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Login 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.
Welcome aboard
An HX Expeditions trip includes everything from daily excursions and activities to our onboard Science Centre, meals, gratuities, drinks* and more. All designed to give you the expedition experience of a lifetime.
Overall, this was an unforgettable experience, and we could not have been happier when sailing with HX Expeditions. Our booking process was easy as we used a travel advisor. Try to keep in mind this is an expedition voyage and is extremely weather-dependent, so you do not have the opportunity to really pre-book anything. The website has all the important information you will need, and they email you a fairly comprehensive guide about what to expect 2-3 months out. Be sure to reach out to your travel advisor if you have not received this by two months out. About thirty days from departure, we received our hotel assignment, and upon check-in in Buenos Aires, we received our flight details for the charter flight the next day, as well as met our coordinator who handles the transfers from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. The staff was knowledgeable, courteous, and very helpful. The transfer/charter flight the next morning went smooth and we were well looked after / escorted the entire way. The ship itself, which was clean and spotless, has a minimalist, modern Nordic look that I found very warm and welcoming. The crew was just as friendly and welcoming. We stayed in an entry-level ME Balcony suite, which has several different layouts, so I included a picture of our specific room, as there aren't many examples out there. Although I highly recommend this category, don't feel left out if not in a suite, as there really isn't a have-and-have-not class on this ship (I love NOT having the ship-within-a-ship that so many lines are going to). The only thing suite guests have access to is a restaurant that non-suite guests can visit for a fee. The menu at this restaurant was the same for breakfast and lunch as it was in the free restaurants - the only difference was at dinner. Food was good quality, but if I were to nitpick, it would be that it was not always readily available and that breakfast ended by 9:00AM. A workaround is to order takeout and leave it in your room for later if you get hungry. Coffee was always available via self-service machines in the main restaurant and near the science center/expedition desk. Daytime activities mostly consisted of enrichment talks and briefings on what to expect the next day. Be prepared to self-entertain during your downtime, which was minimal, except for the two days crossing the Drake in each direction. In the evening, you could sometimes find a piano player. There was also a karaoke night and a crew member band that played another night. We sailed during Chinese New Year, so it was a very diverse crowd, but it was also very fun and different. You could see the excitement transcend across nationalities, and it was such a good vibe. The fitness center was small but well-equipped. There was a spa facility, but we did not use it. The coed Sauna was beautiful with stunning views off the side of the ship. Separate changing areas were next to the sauna. Just outside the sauna was the outdoor heated pool and hot tubs. Stunning views against the Antarctic backdrop. Of course, the highlight of this voyage was Antarctica, which was greatly complemented by the expert expedition team. Many may be concerned as this is one of the larger ships sailing to Antarctica that can still have landings. We had just over 400 passengers, yet still managed two outings a day - one zodiac trip and a landing a day. Zodiacs usually lasted 1-1.5 hours, while landings were 1.5-2 hours, with about an hour on land. Honestly, this was enough for us. Dressing, gearing up, and being outside were surprisingly tiring. Temps hovered in the mid-30s for us (Fahrenheit, of course lol). For reference, I'm in my mid-40s, in good shape, and although I was never tired throughout the day, I found myself surprisingly fatigued by bedtime. This trip offered snowshoeing, kayaking, and the polar lunge. Our camping trip was unfortunately cancelled due to the weather. We did have a few hipcups along the way, but when brought to the attention of the staff on board, they were always quickly resolved, and they truly did their best to accommodate our concerns. It's a good reflection on HX how they handle issues when things go awry, as they can happen on any trip. Overall, a great trip on a wonderful line and a beautiful trip with outstanding staff. I would highly recommend HX and look forward to another opportunity to sail with them in the future.
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.
Expedition Suite
Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen and reserve one of our Expedition Suites. Spacious and with bed combinations for up to four people, these well-appointed rooms offer special features such as a private balcony, expansive windows, and a hot tub. 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 or a fold-down 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. In addition to your wind and waterproof expedition jacket and refillable HX water bottle, a bottle of Champagne on ice and a platter of delicacies will be waiting for you in your suite to celebrate the beginning of your adventure. Resupply with expedition snacks with your suite minibar (first restock free). Daily turn-down service and laundry add extra comfort and ease to your expedition. Complimentary fine dining in our Lindstrøm restaurant is part of the suite experience, and a takeaway service means you can enjoy all meals in the privacy of your suite.
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.
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.
Takeaway: You are welcome to enjoy a Fredheim meal in your cabin.
Our expedition ships – MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Fram, MS Spitsbergen, MS Santa Cruz II – are more than just a way to travel - they’re your home in the heart of the wild. Instead of an onboard casino, we have the Science Centre. Instead of cabaret shows, you have all the show you need outside the windows. No water slides, just kayaking trips or small-boat safaris along the coast in the Arctic, Antarctic, or the Galápagos.
Swap crowded decks for intimate lounges where your shipmates gather to recount the tales so far. Onboard restaurants serve delicious dishes, fit for the modern-day explorer. Destress in the gym or pamper yourself in the wellness centre before unwinding in your comfortable cabin. Elevate your expedition experience in a spacious suite with a private balcony - some even have outdoor hot tubs, perfect for soaking in the scenery after a day of discovery.
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.
