Ship Information M/S Balto
The ship M/S Balto is built to the highest ice class standards in Rauma, Finland, she originally served as a government service ship in the Baltic Sea. In recent years, she has undergone a complete refurbishment and is now one of the most spacious and elegant small polar expedition ships in service.
Overall length: 39.75 Metres
Beam: 9.0 Metres
Draft: 3.2 Metres
Cruising speed: 9 Knots
Passenger capacity: 12
Crew: 8
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. The Captain can decide on a closed bridge in the event of, for example, bad weather.
CABINS
There are seven passenger cabins and they are all outside cabins, some with windows and some with portholes (small round windows). 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 and new towels are available upon request.
COMMUNICATIONS
The ship can be contacted on Satellite Phone. You will receive contact information for the ship together with your final information. Please note: you will have no reception on your mobile phone during most parts of the expedition.
DIETARY REQUESTS
Due to limited kitchen space on board and restricted supply access in remote areas, dietary flexibility is limited. For our chefs to be able to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets, as well as to avoid key allergens, you must provide your dietary information in your personal information form no later than 90 days prior to departure.
Please note that we are unable to cater to extensive personal preferences or detailed dietary instructions. If you have allergies that could lead to serious health issues, we kindly ask that you confirm with the chef on your first day on board that your information has been received.
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.
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.
GRATUITIES FOR THE CREW
As the expedition industry is international, some practices may differ from those our travellers are used to at home. Tipping is one example. Gratuities are entirely optional and at your discretion, but those who wish to show extra appreciation for good service may leave a cash tip at the end of the trip (NOK/EUR/USD). The amount is entirely up to you, but as a guideline, USD 10–20 per day is a common range.
There is currently no ATM for cash withdrawals in Longyearbyen. If you do not have cash with you, you can also leave a tip by card.
We and our guides kindly ask you to give priority to the crew.
INTERNET
You will be able to buy vouchers to use the internet during your trip. More information will be provided on board. As we are in remote areas, reception may vary during the expedition.
LANGUAGE
English is the main language on board, unless otherwise stated at the time of booking. Our guide team includes both Swedish- and English-speaking guides. While not everything is translated, Swedish-speaking guides are happy to assist whenever needed. During activities such as Zodiac cruises, guests can be divided into groups based on language.
LAUNDRY
There is no laundry service on board.
LOUNGE
There is a cozy lounge with great views, a sofa, a table with chairs, a small bar and a tea/coffee station. Briefings and lectures will be held in the lounge area.
MEALS
The dining room/mess seats all 12 passengers at once and has a cozy cast-iron stove. Our chef on board prepares three meals a day. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style and dinner will be served at the table. Please remember to inform us of any food restrictions on your personal information form.
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.
MONEY MATTERS
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. The currency on board the ship is Norweigan krone (NOK). Credit cards (VISA, MasterCard) are accepted on board the ship.
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 landings.
WATER
The water on board is safe to drink. There are water dispensers available on board.