Icebreaker Cruise in Lapland with Arctic Sea Swim in Survival Suit

What to Expect during your Ice Breaker Experience

An icebreaker cruise takes you out onto the frozen sea on a powerful ship built to break through thick ice. During the cruise, you can explore the vessel, step out onto the sea ice when conditions allow, and float in icy water wearing a protective survival suit. It is one of Lapland’s most unusual winter experiences, bringing together ship exploration, sea ice, and Arctic floating in one outing.

The visit usually includes access across the ship’s seven decks, from the engine room up to the captain’s bridge, along with a short onboard film about icebreakers. During the stop, the ship opens an ice-free pool where guests can float in the sea wearing a flotation survival suit, and there is often also time to walk on the ice itself. Warm drinks and indoor lounges make it easy to warm up between the different parts of the experience.

For travelers who want a more premium format, some departures also offer a Business Class option. This can include access to a panoramic lounge, complimentary drinks and snacks, a dedicated seven-deck guided tour, and priority access to the sea floating experience.

Adventure and Flexibilty

The cruise can suit a wide range of travelers, from families and couples to guests looking for something more unusual than a standard winter excursion. Children of all ages can join the cruise, and those who are at least 125 cm tall can usually take part in the floating activity with their parents. Some people come mainly for the sea swim and the chance to walk on the ice, while others are most interested in the ship itself and the rare setting out on the frozen sea.

Because the experience includes several different elements in one outing, it works well for mixed-age groups and travelers with different interests. The combination of ship exploration, sea ice access, and survival suit floating also makes it easy to connect this page naturally with your other ice floating content.