MS Balto

AdventureSmith Explorations’ MS Balto review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Please read our MS Balto ship review below then contact our experts to compare the M/S Balto with other ice-class expedition ships offering Arctic cruises, including Greenland small ship cruises.

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Named after the leading sled dog of the 1925 Nome serum run, MS Balto takes her place at the head of the pack when it comes to small yachts sailing Arctic waters. Built as a Finnish government service vessel to cruise the Baltic Sea, this ship now serves as one of the smallest Greenland passenger yachts that AdventureSmith offers.

Choose the MS Balto for her onboard sauna and dedicated solo cabins—a rarity among Arctic ships this small—as well as her cozy and inviting spaces. This Arctic yacht blends Finnish design with classic maritime charm for an atmosphere that combines history with modern comforts.

The MS Balto invites her 12 or fewer guests to relax and recharge in warm social spaces, including a sauna, saloon, dining room and open Bridge. Outside, the Main and Top Decks feature various spaces to take in the sea breeze and spy for arctic wildlife. Indoors, the Lower Deck’s Finnish-inspired wooden sauna and neighboring cold shower offers a pleasant way to warm up after chilly off-ship excursions.

An elegant saloon bar with crotch-mahogany paneling harkens back to an era of opulence and grace. Enjoy a warm drink or spirit with fellow guests from a plush wraparound couch or small wooden table, surrounded by historic photos from the ship’s storied past. Warm your hands beside a cast iron stove while taking in views of the icy polar wilds outside the ship’s large view windows.

The rustic dining room blends seamlessly with the saloon via a half-wall. All 12 guests are treated to international dishes in a casual atmosphere with unassigned seating. The onboard chef is prepared to dazzle, as well as accommodate many specialty diets such as vegan and vegetarian. A coffee and tea station accompanies a small library for unwinding between off-ship activities.

An international crew of 7 attends to daily meals, housekeeping and navigation. One guide for each 6 guests plans and executes twice-daily off-ship excursions by Zodiac boat and on land. The privileged group size of up to 12 guests means that activities from MS Balto are more flexible and can go longer—think exploring narrow fjords, remote anchorages and Inuit settlements.