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SAMPO FACTS
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Description
Sampo is an arctuic cruise ship based in Kemi, Finland. The icebreaker was built for operating in arctic conditions and is capable of breaking through ice 80 cm - 120 cm thick. The Sampo arctic cruising season runs from December to April, and each year carries around 7,500 to 12,000 tourists, with maximum capacity of 150 passengers onboard. Outside the cruise season the Sampo is docked at the Port of Ajos in Kemi, and guided tours can be arranged (reservations in advance).
Destinations
There are a number of cruise options available including: four hour cruises from Port of Ajos; Snowmobile safari from Kemi to the Sampo for a cruise on the frozen ocean, before returning to Kemi by snowmobile; Day trip from Rovaniemi to the Sampo; charter cruises. Other attractions and services in Kemi include SnowCastle, Lapponia Safaris and Kemi Gemstone Gallery.
History
Sampo was built in Finland in 1960-1961 at the Wärtsilä shipyard in Helsinki, and was used to clear shipping lanes of ice in the northern parts of the Gulf of Bothnia. The ship performed this role until 1987, and has been converted to take passengers on arctic cruises. She is now based at the Port of Ajos in Kemi, and is one of the tourist attraction in Kemi
Dining
Sampo eating and drinking options include the Captain’s Saloon, Icebreaker bar and the Arctic Restaurant
Entertainment
Facilities on board include souvenir shop, bar, lounge. Passenger are free move around the ship and can visit the engine room and the bridge, watching the ice breaking from the deck is a fascinating pastime. Weather permitting, there may be opportunities to walk on the ice.
Ship Summary
| Operator: | Sampo Tours | | Built by: | Wärtsilä shipyard in Helsinki | | Date Completed: | 1961 | | Gross Tonnage: | 3542 | | Length: | 75.68 m | | Width: | 17.4 m | | Passengers: | 150 | | Crew: | 20 |
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