Expedition Ship
The Arctic

MS Freya

MS Freya
MS Freya
MS Freya
MS Freya

Highlights

  • Designed for the Arctic: Originally built as an ice-strengthened vessel, MS Freya combines classic Scandinavian character with the capability to explore some of Svalbard’s most remote and ice-filled waters.
  • Compact by design: Measuring around 45 metres in length and with just 12 guests, MS Freya is perfectly proportioned for expedition cruising, allowing her to navigate narrow fjords, sheltered bays and ice-filled waterways that are inaccessible to many larger expedition ships.
  • Outstanding wildlife encounters: Search for polar bears, walrus, whales, Arctic foxes, reindeer and vast seabird colonies, with experienced guides helping you make the most of every sighting.
  • Expert-led exploration: Daily Zodiac cruises, guided shore walks and engaging onboard presentations provide a deeper understanding of Svalbard’s wildlife, history, geology and fragile polar ecosystems.
  • Comfortable Scandinavian hospitality: Relax in inviting lounges with panoramic views, enjoy hearty Nordic-inspired cuisine and unwind in a warm, welcoming atmosphere after each day’s adventures.
  • Discover the quieter Arctic: From towering glacier fronts and drifting pack ice to abandoned trappers’ cabins and seldom-visited fjords, MS Freya is designed to take you beyond the well-travelled routes and into the wild heart of Svalbard.
MS Freya

Features

  • Constructed: Built in Sweden in 1981 as a lighthouse construction vessel. Carefully converted into an expedition ship in 2015 and extensively upgraded in recent years, combining rugged ice-going capability with modern comfort.
  • Capacity: Accommodates just 12 guests in seven comfortable en-suite cabins, creating a highly personalised expedition experience with plenty of space on board.
  • Expedition Team: Experienced expedition leaders guide Zodiac cruises, shore landings, wildlife encounters and informative onboard presentations, ensuring every day is shaped by conditions and opportunities.
  • Crew: A professional crew of nine, including the captain, expedition team, engineer, chef and hotel staff, delivers attentive service throughout the voyage.
  • Speed: Cruises at approximately 10 knots, allowing the captain to adapt the itinerary to sea ice, wildlife sightings and changing Arctic weather.
  • Size: Measuring 45 metres in length and built to the highest 1A ice-class, MS Freya is capable of navigating deep into pack ice and reaching remote fjords beyond the reach of many larger expedition ships.
  • Dining: Fresh, chef-prepared meals are served in a welcoming saloon-style dining room with an adjoining bar, where large windows provide superb views of the passing Arctic scenery.
  • Leisure: Facilities include a comfortable lounge and library, multiple observation decks, an open bridge policy, plus a sauna and an outdoor hot tub for relaxing after a day of exploration.
  • Cabins: Seven spacious, outward-facing cabins all feature private en-suite bathrooms and comfortable beds. A choice of twin, double and dedicated single cabins makes the ship particularly appealing for solo travellers as well as couples.
  • Top Tip: Thanks to her powerful 1A ice-class hull, MS Freya can venture further into pack ice than many expedition vessels. Combined with her small size and flexible itineraries, that means more time in the places where Arctic wildlife is often at its most spectacular.

Good to know

Are children welcome?

Yes, children are welcome on board MS Freya, but it is best suited to older children and teenagers with an interest in wildlife and adventure rather than young families.

Giving back

MS Freya is operated on the principle that smaller expeditions have a lighter impact. Carrying just 12 guests, every voyage is designed around low-impact exploration, with fewer people ashore, flexible itineraries that adapt to wildlife and ice conditions, and strict adherence to Svalbard’s environmental regulations. Guests are encouraged to leave no trace, while the expert expedition team shares insights into Arctic ecosystems and the importance of protecting this fragile environment.

Why we love MS Freya

What stood out to us about MS Freya was how capable she feels without sacrificing comfort. One moment you’re weaving through sea ice in search of wildlife, the next you’re back on board warming up in the hot tub, watching glaciers drift by. It’s that effortless blend of true expedition cruising and understated Scandinavian hospitality that makes her such a memorable way to experience Svalbard.

Caroline 130
Caroline Maber

Specilises in

Latin America, The Caribbean + Polar Regions
MS Freya

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