If you have landed on this post there is a huge chance that you are trying to figure out the difference between the Ice breaker cruise with ice floating in Kemi and the ice floating experience in Rovaniemi. Well, for someone new who is trying to plan their holiday to Finland, everything looks confusing. Many travelers often assume that both experiences are same and just the cities are different. However it is not the case, let us figure it out by understanding both the activities separately.
What is Ice Breaker cruise with Ice floating in Kemi
An Icebreaker Cruise in Kemi is one of the world’s rarest Arctic experiences, where you board a real icebreaking ship that powers through the frozen waters of the Bothnian Bay. Unlike a regular sightseeing cruise, the vessel is specifically designed to break thick sea ice, allowing passengers to witness the immense power of Arctic engineering while exploring the frozen sea.
The highlight of the experience is Ice Floating, where guests wear specially designed thermal survival suits and float effortlessly in the icy Arctic sea without feeling cold. This combination of cruising, walking on frozen sea ice, and floating in near-freezing water makes it one of Finland’s most iconic winter adventures.
| Stage | Experience | Duration (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Check-in | Arrival at harbor and safety briefing | 30–45 min |
| Boarding | Welcome aboard the icebreaker | 15 min |
| Icebreaking Cruise | Ship sails through thick sea ice | 2–2.5 hrs |
| Ship Exploration | Visit bridge, engine room & decks | Throughout cruise |
| Walking on Frozen Sea | Step onto the frozen Baltic Sea (weather permitting) | 20–30 min |
| Ice Floating | Float in Arctic water wearing survival suit | 10–20 min |
| Return Journey | Cruise back to harbor | 45–60 min |
| Pickups from Multiple cities | The bus picks your up and drop off from multiple cities in Finnish Lapland example Rovaniemi, Oulu etc | 120-180 min from Rovaniemi |
Total cruise duration is typically between 3.5 and 4 hours, with longer day trips when transfers from Rovaniemi are included.
Icebreaker Cruise Activities
What is Ice floating activity in Rovaniemi?
Ice Floating is one of the most unique winter experiences in Finnish Lapland, where you float peacefully on the surface of an icy Arctic lake while wearing a specially designed thermal survival suit. The waterproof suit keeps your body warm, dry, and naturally buoyant, allowing you to relax in near-freezing water without feeling cold. No swimming skills are required, making it a safe and enjoyable activity for almost everyone. If you are in Rovaniemi, you wont have to travel outside and it can be done in the city. There are multiple vendors offering the activity making it easily bookable in appropriate weather.
There are two popular Ice Floating experiences available in Rovaniemi:
This infographic illustrates the two types of Ice Floating experiences available in Rovaniemi, Finland. At the top, it introduces Ice Floating as an activity where participants float in a frozen Arctic lake while wearing an insulated thermal survival suit that keeps them warm, dry, and buoyant. The flowchart then branches into two options: Day Ice Floating and Northern Lights Ice Floating.
Day Ice Floating
The left branch focuses on the daytime experience, which is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy Lapland’s snowy scenery in natural daylight.
The typical experience includes:
- Hotel pickup and transfer to a frozen lake
- Safety briefing by professional guides
- Wearing a waterproof thermal survival suit
- Floating peacefully on the icy lake
- Hot drinks and snacks after the activity
- Return transfer to the hotel
A quick facts panel highlights:
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours
- Best for: Families, couples and all ages
- Water temperature: Around 0°C
- Swimming required: No
- Difficulty: Easy
- Season: October to April
Northern Lights Ice Floating
The right branch showcases the evening version of the activity, where participants float beneath the Arctic night sky with the possibility of witnessing the Aurora Borealis.
The experience typically includes:
- Evening hotel pickup
- Safety briefing
- Wearing an insulated survival suit
- Floating in a remote frozen lake
- Aurora viewing (weather permitting)
- Campfire with warm drinks and snacks
- Return transfer to the hotel
Its quick facts include:
- Duration: Around 2.5–3 hours
- Best for: Couples, photographers and Aurora seekers
- Water temperature: Around 0°C
- Swimming required: No
- Difficulty: Easy
- Northern Lights: Visible only under suitable weather and solar conditions
- Season: September/October to April
Icebreaker Cruise (Kemi) VS Ice Floating (Rovaniemi)
| Feature | Icebreaker Cruise + Ice Floating (Kemi) | Ice Floating (Rovaniemi) |
| Location | Kemi (Bothnian Bay) | Rovaniemi |
| Main Attraction | Cruise aboard a real icebreaker ship | Floating in a frozen Arctic lake |
| Ice Floating | Included as part of the cruise | Main activity |
| Ship Experience | Yes | No |
| Walk on Frozen Sea | Yes | No |
| Duration | 3.5–4 hours (10–11 hours with transfers from Rovaniemi) | 2.5–3 hours |
| Adventure Level | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Relaxation | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Photography | Dramatic sea ice, ship and Arctic landscapes | Peaceful lake, forests and Aurora (night option) |
| Educational Value | Learn how an icebreaker works | Learn about Arctic nature and survival |
| Best For | First-time visitors, families, bucket-list travelers | Couples, families, Aurora seekers, short itineraries |
| Swimming Skills Required | No | No |
| Survival Suit Included | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for Seniors | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for Children | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | Premium | More affordable |
| Travel Required from Rovaniemi | Around 1.5–2 hours each way | Available in or near Rovaniemi |
| Northern Lights Option | No | Yes (Night Ice Floating) |
| Overall Experience | Multi-activity Arctic adventure | Peaceful nature-based Arctic experience |
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