MS Fram
REFURBISHED IN 2020: 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.
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.
In the restaurant on deck 5, 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 artefacts 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. 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 cosy 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.
With 127 cabins on Fram, you have a choice of comfortable cabins and a number of superior suites to choose from. Our 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 we 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.
MX - Suite (43-45m2) - Two rooms, seating and dining table, private balcony.
MG - Suite (35-37m2) - One or two rooms, seating area, some with bath tub, most with private balcony or bay window.
M - Suite (28-30m2) - One or two rooms, seating area, TV, minibar, some with private balcony.
Q - Mini Suite (16m2) - Seating area, minibar, TV, most have a double bed (can be also two single mattresses in a double frame).
U - Outside Cabin (8-13m2) - Separate beds, one bed can be turned into a sofa, table. Upper decks.
P - Outside Cabin (8-13m2) - Separate beds, one bed can be turned into a sofa. Upper and middle decks.
N - Outside Cabin (7-13m2) - Separate beds, one can be turned into a sofa (some with upper/lower berths.) Middle/lower decks.
I - Inside Cabin (6-10m2) - Separate beds, one bed can be turned into a sofa. Some with upper/lower berths.
Other important information about the MS Fram:
Bar service
All ships have a bar with an excellent selection of spirits, wines, beers and soft drinks and a lounge with coffee service.
Cabins
There is a wide range of comfortable cabins on board. All Explorer ships have cabins with private facilities. Please note that check-in at reception may open before your cabin is ready for use. You will be informed at check-in when your cabin is ready for use. You may expect some noise and vibration in some cabins. This varies depending on the location of your cabin. Please note that cabins on deck 5 of MS Fram have passenger access to outside areas, which may sometimes lead to obstructed views due to passengers walking past.
Cruise card
A cruise card will be issued upon arrival on board as part of the check-in procedure in accordance with ISPS regulations. The card serves as a control system on the gangway. This card, in addition to being the key card for your cabin, is also your payment card on board. To activate the cruise card account you must have a Visa, American Express, Diners or Mastercard. The credit card must be valid for more than three months after your stay on board. Please note that when using your credit card on board the ship, your account will be debited in NOK. The rate of exchange will be the one validated by your credit card company. The evening before the voyage ends the account will be totalled and settled on board, and a receipt brought to your cabin. We regret that there is no facility for cash withdrawals or currency exchange on board.
Electricity
The plugs in your cabins are all 220V/50hz. Suites have 110V for shavers. The plugs are continental two pin plugs, which may require an adapter.
Entertainment
The emphasis on board is on relaxation and discovery, not on commercial entertainment, which is often a part of conventional cruises. During the voyages, a variety of social events, such as gatherings with the Expedition team, presentations held on deck, lectures, and workshops will be arranged. Occasionally there may be some musical entertainment on board in the evenings. Please review the program on board for detailed information.
Fitness room, sauna, pool and hot tub
On MS Fram you can find a modern fitness room and comfortable sauna with a fantastic view of the landscape passing by. There are two outdoor hot tubs on all Explorer ships except Nordstjernen.
Gratuity Policy
Many of our guests wish to give special thanks to our service crew on board. Of course, how you wish to honour the service given by the crew in bars, restaurants and cabins is at your discretion. In order to provide some guidelines, we recommend 70 NOK (approx 9 Euro, 12 USD) per guest per day as an average gratuity. Whatever amount you decide to give, please fill in the form you will find in your cabin and give it to the receptionist two nights before the end of the cruise. The amount will then be debited from your cruise card account.
Information and services
There are Reception and Expedition desks, where our staff are available to answer your questions.
Language
Announcements are given in English and German. Lectures are in English with simultaneous translation to German and Mandarin. In some occasions lectures will be given in German and translated simultaneously to English and Mandarin. Daily Programmes will be in English and German. There will be Mandarin, English, German and Nordic speaking staff on all explorer ships, except MS Nordstjernen where there will be English, French, German and Nordic speaking staff on board.
