Food & Drink

Aune

Lindstrøm

Entertainment

Explorer Lounge & Bar

Situated at the stern of the ship, the Explorer Lounge & Bar is the perfect spot to relax with talk with your fellow explorers and take in the sweeping panoramic views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Shop

In our on-board shop you can buy clothing suitable for expedition cruises. Our Expedition Team will be happy to give you expert advice on how to dress properly according to the destinations. We offer a great range of both warm and practical clothing, and we focus on fabrics with natural fibres. We also offer souvenirs, handicrafts, and postcards, in addition to a small selection of soap, toothpaste, and other personal effects.

Observation Decks

Observation Decks are on Deck 7, 8 & 5. 

Reception & Expedition Desk

The Reception & Expedition Desk can be found on Deck 4.

Around the ship

Embarking on MS Fram, you’ll quickly feel safe and relaxed. Surrounding you with quality, natural materials and plenty of light and space, your expedition ship is reassuring, comfortable and built for adventure.

Fitness

Sauna & Relaxation

Get warm and cosy as you watch the world glide by through the windows of sauna on the top deck. 

Fitness Room

Maintain your regular fitness regime (or kickstart a new one) in the well-equipped gym on Deck 7. The panoramic views will help you stay motivated.

Jacuzzis

Located on Deck 7.

Enrichment

Shore Excursions

We offer a rich and varied program of optional shore excursions. In many ports, we offer an included excursion, which can be reserved for no additional charge. In many cases the included excursion can be combined with other optional excursions in the port. Most excursions can be pre-booked but may also be bookable onboard if capacity remains.

We advise that you book well in advance in order to avoid disappointment due to the excursion being fully booked. Please note that registration is binding, and once on board the Expedition Team will advise you of booking deadlines for excursions still available. Our excursions have English speaking guides unless otherwise indicated and other languages cannot be guaranteed unless otherwise specified. Excursions are subject to change and possible cancellation due to weather conditions. They are also dependent on the number of participants.

All expedition shore landings and small boat cruising during our exploration of Antarctica are included the programme. Along with the optional excursions available to book, the Expedition Team also arrange a variety of activities during the voyage. These will depend on location and season, but may include hiking, small boat cruising, kayaking, snowshoeing, or camping. A limited amount of kayaking is available for booking prior to select voyages, but all other activities are booked on board and subject to availability.

Lecture Halls

The ship’s experienced lecturers’ command an in-depth knowledge of the areas in which Ms Fram sails. they will conduct, on a regular basis, lectures on topics such as biology, history and geology throughout the course of the trip. The lecturing schedule will be announced everyday in the on board daily program.

Science Centre

Uncover a unique perspective of the people, places, and wildlife we discover around the ship. Packed with state-of-the-art technology and equipment, the Science Centre is at the heart of our onboard experience.

Embrace your inner scientist

When you think of the features on board your traditional cruise ship, the first thing that comes to mind would be the spas, many restaurants, and cafes – it wouldn’t be a state-of-the-art Science and Education Centre, that’s because this is an expedition cruise ship. We like to think of our Science Centres and the adjoining lecture areas, as the core of the onboard experience, where you can gain a deeper understanding of the destinations you’ll explore, and significantly enhance your experience and knowledge.

Our first Science Centre was built from pure enthusiasm and in a somewhat improvised manner on MS Midnatsol, now MS Maud. Since then, we’ve introduced Science Centres across the whole fleet, including MS Santa Cruz II, sailing in the Galapagos Islands.

The Science Centres give us the opportunity to really engage with you, our guests, and deepen your learning through hands-on, immersive experiences. Nothing gives more science joy than doing your own research for the first time! They are also a place for our scientists and visiting researchers to work – for instance by preparing newly collected samples for transport or storage. In addition to the science equipment, they also include museum-type collections, a small library, and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology, arts and crafts, and much more!

Resident Photographer

Hurtigruten’s resident photographer will invite you to photography workshops and practical sessions out on deck to enable you to take the best possible pictures from your voyage.

Other

What to Wear

The dress code on board is casual. It is recommended to bring breathable, waterproof, and windproof clothing on every expedition cruise. It is also useful to have a warm hat, gloves, a scarf, as well as thermal clothing and underwear in winter. It is important to choose sturdy shoes for shore excursions and possibly a hiking stick.

Special Requests

If you have special requests (e.g. dietary or medical), please inform us as soon as possible, and no later than 12 weeks prior to your cruise departure. We will do our best to meet such requests but cannot guarantee to do so, and under no circumstance will any such request be accepted by us so as to form part of a contractual agreement.

