Board the legendary Sampo icebreaker and crunch through the frozen Gulf of Bothnia, then step off the ship and float in a thermal dry suit amid broken pack ice — one of the most surreal Arctic experiences on earth.
What to expect
The Sampo departs Kemi harbour and powers through metre-thick sea ice, her hull groaning as she forges a path into the frozen bay. A safety briefing precedes the dry-suit float: you step off the gangway and drift, impossibly buoyant, in near-freezing water surrounded by fractured ice floes. Hot Arctic buffet and glögg are served on board after the float, warming you from the inside out. The ship returns with plenty of time before sail-away.
Good to know
Operates January–April, when the sea ice is stable. Pre-booking is essential — sailings sell out weeks in advance. Kemi Cruise Port is a short taxi ride from the Sampo berth. Allow approximately 3–4 hours for the full experience.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Kemi — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Kemi
- SnowCastle of Kemi: Private After-Hours Tour & Arctic Dinner
- Kemi–Tornio: Private Wilderness Retreat, Sauna & Forest Dining
- Kivalot Hills & Jägercabin: Expert-Guided Arctic Nature Hike
- Guided Walking Tour of Old Kemi: Maritime Heritage & Harbour Stories
- Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi: Private Day Journey to the Arctic Circle