Laundry
A laundry service is available on board MS Fram for an additional cost. No dry-cleaning is possible on any ship.
Lectures
The ships’ experienced lecturers command in-depth knowledge of the areas in which we sail. They will conduct, on a regular basis, lectures on topics such as biology, history and geology throughout the voyage. The lecture schedule will be announced every day in the on board daily programme.
Library
The ship has a small selection of books that are available to guests while on board.
Observation Lounge
The Observation lounges offer large panoramic windows with ample and comfortable seats. On MS Fram you will find a pair of binoculars so you can view the wildlife and details of the ever-changing landscape. On all explorer ships there will be binoculars for sale in the on board shop.
Outdoor decks
Enjoy the views from the front or back of the ship. Both are perfect vantage points to sit back, relax and watch the world go by.
Mail
You can hand in your mail at reception, and, for a service fee and stamp costs, we will forward the post in every port where it is possible. The time from sending the postcard to when it gets to the recipient may be relatively long. Hurtigruten has no responsibility for lost mail.
Resident photographer
Our resident photographer on board MS Fram will invite you to photography workshops and practical sessions out on deck to enable you to take the best possible pictures from your voyage.
Restaurant & cuisine
Your voyage includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. The open seating for the breakfast and lunch buffet creates a relaxed atmosphere. Dinner varies between buffets, set meals and barbeques. The type of dinner is announced in the daily programme. Our headwaiter will assign tables prior to arrival. Information about table number and meal times will be in your cabin upon arrival. Please provide information regarding special requests for seating arrangements. On some voyages we may serve the dinner divided into boat groups.
Where possible, we plan our menus around seasonal ingredients, taking advantage of local produce to satisfy healthy appetites stimulated by the fresh sea air. Regular coffee/tea is complimentary throughout the whole voyage. Still and sparkling water by carafe is complimentary together with your breakfast, lunch and dinner. Other beverages and refreshments during the day are not included, but may be purchased on board in the restaurant, cafeteria and bar.
Room service
Cabins are cleaned daily on board MS Fram. Fresh towels are available at all times. Food and beverage can be delivered to the cabin upon order for Arctic Superior and Suite cabins. Subject to charge: Service fee plus price per item (Exception: continental breakfast for suites, free of charge).
Rubber boots
On board you may borrow a pair of high quality boots free of charge to wear during landings and hikes. We also offer binoculars and walking sticks for rent.
Seasickness
Seasickness pills are available to buy in the reception. If you are prone to seasickness it is recommended that you bring pills that you are familiar with.
Shop
In our on board shop you may buy clothing suitable for Explorer voyages. Our Expedition team will be happy to give you expert advice on how to dress properly in polar areas. We offer a range of both warm and practical clothing, using fabrics with natural fibres. We also offer souvenirs, handicrafts, and postcards. In addition, we also stock a small selection of soap, toothpaste and other personal effects.
Shore excursions
A wide selection of shore excursions are available to pre-book. Where available, we will supply you with excursion information in advance, otherwise you will receive full details and prices on board.
Smoking
On board, smoking is only permitted in designated areas on deck. All cabins are non-smoking. To show respect for the environment, please use the provided ashtrays when smoking. Throwing cigarette ends overboard is strictly prohibited. A cleaning charge of 1,500 NOK will be applied for smoking in your cabin, to cover the cost of cleaning linen and curtains to return it to a non-smoking standard.
Water
The tap water in your cabin is drinkable. Filtered water by the carafe is available at your table during meals, while bottled water is available for purchase.
Walking on board
We kindly remind you to be careful walking on board while at sea, especially venturing out on deck. Look out for the signs for warning of wet and slippery decks. Be aware that some doors leading to the outer decks are difficult to manage 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 doorframes to avoid injury.
Welcome meeting
Upon arrival on board, there will be a mandatory passenger safety drill before departure. There will also be a welcome meeting where security information as well as practical information about the cruise will be given, along with an opportunity to meet some of the crew and be introduced to the key personnel on board.