MS Fram

Named after the most famous explorer ship of its time, the Fram (pronounced frahm, which is Norwegian for “forward”) is a purpose-built upscale expedition vessel. The 7-deck vessel can carry up to 318 passengers but her capacity is limited to 200 passengers for expeditions in the Antarctic. Her facilities include two restaurants, a panoramic observation lounge, sauna, outdoor hot tubs, a well-equipped gym, a science centre and an elevator.

Life On Board

Built in 2007, the Fram polar ship was fully upgraded in summer 2022 with a fresh Nordic look showcasing blond woods. Fabric colors are rich: royal blue and brick red with calmer colors for the carpeting. Numerous commissioned artworks adorn the interior, reflecting both the Arctic and Antarctic with photos of the early expeditions, paintings of snow-capped peaks and pictures of penguins, adding an extra sense of inspiration to your Antarctic voyage. There is also an exhibition of historic Fram artifacts on loan from the Fram Museum in Oslo, Norway.

The Fram cruise ship’s 125 cabins and suites come in seven different categories (we’ve only included the 4 most popular categories below—contact our specialists for rates and availabilities of other cabins), all with comfortable beds, most of which feature flexible sleeping arrangements with a double bed that can be divided into two single beds. All have a flat screen TV, mini refrigerator and private en-suite bathroom with shower. The Expedition Mini Suites aboard the Fram include sitting areas and mini bar, and for the Grand Suites you can expect a private balcony.

Outside of your cabin, catch up with your fellow guests as you watch the stunning white scenery, icebergs and seascapes gliding by in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, or get warm and cosy as you watch the outside world through the windows of the sauna on the top deck. Take in the scenery as you soak in one of the two steaming outdoor hot tubs on Deck 7. Work out in the gym with its panoramic views, which will hopefully motivate you to maintain your fitness regime.

Be sure to spend some time in the Science Center, with its high-tech equipment, a library and interactive computer screens. Here you’ll find spaces to enjoy fascinating lectures and workshops. Your Expedition Team, including a group of scientific experts, will share their deep knowledge of the wildlife you’ll be observing and the places you’ll be visiting. Every enrichment presentation is concluded with a question-and-answer session.

Dining

Dine al fresco at the top-deck BBQ and savour local flavours in the signature onboard restaurants, where the skilled chefs create exciting menus based on the season’s best ingredients. Lindstrøm is the Fram vessel’s à la carte restaurant for fine dining, the exquisite lunches and three-course dinners served here are rooted in Norwegian fare, fused with modern cuisine. Restaurant Aune is the ship’s main dining area. It is social and informal.

Breakfast and lunch is served buffet style, while dinner is a set meal. Breakfast consists of the usual cereal and eggs or pancakes, plus the more typical Northern European fare of smoked fish, cold cuts, yogurt, cheeses, crusty bread and even a small salad bar. Seafood dominates the menu, accompanied with fresh vegetables and delicately flavored sauces. Each dinner ends with traditional desserts. There is also an outdoor barbeque located on the top deck with magnificent views. This is the place to watch the chefs at work and feast in the fresh air.

Safety Features

Fully stabilized with an ice-strengthened hull and state of the art navigation system, the Fram polar ship is more than capable of dealing with the world’s toughest oceans. She holds the highest safety standards to give you a supremely comfortable Antarctic experience. Her sleek size is perfect for optimum nautical maneuverability and ultimate cruising.

Talking of stability, rather than Zodiacs the ship carries a fleet of Polarcirkel boats for exploration and remote landings which are considered by many to be more stable, and easier for those less sure-of-foot passengers to get in and out of. Polarcirkel boat cruising and on-shore hiking are included with every excursion.

Your Fram Antarctica voyage will almost certainly be a life changing experience. The Fram is a family-friendly ship and the cruise is therefore highly rated for families as well as groups of friends, couples and singles.