MS Fridtjof Nansen
Named after the iconic explorer, MS Fridtjof Nansen is HX expeditions’ latest addition to their expedition fleet and is hybrid-powered, creating next generation sustainable trips all over the globe.
Named after the iconic explorer, MS Fridtjof Nansen is HX expeditions’ latest addition to their expedition fleet and is hybrid-powered, creating next generation sustainable trips all over the globe.
A speciality restaurant named after Adolf Lindstrøm, the favourite chef of the Norwegian polar heroes. Fine dining in Restaurant Lindstrøm is included for suite guests. Non-suite guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in Lindstrøm for an additional cost.
Named after the Norwegian ship chandler and polar expedition supplier Tinus Aune.
The ships’ informal and social meeting place – named after a 1900s hunting station on Svalbard.
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 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.
In-depth talks on history, climate change, sustainability, wildlife, Earth science, culture, and other topics specific to the destination you are visiting are held here. Learning more about each subject is certain to enhance your expedition experience.
Each expedition voyage is accompanied by a hand-picked team of specialists and modern-day explorers. Highly experienced, passionate and knowledgeable, the Expedition Team will be your guides and guardians on your voyage of exploration, instructing you on safety, sustainability and science.
MS Fridtjof Nansen will feature a variety of custom built expedition equipment, including kayaks, a fleet of Blueye underwater drones and Expedition Boats for safe landings in remote areas.
The Expedition Launch Pad can be found on Deck 3.
Relax and rejuvenate in the elegant Explorer lounge & bar. Sink into a comfortable armchair and gaze out at the magnificent views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Reception can be found on Deck 6.
In our on board shop you can buy modern clothing suitable for Expedition cruis. Our Expedition Team will be happy to give you expert advice on how to dress properly in polar areas. We offer a great range of both warm and practical clothing, and we focus fabrics with natural fibres. We also offer souvenirs, handicrafts, and postcards. In addition, we also stock a small selection of soap, toothpaste and other personal effects.
The Pool Deck can be found on Deck 10.
The Pool Bar can be found on Deck 10.
The ship has a small selection of books that are available to guests while on board.
One of the most eye-catching exterior design features is the two level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck. It is an ideal place to scan the scenery and watch wildlife with your binoculars.
The ship has a wellness center where the guests may buy treatments as body massage, face-, hand- and foot treatments.
After a day of exploring new destinations, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the aft infinity pool and hot tubs as one of the highlights.
The ship has a wellness center where the guests may buy treatments as body massage, face, hand and foot treatments.
After a day of exploring new destinations, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the large gym and Wellness center.
High deck cabins with balcony. Spacious cabins, different sizes, double bed, some with sofabed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.
Large cabins without balcony. Lower/middle decks, flexible sleeping arrangements, sofabed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.
High deck cabins with balcony. Spacious cabins, different sizes, flexible sleeping arrangements with double bed that can be divided into two single beds, some with sofabed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee. With limited view.
Large lower-deck cabin
Larger cabins on middle decks. Most 20 square meters, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofabed, TV.
130 years ago, at the dawn of expedition cruising, we set out from Hammerfest to Svalbard on a pioneering voyage – one that sparked the spirit of exploration that still carries us forward today.
To mark this anniversary, we invite guests travelling aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen to step back in time and live as the pioneers did, for one night only.
Extra Large Corner Suite with private balcony. Ship’s most spacious cabins with large windows, flexible sleeping arrangements with double bed that can be divided into two single beds, sofabed, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.
Extra-large upper-deck corner suite
Extra Large Corner Suite without balcony. Aft corner suite with sofabed, flexible sleeping arrangements with double bed that can be divided into two single beds, large windows, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.
Extra-large lower-deck corner suite
Large Corner Suite with private balcony, flexible sleeping arrangements, sofabed, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, espresso maker. Adapted for guests with wheelchair.
Large upper-deck corner suite
Suites with private balcony, different sizes, top-high decks, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofabed, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.
Corner cabin with large windows. Flexible sleeping arrangements, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker. Without balcony.
Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
Sales Manager for SixStarCruises
Senior Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
Senior Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
Sales Manager for SixStarCruises
Each day is just an incredible as the next in the Galápagos; you never know what you are going to see and the scenery is just stunning, you could blink and miss something incredible.
This really is a once in a lifetime experience where no day is the same, and I can honestly say this was the most incredible trip I have ever taken in my life. The Galápagos Islands are an absolute must for your bucket list!
