Finnish Arctic tourism company The Icebreaking Company has launched its summer expedition cruise operations in Svalbard after its passenger icebreaker M/S Arktis received international Polar Code approval. The certification enables commercial operations in polar waters in compliance with the highest international safety and environmental standards and marks a significant milestone in the company’s international growth.
Daily Arctic Cruises from Longyearbyen
With nearly 40 years of experience in Arctic tourism, the Finnish company has begun operating daily cruises from Longyearbyen through its Norwegian subsidiary, The Icebreaking Company AS.
Operations aboard M/S Arktis include guided Arctic sightseeing cruises, carefully managed and professionally guided Arctic Seafloating experiences when conditions permit, and entirely vessel-based operations without land-based infrastructure or any permanent footprint in the Isfjorden area. Although Arktis is an icebreaker, the vessel does not, under any circumstances, break protected Arctic sea ice in Svalbard.
The vessel anchors near a glacier, allowing guests to enjoy spectacular scenery and experience Arctic wildlife from the sea while fully respecting local environmental regulations and the principles of responsible tourism. Arktis accommodates up to 100 passengers (total capacity 180), and the icebreaker itself is a unique attraction worth experiencing.
Arctic Seafloating Experience, The Flagship Product of the Summer Season
The company’s signature experience is the Arctic Seafloating Experience, where guests safely float in the Arctic Ocean wearing specially designed thermal survival suits from a floating platform engineered in Finland specifically for Arctic conditions. The experience is conducted under the supervision of experienced Arctic guides as part of the company’s day cruise concept.
Three Unique Arctic Experiences
The Summer 2026 programme offers three experiences departing from Longyearbyen: the 1.5-hour Scenic Cruise, the 2.5-hour Arctic Seafloating Cruise, and the full-day 6-hour Arctic Glacier Cruise.
The longer cruise includes hotel transfers, the services of a professional guide, a hot lunch, opportunities to observe Svalbard’s unique wildlife, and, for those who wish, the Arctic Seafloating Experience. During the journey, guests can also relax in an authentic Finnish sauna and an outdoor hot tub located on the bow deck while surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the High Arctic.
First Guests Have Given Outstanding Feedback
Feedback from the first customer cruises has been overwhelmingly positive, says Tomi Ståhlberg, Cruise Business Director at The Icebreaking Company.
“Our guests especially appreciate the unique Arctic Seafloating Experience, the authentic Finnish sauna, and the opportunity to discover the magnificent nature of Svalbard.”
“For more than three decades, people have asked us what an icebreaker does during the summer,” says Jaakko Löppönen, CEO of The Icebreaking Company.
“Now we have the answer. It takes guests safely into one of the world’s most extraordinary Arctic marine environments, combining Finnish icebreaking expertise with responsible expedition tourism. We are proud of what our team and partners have built together in Svalbard.”
The Icebreaking Company is one of Finland’s longest-established Arctic tourism operators, with nearly 40 years of experience. The company is best known for its legendary icebreakers Sampo in Kemi and Arktis, which together have welcomed more than one million guests over the years.
Through its Norwegian subsidiary, The Icebreaking Company AS, the company now operates in two of Northern Europe’s most significant Arctic tourism destinations: Kemi, Finland, and Svalbard, Norway.
The company’s operations in Svalbard are based on responsible Arctic tourism, respect for the fragile northern environment, and full compliance with the highest international maritime safety standards. The Summer 2026 cruise season continues until 31 August 2026.