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Named in homage to Norwegian Explorer - Fridtjof Nansen, this is one of two fully hybrid ships in our fleet. She brings comfort to some of the world's most spectacular destinations, on board one of the most environmentally friendly cruise ships in the world.
The newest addition to our fleet will honor the heritage of her namesake – the Norwegian explorer, scientist, humanitarian, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Fridtjof Nansen. Known for his innovations in Arctic expeditions, Nansen led the first crossing of Greenland on cross-country skis. He is perhaps most famous for his attempt to reach the geographical North Pole during the Fram Expedition (1893-1896).
Interestingly, after Nansen's Fram expedition, the ship was passed on to another great explorer who secretly planned an expedition to the South Pole - Roald Amundsen.
Serving as your floating base camp to some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes - MS Fritdjof Nansen is at the forefront of sustainable exploration. As one of two hybrid ships within the fleet, the innovative sustainable technology reduces the ship's fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 20%.
The rugged scenery will be reflected inside the ship through the use of Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch, and wool that invoke a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere in which to unwind. With a host of public spaces including three restaurants, a fitness and wellbeing suite, a state-of-the-art science center, and a two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck. It is an ideal place to scan the scenery as you explore the world around you and watch for wildlife with your binoculars.
We wanted to sail the length of the Northwest Passage, a trip offered by several cruise lines. We selected HX Hurtigruten Expeditions for a 24-day cruise. Our ship, the Fridtjof Nansen (he was a great Norwegian explorer and later a famous diplomat), was beautiful, well-maintained and comfortable. We wanted to see spectacular scenery, wild animals (polar bears for sure), and towns. And we did. The ship was built in 2020 but looks new. It is eco-sensitive in various ways. It can carry as many as 490 people, but we had about 300. Our stateroom was a suite, which meant we received several additional benefits, such as free laundry and no-charge entrance to all three restaurants. The room was large enough for two people, had a useful balcony and a quality bathroom, but unfortunately had two very uncomfortable chairs. The telephone and the TV didn’t always work. The room attendant was excellent. The ship handled small waves and floating ice well. The bridge was not open. The ship’s officers met passengers a couple times, but were not often available for casual conversation. The food ranged from good to excellent. The menu was heavy on fish, had superb filet mignon a couple times, along with wonderful salads and desserts. There were misses. A strip steak wasn’t very good and breakfast pancakes were average. Dinner and lunch rolls were mostly the same every day. Couldn’t the chef at least use Bisquick a couple times? Pasta was too often penne. They apparently didn’t realize there are many different kinds of pasta. The ship had no room service, a major shortcoming. You had to walk someplace to get coffee. You could call in the morning to order a breakfast roll or sandwich, but you had to go to pick it up. You couldn’t have a bagel because the ship had none. Hours for dining in the restaurants were mostly rigid. There were usually no printed menus. You had to look at an app on your cellphone to see what meals were offered. Not very classy. Expeditions in the Northwest Passage don’t always go smoothly because of weather and ice. Although we had frequent lectures and daily meetings with an expedition staff of specialists, we had difficulty learning where we would be from one day to the next because communication was sometimes lacking. Everyone wanted to see polar bears, and we saw several, two fairly close up. We saw whales and walrus, but no musk ox, caribou or arctic fox. Shore landings were by zodiac boat. The staff was very helpful and understanding for those of us with mobility issues. But once ashore, there frequently was little transportation available. The ship needed the equivalent of hop-on hop-off buses to circle the sites in the villages. In one town we were told a bus would be available for people who couldn’t walk well. On shore we were told by the port agent there was no bus. Very soon a bus did arrive. Those of us on it received a great tour conducted by a guide. The passengers on foot didn’t have nearly as good an experience. Supplies for the ship did not arrive on the one day we were near a significant airport, supposedly because of bad weather. Should advance planning have been better? So we were delayed a day to wait for the plane. We wouldn’t give an unqualified recommendation for the ship, however, because of some of the ways they operated the cruise we were on. But we had a grand time.
This was our 3rd expedition with Hurtigruten/ HX. They are a wonderful company to travel with and they work very hard to keep all guests happy and thrilled with everything they see and do. We had a fantastic cruise up the west coast of Greenland. We were very fortunate with the weather and there was hardly any rain and no rough seas. It was mostly pretty cold but that was fine if you were wearing the right clothes. The new blue jackets we were given were really good and kept us dry and comfortable. The coldest times were on the zodiacs and sometimes there were splashes of water coming in but it wasn't too bad most of the time. We visited some interesting communities along the coast and were in awe of how tough these people are to live in these isolated places. Winter must be very grim. However, they seem cheerful and happy to see visitors. We did a lot of landings , sometimes into water, but the thick boots we were wearing kept us dry and warm. The staff were very careful to help all guests climbing in and out of the zodiacs. Safety is a number one priority. We often did some zodiac cruising in the afternoons and we were able to get close to icebergs and land. At times we saw musk oxen, arctic hares, whales. lots of birds and even a polar bear and her 2 cubs! Our cabin was a polar autside with a window view. It was spacious and comfortable. The bed is really nice and there is plenty of storage. The heated floor in the bathroom is wonderful and handy for drying clothes. The meals in the main Aune dining room were all excellent and the buffets at lunch and breakfast had an incredible choice and all really nice. Dinner is a sit down meal with 3 choices for each course. There are also a number of options that are always available if you don't want anything from the menu. We attended a lot of informative lectures on various subjects in a lecture room and sometimes watched on the TV in our cabin. The expedition crew have a wealth of knowledge in their special subject areas and they are enthusiastic about their subjects. Our only complaint about the ship is the lack of a guest laundry. It does seem ridiculous that these large modern ships were built without guest laundries! We found all the crew to be helpful and keen to give us the best experience in travelling. We highly recommend going on an HX expedition to anyone who loves the great outdoors and seeing some of the most isolated places in the world!
