MS Fridtjof Nansen

Honoring the heritage of her namesake—the innovative Norwegian polar explorer, scientist, humanitarian, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Fridtjof Nansen—the MS Fridtjof Nansen is a purpose-built, polar ‘class 6’ expedition ship, capable of carrying up to 530 passengers (limited to 500 passengers for Antarctic cruises) in 265 outside-facing cabins across 14 categories (so many, in fact, that we’ve only included the 3 most popular categories below—contact our specialists for rates and availabilities of other cabins).

Featuring a hybrid powered system with large battery packs, shore power connection and a wide range of green technology, the MS Fridtjof Nansen is one of the greenest expedition ships in the world. Indeed, according to ESG analysis carried out by Scope and published in Stern in 2021 she is the most sustainable—and safest—cruise ship in the world.

Life On Board

The vessel has no end of amenities to enjoy whilst on your expedition, not least three restaurants, a lecture theater, library, sauna, gym, spa, outdoor pool & hot tubs, and free Wi-Fi.

The interiors of the Fridtjof Nansen ship are crafted from natural Scandinavian materials, such as granite, oak, birch and wool, which have been used to create relaxed and stylish areas. Sink into a comfortable armchair in the elegant Explorer Lounge & Bar and gaze out at the spellbinding views through the panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows.

One of the most eye-catching exterior design features is the two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck. This is the ideal place to scan the scenery and watch wildlife with your binoculars as the ship glides among the sublime frozen icescapes of Antarctica, between icebergs, close to calving glaciers, and past huge ice floes in the Southern Ocean.

Packed with state-of-the-art technology and high-tech gadgets such as touch screens and science equipment, the Science Center is the core of the onboard experience, an ‘edutainment’ hub that hosts scientific learning and interactive fun. Here you and the team will meet and mingle to create a deeper understanding of the areas you explore. This flexible venue features lecture spaces, a small library, and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology, and more.

After a day of exploring exciting new destinations, you can exercise, relax and rejuvenate in the large gym and Wellness Center, where you can enjoy therapies such as massage, facials and body treatments at extra charge. Relax and soak it all in from the infinity pool, outdoor hot tubs, or from the sauna featuring yet more floor-to-ceiling windows.

In the state-of-the-art kitchens on board MS Fridtjof Nansen, the ship’s skilled chefs use local ingredients and take inspiration from regional flavors to create delicious meals served in a choice of three restaurants. Dine in an informal setting and enjoy authentic, home-style dishes in the main dining room, ‘Aune’. Relish casual bites from around the world at ‘Fredheim’. Or treat yourself to an indulgent experience at the specialty restaurant, ‘Lindstrøm’, where premium ingredients are showcased in a Scandi-chic setting (fees apply, with the exception of suite guests).

Expedition Team & Excursions

Every Fridtjof Nansen cruise is accompanied by a hand-picked team of specialists and modern-day explorers. Highly experienced, passionate and knowledgeable, the expedition team members will be your guides and guardians on your voyage of exploration, instructing you on safety, sustainability and science. They will mingle with you at mealtimes, host lectures and workshops about Antarctica on topics from glaciology, marine biology and history to photography and ornithology, and they will accompany you on shore expeditions, providing a very immersive experience in the destinations being visited.

Each Fridtjof Nansen itinerary comes with a full program of included and optional activities taking in the best of Antarctica. Whatever your activity level or interests, you’ll find something that suits you. Custom built onboard equipment includes kayaks, a fleet of Blueye underwater drones and Polarcirkel (Zodiac-like) boats for safe landings in remote areas. You’ll see plenty of penguins, while spring and summer offer the best chances for whale watching, bird spotting and viewing seals. The expedition team will be your guides during your Antarctica expedition, on landings, hikes and on expedition boat cruises.

Whether you’re an independent traveler, a couple, a family, or part of a group with a common strong interest in exploring remote regions, you will love voyaging on the Fridtjof Nansen to Antarctica.