From Rovaniemi: Icebreaker Sampo Cruise and icefloating
Overview
Begin your day with round‑trip transportation from Rovaniemi to Kemi. Upon arrival, you will check in for your icebreaker cruise and have free time to explore the included exhibitions in the main building area.
After your visit, a shuttle transfer takes you to Kemi’s harbor to board the Icebreaker Sampo. Once on board, you will be welcomed with a non‑alcoholic drink before joining a guided tour that introduces the vessel’s history and operations. The four‑hour cruise travels through the frozen Gulf of Bothnia, where you can experience floating among the ice in a thermal survival suit. When conditions permit, you may also step out onto the frozen sea.
Throughout the cruise, warm indoor lounges and an onboard café‑restaurant offer comfortable spaces to relax. Lunch is included on afternoon departures and served in the ship’s restaurant. At the end of the experience, you will receive a participation certificate as a keepsake before returning to Rovaniemi.
What's Included
- Lunch Welcome drink and lunch on board
- Transfer from Rovaniemi to the port and back.
- Ice floating in a special survival suit in the ice Bothanian bay
- Walking on ice (weather permitting)
- Entrance to the SnowCastle area exhibitions (Snowxperience & Gemstone Exhibition)
- Cruise Diploma
- Guided tour around Sampo, the historical 1960 build A1 Super class icebreaker
- Snacks Drinks & snacks on board are possible to be bought in restaurant deck's cafeteria
Meeting and Pickup
The shuttle will pick you up outside at the front entrance of your selected pickup location. Please be ready well before your scheduled pickup time and wait outside no later than 5 minutes before the pick up time.The shuttle works on a fixed timetable and may have many other passengers to collect. For this reason, the driver cannot wait for late arrivals. If you are not present at pickup time, the bus must continue to the next stop to stay on schedule. Please note that the shuttle may experience slight delays due to traffic or earlier pickups. Please note that the drive to Kemi takes approximately 1.5 hours, so plan your departure accordingly to avoid missing the shuttle.The correct vehicle will display “Icebreaker Shuttle” on the front windshield. If you have any issues reaching your pickup point, please contact cruise check-in. The cruise check‑in line is open whenever cruises are operating, and team can assist you with guidance if needed.Please notice: Lunch in restaurant of Icebreaker Sampo is included to afternoon cruise price (at 13:30 pm).❄️ Pickup morning cruise from Rovaniemi 05:45 Santa’s Igloos (Joulumaankuja 8, Rovaniemi) 05:50 Santa Claus Holiday Village (Joulumaantie 20, Rovaniemi, look for Sampo standing sign on parking area, on other side of road from cottages) 06:00 Arctic Treehouse Hotel (Tarvantie 3, Rovaniemi, wait near road leading to hotel about 30 meters from main door) 06:20 Scandic Pohjanhovi Hotel (Pohjanpuistikko 2, Rovaniemi) Please wait outside at the pickup point.SnowCastle Area, Kemi 07:50 Arrival at SnowCastle area 07:50–08:15 Check-in for the cruise 08:30 Departure from SnowCastle area to the harborIcebreaker Cruise 08:45 Arrival at the harbor 09:00–12:30 Icebreaker Sampo cruise 12:40 Departure from the harborSnowCastle Area, Kemi 12:55 Arrival at SnowCastle area 12:55–14:00 Optional lunch at the restaurant (extra service, book in advance or purchase tickets at the SnowCastle area’s reception) 12:55-14:00 Time for visiting exhibitions. Entrance to exhibitions is included in the cruise price 14:15 Departure from the SnowCastle areaReturn to Rovaniemi 16:00 Scandic Pohjanhovi Hotel 16:10 Arctic Treehouse Hotel 16:20 Santa Claus Holiday Village 16:30 Santa’s Igloos❄️ Pickup afternoon cruise from Rovaniemi 09:25 Santa’s Igloos (Joulumaankuja 8, Rovaniemi) 09:30 Santa Claus Holiday Village (Joulumaantie 20, Rovaniemi, look for Sampo standing sign on parking area, on other side of road from cottages) 09:40 Arctic Treehouse Hotel (Tarvantie 3, Rovaniemi, wait near road leading to hotel about 30 meters from main door) 10:00 Scandic Pohjanhovi Hotel (Pohjanpuistikko 2, Rovaniemi) Please wait outside at the pickup point.SnowCastle Area, Kemi 11:30 Arrival at SnowCastle area 11:30–12:45 Check-in for the cruise and time for visiting exhibitions. Entrance fee to exhibitions included in the cruise price. 13:00 Departure from SnowCastle area to the harborIcebreaker Cruise 13:15 Arrival at the harbor 13:30–17:30 Icebreaker Sampo cruise and lunch 17:40 Departure from the harborReturn to Rovaniemi 17:50 Short 5-minute stop at the SnowCastle area 19:40 Scandic Pohjanhovi Hotel 19:50 Arctic Treehouse Hotel 20:00 Santa Claus Holiday Village 20:10 Santa’s IgloosNote: Return times are estimates and might vary slightly depending on traffic.If you have any problems with shuttle bus pick up contact our Cruise check-in. Contact number to check in is available during cruise days and when programs are in progress.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Kemi
4 hours Admission Ticket Free
The Icebreaking Company
1 hour Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Ice floating is not recommended for pregnant travelers or traveleres with serious medical conditions
- The cruise ship has stairs. The cruise is not recommended for passengers with reduced mobility.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- All programs have weather permitting. Walking on the ice might not be available in early winter season cruises.
- Ice floating is included in the Icebreaker experience but is optional and requires normal physical health, the staff have the right to assess the physical and mental condition of each customer and decide on participation. Floating program is not recommended for pregnant women
- Minimum height for icefloating experience is 140 cm
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 180 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on From Rovaniemi: Icebreaker Sampo Cruise and icefloating?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-455816P2
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Average 3.00 out of 5 stars based on 6 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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