Polar Explorer Aurora Icebreaker Cruise & Ice Floating

Planning a winter trip to Lapland? If you’re looking for a genuinely memorable Arctic experience, the Polar Explorer Aurora Icebreaker Cruise is worth considering. This 3-hour adventure offers a taste of the icy wilderness, combining the thrill of sailing through frozen waters with the magic of the northern lights (if luck’s on your side). While it’s not a full-day expedition, it packs enough highlights to make it a standout part of any Arctic itinerary.

We’re particularly drawn to the chance to walk on the frozen sea and experience ice floating—two activities that really capture the essence of Arctic adventure. Plus, the onboard disco on ice adds a playful touch that makes the evening feel festive and fun. On the flip side, a potential downside is that activities depend heavily on sea and ice conditions, which means sometimes things could be scaled back or canceled for safety reasons. Still, if you’re after a blend of excitement, scenery, and a dash of Northern Lights hope, this cruise might be right for you.

This tour tends to suit travelers who appreciate a balanced mix of adventure and comfort—it’s accessible, well-organized, and offers a variety of activities that don’t require prior experience or extreme stamina. It’s especially appealing if you want to see the Arctic from a unique perspective, but aren’t looking for a strenuous outdoor expedition or a lengthy tour.

Key Points

• Unique Arctic Experience: Combining sailing, ice walking, and floating activities with the chance of seeing the northern lights.
• All-in-One Adventure: Seven decks with an audio guide, a short film, and interactive activities make it engaging.
• Flexible Activities: Ice swimming and sea walks depend on sea conditions, which adds a bit of unpredictability.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Not suitable for wheelchair users, but great for travelers seeking a fun Arctic outing.
• Convenient Location: Easy to reach from nearby Finnish Lapland, with free parking at the terminal.
• Good Value: A well-rated experience (4.7/5), offering a comprehensive Arctic adventure for a reasonable duration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Accessibility

The tour kicks off at the Polar Explorer Icebreaker terminal in Kalix, Sweden. It’s about a two-hour drive from Rovaniemi and just over an hour from Kemi or Luleå, making it accessible for travelers staying in those areas. The terminal is easy to find, with free parking available, so you won’t have to worry about complicated logistics. The departure is in Swedish time, so just keep that in mind when planning your day.

What Happens During the Cruise

Once aboard the Polar Explorer Icebreaker, the atmosphere kicks off with a disco on ice—music, vibrant lights, and the icy backdrop create a lively, almost surreal scene. The combination of glowing lights and Arctic silence makes for a surprisingly festive experience. This part is particularly fun if you enjoy a good photo-op or just want to soak up the unique ambiance.

Next, you’ll explore the seven decks of the ship with an audio guide available in 15 languages. This is a thoughtful touch—learning about the history and mechanics of icy navigation adds value and context to what you’re experiencing. A short onboard film about icebreakers worldwide also helps deepen your understanding of these incredible ships and their importance in Arctic exploration.

Walking on the Frozen Sea

Perhaps the most iconic part of this experience is the chance to walk on the sea ice. Standing on thick, frozen water under the Arctic sky feels both peaceful and exhilarating. You’ll be surrounded by silence, broken only by your footsteps and the distant crackling of ice. It’s a rare moment that captures the stark beauty of the Arctic landscape.

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Ice Swimming and Floating

For the adventurous, the ice swimming activity offers a heart-pumping thrill. Participants don thermal flotation survival suits and float safely in a designated pool. Many reviews mention that this activity is a highlight, providing a unique sense of accomplishment and a real taste of Arctic resilience. However, note that this activity is optional and depends on sea and ice conditions, so it might be canceled if the ice isn’t thick enough or sea safety is compromised.

Northern Lights Chances

While seeing the northern lights isn’t guaranteed, the open deck provides a prime spot to gaze at the Arctic sky. The flexibility of being on a boat means you can often avoid light pollution, increasing your chances of witnessing this natural wonder. Even if the lights don’t appear, the experience of being on an icebreaker under the stars is unforgettable.

Additional Touches and End of Tour

Before concluding, you’ll receive a certificate signed by the Captain, a nice keepsake that commemorates your Arctic adventure. The cruise ends back at the terminal, leaving you with excellent memories of your night among the ice.

