HX Expeditions is investing more than $7 million to refurbish two of its smaller expedition ships, MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen, with both vessels set to return to service in spring 2025.
The 250-guest MS Fram, the company's first purpose-built polar expedition ship, will undergo renovations during April in Panama dry dock. Enhancements include a new Science Center, renovation of 19 Arctic Superior cabins, refurbishment of 14 Expedition Suites and six Expedition Grand Suites, improvements to Aune Restaurant and updates to 36 crew cabins. The ship will return to service on May 26.
"The same year Nansen was attempting to reach the North Pole onboard the original Fram, HX Expeditions was founded — ushering in a new era of exploration by bringing curious travelers to the Arctic for the first time," said Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX Expeditions.
The 220-guest MS Spitsbergen will also receive significant upgrades during February and March at Astilleros de Santander S.A.U. dry dock in Spain. Renovations include a new Science Center, bathroom upgrades in all Polar Cabins, a refreshed Explorer Bar and a new Brygge Bistro offering daily snacks. Additionally, the ship will receive refurbished ADA bathrooms and new interpreter setups for multilingual science and educational talks. The vessel will resume operations on April 2.
"These significant investments in MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen reflect our commitment to delivering world-class expedition experiences," Rainer said. "From enhanced public spaces to a stronger focus on science and education, these upgrades will elevate every aspect of the journey."
MS Fram, named after the ship used by Fridtjof Nansen to test his polar drift theory in the 1890s, was last fully upgraded in 2022. MS Spitsbergen is named after the largest island in Norway's Svalbard archipelago, where HX Expeditions conducted its first expedition cruise in 1896.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by HX Expeditions. It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
