Icebreaker cruise in Swedish Lapland

Arctic Explorer icebreaker

about us

Join to the daily icebreaker work
Arctic Explorer is keeping daily routine from December to March making route for ships through the frozen sea in Piteå.  Join to Icebreaker daily work for 2 h and feel as part of the crew. Learn about work in Arctic ships and participate in daily work of sailors. During the 2 h cruise you will be shown all the way down to the engine rooms and all way up to Captain’s bridge. You can relax the cozy saloon, enjoying warm juice, or go for walk on the frozen sea. The icebreaker makes a pool free of ice and every visitor can take a swim in the dark icy water, in floatation survival suit. The captain will present Cruise and Swim Certificates to everyone as a memorable gift.
Icy water swimming
Enjoy effortless floating in dry survival suite in the middle of the Arctic Sea
Walking on ice
Walk safely on sea ice, take impressive photos of yourself in front of the ship at sea
Local experienced crew
Meet captain and other crew members on the bridge
Children can swim
Children 140 cm tall and over can join swimming activity with their parents

SHIP DETAILS

  • Built: 1962, rebuilt in 2004
  • Number of passengers: 80
  • Length: 38 m
  • Width: 10 m
  • Draught: 5.0 m
  • Gross weight: gross ton 332
  • Engine: 1 X NOHAB POLAR 6 Cylinder
  • Ice class: 1A
Artic Explorer black and white

TIMETABLE 2023-2024

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Cruise 10:00-12:00
Cruise 12:30 - 14:30
Fully booked
No cruise
Cruise 10:00-12:00 and 12:30-14:30

PRICE

€ 190

Price includes

2 h icebreaker cruise, swimming in survival suites, walking on sea ice (weather permit), hot drink on board, Cruise&Swim certificate, friendly guides and crew on board, great memories.

Booking terms

20% deposit is paid at the moment of reservation. final payment is 30 days before the cruise.

Cancellation terms

20% fees are charged if cancelled more than 30 days before the cruise, if cancelled 30 days or less before the cruise, full payment is charged.  

floating on ice with drysuit on our polar icebreaker tour

How to get

By own transportation

Address: 

Norra Stenarmen 3,

941 43 Piteå, Sweden

Distances

Luleå:       65 km (45 min drive)

Skellefteå:  70 km (50 min drive)

Arvidsjaur: 133 km (1 h 35 min drive)

Have a question?

You may find your answer in most frequent questions

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

Yes, you can choose your pick up and drop of location during the booking process. Price will be calculated accordingly. Your luggage will be stored in the bus during the tour. 

Yes, 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.

Yes, you can make your way with your own car and park free of charge at the cruise terminal. There is no actual border between Finland and Sweden, you can drive non-stop via the border.

There is no age limit for participating in a cruise, children of all ages are welcome on board!
Survival suits are available at size 125 cm so if your child height is close to 125 cm they can swim. It is up to responsible crew member decision if the child is grown enough and it is safe to swim for child. 

No, a double layer survival suit, which you will put over your normal clothes, will keep you insulated from cold water.
Swimming is voluntary – so if you don’t feel like it you don’t have to do it.

Walking on sea ice is allowed only when ice is solid and at least 20 cm thick. Early winter cruises may not allow walking on ice activity.
Captain makes a decision when it is safe to walk on ice on each cruise.

The ship is not wheelchair accessible due to high thresholds around the ship required for water holding in case of flood.

Lunch on board can be added at special price 20 € per person when booked together with shuttle bus. Lunch on board without reservation is 25 €.
Snacks and beverages can be purchased from the cafeteria on board.

Gluten and lactose intolerance is considered in all meals. Vegetarian meals are offered.

There is no border control between Finland and Sweden, driving is non-stop. Though occasional check may happen. Please also have valid ID with you.
If you hold Schengen visa, same visa is valid for both countries and single entry visa also valid to cross brothers within Schengen area multiple times. 

In case the border of Finland or Sweden is closed due to emergency lock down, all cruises will be cancelled and your payment is fully refunded. 
In case the country where you were travelling from closes down and travelling outside of the country is prohibited for leisure reasons, standard cancellation policy will apply.
We recommend buying travel insurance covering costs caused by cancellations due to COVID, health conditions or any other circumstances preventing travelling.

No cancellation fees are charged if you cancel your booking 31 or more days before cruise departure.
25€ booking fees per person are non-refundable. 
If you cancel 30 days before cruise departure or later, 100% cancellation fees are charged.
In case of “no show”, being late for cruise departure or shuttle bus pick up resulting in missing the departure, 100% cancellation fees apply.
Cancellation fees are charged If cancelled for any reason, including restrictions due to COVID-19 and medical reasons.
We recommend buying travel insurance covering costs caused by cancellations due to health conditions or any other circumstances preventing travelling.

In case our icebreaker cruise is cancelled due to weather conditions or lack of passengers, you will be offered an alternative cruise date or time.
If none of the alternative options fit you, you will get a full refund.

We do not practice discount coupons. 
We keep our prices as low as possible so everyone can join.