The M/S Stockholm has now left Gothenburg to travel with an enthusiastic crew to northern Norway and then on to Svalbard. For more than 20 years, the classic ship has been taking devoted travellers to the magnificent nature of the Arctic. With room for only 12 passengers, there's an extra family atmosphere on board. Before the ship left for the north, we took the opportunity to talk a little with Julia, who is doing her second season as a sailor, and Linnea, who was on board last year, but this year is busy driving a pilot boat in Halland. Here they happily share what it's like to be part of the crew of M/S Stockholm.
Julia Brandberg
What is your role on board M/S Stockholm?
I am a sailor.
How many seasons have you worked on board?
This is my second season. I was on board for five months last year.
What is your professional background?
When I was about to start high school, I applied to Öckerö sailing high school because I thought it sounded exciting and I was eager to get out and travel. I did not grow up in a boat family, like many others who chose this profession, but the first time I was out on a larger ship was through school. We travelled a lot on the T/S Gunilla, including sailing across the Atlantic. Since graduating, I have worked on various boats, including Stena Line.
What made you apply to M/S Stockholm in particular?
I had a friend who had worked there in previous seasons and thought it sounded cool. Then Linnéa, who I worked with at Stena Line, knew Magnus who owns M/S Stockholm. So then I had a contact here. I was tired of ferry life and wanted to try something new.
Will you be on the road all this season?
I will be on board for a total of three months. Two months now travelling up the Norwegian coast and then up to Svalbard. After that I'll go home for a month and then come back and do another month on Svalbard.
What do you do during the rest of the year?
Last year I worked extra on another boat. This winter I've been working at the shipyard on the maintenance of M/S Stockholm. In my free time I make sure to travel as much as possible.
What is it like to work in an extreme environment like the Arctic?
It's very special. It can be incredibly cold, it was a bit shocking when we came up last year and it was almost 20 degrees below zero. Tough weather conditions like snow and rain also affect the daily work. But it's so cool to experience the environment and the wildlife here.
How would you describe a typical working day on board?
Before breakfast, we often prepare the Zodiacs for the day's excursions. Then during the day there is a lot of maintenance like washing stuff, painting or tapping rust. Sometimes, if there is time, you can go out with the guests in the Zodiacs. In the evening and at night, it's mostly keeping a lookout, then you sit out on the bridge with the skipper. Or you may need to go into the engine and check that everything is working properly. Sleep can be a challenge as we work in shifts around the clock: working six hours and sleeping six hours. Except when we're at berth, when everyone except the anchor watch gets to sleep at night.
How would you describe the atmosphere on board?
The atmosphere is very good. It's an incredibly lovely crew with both women and men of mixed ages. It's also fun with all the guests.
Is it ever hard to live so close together for a long time?
I wouldn't say so. One thing that's nice about M/S Stockholm is that we staff have our own mess, so you still have your own little free zone if you need it.
How does it feel to be ‘disconnected’ from the world?
Very nice, that's probably one of the biggest reasons why I enjoy this job so much. You really live in the moment. My mum has probably also started to get used to the fact that I can only call her every ten days...
Do you have any special memories from last season?
It's all the incredible encounters with animals. Something that was really cool was when we were in northern Norway and got to see at least 50 humpback whales near the boat. It gives so much to the guests when they see that we think it's as fun as they do. For me, it's at least as exciting as for the person who has chosen to go on a trip with us.
What are your expectations for this season?
Successful trips and happy guests!
Will there be more seasons?
I'll take it as it comes a bit. Maybe I'll want a permanent job and more security in the future, but right now I just want to travel and do fun things. And as long as I'm happy on board, it doesn't feel like work.
Would you recommend other young girls to become sailors?
Absolutely, we need more women in the profession. There are a lot of prejudices and stereotypes and most people don't think it's a profession you can have as a girl. But it is! On M/S Stockholm we are probably 50/50 men and women.
Do you want to follow Julia and M/S Stockholm's adventures next season?
Follow M/S Stockholm on Instagram!
Linnéa Kristensson
What role have you had on board M/S Stockholm?
I have been a sailor.
How many seasons have you sailed?
I was on board for five weeks last year. I had been to Svalbard before on a tanker and that's when my interest in the polar regions was born. If you have this job, you have to go on a boat like this at some point - it's like nothing else. This year I have a different job as I drive a pilot boat in Halland. But I'm still very involved in M/S Stockholm, among other things I manage the Instagram account. And if I get the urge, I can probably go for a ride in my spare time. I can probably imagine being away for a whole season in a few years, when I'm tired of just going in and out of harbours.
How did you decide you wanted to work on a boat?
My dad is a fisherman and drives a pilot boat so it has always been with me. When I was 8 years old and I went out with him, I remember thinking: this is the best job I've ever seen. And it still is, I always knew that this is what I wanted to do.
What did you do before you joined M/S Stockholm?
I have always worked on boats. I studied to be a sailor in high school and then worked summers on various boats. Since then I have furthered my education and worked both as a seaman and mate on tankers, pilot boats and ferries. I tried working two days ashore once but it wasn't my thing, haha.
What does it mean to work as a sailor?
You keep the boat in order both inside and out. It can be to fix things that have gone south.
How would you describe a typical working day on board M/S Stockholm?
During the day there is a lot of maintenance of the boat such as grinding, knocking rust or ice. Unexpected things also happen, like once when the refrigerator broke loose and rolled away. At night, you have to take into account that the passengers are sleeping, so there is some cleaning, checking the engine, keeping an extra eye on the helmsman or checking that everything is seaworthy in case of wind.
What is it like to work in an environment like the Arctic?
It's very special. It can get extremely cold, like one time when it was minus 20 and the whole boat was covered in ice. It's a different experience to stand there and crack ice in this kind of climate. But I, like many others, also suffered from the Svalbard disease - always wanting to come back. There is a completely different calm up there, the stress disappears completely.
What is it like to be without a connection for an extended period?
It's great! My generation grew up with connectivity and being reachable all the time. Here you can socialise with each other in a different way. It's just us and the boat - here and now.
How would you describe the atmosphere on board?
It's great. We are about 50/50 girls and guys working on board, of all ages. It's the best combination, on many other boats it's just blokes. My experience is that Stockholm is the boat where you laugh the most and have the most fun together. You also get a close relationship with many guests, which is fun. I've even been invited home to some of them after we got off.
Do you have any special memory you would like to share?
There are so many funny memories, we laugh all the time on board. One example was when we arrived in Longyearbyen and got internet connection for the first time in ten days. One of the guides saw on Facebook that it was his son's birthday, who was also on the trip. When we knocked on his cabin to surprise him, he didn't realise it was his birthday. It's a good example of how to lose time and space.
What would you say to other girls who are curious about the seafaring profession?
I recommend everyone to study to become a seaman, it's a lot of fun! The industry is crying out for more girls to join. It's probably one of the most equal professions too, everyone gets the same contract and equal pay.
Please note: Depending on the lens used for a photo or video shot an animal may appear to be closer than it is. We always follow strict wildlife guidelines to ensure that we do not cause any disturbance.