Max Passengers:
12
Ship Type:
Expedition Cruise Ship
Operated By:
PolarQuest
Ship Overview
The M/S Balto is a small polar expedition vessel named after the legendary sled dog from the 1925 Nome serum run. Built in Rauma, Finland to the highest ice-class standards, the ship originally served as a government service vessel in the Baltic Sea before being fully refurbished for expedition cruising.
Accommodating just 12 guests, M/S Balto offers an intimate and flexible Arctic experience, allowing access to remote fjords, secluded anchorages, and small Inuit settlements. With an experienced international crew and two Zodiacs for shore landings, the ship is designed for immersive exploration of Greenland’s pristine wilderness while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.
Cabin Specifications
M/S Balto accommodates up to
12 guests in seven comfortable cabins, each featuring
private en-suite facilities and lower beds for added comfort.
Cabin categories include:
- Owner’s Cabin (21 m²): Features six windows, a queen bed (160 cm), and a separate seating area.
- Superior Cabin: Includes two twin beds and a separate seating area.
- Double Cabin: Equipped with a double bed (140 cm).
- Twin Cabins (2): Each offers two separate beds.
- Single Cabins (2): Ideal for solo travelers.
All cabins are thoughtfully furnished with a desk, chair, and wardrobe, providing practical storage and a comfortable retreat after a day of exploration.
Features Onboard
M/S Balto offers several comfortable onboard spaces designed for relaxation between daily excursions. Guests can unwind in the saloon and dining messroom, beautifully appointed with crotch-mahogany paneling, a bar, library, and coffee and tea stations. These inviting spaces provide the perfect setting for enjoying meals, lectures, or casual conversations with fellow travelers.
The ship also features a small sauna with a cold shower on the guest deck, offering a refreshing way to relax after time spent exploring the Arctic.
Multiple open and semi-enclosed deck areas provide excellent viewpoints for taking in the breathtaking polar scenery and spotting wildlife. With two Zodiacs available for excursions, guests can explore remote coastlines, land in small communities, and experience Greenland’s untouched natural landscapes up close.
Ship specifications
- Built/Refurbished: 1975 / 2019–2022
- Length: 39.75 meters (124 feet)
- Beam (Width): 9.0 meters (30 feet)
- Draft: 3.2 meters (10 feet)
- Ice Class: Highest ice class (formerly a Baltic government service vessel)
- Passenger Capacity: 12 guests (in 7 cabins)
- Crew: 7–8
- Speed: 9 knots
- Zodiacs: 2