Please inform us no later than 12 weeks before departure. We’ll do our best to accommodate but can’t guarantee requests.

Disabled cabins / Mobility

Yes, our ships are wheelchair accessible with some operational requirements. Guests have to bring their own wheelchairs, which must be no wider than 60 cm for ease of movement. All mobility aids must be declared and safely carried onboard. Wheelchair users can only be accommodated in accessible cabins to ensure safe evacuation in emergencies. You can find our complete policy here: Accessibility for Disabled Persons and Persons with Reduced Mobility.

Children

Our special child fare is valid for new bookings on all Expedition Cruises and is subject to change at any time. When the child occupies a cabin with at least two adults, a 50% savings applies to the cruise portion of the child’s package only. When the child occupies a cabin with one adult, a 20% savings applies to the cruise portion of the child’s package only. A 20% savings applies to the non-cruise portions of a package, where applicable, regardless of cabin occupancy. A child is defined as 2 through 15 years of age at the time of sailing.

This offer is bookable online or by phone and is combinable with all current offers. If you booked through a travel agent, this does not apply to you. Please contact them directly for any questions you have.

Please note:

– Participation of children under the age of 12 years in small-boat landings during expedition cruises is at the discretion of the captain.

– The minimum age for travel to Antarctica and Galápagos is 5 years.

Drones

The use of passenger-operated drones is not permitted during your voyage. This is for general safety as well as the protection of vulnerable wildlife and other guests’ personal security.

Drones are not allowed in Galapagos. Flash photography is not allowed on wildlife in the national parks. Professional video photography requires a special permit of the National Park Directorate.

Lifesaving equipment, life vest, and safety on board

The ships comply with international safety standards and are equipped for sailing in icy waters. A mandatory safety briefing will be provided before departure, with a Safety Notice posted inside your cabin.

MS Santa Cruz II also follows Galapagos Biocontrol Agency and ISPS regulations, including luggage screenings before boarding. For MS Santa Cruz II, a safety briefing and boat drill are conducted on the first day, followed by additional briefings for activities like snorkelling and kayaking. Special lifejackets are provided for landings, and safety guidelines will be explained.

Smoking

Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas, not in cabins or private balconies. Smoking while the ship is refuelling is prohibited.

Wi-Fi

WiFi is available, but coverage and speed can be limited on remote expeditions. It’s ideal for browsing, not streaming. For mobile phones, expect limited or no coverage in places like Antarctica, Arctic Canada, and Alaska. For MS Santa Cruz II, WiFi is available but intermittent. Please keep your phone on airplane mode during trails.

Suite Service

À la carte dining option

On the ships holding an A’la carte restaurant suite guests are offered to eat their dinner here any day they wish. Reservations must be done on board.

Suite breakfast

On the ships holding an A’la Carte restaurant suite guests are offered to eat their breakfast here. High-end breakfast for suite guests only. A la carte breakfast served at the table.

Room service

Offered to all suite guests free of charge within the opening times.

Suite check-in

For suite guests, there will be an exclusive check-in in a separate area onboard the ship, where the guests may meet and greet some of the ships officers.

Welcome greeting

On embarkation day, the suite guests will find a carabiner watch, a bottle of champagne and a welcome greeting from the captain inside their suite after check-in.

Turn-down service

Daily turn-down, including fresh towels, chocolate or similar on the pillow, turn-down of the bed.

Laundry service

Free of charge for all suite guests.

In-suite

Bathrobes and Binoculars will be available with a possibility to buy.

Equipment Loans

On many of our expedition cruises we are landing in areas covered with snow. Terrain might be muddy, uneven, wet, and very slippery. The weather may be inclement and cold. This is part of being an explorer.

In Antarctica and Svalbard, it is mandatory to use rubber boots for all landings. For nature landings in Arctic Canada, Iceland, or other locations, rubber boots are recommended. A pair of special purpose boots can be borrowed on board free of charge for the duration of your cruise, and we will make sure that they are rinsed and declared clean from seeds and other biological material after every landing. This is to avoid unintentionally spreading invasive species into fragile environments. We carry sizes from 32 to 50. If you need a smaller or larger size than this, or prefer to wear your own boots, you are welcome to bring private rubber boots, but please be advised that our Expedition Team will have them checked before going ashore, to make sure they are suitable for landing.

