MS Fram
Built to sail the Arctic and Antarctica, Hurtigruten’s MS Fram now sailing as part of the Norway-based cruise line’s rebranded HX expedition fleet, is named after the ship used by Norwegian polar explorer Roald Amundsen on his famed expedition to the South Pole in 1911. The 250-guest vessel embraces the same intrepid spirit: She bravely — and safely — navigates icebound waters in some of the world’s most remote regions. Aboard, passengers can expect a true adventure: The programs are packed with lectures from geology to ornithology, and there's plenty of trekking ashore. MS Fram was extensively refurbished in 2022 and now features modern Nordic décor.
What We Love
Windows Everywhere: You won’t find a public room on board without floor-to-ceiling windows that let in the natural beauty of the Arctic and Antarctic landscapes — magnificent sights to behold even in inclement weather.
She’s Built Like a Tank: There's no getting around the notoriously choppy waters of the Drake Passage, but MS Fram's high ice-class and squat superstructure ease passages in the polar regions.
Best Known For
Stunning Itineraries: At both poles, Hurtigruten’s itineraries navigate some spectacular highlights: giant ice caps, lava fields and rock formations, and passages of the Antarctic that are usually iced down.
Functional Design: With a specially crafted expedition deck that houses a fleet of Polarcirkel boats used for landings, MS Fram can embark and disembark guests fast — which means more time ashore. Though practical, she’s also beautifully designed, with interior decor inspired by the culture and textures of the Arctic.