MS Fram: Ship, Routes & Consulting

The original Fram was the research vessel used by the famous Norwegian polar explorers Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen. Built in 2007 and fully renovated in 2022, MS Fram is a comfortable expedition ship designed for travel to the polar regions of the world.

In Antarctica, MS Fram belongs to the category of medium-sized ships, with a maximum of 250 passengers.

Design and Features:

• You can choose from 128 cabins and suites across 7 decks. Options include inside cabins, four-berth cabins with two bunk beds, cabins with large windows, and suites with a private balcony.
• A daily selection of included activities in Antarctica is available, such as shore landings, Zodiac excursions, workshops, and lectures. The exact program always depends on the region, weather, and possible landing sites.
• The Aune restaurant onboard MS Fram is included with beverages for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The specialty restaurant Lindstrøm is also included for suite guests.

Technical Specifications:

• MS Fram is rated Ice Class 1B for average ice conditions with ice thickness up to 0.6 m, ensuring safe and reliable access to destinations in Antarctica.
• Travel speed is up to 13 knots.
• Free satellite Wi-Fi in Antarctica.

Onboard Experience:

• Aune restaurant (included) and Lindstrøm specialty restaurant (included for suite guests).
• Spa with sauna.
• Whirlpool.
• Fitness center.
• Science Center for lectures and workshops.
• Explorer Lounge with bar and Antarctic views.
• Languages onboard: German, English, and Norwegian.

Expedition Team:

• Daily shore landings and Zodiac excursions are included. You choose your own program.
• An experienced expedition team accompanies your entire Antarctic voyage aboard MS Fram, from onboard presentations to shore activities.
• Optional sea kayaking available for an additional fee.
• Optional overnight camping in Antarctica available for an additional cost.

Expedition Equipment:

• Zodiacs for landings and exploration in Antarctica.
• Landing equipment.
• Complimentary rubber boots available for shore landings and Zodiac outings.
• Complimentary Helly Hansen windbreaker.

• Passengers: maximum 250 since the renovation in 2022.
• Year built: 2007.
• Renovated: 2022
• Crew: approx. 70 onboard during Antarctic voyages.
• Expedition team: approx. 10 Antarctic experts.
• Ice class: 1B for average ice conditions with thickness up to 0.6 m.
• Size: length 114 m, width 20 m.
• Decks: 8.
• Speed: 13 knots.
• Stabilization: yes.
• For expeditions: Zodiacs, sea kayaks, landing gear, and tents for overnight camping ashore.

Included:

• Antarctic expedition cruise in the booked cabin category or suite aboard MS Fram.
• Most itineraries include economy-class flights between Germany and Ushuaia via Buenos Aires, including round-trip
• Rail&Fly tickets. Services may vary if departing from another port.
• One overnight stay in Buenos Aires before and after the expedition cruise, including breakfast.
• Transfers before and after the Antarctic voyage between the airport and hotel in Buenos Aires.
• Transfers between the airport and MS Fram in Ushuaia, including a short city tour.
• Guided shore landings.
• Scientific lectures and onboard entertainment.
• Science Center with modern equipment, library, exhibits, and maps.
• Photography tips and techniques for wildlife and landscape images from the onboard photographer.
• Use of onboard facilities such as whirlpools and fitness areas.
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner including beverages in the Aune restaurant.
• Complimentary tea and coffee available all day.
• Refillable water bottle.
• Complimentary Helly Hansen windbreaker.
• Complimentary loan rubber boots for landings.
• Free Wi-Fi onboard.
• Comprehensive travel documentation before and after the voyage.

Excluded:

• International flights: On some itineraries, international flights are not included. When booking with Arctic Desire, you may request an offer including international flights and an optional pre- or post-tour in Patagonia.
• Personal expenses, such as purchases in the onboard boutique.
• Massages and similar spa services.
• Drinks from the bar.
• Luggage handling.
• Gratuities.
• Optional: sea kayaking available for an additional fee.
• Optional: overnight camping in Antarctica.

3. MS Fram is your floating base for Antarctic adventure. In Antarctica, you will have a selection of daily included activities. The exact daily program depends on the weather and the region where MS Fram is currently sailing.

Every voyage aboard MS Fram is different — this is part of the nature of an expedition cruise. One day may begin with a landing at a penguin colony. Another day may offer better weather only later, leading to morning workshops and afternoon exploration.

The following activities are available aboard MS Fram in Antarctica:

• Shore landings: You have daily included landing options with the MS Fram expedition team in Antarctica.
• Complimentary loan boots are provided onboard, and you will also receive a free Helly Hansen windbreaker.
• Zodiacs: Zodiac outings for landings, whale-watching, iceberg cruising, and other activities are included in the price of your Antarctic cruise.
• Polar Plunge: If you dare, you may jump into the icy waters of Antarctica.
• Lectures: Presentations in the Science Center are included.
• Workshops: Photography workshops, for example, led by professional onboard photographers.
• Spa: The wellness center, pool, and whirlpools are popular on sea days. We recommend booking treatments early.
• Camping in Antarctica (extra fee): Spend a night camping in Antarctica. This excursion is booked onboard.
• Sea kayaking (extra fee): Paddle close to icebergs, wildlife, sea ice, and coastlines. Availability may be limited depending on the voyage.

All activities aboard MS Fram are optional. You do not need to join any shore landing. You may instead enjoy a quiet day with tea, a book, and Antarctic views from the Explorer Lounge.

Please contact us for further details regarding available activities aboard MS Fram in Antarctica.

Free Wi-Fi is available onboard MS Fram in Antarctica. Speeds may be limited. Only a few years ago, internet access on Antarctic expeditions was impossible. Satellite connectivity has changed this, but it cannot match the standard you may know from commercial flights. Activities such as video streaming and file sharing may be restricted.

Since the renovation, MS Fram has two restaurants. Service has been aligned with Hurtigruten’s modern ships. Aune restaurant is included with beverages for all guests.

The premium restaurant Lindstrøm is also included for suite guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests booked in cabins may dine there for dinner at an additional cost.

There are no snacks served between meals in the restaurants, but cookies, coffee, and tea are always available in the Explorer Lounge.

Aune: The main restaurant offers buffet-style breakfast and lunch and à la carte dinner. Seats and table numbers are assigned. The selection is varied and generous, and the culinary team aims to use local ingredients whenever possible. There is no single-use plastic onboard.
Lindstrøm: The specialty restaurant onboard MS Fram is complimentary for suite guests. Service is à la carte, with a six-course dinner menu. Dinner is also available for non-suite guests at an additional cost.
Explorer Lounge & Bar: Cookies, coffee, and tea are available at all times.

On many Antarctic itineraries, round-trip economy flights from Germany are already included, followed by a local arrival package.

The local package generally includes a flight from Buenos Aires to the departure port, typically Ushuaia or Valparaíso. It usually also includes required transfers and a pre-cruise overnight stay with breakfast.

When booking with Arctic Desire, an arrival package is always available on request if not already included. If desired, we can also plan a custom pre- or post-program, such as Patagonia or Buenos Aires.

Please contact us for details about the arrival packages available for MS Fram.