Antarctica: One destination - four expedition ships
Whether you're an active explorer who thrives in extreme elements, or looking for an adventure with less emphasis on the physical rigours of an expedition, an Antarctic voyage with us will be nothing less than extraordinary.
At Hurtigruten, our exploration style meets the needs of people who value learning and personal growth more than excessive luxury. Our guests value interactions with nature and wildlife which is so much bigger than themselves because it helps them put life into perspective.
Our expedition vessels sailing to Antarctica have been designed especially to cater to the those who prefer a more active expedition or discovery style voyage. MS Fram, MS Midnatsol, and our new ships MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen, each have their own personality, but share one thing in common: all are custom-built to serve as a perfect basecamp for your adventure.
MS Fram has a prestigious legacy as a famous expedition ship, and is a true favourite in the Hurtigruten fleet, among staff and passengers alike. Intimate and intrepid, she is outfitted specifically for authentic adventures in Antarctica. Itineraries on MS Fram encompass in-depth explorations, sailing inside the Antarctic Circle and venturing far into the areas that are almost permanently iced down and totally unnavigable in winter. Such areas are typically unreachable by larger vessels, regardless of the ice conditions and time of year.
On MS Midnatsol* you will not be 'conquering' extreme elements in order to appreciate an adventurous and truly up-close Antarctica. Instead, you will travel in casual comfort where hands-on experiences, learning, and interaction with Antarctica’s pristine shores and ice-filled waterways is the basis for connecting with your inner explorer. Voyages on MS Midnatsol are suited to those with a true spirit of exploration with all itineraries starting and ending in Puntas Arenas. From there, you will explore the deep fjords of Chile, visit Cape Horn and then see all the highlights of Antarctica.
MS Roald Amundsen and her identical sister ship MS Fridtjof Nansen will be a truly comfortable base camp at sea. On board recreation and dining will be top quality; with three swimming pools and fine Norwegian dining on offer. Best of all, MS Roald Amundsen is the first expedition ship ever to sail with electric hybrid technology. This will reduce fuel consumption approximately 20 percent and enable the ship to sail on 100% electric power for up to 30 minutes, allowing you to experience the wonder of Antarctica in near-total silence. Voyages on MS Roald Amundsen explore the Falkland Islands, Chilean Fjords and sail south of the Antarctic Circle - a milestone that few travellers reach.
| MS Fram | MS Midnatsol | MS Roald Amundsen | |
| The Expedition Ship | The Discovery Ship | The Ship of the Future | |
| Maximum guests in Antarctica | 200 | 500 | 500 |
| Expedition Team Members | Approximately 10 | Approximately 15 | |
| Landings per day | 1.5 | 1 | |
| Physical activity level | High | Medium | |
| Learning programme level | Moderate | High | |
| On board and learning programme | Lecture programme (biology, geology, history and Arctic treaty) and from 2018/19 - Science Centre, Photography workshop and morning exercise | Lecture programme (edutainment biology, geology, history, Antarctica Treaty and general talks), Young Explorers Programme, onboard Science Centre and morning exercise | Lecture programme, Young Explorers Programme, Photography workshop, onboard Science Centre and morning exercise |
*Starting in 2020, our brand new ship MS Fridtjof Nansen will replace MS Midnatsol on voyages to Antarctica.
Like the great explorers who paved the way into these southern oceans before you, weather, wind, ice, and local conditions will determine the exact nature of your program and schedule. Regardless of which ship you choose, every voyage is unique and you will witnesss awe-inspiring scenery and landscapes that remain as unchanged as the day man first set eyes upon them.
