Expedition favorite MS Fram gets a complete revamp

After a decade of exploring some of the most spectacular waters on our planet, Hurtigruten’s MS Fram will receive a total makeover – and reemerge as a brand-new expedition ship.

Hurtigruten, the world’s largest expedition cruise company, will release some exciting news next week. As a first preview of what’s to come, Hurtigruten reveals another large-scale refurb project:

Leading up the 2020 season, MS Fram will be completely upgraded with new suites, new cabins, more environmentally friendly engines and a total makeover of all public areas – including new restaurants and Hurtigruten’s signature, high-tech Science Center.

- The original Fram was the most famous ship of its time and kept pushing the frontiers in the golden age of polar expeditions. Our MS Fram was built to embrace that legacy. With the upgrade she will keep setting the standard for expedition cruises, and deliver unparalleled, premium expedition experiences for her guests, Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam says.

MS Fram is custom built for exploring the Arctic, Antarctica and other destinations in Hurtigruten’s extensive expedition cruise program – spanning from pole to pole.

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The keel-to-mast upgrade will bring several new features to the ship. Some of the highlights includes:

All cabins and suites will be fully refurbished. Using natural Scandinavian materials such as granite, oak, birch and wool, this will create a relaxed and stylish look and feel, and add to the premium on-board experience.

Download high-res images: Corner Suite view 1 || Corner Suite view 2 || Outside Cabin || Mini Suite

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The main restaurant will be transformed to Restaurant Aune – Hurtigruten’s new expedition cruise main restaurant concept. The restaurant is social and informal with the use of natural elements in design and interiors, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner based on a Scandinavian identity.

Lindstrøm – a specialty restaurant named after the favorite chef of the Norwegian polar heroes, will be added. Lindstrøm will be an upper premium fine dining restaurant with strong roots in traditional Norwegian cooking that are contrasted with modern cuisine, accompanied with a lounge for a glass of champagne and classic cocktails.

Download high-res images: Restaurant Lindstrøm

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A brand new Hurtigruten signature - the Science Center - which will be packed with state-of-the-art technology and high-tech gadgets such as touch screens, science equipment and other interactive features. The edutainment area will be the place guests and staff meet, mingle and create a deeper understanding for the areas MS Fram explores.

Download high-res images: Hurtigruten Science Center

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The forward-facing Qilak Observation Lounge will be completely refurbished and reemerge as Explorer Lounge & Bar. In addition to hand crafted cocktails, this area serves unbeatable views.

Download high-res images: Explorer Lounge & Bar

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MS Fram will also undergo major technical upgrades during the extensive drydocking, including upgrading her engines to the highest environmental standards (tier 3).

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- Special Hurtigruten edge

Reemerging as brand new in the spring of 2020, MS Fram will offer guests unparalleled expeditions in premium surroundings, with breathtaking views and unforgettable encounters with wildlife, nature and culture on destinations like the Arctic, Antarctica, the Northwest passage, and warmer waters such as the Caribbean and South America.

- We take our guests where other ships can’t, closer to nature with the special Hurtigruten edge. I spend most of my free time exploring and know the value of an expedition base that is safe, flexible and still offers premium comfort and experience to explorers, says Skjeldam.

Hurtigruten CEO, Daniel Skjeldam. Photo: HURTIGRUTEN

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Banning plastic - building hybrid

The complete MS Fram upgrade is just the latest of several recently announced Hurtigruten news. The World leader in exploration travel is currently building the world’s first hybrid powered cruise ship, MS Roald Amundsen, at Norway’s Kleven yard. Debuting in 2019, she will be followed by MS Fridtjof Nansen and a third sister ship in 2021. MS Richard With will reemerge as a brand new ship in the beginning of December after its own extreme makeover.

Hurtigruten celebrated its 125th anniversary by banning all single-use-plastics. In another industry first, Hurtigruten is completely rebuilding existing ships to run on a combination of large battery packs, biogas (LBG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

EXPLORING IN STYLE: Hurtigruten guests can explore unique destinations like Antarctica, Greenland and the Northwest passage on the soon to be refurbished MS Fram. Photo: SANDRA WALSER/ Hurtigruten