Polar Explorer Icebreaker Cruise
Join an expedition aboard the Polar Explorer Icebreaker cruise to navigate the frozen Gulf of Bothnia. Explore the ship's various stations, get a chance to walk on ice, and more!
- Experience swimming in flotation suits and receive a swimming certificate
- Enjoy hot drinks, a 7-deck audio-guided tour, and a film in the Icebreaker theater on board
- Pick the transfer option for a stress-free start to your journey
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Eco-tourism |
| Transport | Bus tour |
| Cruise type | Sightseeing boat |
Product Info
— What to Expect —
Explore the frozen waters of the Bothnian Sea in Lapland aboard the Polar Explorer tourist Icebreaker. Experience the immense power of the icebreaker as it plows through thick ice during a 3-hour cruise. You'll get a guided tour from the engine rooms to the Captain’s bridge, with explanations available in 16 languages through an audio guide app.
Relax in the cozy saloon with warm juice or venture onto the frozen sea ice during a stop. Watch an 11-minute movie in the icebreaker cinema about icebreakers worldwide. An unforgettable highlight includes a unique opportunity to swim in a pool of dark icy water, wearing a flotation survival suit. Every participant receives a Cruise & Swim Certificate from the captain, making it a truly memorable adventure.
— Important Info —
- All Rovaniemi staff will wear 'Polar Explorer' shirts/jackets. For the transfer time, please check your voucher
- Please arrive at the meet-up or pick-up location on time. Latecomers will not be able to join the tour midway or receive a refund
- Shuttle service is not included in the [Morning Icebreaker Cruise] package. Guests are required to make their own way to the meeting point at Polar Explorer Icebreaker Cruise Terminal
- If there are multiple travelers in the same group, please make sure to place the booking under one single order to ensure that arrangements can be made together. If bookings are made separately, we regret that we cannot guarantee that travelers will be arranged together, and on-site arrangements will prevail.
Please refer to the official pick up and drop off time here: Rovaniemi & Kemi
Purchase Notice
- If there are multiple travelers in the same group, please make sure to place the booking under one single order to ensure that arrangements can be made together. If bookings are made separately, we regret that we cannot guarantee that travelers will be arranged together, and on-site arrangements will prevail.
- When you are coming by our shuttle bus you can store your luggage in the bus during entire trip. No special reservation for luggage is required
- The listed locations are the only pick up points available. If you wish to change pick up/drop off place, please notify the supplier at least 24 hours before by sending e-mail to info@icebreaker.fi
- Vegetarian option is available, no pre-booking is needed, just inform the staff in the cafeteria
- Shuttle service is not included in the [Morning Icebreaker Cruise] package. Guests are required to make their own way to the meeting point at Polar Explorer Icebreaker Cruise Terminal
- If your package includes shuttle service and no pick-up location is selected, the default pick-up point will be Rovaniemi Tourist Information Center or Kemi Train Station
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 30 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
If there are multiple travelers in the same group, please make sure to place the booking under one single order to ensure that arrangements can be made together. If bookings are made separately, we regret that we cannot guarantee that travelers will be arranged together, and on-site arrangements will prevail.
There are no age restrictions for the Icebreaker Cruise experience and children aged under 4 are entitled to free admission. Please note that children aged under 4 are not allowed to participate in the floating experience
The floatating experience is optional, no refunds will be offered if you decide not to participate in this experience
Children must be over 125 cm in height to participate in the floating experience
To avoid long waiting time for the floating experience, be sure to confirm the experience time upon check-in or query the staff on-site
The flotation suit is waterproof and will keep you insulated from the cold. It must be worn over normal indoor clothes
The cruise will depart as usual in early December regardless of the thickness of the ice. Please note that the thickness of the ice cannot be guaranteed before mid-December
Ice conditions may be limited or thin before mid-December. Please take this into consideration before booking.
The earliest availability of ice walking experience is early January
In the event of adverse weather (e.g. typhoon, snowstorm), the tour may be cancelled and the decision will be made before 12:00am 1 day before departure. Travelers will be notified of the cancellation via email after the decision has been made
The supplier reserves the right to change or cancel the floating experience or ice walking due to safety reasons (e.g. adverse weather conditions, force majeure) without offering compensation, please consider before booking
Please note that lunch will be served on the boat based on available options.
FAQ
Visitors on the Polar Explorer Icebreaker cruise can navigate the frozen Gulf of Bothnia, offering a unique perspective of an arctic sea. The experience includes exploring various stations on the ship and walking directly on the sea ice. A highlight is the chance to experience swimming in special flotation suits, providing a safe and exhilarating way to interact with the icy waters, after which participants receive a swimming certificate.
The Polar Explorer Icebreaker cruise offers an unparalleled expedition through the frozen Gulf of Bothnia. It's memorable due to the unique blend of adventure and comfort, including a 7-deck audio-guided tour that reveals the ship's operations. Guests can enjoy hot drinks, watch a film in the onboard Icebreaker theater, and witness the ship breaking through thick ice, making it a truly distinctive journey.
The Polar Explorer Icebreaker prioritizes passenger safety with a highly trained crew and adherence to strict maritime regulations. The ship is specially designed to operate in extreme ice conditions, featuring robust construction and advanced navigation systems. During activities like ice swimming, guests are provided with specialized flotation suits, ensuring a secure and supervised experience on the frozen sea.
Tickets for the Polar Explorer Icebreaker cruise can be conveniently purchased online through platforms like KKday. Booking via KKday offers a seamless process, often providing various ticket options to suit different preferences, including those with transfer services. This ensures a stress-free experience from booking to boarding, with clear information and reliable customer support for your expedition.
The Polar Explorer Icebreaker is specifically designed to navigate the frozen Gulf of Bothnia using its powerful engines and reinforced hull. It creates a path through thick ice by continuously moving forward, breaking the ice with its weight and powerful bow. This specialized operation allows the ship to traverse icy waters that conventional vessels cannot, providing access to unique arctic environments.
To reach the Polar Explorer Icebreaker's departure point, travelers have the option to book a transfer service, often available as part of the cruise package. This ensures a convenient and stress-free journey from designated pickup locations. Alternatively, those preferring to drive independently can plan their route, noting that specific departure details and port locations will be provided upon booking.
During the Polar Explorer Icebreaker cruise, guests have the unique opportunity to directly interact with the arctic ice. A highlight is swimming in the frozen sea while wearing specialized, warm flotation suits, an experience capped with a commemorative swimming certificate. Additionally, passengers can disembark onto the sturdy sea ice, allowing for a memorable walk on the frozen surface next to the powerful icebreaker.
The Polar Explorer Icebreaker offers several onboard facilities and services to enhance the journey. Guests can enjoy a comprehensive 7-deck audio-guided tour, providing insights into the ship's operations and history. Hot drinks are served to keep passengers warm, and a film about icebreakers is shown in the dedicated Icebreaker theater, offering educational entertainment while cruising through the ice.
Get Help
