Sarah Bretz, ContributorHX Expeditions, formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions, has announced major refurbishments for two of its most popular small ships — MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen.
With an investment of more than 7 million euro (around 7.28 million USD), the cruise line says that the upgrades will reflect its “commitment to delivering the highest quality service and guest experience while enhancing operational efficiency across its fleet.”
MS Fram
With a guest capacity of 250, MS Fram carries the name of the legendary Norwegian exploration vessel that made history when Fridtjof Nansen used it to test his polar drift theory, freezing it into Arctic Sea ice in an attempt to reach the North Pole.
The modern MS Fram was HX’s first purpose-built polar expedition ship, designed with cutting-edge technology for Arctic and Antarctic exploration. Fully upgraded in 2022, it remains a favorite among guests for its advanced expedition tools, including an extractable forward-sounding sonar and an oversized oil retention system for self-sufficiency.
Now, MS Fram is set to undergo a refurbishment to enhance guest accommodations, public areas, and crew facilities. It will receive:
- A New Science Center: A state-of-the-art Science Center will be installed, providing an interactive space for guests to engage with the expedition experience.
- Cabin Refurbishments: A total of 19 Arctic Superior cabins will be completely renovated, including updated bathrooms. Additionally, 14 Expedition Suites and six Expedition Grand Suites will be fully refurbished and will now offer a twin-bed configuration option.
- Dining Experience Enhancements: Aune Restaurant, known for its vast array of global cuisine, will receive improvements to elevate the dining experience; the galley will also be updated to enhance operational efficiency.
- Additional Guest and Crew Upgrades: All Polar Cabins will be upgraded with new bathrooms, while 36 crew cabins will also undergo full bathroom refurbishment, along with refreshed carpets and sofas.
The renovations will take place this April during a dry dock in Panama, debuting to guests with a new look starting May 26th.
MS Spitsbergen
Named after one of the largest and the only permanently populated island of the Svalbard archipelago in northern Norway, MS Spitsbergen is deeply tied to HX Expeditions’ origins. Its first expedition cruise in 1896 brought curious travelers to the remote waters, charting a course for modern expedition travel.
With a guest capacity of 220, MS Spitsbergen continues to lead Arctic exploration. It will be undergoing a series of upgrades designed to enhance comfort, accessibility, and operational efficiency. These include:
- A New Science Center: A brand-new Science Center will be installed, further enhancing the ship’s expedition offerings.
- Cabin and Public Space Updates: All Polar Cabins will be upgraded with new bathrooms, while the popular Explorer Bar will receive a refreshed design for an improved guest experience.
- New Brygge Bistro: A new bistro concept will be introduced, offering guests a selection of snacks throughout the day.
- Accessibility and Crew Enhancements: Refurbished ADA bathrooms will improve accessibility, while new interpreter setups will allow guests to listen to science and educational talks in multiple languages. Crew areas and dining facilities will also be expanded for greater comfort and well-being.
Refurbishment work will take place 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 significant investments in MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen reflect our commitment to delivering world-class expedition experiences,” said Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX Expeditions. “From enhanced public spaces to a stronger focus on science and education, these upgrades will elevate every aspect of the journey. When guests step aboard in spring 2025, they’ll experience a more immersive, comfortable, and seamless adventure—built on our dedication to continuous improvement.”
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