MS Fridtjof Nansen
Sister ship to MS Roald Amundsen and an important part of the incredible HX Expeditions fleet, MS Fridtjof Nansen is a fully-hybrid expedition vessel that will serve as your floating base camp while you explore some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations – including both Antarctica and Alaska. Onboard, with a focus on comfort and style, you’ll find elegance at every turn – and all the modern comforts you need to unwind after an exciting day at sea. From the exquisite restaurants and well-equipped fitness centre to the panoramic Explorer Lounge and state-of-the-art Science Centre, every area of MS Fridtjof Nansen is built with enriching your experience onboard in mind; so, you can expect to enjoy every immersive and memorable moment you spend at sea with HX Expeditions on this ship.
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The ship in numbers
- Launched 2020
- Tonnage 20,889
- Wheelchair accessible cabins 5
- Decks 11
- Lifts 4
- Pools 1
- Restaurants 3
- Maximum capacity 530
- Crew 150
- Refurbished 2020
What's onboard
Dining
It’s safe to say that dining aboard HX Expeditions’ MS Fridtjof Nansen is truly delightful; onboard, you’ll find three restaurants serving some wonderfully flavourful foods made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. These are:
- Lindstrøm - this stylish fine dining restaurant is named for Norwegian polar hero Adolf Lindstrøm and features a menu of the most exquisite eats made with the freshest, flavourful ingredients
- Restaurant Fredheim - serving street food throughout lunch and into the evening, this casual dining venue doubles as a comfortable social meeting spot
- Restaurant Aune - a casual buffet-style dining venue with a menu drawing on Scandinavian cuisine and the flavours of Norway, among other familiar favourites
Dining in Lindstrøm is complimentary for suite guests aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen, and available at an additional cost for everyone else onboard. You’ll also be able to enjoy these dishes in your suites thanks to the restaurant’s limited takeaway menu – which is not too dissimilar to traditional room service.
Entertainment
When it comes to entertainment offerings on HX Expeditions’ MS Fridtjof Nansen, you’ll find unique offerings designed to help you unwind after an action-packed day of shore excursions discovering new destinations. That, and experiences aimed at enriching your experience in the remarkable regions you’ll be sailing through. So, in place of traditional cruise ship entertainment, you’ll find casual lounges – perfect for socialising – and lecture halls – where you’ll learn more about the world around you, from natural history to regional cuisines and more.
And, with an abundance of comfortable armchairs and impressive floor-to-ceiling windows, the elegant Explorer Lounge will provide you with instant access to sensational views of the passing scenery anytime. Couple this with the Science Centre, home to state-of-the-art technology and more information to enhance your experience, and you’ll find each moment on MS Fridtjof Nansen as enriching and entertaining as it is comfortable and casual.
Things to do
An expedition-style cruise aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen aims to introduce everyone onboard to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations – places that other cruise lines don’t necessarily sail to - and that’s why this ship is stocked with equipment and facilities to enhance your onshore experience more than traditional onboard entertainment options. Destination immersion is paramount, so you’ll find a well-equipped Science Centre onboard with a lecture hall and library – all of which is utilised by the resident Expedition Team to inform and educate you on the environments you’re sailing through.
That being said, though, your wellness is also important to HX Expeditions and you’ll be pleased to know that no corners have been cut when it comes to the onboard Wellness Centre, Gym, and Sauna – all of which feature state-of-the-art equipment and well-trained staff to ensure you make the most of your time unwinding onboard. You’ll also find several outdoor whirlpool hot tubs and an infinity pool on the upper decks, so you can soak in some sensational sea views while you soak your muscles. Oh, and if that’s not enough, there’s also an Outdoor Gym and Running Track on the top deck – perfect for breaking a sweat while at sea.
Although, if working out doesn’t sound like it’s something you’re interested in, the Explorer Lounge & Bar is an excellent spot to sit and relax after a busy day ashore. You’ll find comfortable seating, sensational sea views, and the chance to socialise with your fellow explorers here.
Useful Information
Built in 2018 using battery-based hybrid propulsion systems, MS Fridtjof Nansen is one of the most environmentally friendly expedition vessels in the world and a revolutionary step forward when it comes to sustainable exploration.
When you sail with MS Fridtjof Nansen, you can enjoy of a variety amenities, activities and more included in your fare. From a water bottle that you can take home as a souvenir, to access to the onboard hot tubs and the sauna, onboard activities, soft drinks throughout the day, walking equipment for expeditions, an expeditions logbook, gratuities and more!
You can now take advantage of an ‘all inclusive’ offering, which not only includes the above, but the following in your fare:
- Expert-led daily expeditions
- Science-led activities (on and off shore)
- A selection of alcoholic beverages (from 1pm each day of your cruise)
- Professional photographs
- An Expedition jacket
- Starlink Wi-Fi
*Terms and conditions apply.
Want to learn more about why a voyage aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen stands out? For more information, see our blog - Hurtigruten vs HX Expeditions.
MS Fridtjof Nansen Image gallery
Iglu Cruise customer reviews for MS Fridtjof Nansen
The cruise was well organised. Excellent lectures given by qualified scientists, who were highly knowledgeable in their field, but still delivered their lectures in a fun and enjoyable way. They were happy to answer questions and encouraged people to come to the dedicated science areas to learn more. We opted to take part in a zodiac science experiment with the results uploaded to the web. So definitely learnt alot. The excursions were completed in a organised and safe way. We were well informed each day as to what to expect, what to wear etc. The food was excellent, staff friendly, cabins well maintained. We saw alot of wild life including whales, seals and many birds. You need to download the HX app as it is essential on the ship and works well. The HX app before departure was not working well. They had updated their system and had a few issues, hopefully they have resolved now their problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cabins
What are the main types of cabins on MS Fridtjof Nansen?
You can choose from standard Inside, Oceanview, and Balcony staterooms, alongside a selection of spacious, premium Suites.
Families and Kids
Is MS Fridtjof Nansen family-friendly?
Families are permitted, but the ship is primarily designed for adults with no dedicated kids' clubs or youth facilities.
Does MS Fridtjof Nansen have waterslides?
No, this ship focuses on a more relaxed, elegant pool deck experience without waterslides.
Food and drink
What are the main dining options on MS Fridtjof Nansen?
Enjoy complimentary, multi-course meals in the elegant Main Dining Room, or visit the casual buffet for relaxed, flexible dining.
What speciality dining is there on MS Fridtjof Nansen?
The ship offers premium dining venues like steakhouses, Italian trattorias, or Asian-fusion restaurants. Cover charges usually apply.
Itineraries
Which ports does MS Fridtjof Nansen usually sail out of?
The ship frequently sails from Bergen, Oslo, or expedition hubs like Ushuaia and Longyearbyen depending on the season.
Ship Features
What are the top highlights onboard MS Fridtjof Nansen?
Its excellent service, comfortable accommodations, unique destinations it visits and it's Science Centre acting as a high-tech research hub.