Circumnavigating Spitsbergen - In the Realm of the Polar Bear

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.

The ship's experienced lecturers' command an in-depth knowledge of the areas in which Ms Fram sails. they will conduct, on a regular basis, lectures on topics such as biology, history and geology throughout the course of the trip. The lecturing schedule will be announced everyday in the on board daily program.

The Science & Education program brings together like-minded individuals

Covering over 3/4 of the planet's surface, our oceans are vital in supporting human life on earth and are also home to over 90% of all known wildlife. Despite it influencing everything from our weather to transportation and yes, expedition cruises, very little is known about our blue planet.

This is where HX Expeditions and our fleet of small, state-of-the-art Expedition ships come in. We can reach, explore and collect vital scientific data on some of the planet’s most remote regions. From understanding whale migrations and phytoplankton communities to cloud observations and the Northern Lights, our onboard Science & Education Teams - with the help of you, our guests - captures, analyses, and reports invaluable data to organisations and research projects around the world.

Professional photos of your trip from our onboard photographer​

Every expedition has an onboard photographer who’ll capture stunning images from each day of your voyage. After you’ve returned home, we’ll send you a beautiful digital album along with a summary video to bring back your favourite memories and make those highlights easy to share.

Situated at the stern of the ship, the Explorer Lounge & Bar is the perfect spot to relax with talk with your fellow explorers and take in the sweeping panoramic views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

In our on-board shop you can buy clothing suitable for expedition cruises. Our Expedition Team will be happy to give you expert advice on how to dress properly according to the destinations. We offer a great range of both warm and practical clothing, and we focus on fabrics with natural fibres. We also offer souvenirs, handicrafts, and postcards, in addition to a small selection of soap, toothpaste, and other personal effects.

The Reception & Expedition Desk can be found on Deck 4.

Embarking on MS Fram, you’ll quickly feel safe and relaxed. Surrounding you with quality, natural materials and plenty of light and space, your expedition ship is reassuring, comfortable and built for adventure.

Get warm and cosy as you watch the world glide by through the windows of sauna on the top deck. 

Maintain your regular fitness regime (or kickstart a new one) in the well-equipped gym on Deck 7. The panoramic views will help you stay motivated.

After a day of exploring new destinations, guests can relax and rejuvenate in one of the two steaming outdoor hot tubs.