M/S Freya
The M/S Freya was built in 1981 in the Åsiverken shipyard in Amal as a lighthouse building vessel. Since then she has been used by the Swedish Coast Guard for environmental protection purposes; as a research ship by the University of Umeå, and has also spent time as a diving vessel. She was converted to an expedition vessel in 2015 and has been in Svalbard since 2016. With space to accommodate just 12-16 expedition passengers on board, it will feel more like being on board your own private yacht than an Arctic cruise ship.
Ship Details
Features and Facilities:
- 11 passenger cabins
- Originally constructed as a lighthouse building vessel
- Ice-strengthened to the highest ice classification (1A)
- Great for reaching the smaller fjords and close encounters with wildlife
Style
A classic expedition vessel with a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Setting
The M/S Freya will be found cruising through the fjords and coastlines of Svalbard.
Accommodation & Facilities
The M/S Freya has just 11 passenger cabins, of which the majority have two lower berths and a private bathroom. These cabins have an optional upper berth making them easily convertible into a triple cabin. As well as a fully stocked bar, dining room and living area, guests have the added luxury of a sauna to relax in after a long day sailing through the seas surrounding Svalbard.
Dining
All meals are included during your stay on the M/S Freya, which are a range of European-style dishes. Almost any dietary requirements can be catered for as long as you have given sufficient notice to your destination specialist.
Activities
Whilst cruising through the archipelago you will have opportunities to see remarkable fjords, mountains and glaciers, as well as the amazing wildlife, including the mighty polar bear, which calls this unique landscape home. Due to the small size of the ship itself you may even be able to photograph wildlife close up directly from the ship itself. There are also two zodiacs on board the M/S Freya which gives you opportunities to take extra excursions. The group sizes on theses zodiacs are between 6-8 people per boat (compared to 12-14 on other vessels).
Child Policy
Children of 12 years and above are welcome.
Charter an Arctic Expedition Ship
As well as joining one of our classic Polar Bear Explorer or our Specialist-led trips, we also offer full ship charters for 12 – 16 guests on board the M/S Freya. If you are travelling with friends, family, a group of photographers, or simply want more space to explore without the constraints of group travel, we can exclusive use with the flexibility to tailor a trip to suit your exact requirements. Find out more about our Svalbard ship charters.