MS Fram - Exploration Cruise Ship Overview and Specifications - Ice Classification and Lounges

The original Fram was the most famous explorer ship of its time, and the achievements of her expeditions are unparalleled. MS Fram honors the heritage of the original Fram, using the most advanced technology and making her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in polar regions.

Fram means ‘forward’ – lifting expectations of the voyage at hand. MS Fram was built in 2007 with one mission in mind – to bring her guests closer to nature, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. The spacious outside decks include access to the very front of the ship – a great place to observe marine wildlife.

The ship is purpose built as an expedition vessel with a higher ice-class, chart drawing tools,ship depth sounding database, extractable forward sounding sonar, iceberg search lights, autonomous tracking system, oversized oil retention system for self-sufficiency, and a full ‘expedition tools-deck’ equivalent to a car-deck that holds 25 vehicles. We believe that as an explorer you need an ‘expedition base-camp’ that is comfortable – something that combines ‘all oceans capabilities’ with safety, flexibility and environmental friendliness. That’s Fram – simply the best expedition ship imaginable.

MS Fram Lounges and Public Spaces

The observation lounge, with comfortable sitting areas at the top of the ship and large panoramic windows, gives you incredible views of nature. A pair of binoculars is installed for spotting wildlife and details of the ever changing landscape.

Dining On Board the MS Fram

In the restaurant on deck 4, you can enjoy the finest cuisine. The floor has different levels, so no matter where your table is placed; there are views to the outdoors. The restaurant is located in the aft of the ship, on your way there you walk through an exhibition of original artifacts from the historic expeditions of Amundsen and Nansen. At the far end of the restaurant there is a balcony for taking pictures when wildlife show up during a meal.

Fitness & Relaxation On Board the MS Fram

On deck 7 you will find a well-equipped fitness room, with its panoramic ocean view there is no better place to exercise. On top of the ship you can get warm and cozy in the sauna or bathe in one of the outdoor hot tubs. Let the warm water surround you while the icebergs float silently past the side of the ship.

Staterooms Artwork & Exploration On Board MS Fram

With 127 cabins on MS Fram, you have a choice of comfortable cabins and a number of superior suites to choose from. The suites are named after Norwegian polar heroes, MS Fram travels in the wake of these great explorers. We are very proud of the art commissioned for MS Fram – local artists from the Arctic have contributed to making her a modern masterpiece. The ‘tender pit’ is where passengers embark, fully dressed in suitable expedition and excursion gear, on our sturdy Polarcirkel boats to take you safely from ship to shore. The original Fram was a ship for broadening the understanding of the world – let the new MS Fram do the same for you.

Hurtigruten's MS Fram Spring of 2020 Major Refit

Hurtigruten, the world’s largest expedition cruise operator, is thrilled to announce a large-scale refurbishment project regarding Fram. Custom built for exploring the Arctic, Antarctica, and other destinations in Hurtigruten’s extensive expedition cruise program, this will be her first refurbishment since she was launched in 2007.

“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 this upgrade, she will keep setting the standard for expedition cruises, and deliver unparalleled, premium expedition experiences for her guests,” Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam says.

The keel-to-mast upgrade will bring several new features to the ship; highlights include:

MS Fram Remodeled Staterooms

• 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 onboard experience.
• Please note that the Fram has stateroom / cabin in many categories. The categories vary dramatically in the size of the staterooms from some that are compact, efficient and workable to suites and mini-suites comparable to hotel rooms. Please fully research a stateroom before booking.

New Dining Experience on Board the MS Fram

• The main dining room will be converted into two restaurants:
• Aune, with its use of natural elements in design will be the more informal of the two, and will serve Scandinavian food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Lindstrøm, named after the favorite chef of Norwegian polar explorers, will be both a cocktail lounge and fine dining restaurant, with strong roots in traditional Norwegian cooking.

New Science Center & Remodeled Lounges Debut On Board the MS Fram

• A brand-new signature Science Center 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 of the destinations MS Fram explores.
• The forward-facing Qilak Observation Lounge will be completely refurbished and reemerge as Explorer Lounge and Bar. In addition to handcrafted cocktails, this area also serves unbeatable views.

MS Fram Technical Upgrades & Going Green

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

MS Fram Connecting With the Outdoors

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.

 

MS Fram 2020 Itineraries

The Fram will be departing from New York for a single departure in 2020. The Fram will depart New York on September 25, 2020 on a 16 day cruise ending in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. On the way south, the Fram will visit Charleston SOuth Carolina, Key West Florida and ports in Mexico (Cozumel), Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Costa Rica (where the cruise ends).

The remainder of the year the Fram will sail exotic, exploration itineraries to Antarctica, South Georgia,the Falkland Islands, Iceland, the Northeast Passage, Canada, Panama Canal and the West Coast of South America.

 

Additional 2020 Hurtigruten New York Departures

Hurtigruten's new luxury exploration ship, Roald Amundsen will make 1 sailing from New York on September 20, 2020 - 5 days earlier than the Fram, The Roald Amundsen will sail on an identical 16 day itinerary as the Fram. The Roald Amundsen will visit Charleston South Carolina, Key West Florida and ports in Mexico (Cozumel), Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Costa Rica (where the cruise ends) as she repositions to South America for Antarctica salings.

To see the entire 2020 cruise schedule from New York Click Here