About the M/V Kinfish

Built in 1958, the M/V Kinfish has recently been transformed from a Norwegian research vessel to a classic passenger ship, ready to explore the icy waters of the Spitsbergen archipelago. The bridge has been fitted out with advanced safety equipment, allowing the M/V Kinfish to safely navigate the calm Svalbard waters. With room on board for just 12 passengers, the ship has an intimate atmosphere, and her small size allows her to access some of the smaller fjords and coves along the coastline.Kinfish has an expansive deck space spread aross multiple levels, two spacious lounges, and a fantastic presentation room.

Why travel on the M/V Kinfish:

• One of the nicest looking small ships, the Kinfish is a vessel with history and character that is usefully purposed during the winter months embarking on exciting research quests such as uncovering the history of Norway scouring the seabed to find Viking remains.
• Fantastic stabilisation system for comfortable cruising, superior to that normally found in vessels of this size.
• State of the art navigational equipment in the bridge; passengers able to sit in comfort and see three dimensional scans of the seabed.
• Newly refurbished en-suite cabins with comfortable beds and proper duvets with crisp white linen.
• Beautifully refitted interior with multiple comfortable spaces for passengers to relax and socialise.
• Small and manoeuvrable. In the words of her owner, "this ship can dance". Perfect for navigating the most inaccessible reaches of the Svalbard archipelago.
• When her engine is running idle it generates minimal vibrations great for photography when parked in fast ice.
• 360 degree views from all levels. No other small ship has this number of varied accessible viewing platforms.

Features and Facilities

• 6 rooms
• Ice Class 1C with an ice strengthened 1A hull
• Not suitable for children
• Great for reaching the smaller fjords

Style

A classic small passenger ship with spacious and welcoming communal areas.

Setting

The M/V Kinfish is purpose-built for exploring the fjords, coves and glaciers of the Svalbard coast.

Accommodation & Facilities

A recently renovated Norwegian research vessel, the M/V Kinfish has been fully fitted with comfortable furnishings and safety equipment to allow for a peaceful cruising experience. There are six guest cabins on board, including five twin cabins and one quad cabin, all with ensuite bathrooms. There are also two bright and spacious lounges, a dining area and bar, as well as an open bridge and ample deck space from which to admire the stunning Arctic landscapes. For 2019, a new bathroom has been added to the ship's mudroom, allowing guests to clean up following onshore excursions.

Dining

All meals are included throughout your time on the M/V Kinfish, where a selection of European dishes are served in the communal dining room. Special dietary requirements can be catered for with sufficient notice.

Activities

Cruising aboard the M/V Kinfish you will witness the incredible rugged landscapes of Svalbard and encounter wildlife such as the polar bear, the undisputed ‘King of the Arctic’. The small size of the ship allows you to explore even the smallest and most secluded fjords, and provides opportunities for up close wildlife photography. The deck space of the M/V Kinfish is spread over different levels, which is perfect for active travellers and avid photographers who want to capture the wildlife and scenery from different perspectives. There are two zodiacs on board for small group onshore excursions, each carrying up to six passengers.

Child policy

Not suitable for children.

Charter an Arctic Expedition Ship

As well as joining our classic Polar Bear Explorer or our Specialist-led trips, you can also charter the M/V Kinfish for exclusive use. By fully chartering an Arctic expedition ship, we can offer the flexibility to tailor a trip to suit your exact requirements, whether your focus is photography, wildlife, history, or simply seeing the best that the Arctic has to offer.

A word from our Founder and CEO, Will Bolsover: "The M/V Kinfish is fresh to Svalbard and delivers like no other vessel up there. With comfy cabins, multiple relaxing/communal areas and some great viewing decks, the Kinfish really is a great little ship. A maximum of 12 clients makes any expedition aboard the Kinfish an intimate one, but with enough space to find your own corner if required. A huge bridge – open 24 hours a day – means there is plenty of room for everyone to be up there at the same time, either chatting to the Captain, spotting for bears, or watching the ship calve through the ice as you venture into the frozen realms of the north. With stabilisers (few other ships of this size have these!) and state-of-the-art positioning technology, the Kinfish provides both the flexibility for exploration and the versatility to access where few others can."