What a beautiful ship. An excellent staff. Food was very good. Largest shower anywhere at sea and we have cruised on most of the lines. The ports were interesting and HX offered an excursion at every port. Truly all-inclusive as there was a free alcohol package available for any time (not just meals). Free Wi-Fi and very good connection for the whole journey. A waterproof jacket was offered to all passengers at no cost. Embarkation was quick and easy. If you arrived early, they would store your bags until you could board. The ship docks in a great spot in Reykjavik right across from the flea market and a bus stop. This is not the same location that the huge cruise ships park. Walkable from downtown. May was a great month to go to Iceland. The weather is cool and a little wet, but the crowds of the Summer are not there. Iceland is very expensive, so the cruise saves you a lot on food and drink.
They were just in the middle of breaking apart from Huttigrutten, so there were some growing pains. All in all we had a fabulous time. There is not really entertainment, which we are happy with, some talks and such however. The science center was very interesting, wish they did more there. There was also a ‘art class’ but it would be better to really have a guided art project - this was more like we have paint you can come use if you want. Food was good, but we were on a 14 day journey and the food repeated week two, so that was disappointing. They had some great wine the first night, it went down hill from there in the ‘fancy’ restaurant - but I mentioned it and they pulled out the good stuff. They were very accommodating to my dietary needs. Make sure to book all your excursions way before the cruise. This is not a place for kids, so leave them home. My only regret was not going during the northern lights. We will do another sometime soon!
Expedition Suite
Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen and reserve one of our Expedition Suites. Spacious, serviced, and with bed combinations for up to four people, these well-appointed apartments offer special features such as private balconies, expansive windows, and hot tubs. Suites feature a double bed that can be divided into two single beds on request at the time of booking, and some have a sofa bed. All have a private bathroom with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, a single-serve coffee machine, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Naturally, the accommodation includes a full range of premium facilities as well as a minibar (charges apply), daily turn-down service, and laundry. Complimentary fine dining in our Lindstrøm restaurant is part of the experience, and a takeaway service means you can enjoy all meals exclusively. Champagne on ice and a platter of delicacies are provided for your enjoyment as you set sail.
Arctic Superior
Arctic Superior cabins are comfortable and spacious. These cabins feature a double bed that can be divided into two single beds in some cabins on request at the time of booking. Some also have a sofa bed, and many have a private balcony. All have a private bathroom with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, a minibar (charges apply), European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. A bathrobe and slippers are also available free of charge.
Polar Outside
The Polar Outside cabins are primarily on the middle decks with windows, most are spacious, have flexible sleeping arrangements and TV for excellent and high standard accommodation. Can accommodate two to four passengers.
MS Fridtjof Nansen's three restaurants will host a variety of dining options, with menus drawn from our rich Norwegian and Nordic tradition, as well as international cuisine and local inspiration.
Whether enjoying your meal at Aune Main Dining, Fredheim – the informal international meeting place, or the specialty restaurant Lindstrøm, you will indulge in low key yet refined, modern Norwegian Nordic cooking – where our honest and delicious cuisine reflects our destinations.
Discover delicious food prepared in the state-of-the-art kitchens on board MS Fridtjof Nansen. Our creative chefs use local ingredients and take inspiration from regional flavours to take you on a culinary tour.
We offer a rich and varied program of optional shore excursions. In many ports, we offer an included excursion, which can be reserved for no additional charge. In many cases the included excursion can be combined with other optional excursions in the port. Most excursions can be pre-booked but may also be bookable onboard if capacity remains.
We advise that you book well in advance in order to avoid disappointment due to the excursion being fully booked. Please note that registration is binding, and once on board the Expedition Team will advise you of booking deadlines for excursions still available. Our excursions have English speaking guides unless otherwise indicated and other languages cannot be guaranteed unless otherwise specified. Excursions are subject to change and possible cancellation due to weather conditions. They are also dependent on the number of participants.
All expedition shore landings and small boat cruising during our exploration of Antarctica are included the programme. Along with the optional excursions available to book, the Expedition Team also arrange a variety of activities during the voyage. These will depend on location and season, but may include hiking, small boat cruising, kayaking, snowshoeing, or camping. A limited amount of kayaking is available for booking prior to select voyages, but all other activities are booked on board and subject to availability.
Your expedition ship will quickly feel like your home away from home. The clean and elegant interior design stems from Hurtigruten’s Scandinavian roots, blending high quality with casual functionality.
Aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen, you’ll have everything you need to stay active and keep your mind healthy. A full suite of facilities lets you exercise and relax to your heart’s content.
No HX Hurtigruten Expedition ships feature children’s playrooms.