The Itinerary Breakdown

• Start at the Polar Explorer Icebreaker in Kalix: Easy to access, with scenic snowy drives through Lapland.
• 3-hour boat cruise: The core of the experience, sailing through icy waters, with engaging commentary and entertainment.
• Photo stop, walk, and optional swimming at Axelsvik: Gives you a chance to connect with the Arctic environment on a personal level.
• Dinner: An hour to relax and reflect on your adventure, although specific food options aren’t detailed.
• Return to the terminal: Makes for a compact, manageable experience perfect for a half-day trip.

Each activity, from the ice walk to floating, is designed to give you a genuine Arctic feel—serene, awe-inspiring, and sometimes a little unpredictable.

What Travelers Say

Many reviews highlight how the cruise offers a well-rounded Arctic experience. For example, one reviewer loved the “disco on ice,” describing it as a surprising, fun addition to the trip. Others appreciated the audio guides, noting they added depth to the experience and made the visit more educational.

Some travelers mention that ice swimming was exhilarating, although it’s only for those comfortable with cold water and physical activity. The possibility of seeing the northern lights is often mentioned as a bonus, but not a guarantee—weather and solar activity are out of the operator’s control.

A common theme in reviews is that activities are weather-dependent. Sometimes, sea ice isn’t thick enough, or sea conditions aren’t safe enough, leading to cancellations or substitutions. This is important to keep in mind if you’re counting on specific activities like ice floating or swimming.

The Practicalities

The tour is priced reasonably considering the variety of activities and the overall experience. It’s good value, especially since it combines sailing, education, entertainment, and adventure. The 3-hour duration makes it manageable for most travelers without feeling rushed.

Note that this experience isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, which is typical for Arctic activities involving walking on ice or floating in suits. Be sure to dress warmly—layers, insulated shoes, and accessories like hats and gloves are essential.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for travelers who want a short, immersive Arctic adventure that’s accessible and varied. It’s perfect if you’re curious about icebreakers, want to try ice swimming, or simply wish to experience the Arctic environment from a different perspective. It’s also a good choice for those who enjoy educational elements combined with fun activities.

If you’re looking for a quick yet meaningful taste of Lapland’s icy wilderness, this cruise fits the bill. However, if your focus is on guaranteed northern lights viewing or extensive outdoor activities, you might want to explore other options or extend your stay.

Final Thoughts

The Polar Explorer Aurora Icebreaker Cruise offers a well-rounded taste of Arctic life in just a few hours. It balances adventure with comfort and provides plenty of photo-worthy moments along the way. The combination of sailing through icy waters, walking on the frozen sea, and floating in thermal suits makes it a memorable highlight of any Lapland trip.

While weather and sea conditions can influence the activities, the overall experience is thoughtfully curated and engaging. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a manageable, fun Arctic outing with a bit of everything—ice, sky, and even a disco on the ice.

If you’re after a genuine Arctic adventure that’s accessible and offers a chance to connect with the icy landscape, this cruise could very well be one of your trip’s best moments.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
It’s not explicitly mentioned, but given the activities and safety considerations, this cruise is mainly geared towards adult travelers. Children might find the ice walk and floating activities exciting, but check with the provider if you’re traveling with kids.

What should I bring?
Make sure to pack passport or ID, warm clothing, and warm shoes. Layering is key, as you’ll be outside on the ice and deck for some time.

Can I see the northern lights during this cruise?
While the chance exists, it’s not guaranteed. The open deck improves your odds, but weather and solar activity ultimately determine if you’ll witness this natural spectacle.

How long is the drive from Rovaniemi to the departure point?
It’s about 2 hours and 15 minutes by car, so plan accordingly. The scenic drive through snowy Lapland adds to the adventure.

What happens if activities like ice swimming are unsafe due to ice conditions?
The operator can restrict or cancel activities like ice swimming and sea walks for safety reasons. This doesn’t usually affect the core cruise experience.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, mainly because of the nature of ice and outdoor activities involved.

If you’re ready for a lively, scenic, and truly Arctic experience, the Polar Explorer Aurora Icebreaker cruise offers a memorable way to enjoy Lapland’s winter landscape. Just come prepared for the cold, and keep your fingers crossed for northern lights!

You can check availability for your dates here: