Expedition Cruise Line Details Major Renovations For 2 Ships

HX Expeditions, previously often known as Hurtigruten Expeditions, has introduced main refurbishments for 2 of its hottest small ships — MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen.

With an funding of greater than 7 million euro (round 7.28 million USD), the cruise line says that the upgrades will mirror its “dedication to delivering the best high quality service and visitor expertise whereas enhancing operational effectivity throughout its fleet.”

MS Fram

With a visitor capability of 250, MS Fram carries the title of the legendary Norwegian exploration vessel that made historical past when Fridtjof Nansen used it to check his polar drift idea, freezing it into Arctic Sea ice in an try to achieve the North Pole.

The trendy MS Fram was HX’s first purpose-built polar expedition ship, designed with cutting-edge know-how for Arctic and Antarctic exploration. Totally upgraded in 2022, it stays a favourite amongst friends for its superior expedition instruments, together with an extractable forward-sounding sonar and an outsized oil retention system for self-sufficiency.

(Rendering courtesy of HX Expeditions)

Now, MS Fram is about to endure a refurbishment to boost visitor lodging, public areas, and crew services. It’s going to obtain:

A New Science Middle: A state-of-the-art Science Middle will probably be put in, offering an interactive house for friends to have interaction with the expedition expertise.
Cabin Refurbishments: A complete of 19 Arctic Superior cabins will probably be utterly renovated, together with up to date bogs. Moreover, 14 Expedition Suites and 6 Expedition Grand Suites will probably be absolutely refurbished and can now provide a twin-bed configuration choice.
Eating Expertise Enhancements: Aune Restaurant, recognized for its huge array of world delicacies, will obtain enhancements to raise the eating expertise; the galley will even be up to date to boost operational effectivity.
Further Visitor and Crew Upgrades: All Polar Cabins will probably be upgraded with new bogs, whereas 36 crew cabins will even endure full rest room refurbishment, together with refreshed carpets and sofas.

The renovations will happen this April throughout a dry dock in Panama, debuting to friends with a brand new look beginning Could twenty sixth.

arctic superior stateroom hx expeditions — (Rendering courtesy of HX Expeditions)

MS Spitsbergen

Named after one of many largest and the one completely populated island of the Svalbard archipelago in northern Norway, MS Spitsbergen is deeply tied to HX Expeditions’ origins. Its first expedition cruise in 1896 introduced curious vacationers to the distant waters, charting a course for contemporary expedition journey.

With a visitor capability of 220, MS Spitsbergen continues to steer Arctic exploration. It is going to be present process a collection of upgrades designed to boost consolation, accessibility, and operational effectivity. These embody:

A New Science Middle: A brand-new Science Middle will probably be put in, additional enhancing the ship’s expedition choices.
Cabin and Public House Updates: All Polar Cabins will probably be upgraded with new bogs, whereas the favored Explorer Bar will obtain a refreshed design for an improved visitor expertise.
New Brygge Bistro: A brand new bistro idea will probably be launched, providing friends a number of snacks all through the day.
Accessibility and Crew Enhancements: Refurbished ADA bogs will enhance accessibility, whereas new interpreter setups will permit friends to take heed to science and academic talks in a number of languages. Crew areas and eating services will even be expanded for larger consolation and well-being.

crew mess — Crew mess (Rendering courtesy of HX Expeditions)

Refurbishment work will happen in Astilleros de Santander S.A.U. dry dock in Spain this February and March, with the ship returning to service on April 2nd.

“These vital investments in MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen mirror our dedication to delivering world-class expedition experiences,” mentioned Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX Expeditions. “From enhanced public areas to a stronger concentrate on science and training, these upgrades will elevate each facet of the journey. When friends step aboard in spring 2025, they’ll expertise a extra immersive, snug, and seamless journey—constructed on our dedication to steady enchancment.”