MS Fridtjof Nansen
MS Fridtjof Nansen, the newest ship from Hurtigruten — which built its business with less-glamorous vessels designed to transport both freight and passengers along the coast of Norway before venturing into luxury expedition cruising — launched in 2020. Sister ship to 2019’s MS Roald Amundsen, this 530-guest twin, named for the Nobel Prize-winning Norwegian scientist and explorer who led the first crossing of Greenland on cross-country skis, offers identical onboard amenities, which include three restaurants serving elevated Scandinavian-inspired cuisine and a Pool Deck with an infinity pool and two hot tubs.
The ship is now part of Hurtigruten Group’s rebranded HX expedition division. It features expedition-class construction and ice-class rating, which allows it to cruise to points well within the Arctic and Antarctic Circles, including Greenland and Baffin Island. And with its hybrid electric-powered engine system_, MS Fridtjof Nansen_ achieves fuel consumption and carbon emission levels that are 20 percent below normal.
What We Love
Its Authentic Scandinavian Style: The moment you walk aboard you know you’re not in Kansas anymore. The ship’s sleek Scandinavian interior design — notably the modern décor done in birch, oak, wool, and granite — transports you to a place where cold-weather adventuring is second nature. Especially inviting are the Explorer Lounge & Bar with its panoramic windows and the spacious co-ed sauna, which features a picture window for viewing the scenery outside. Each of the three restaurants have contemporary décor with Aune serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Fredheim offering more casual international cuisine; and Lindstrom, featuring modern Norwegian/Nordic menus with dining complimentary for suite guests and an extra charge for other passengers. In addition, soft drinks and wine and beer are included at mealtime.