Small Ship Polar Adventures Since 1999 +46 31-333 17 30 info@polar-quest.com

The ship M/S Balto 12 passengers

About the ship

Passengers

12

Crew

8

Built

1975

Flag

Panama

Cruising Speed

9 kn

Draft

3,2 m

Length

39,75 m

Beam

9 m

IMO Number

7392854

Ice class

1A

Guides

2

Inflatable boats

2

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. 

© Anne Livingston, Gunilla Lindh, Vera Simonsson

ENJOY EXTRAORDINARY VOYAGES IN A TRULY SMALL GROUP 

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 Zodiacs 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.  

  • Richard Guida, USA - September 2024

    Exceptional care, attentiveness to each individual via small groups, accommodations of the highest standard in adventure travel, unique and extraordinary land and seascapes in regions largely inhospitable to large vessel, excellent meals and service by the seasonal ship crew, informative lectures and expert leadership by the guides and a tightly knit office staff that is available to answer all questions and solve most problems and/or concerns. PolarQuest is a very unique company that few larger ones can equal in all aspects of polar adventure.
© Ida Olsson, Sebastian Lehrke, Ulrich Kühn

TRAVEL WITH TWO KNOWLEDGEABLE GUIDES 

On each voyage, you are accompanied by two experienced polar guides who enrich the journey by sharing their passion and deep knowledge of Greenland’s nature, culture and history. During excursions with our two sturdy Zodiacs, they help interpret what we encounter, from geological formations to wildlife and local traditions. Travelling aboard M/S Balto also gives you the opportunity to get to know a small group of like minded travellers and share the experiences together. 

RELAX ON BOARD AFTER AN ADVENTUROUS DAY 

M/S Balto combines tasteful design with great comfort. Her mahogany interiors and warm atmosphere create a refined yet relaxed setting, perfectly suited for exploring Greenland’s remote fjords and icy coastlines. The richly appointed saloon and beautiful dining room feature crotch-mahogany panelling, a bar, a library and coffee and tea stations. On board, you will also find a small sauna – the perfect way to unwind after a day of Arctic adventure. 

© Ida Olsson, Sebastian Lehrke

TAKE IN THE ARCTIC SCENERY FROM THE SPACIOUS DECKS  

Outside, several spacious deck areas offer excellent vantage points for viewing the dramatic Arctic scenery and keeping an eye out for wildlife and icebergs. You are welcomed by an international crew, and the bridge is open to visitors. M/S Balto is equipped with strong electric-diesel propulsion, providing smooth, low-vibration manoeuvring – ideal for photographers and filmmakers. 

  • Owner's cabin
  • Owner's cabin
  • Superior cabin
  • Double cabin
  • Twin cabin
  • Twin cabin
  • Single cabin
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COMFORTABLE EN-SUITE CABINS

M/S Balto accommodates 12 guests in seven spacious cabins, all newly refurbished and featuring private facilities and lower beds. The cabin categories include one Owner’s Cabin, one Superior Cabin, one Double Cabin, two Twin Cabins and two Single Cabins. The Owner’s Cabin has six windows and a queen bed, while the Superior Cabin offers two twin beds. The Double Cabin features a double bed, and the Twin Cabins each have two separate beds. Both the Owner’s Cabin and the Superior Cabin include a separate seating area. All cabins are equipped with a desk, chair and wardrobe. 

  • Several open and semi-enclosed decks

  • Accommodates only 12 guests

  • Sauna onboard

  • Big spacious cabins

  • Brass fittings and wooden deck

  • 2 Zodiacs for excursions

  • Ida Olsson
  • © Gunilla Lindh
  • © Sebastian Lehrke
  • © Ida Olsson
  • Bar
  • Dining room
  • Sauna
  • Owner's cabin
  • Owner's cabin
  • Superior cabin
  • Double cabin
  • Twin cabin
  • Twin cabin
  • Single cabin
  • Bathroom
  • © Gunilla Lindh
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Trips with M/S Balto

Said about the trips

  • Peter & Beth Hergesheimer, USA - September 2024

    Of the two PolarQuest trips we have been on, we have experienced excellent guiding and ship board services. Each trip had an element of exploration, exposure to a natural world new to us, and education. Also we appreciate PolarQuest’s office services. Their personnel are always very polite and responsive. If you have an interest in arctic expedition cruises, PolarQuest is a premier solution.

  • Richard Guida, USA - September 2024

    Exceptional care, attentiveness to each individual via small groups, accommodations of the highest standard in adventure travel, unique and extraordinary land and seascapes in regions largely inhospitable to large vessel, excellent meals and service by the seasonal ship crew, informative lectures and expert leadership by the guides and a tightly knit office staff that is available to answer all questions and solve most problems and/or concerns. POLAR QUEST is a very unique company that few larger ones can equal in all aspects of polar adventure

  • Bill Wheatley, Australia - September 2024

    Great small party trip. Well organised and run by enthusiastic capable guides on a comfortable ship with an expert crew

  • Ann-Cathrin Hammarström, Sweden - August 2024

    Good information before the trip. Great, knowledgeable guides. Amazing destinations.

  • Lars Ekberg, Sweden - August 2024

    Knowledgeable guides, well-planned and thoughtful excursions. Every day included a workout.

  • Mari-Louise Halldén & Anders Stener, Sweden - August 2024

    A fantastic experience, with skilled and dedicated guides, well-organized, a pleasant ship, and a friendly and accommodating crew. More people should visit places like this to see the amazing environment and understand what we need to protect.

  • Johan Linder & Katharina Manntz, Sweden - July 2024

    Professional guides and excellent planning, with the ability to adapt the trip to changing weather and ice conditions. Additionally, always great food and a friendly crew.

  • Gunnel Ragnhult, Sweden - June 2024

    The stunning nature around Sermilik Fjord, with its towering mountains and countless icebergs, as well as the exciting and varied hikes. I enjoyed every second of the journey. Skilled and dedicated guides. The trip far exceeded my expectations. It was amazing to experience true wilderness.

  • Anne Livingstone & David Park, South Africa - June 2024

    We loved the whole experience - but especially our guides, the captain and the rest of the crew.

  • Ulla Randén, Sweden - June 2024

    Amazing region and culture in West Greenland! What an experience! Very friendly and skilled guides! Yes, all the staff were so kind and helpful.

  • Nils & Eva Kinch, Sweden - June 2024

    Great guides. Majestic icebergs. Interesting flora

  • Barbara Byrd, Sweden

    Excellent accommodations, great guides and crew. Good activities. Excellent food.

  • Åke & Gunilla Andrén-Sandberg, Sweden

    The combination of nature and culture suited us well.

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