We also lend out walking sticks on board. If you are more comfortable using your own walking sticks, bring them along with you, but bear in mind that they must be properly cleaned and disinfected after every landing.

Walking on board

We kindly remind you to take care when walking on board the ship while at sea, especially when venturing out on deck, observing the signs for warnings of wet and slippery decks. Be aware the doors toward the outer deck are potentially dangerous in windy conditions. Please adhere to the signs and announcements when it is not advised to go outside. While walking inside, hold on to railings but not to door frames, to avoid injury. 

Small Boat Landings

Guests are respectfully reminded that only our stable expedition boats enable both water-based exploration and safe landings in otherwise inaccessible areas. You will need to be fairly agile to board these, but there is otherwise no need to worry about travelling in them. The crew will show you what to do and as long as you follow their instructions, after a few times it will become second nature. On all landings in expedition boats, guests are expected to wear proper footwear. For additional information about the footwear, see separate point “Equipment loans”. Landing operations depend on favourable conditions. 

Seasickness

Seasickness pills are available for purchase at reception (€1 each). We recommend bringing your preferred medication, though. Sea bands are also available onboard.

Food & Beverage

We serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Aune restaurant. Suite guests can dine at Lindstrøm (additional charge for non-suites). Fredheim offers casual dining and takeaway (except on some ships).

Included: still/sparkling water, soft drinks, house wines, draught beer, coffee, and tea. Premium drinks are extra. On MS Santa Cruz II, meals are buffet-style, with complimentary house beer, wine, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner.

Mail

You can hand in mail at reception for forwarding, but delivery may take time.

Laundry

Laundry is included for suite guests. Self-service isn’t available, except on MS Santa Cruz II, which has washers/dryers for guest use.

Language

The working language on board is English. Announcements and written information are also given in German. Announcements may be given in French and Chinese on selected departures. In order to be able to accommodate lectures in another language than English, we will offer a possibility for an “in ear” translation to Germa

Hurtigruten App

The HX app is your digital companion while onboard. You can use it to view the daily programme, book excursions, and lots more. While the app is only available for use on board, we recommend downloading it before boarding, as onboard WiFi may be limited in remote regions. You’ll receive login information during embarkation and can download it from the App Store/Google Play Store

Cruise Card

The cruise card serves as your cabin key and payment card. It’s activated with a valid credit card. Debit cards can be used to pay the final invoice but not for activation.

For MS Santa Cruz II: MS Santa Cruz II does not provide cabins keys or a cruise card. Cabins can be locked from the inside, and each cabin is equipped with a safety box. The corridors are monitored by closed-circuit cameras. Upon check-in, a shipboard account (SA) will be opened, and we do not register credit cards at the start of the cruise. Final payment will be requested on the last night of the cruise. Accepted credit cards in Ecuador include Diners Club, Visa, American Express, and MasterCard. ATMs are available at mainland airports, as well as at Baltra Airport and in the towns of Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Alcohol Policy

Only drinks from the ship’s restaurants, bars, or cabins may be consumed. Alcohol bought in ports will be stored by the crew and returned on the last day. Santa Cruz II charges corkage fees for wine/spirits brought aboard.

Medical Facilities

An English-speaking physician and nurse are always on board, with essential medical equipment and medications for small emergencies. For serious cases, the nearest hospital will be contacted. Medical consultations and medications will incur charges.

All guests must have travel/health insurance. If you rely on medication, please bring enough to cover unforeseen delays. Keep medication in your hand luggage with clear instructions. In case of illness, quarantine may be required, and instructions from the ship’s physician and captain must be followed.

Taking Sustainability Seriously

Our ambition is both bold and necessary. We strive to be the most sustainable travel operator in the world. And we aim to push the industry’s boundaries for ESG.

Emissions – We want to be the best adventure travel company for the planet, so we invest heavily in reducing our emissions. We aim to reduce our emissions ahead of the requirements of the Paris agreement.

People – Our people—on board and ashore—are the heart of everything we do. We celebrate differences and aim to be the most inclusive travel company in the world.

Nature – Using both science and activism we protect the powerful oceans, rugged landscapes and delicate ecosystems to which we venture. We aim to support the global goal of “nature positive by 2030” with full recovery by 2050.

Community – We aim to leave the communities we visit better off than before we visited them, every time, whilst working together as a force for good. At HX, we want the communities we visit to benefit from our presence long after we depart. That’s why we’ve established the HX Foundation, which has supported more than 100 local and environmental projects globally.