Celebrity Flora is a luxury yacht holding a maximum of 100 guests which is considerably smaller than any ocean cruise liner, so you have a much more intimate experience where you can get to know who you're travelling with.
The Galápagos itinerary is packed with either one or two islands being visited per day and up to three excursions. There aren't any sea days on this itinerary, and because you don’t want to miss out on any opportunities to see the wildlife, you tend to do all three everyday. We did all the activities offered, and they are catered to all ages which is great. Because of this, the evenings are laid back and relaxed which is nice.
You have a 7PM overview of the day, then at 7:15, you sign up for the activities for the following day. Dinner then starts at 7:30 and most people tend to retire to their suites once they have eaten.
It is an early start most mornings, with the first tour usually beginning around 8AM to 8:30AM, but you do enjoy around three to four hours free time in the afternoon to relax on the top deck.
The staff on Celebrity are phenomenal - I have been on a lot of cruises and this was the best service I have ever received. They knew you by name when you boarded, had your drinks ready for you after the first day, remembering exactly what you preferred. It honestly felt like the staff and guests were one big family, and they went above and beyond in every aspect.
Swimming with penguins, sharks and sea turtles was a memory that I will never forget. Although I'd have to say that my main highlight was the Giant Tortoise Ranch. These animals are just incredible to witness, and having the opportunity to be surrounded by them in the wild and walking with them was simply mesmerising.
My main advice is to immerse yourself in every opportunity to explore. The itinerary is very busy, being only a week to two weeks, so make the most of every moment you have while on your trip.
When packing, comfort is key, due to the itinerary. I'd recommend packing some water shoes or closed toed sandals for the wet landings (As you will be disembarking onto the beach with water around knee height). And make sure you bring a good camera for all of the great pictures that you will capture! Walking shoes or sturdy trainers are also important for the walks and hikes to ensure you're as comfortable as possible.
Senior Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
I travelled on a 12-night Arctic expedition on board Greg Mortimer - a trip that should be on anyone’s bucket list. The morning after embarkation in Svalbard, we had about an hour of free time, where I took the opportunity to walk on the top deck and enjoy the scenery. During the lecture we were given a Polar Bear Safety briefing, they advised us in detail on what we would do as a collective group if we were out on the Zodiacs/on land should we encounter one of these amazing creatures.
Being advised that there was a pod of humpback whales on the port side of the ship on day eight brought an overwhelming excitement on board, as we all made our way up to the top deck. They were spectacular! The ship was able to virtually anchor right beside them so we could watch these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. We were all mesmerised by their beauty and felt incredibly lucky to have seen such a magnificent pod.
We all enjoyed a Zodiac landing in Recherchefjord the next day, I opted for the long walk and thoroughly enjoyed it. We were able to see some of the flowers that we had been advised about the day before in the lecture. The terrain was very spongy underfoot but still quite rocky. We saw several varieties of birds such as king eiders, guillemots, purple sandpipers and kittiwakes.
Being able to wake up with the ship stationary and surrounded by ice was so peaceful and tranquil. Everyone was on polar bear watch and eager to find this magnificent animal.
We were all incredibly excited when we were informed that they were going to allow us to walk on the ocean. It was something I don’t think I’ll ever be able to explain as the feeling when you step on the ice sheet was overwhelming. The land where the polar bears roam was right under my feet, and being able to walk where they call home was an experience I will never forget.
Much to our surprise, we then saw a pod of about 40-50 Beluga whales, it was unbelievable, the whales were too far to photograph to get a clear image of these beautiful animals, but the sight was magnificent.
We then had our daily recap, and they gave us some further information about Beluga whales.
After dinner we then went to enjoy our evening…but then we heard ‘Ding Ding Starboard Side!’ – there was a buzz in the air as we ran to any viewing platform we could find and grabbing the binoculars and cameras for our first glimpse of the one thing we had all been searching for… the polar bear! It was a mesmerising moment seeing how gracefully this beautiful animal walked along the shore one through the water and onto the sheet ice whilst it stalked the seals it had hoped to catch. We were all in awe of its beauty and watched this magnificent polar bear until the early hours of the morning.
