Expedition Ship
The Arctic

MS Polar Front

Polar Front, Svalbard
Polar Front, Svalbard
Polar Front, Svalbard
Polar Front, Svalbard

Highlights

  • Small ship – Accommodating a maximum of 16 guests (most often capped at 12) in eight spacious suites, with around 10–11 crew and expedition staff, Polarfront offers exceptional levels of personal service and one of the most intimate expedition experiences in the Arctic.
  • Beautifully restored in 2018 – Originally built in 1976 as Norway’s last ocean-going weather ship, Polarfront was transformed into a luxury expedition yacht in 2018 before receiving a major technical refit and electric propulsion upgrade in 2024.
  • Engineered for remote exploration – Her 55-metre, ice-strengthened hull allows Polarfront to navigate narrow fjords, secluded anchorages and pack ice beyond the reach of many larger expedition vessels.
  • Remarkably spacious onboard – With just eight suites, guests enjoy generous accommodation alongside a panoramic lounge, library, gym, sauna and outdoor hot tub overlooking the Arctic wilderness.
  • More time experiencing the Arctic – With so few guests to transfer by Zodiac, landings are quick and efficient, maximising time ashore for wildlife encounters, hikes and photographic opportunities.
  • Guided by Arctic experts – An experienced expedition team adapts each day’s plans to the weather, wildlife and ice conditions, ensuring every voyage makes the most of opportunities to explore the High Arctic.
  • Life onboard – Despite carrying just 16 guests, Polarfront offers impressive facilities including a panoramic sauna, outdoor hot tub, gym, library and open bridge. Fresh, chef-prepared meals are served in a relaxed dining room, creating a welcoming atmosphere between days spent exploring the Arctic.
Polar Front, Svalbard

Features

Constructed: Built in Norway in 1976, converted into a luxury expedition yacht in 2018 and extensively modernised with electric propulsion in 2024.

Capacity: Carries a maximum of 16 guests in eight spacious en-suite suites, ensuring an intimate atmosphere and highly personalised service.

Expedition Team: Experienced polar guides lead Zodiac cruises, shore landings and wildlife encounters, adapting plans to daily Arctic conditions.

Crew: Around 10–11 crew and expedition staff provide attentive service, expert guidance and seamless operations throughout every voyage.

Speed: Cruises at approximately 10 knots, balancing efficient passage-making with flexibility to maximise wildlife viewing opportunities.

Size: At 55 metres long and 10 metres wide, with an ice-strengthened hull, Polarfront reaches remote Arctic fjords and pack ice with ease.

Dining: Fresh, chef-prepared cuisine is served in a relaxed dining room with panoramic views of the ever-changing Arctic landscape.

Leisure: Enjoy a panoramic lounge, library, gym, sauna, outdoor hot tub, spacious decks and an open bridge policy.

Cabins: Eight spacious outward-facing suites feature private en-suite bathrooms, Scandinavian styling and flexible twin or double configurations.

Top Tip: One of the best small boats for a private charter in the Arctic. There is plenty of space on board and a great range of cabins to accommodate all the family.

Good to know

Are children welcome?

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

Giving back

MS Polarfront’s sustainability approach combines the reuse of an existing working vessel with modern technology to reduce her environmental impact. Rather than building a new expedition ship, the original 1976 weather vessel was transformed into a luxury yacht, extending her operational life while preserving her robust polar capabilities.

In 2024, Polarfront underwent a major technical refit, introducing electric propulsion and upgraded power management systems that significantly reduce fuel consumption, emissions, vibration and underwater noise. Onboard operations are designed to minimise waste, maximise energy efficiency and comply with the highest environmental standards for operating in the Arctic.

Expeditions follow strict wildlife viewing guidelines and the principles of responsible polar tourism, ensuring every landing is conducted with minimal impact on the fragile ecosystems visited. Guests are also encouraged to gain a deeper understanding of the Arctic through expert-led interpretation, fostering greater appreciation for one of the world’s most vulnerable environments.

Why we love MS Polar Front

Polar Front is one of the most comfortable small ships and has been beautifully updated. But what really shines is how much the expedition crew love her. They know what she is capable of and that really allows them to shocase the Arctic to guests on board.

Caroline 130
Caroline Maber

Specialises in

Latin America, The Caribbean + Polar Regions
Polar Front

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