Ship information M/S Balto
M/S Balto is named after the leading sled dog of 1925 Nome serum run. She was built for the highest ice class in Rauma, Finland, to serve as a government service vessel in the Baltic Sea. During 2019-2020, she has been totally refurbished and is now one of the roomiest and most elegant small polar expedition yachts in service.
Overall length: 39.75 meters
Beam: 9.0 meters
Draft: 3.2 meters mean draft
Gross Tonnage: 422 GT ITC
Passenger capacity: 12
Crew: 7
Rubber boats: 2
ON BOARD INFORMATION
BAR SERVICE
In the lounge you can find a small selection of wine, spirits, beer and soft drinks. Coffee and tea are available around the clock.
BRIDGE VISITS
There is an open bridge policy on board and passengers are welcome to visit the bridge. We ask you to pay respect to the captain’s orders, especially during difficult ice navigation and when mooring.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities are discretionary. You are welcome to tip at the end of the voyage, but there are no guidelines or expectations from the crew.
ELECTRICITY
All electrical outlets are 220 volts with Scandinavian two-prong plugs. We recommend that you bring an international adapter if you have devices that need to charge. There are outlets in every cabin.
CABINS
All cabins on board are outside cabins, some with windows and some with portholes. All cabins have private WC and shower equipped with towels, soap, shampoo and a hairdryer. Each cabin has a wardrobe, hooks on the wall, and a desk with a chair. The Superior cabin and Owner’s cabin also has a sofa. Cabins are cleaned on a daily basis.
DRESS CODE
Since we are embarking on an expedition cruise, the dress code on board is informal. Please wear shoes with non-slip soles when moving around the ship.
COMMUNICATIONS
The ship can be contacted on Iridium Satellite Phone. You will receive contact information for the ship together with your final information. Please note: There is no Internet access on board.
MEDICAL
There is no physician on board. The officers on the bridge have basic medical training. Basic medical supplies are available on board. Passengers under regular treatment or requiring special medication shall bring quantities that last throughout the expedition. Please also bring a written description of your medication.
MEALS
The dining room/mess seats all 12 passengers at once. Our chef on board prepare three meals a day. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style and dinner is served at the table. The bread is baked on board. Coffee and tea is available all day and snacks are served in between meals. Please remember to inform us of any food restrictions in your personal information form.
LAUNDRY
On trips exceeding ten days on board, extra laundry service can be provided, but a limited number of times. More information is provided on board.
SMOKING
A non-smoking policy applies inside the ship. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas out on deck. Please note that it is strictly forbidden to throw cigarettes overboard. Please do not smoke during nature landings.
LANGUAGE
The information on board will be in Swedish and English (unless otherwise agreed or marketed). The crew speaks English.
CURRENCY & MONEY MATTERS
The currency on board the ship is USD. Credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, AmEx) are accepted on board the ship. A tab of your expenses, for example bar purchases, will be kept throughout the expedition and will be payable at the end of the expedition.
LOUNGE AND DINING ROOM
There is a spacious lounge with great views, a large sofa, a table with chairs, a small bar and a tea/coffee station. The guest dining area seats all passengers and has a cozy cast-iron stove.
WATER
The water on board is safe to drink.
