
Built for Adventure
Today, this small ship offers not only a comfortable and intimate onboard experience, but also impressive technical specifications that reflect her enduring strength and versatility.
Kinfish is both ice-strengthened and equipped with bow and stern thrusters, leading to increased maneuverability and low engine vibrations. With top-level technical components and high-tech bridge equipment, she can ensure safe navigation in polar waters.
Due to her convenient size of 37.25 meters in length and a low beam of 7.01 meters, she can navigate shallow waters and squeeze through tighter spaces. This offers guests onboard access to the wilder, more secluded areas of the Svalbard archipelago, areas that larger ships cannot venture into.
Impression
Accommodation
The cabins onboard Kinfish have all been recently renovated and upgraded. There are 5 double cabins available and 1 triple cabin option. Each cabin has a private bathroom and porthole windows located above the waterline to allow for scenic views from within the comfort of your cabin!
Double Cabin
There are 5 double cabins available. Overall, each option is similar with small differences.
The two single be...
Double Cabin
There are 5 double cabins available. Overall, each option is similar with small differences.
The two single beds are either in a longitudinal or bunk bed layout. Each cabin has a private bathroom, a desk, storage space, hangers mounted on the walls, and small storage next to each bed.
Triple Cabin
There is one triple cabin option onboard. With a total area of 8.1 square meters, this cabin has two single beds in a...
Triple Cabin
There is one triple cabin option onboard. With a total area of 8.1 square meters, this cabin has two single beds in a bunkbed layover with an additional single bed adjacent.
This cabin is located in the middle of the ship, has a spacious bathroom, good storage facilities and hangers mounted on the wall.
Facilities
Although on polar expeditions, we encourage all guests to spend as much time outside as possible, the interior facilities onboard Kinfish are worth spending time in as well. Conveniently, and unique to this ship, there are communal areas on two different deck levels. With only 12 guests onboard, there are numerous spaces available to join in lively group conversations or find a quiet area for personal reflection.
Dining Room & Bar
Located on the main deck, near one of the lounges, is the dining room and bar area. The food is classic hearty Scandi...
Dining Room & Bar
Located on the main deck, near one of the lounges, is the dining room and bar area. The food is classic hearty Scandinavian cuisine. Typically, breakfast & lunch are buffet style allowing for more time spend on deck, in the zodiac, or on land exploring. Meanwhile, dinners are a chance to sit down together with your fellow passengers and expedition staff to reminsce about the day.
Survey Lounge
This large and spacious survey lounge is located on deck 3. It houses a library with educational materials and is the...
Survey Lounge
This large and spacious survey lounge is located on deck 3. It houses a library with educational materials and is the location where most lectures and daily recaps will be presented by your expedition team. The windows allow you to enjoy the warm and comfort of the indoors while peeking out and watching the stunning landscape go by the windows.
Day Room
Adjacent to the bar and dining room area, is a second lounge space. This day room is equiped with a television, board...
Day Room
Adjacent to the bar and dining room area, is a second lounge space. This day room is equiped with a television, board games, and wireless media library.
From this space there is also access to the mud/changing room and the outer decks.
Outdoor Decks
A well appreciated aspect of RV Kinfish are the outside decks which are on multiple levels. The ship has outer space ...
Outdoor Decks
A well appreciated aspect of RV Kinfish are the outside decks which are on multiple levels. The ship has outer space on the aft deck, the survey deck which has 360 degrees access around the ship, and the scenery deck or top deck.
Additionally, for those hoping to get exceptional photographic shots, there are two mast platforms with 360 degree overviews. You will need a harness to climb up there, but the views are breathtaking!
Activities
Expeditions onboard Kinfish include a full programme of zodiac cruises and guided shore landings as a standard part of the experience. Adding to that, guests have the unique opportunity to take to the water on stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) for an even more immersive perspective.
- There are 4 stand-up-paddleboard available.
- Use of the SUPs are subject to weather and trip’s itinerary.
- Possibility of specific activities will be discussed beforehand.
If you have any specific activities or experiences you’d like to see incorporated during your voyage, please feel free to reach out, we’re happy to explore possibilities and tailor the experience wherever we can.