MS Sjoveien

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

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M/S Sjøveien (meaning the Seaway) was built in 1964 in Bergen, Norway, for various governmental duties. She went on to be a home base for mariners-in-training from 1979 to 1995. The ship then went under private ownership, sailing for the Norwegian Coast Guard and as a floating hotel. Following a refurbishment in 2016, Sjoveien began expedition cruising around Svalbard.

Choose the MS Sjoveien for a Svalbard ship with an exclusive feel. Her classic makeup is complimented by a modern maritime interior. And travelers are sure to love watching for polar bears from the on-deck, wood-fired hot tub. With the flexibility of 8 cabins for only 12 guests, this ship is ideal for both private parties and solo travelers (including the lowest single supplement among her fleet).

MS Sjoveien features an adjacent lounge & dining room on the Main Deck. The 12-chair wooden dining room table invites all passengers to eat together, fostering a real sense of camaraderie among likeminded, new-found friends. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style while dinner is plated. Daily meals are all shared by the full guest complement in one open seating, with international fare and specialty foods (e.g. vegetarian and vegan options) to accommodate all. Beverages are available for an added cost.

The Lounge is equipped with wraparound couches for relaxing between activities, enjoying a hot drink and taking in guide lectures. Also on the Main Deck are a wraparound breezeway and wood-fired hot tub, both providing excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting and relaxation. Note that there is currently no internet on board, enabling a true digital detox and opportunities to focus on wildlife and landscapes.

Travelers are welcome to meet the captain and crew in the open Bridge on the Upper Deck. The classic charm and forward views of the Bridge encourage guests to soak in the process of navigation among icebergs and Arctic passages.

Cruising alongside the 12 or fewer guests on board MS Sjoveien are 2 bilingual guides (speaking English and Swedish) and a 7-member international crew. Daily off-ship excursions, including landing for walks or hikes and cruising along shorelines or icebergs, is facilitated by the ship’s 2 Zodiacs. Guests must be comfortable using a short ladder to embark and disembark the ship.