M/S Balto

Explore magnificent Greenland aboard one of the smallest expedition ships in the Arctic – M/S Balto. Built in Rauma, Finland, to the highest ice-class standards, she originally served as a government vessel in the Baltic Sea. After a complete refurbishment in recent years, she now stands as one of the most elegant and capable small expedition ships in service. With space for just 12 guests, every voyage feels personal, relaxed and deeply connected to the wilderness. Travelling aboard this unique 12-passenger ship offers a truly crowd-free and far more intimate nature experience than travelling on a larger expedition ship.

A group of only 12 travellers allows for greater flexibility, unique itineraries and more time ashore. M/S Balto is designed to reach the most remote fjord systems and secluded anchorages, and with the help of our sturdy rubber boats we can visit small Inuit settlements and explore this pristine wilderness up close. The ship’s small size also results in a significantly lower environmental footprint.

Specifications

Staff and Crew: 8
Guests: 12
Built: 1975 Refurbed 2022

Length: 39,75 m
Breadth (Beam): 9m
Draught 3,2 m

Zodiacs: 2
Ice Class: 1A
Cruising Speed: 9 knots

TECHNOLOGY & FUEL:

Electric-diesel propulsion system designed for smooth, low-vibration operation.
Small expedition vessel with capacity for 12 guests and 8 crew, reducing its overall environmental footprint.

Facilities

Two sturdy Zodiacs (rubber boats) for excursions, allowing visits to small Inuit settlements and close-up exploration of wilderness.
A sauna (small), ideal for relaxing after a day of Arctic adventure.
A richly appointed saloon with crotch-mahogany panelling, a bar, a library, and coffee/tea stations.
A beautiful dining room featuring crotch-mahogany panelling.
Seven spacious cabins, all newly refurbished, with private facilities and lower beds (including Owner’s, Superior, Double, Twin, and Single Cabins).
Cabins equipped with a desk, chair, and wardrobe (specifically noted for all cabins).
Onboard library and bar (part of the saloon amenities).

Amenities

All beverages included in the price
Coffee and tea available around the clock (24/7)
Several open and semi-enclosed decks
Accommodates only 12 guests
Big spacious cabins
Brass fittings and wooden deck

CO2 Emissions

Measures all CO₂e emissions associated with its expeditions, including flights, overland transportation, cruises, meals, hotel stays and office operations, and offsets these emissions through climate projects. It promotes small-group expeditions as a way to reduce the overall environmental impact of travel.

Waste Management

Participates in the UNEP Clean Seas initiative through AECO, focusing on reducing single-use plastics and marine plastic pollution. Guests can also participate in Clean Up Svalbard activities, helping remove marine debris from Arctic coastlines. No specific wastewater treatment technology is publicly disclosed.

Citizen Science Programs

For more than a decade, wildlife observations collected during expeditions have contributed to the Norwegian Polar Institute. Guests participate in wildlife observations and environmental monitoring, helping gather information on marine mammals, whales and other Arctic wildlife. Activities follow AECO guidelines to minimise disturbance to wildlife and sensitive areas.

Local First Initiative / Communities

Contributes NOK 150 per passenger travelling to Svalbard to the Svalbard Environmental Protection Fund, with travellers contributing more than NOK 2 million since 2007. Through Clean Up Svalbard, guests also take part in removing marine debris from local coastlines. Travellers are encouraged to respect local communities, cultural heritage and the environment, and to support locally made products. It is also a founding member of AECO, supporting responsible tourism practices in the Arctic

Deck Plan

Cabins

Owner's Cabin

The Owner’s Cabin is located on the Main Deck. It includes a queen-size bed, a separate seating area, a desk with a chair, a wardrobe, and a private ensuite bathroom. As with all cabins aboard, guests will find a hair dryer, bathrobe, day-blankets, a hot water bottle, towels, and sauna towels.

Superior Cabin

One Superior Cabin is situated on the Lower Deck. It features two separate beds, each measuring 90 by 200 centimetres, along with a sitting area, a desk, and generous luggage storage including a wardrobe and space beneath the beds. As with every cabin on board, guests will also find a hair dryer, bathrobe, day-blankets, a hot water bottle, towels, and sauna towels.

Double Cabin

Three Double Cabins are located on the Lower Deck. Each comes with a queen-size bed (either 160 cm or 140 cm), a desk, and a wardrobe. The forwardmost Double cabin on the starboard side differs slightly: its bed is accessible from only one side due to the layout, but this configuration provides additional floor space. As with all cabins aboard, guests will find a hair dryer, bathrobe, day-blankets, a hot water bottle, towels, and sauna towels.

Twin Cabin

Two Twin Cabins are located on the Lower Deck. Each comes with two separate beds, a desk, chair, and a wardrobe. As with all cabins aboard, guests will find a hair dryer, bathrobe, day-blankets, a hot water bottle, towels, and sauna towels.

Single Cabin

Two Single Cabins are situated on the Lower Deck. Each cabin features a twin bed measuring 90 by 200 centimetres, a desk, and generous storage space, including a wardrobe and under-bed luggage compartments. As with every cabin aboard, guests will also find a hair dryer, a bathrobe, day-blankets, a hot water bottle, towels, and separate sauna towels.

Gallery

Voyages by this vessel

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