Watching a polar bear walking along the ridge, before entering the water and swimming in front of us - what an amazing experience! Walking out onto a floating ice sheet where polar bears roam was another experience I will treasure for the rest of my life. The childlike excitement from the passengers as they’re making snow angels in the ice was just magical. Each day is different to the next, and every moment is more surreal and spectacular than you could ever imagine. We also enjoyed a Zodiac cruise around Yoldiabukta Bay.
We had an unbelievable time, admiring the pointed mountain backdrops and tidewater glaciers. We were in awe of the amazing walrus we were able to see as they really are huge! It was incredible how close we were able to get to these amazing animals.
We were also taken to a beautiful landing spot where we were able to see many of the Arctic birds – kittiwakes, Brünnich’s guillemot and northern fulmars. It was stunning! We were even lucky enough to see some puffins!
Whether it’s diving into the Arctic waters for the polar plunge or the moment you set eyes on a polar bear, every traveller takes away something truly special from an Arctic Expedition. My advice is to throw yourself into it and grab hold of every opportunity - it is a once in a lifetime experience, so savour every moment!
Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
My entire trip to Antarctica was just incredible - an absolute dream come true. The pictures do not do it justice, and it is a place one must experience and see first hand to understand the continent's beauty. I sailed with Silversea and the ship was incredibly luxurious, the food was exceptional and with a small ship, the service is unbeatable. It was a once in a lifetime adventure!
My favourite experiences were kayaking and seeing the whales whilst out on a zodiac cruise. I also loved sitting on my balcony, sailing past the icebergs and watching the penguins, which was such a surreal moment.
Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
My expedition around the British Isles was an incredible experience. It was wonderful to enjoy the adventure whilst still experiencing the luxury of Seabourn. I'm going into my 15th year working in the travel industry and this was the best trip I've ever done.
The welcome/safety meeting onboard is where we first met the crew. There are 19 Expedition Team Members on board, ranging from academics, scientists and naturalists. Their knowledge, passion and enthusiasm really showed throughout the whole cruise, the tours and the lectures. You can tell they are genuinely excited to be there.
We spotted plenty of puffins and seals while exploring the Isle of Man and Isles of Scilly on zodiac excursions, led by members of the expedition team. They were always on hand to share their knowledge and expertise so we could learn more about the incredible creatures we were seeing. We had Luciano Bernacchi, the Expedition Leader, guiding our zodiac excursion. We sailed around the coast of the Calf of Man, taking our Swarovski binoculars (which are available to all guests) to spot the variety of different wildlife.
There are 24 zodiacs on board, varying in size. I was surprised by how sturdy they are on the water, even at speed. The guide gauges how fast you want to go, either a leisurely ride or a full-on jet ride as they’re taking you to and from the shore.
The onboard experience was phenomenal; exquisite dining and expedition talks really do bring the day’s activities and excursions to life. The relaxed ambience on board provided the perfect respite from a busy day of exploring. Expedition cruising with Seabourn truly combines the best of exploration and ultra-luxury cruising.
One of the notable differences with an Expedition cruise is that the schedule is fluid, plans can and do change depending on sightings, the weather and many other factors - safety will always come first. Seabourn talked about one of their Expedition cruises where the captain stopped the ship at 1am as there was a polar bear right beside them, and guests were woken up to take pictures!
The Seabourn Venture ship itself has a very different feel compared to ocean ships; you really feel like you're staying in a luxury ski lodge. There were only 160 guests on board, with maximum capacity of the ship holding 264 passengers. There are no formal nights and the dress code is much more relaxed. There are two main restaurants on board: the Colonnade, for more relaxed dining and The Restaurant, which is perfect if you want something a little more formal. We had breakfast delivered to the suite and dined on the veranda several times.
All in all, we had a fantastic trip. It really helped me get an even better understanding of the product and just how special the expedition cruises are. I cannot wait for my next one!
If you have been looking into expedition cruising, enjoy a bit of adventure, or would like some more information, I would be happy to speak with you in more detail about the operations behind the expeditions and how it all works on board.
My favourite moment has to be using the zodiacs and getting up close and personal to the all the wildlife! It was incredible to enjoy the adventure whilst experiencing the luxury of Seabourn.
Seabourn have Parka jackets, designed exclusively for them by Helly Hansen. We ordered our Seabourn Expedition Parkas six days before travelling, which I'd recommend, as they were then waiting for us in the suite when we embarked. Mine was a little on the large side, however, and this was easy to change at the Parka Exchange the following day. The parka is multi-layered and perfect for zodiac tours.
Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
Senior Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist
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