Sailing with 152 travel advisors and travel agency owners, Travel Agent recently boarded the 530-passenger Fridtjof Nansen for a two-night Pacific Northwest cruise from Vancouver, B.C., to Seattle, WA. Launched in 2020 by HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), this snazzy, hybrid battery-powered Polar Class 6 ship, named for polar explorer and scientist Fridtjof Nansen, is a 20,899-ton sister to the Roald Amundsen.
While there were no port calls on our short itinerary, it provided a good snapshot of expedition travel aboard this semi-new ship and what the cruising experience is all about. Here are a few of our top takeaways:
Adventure Central
As we began our journey, the black-and-red Fridtjof Nansen was docked pier-side at Canada Place. Entering the ship’s atrium, we were a bit surprised to see a soaring multi-level atrium—typically something one might expect on a much larger ship. But while that was familiar to some past cruise guests, what was visually different was the “adventure factor.” As the elevator transported us upward, we looked through its glass wall across to a vertical multi-deck wall screen with video showing a seal lounging on remote, icy terrain.
Beyond the atrium, the adventure and scientific bent are front-and-center in many ways on this ship. For example, just beyond the reception desk is the Science Lab. We watched guests check out wall charts and browse eco-focused and adventure books in the library. Nearby, guests seated in a science lab peered through microscopes while listening to an expedition team member’s commentary. Interactive scientific workshops are certainly one highlight of HX’s small-ship product.
And throughout our short cruise, HX’s skilled naturalists, geologists, scientists and other eco-experts lectured in the adjacent lecture hall. The topics focused on the Pacific Northwest ecosystem, flora, fauna and sustainability. Most notably, expedition team members also guided guests in scientific research projects. So, on one morning, guests boarded Zodiacs and were spotted gathering Pacific Ocean water samples, which were later analyzed back on the ship.
Good to know? Besides carrying a fleet of Zodiacs, Fridtjof Nansen also offers kayaks for guest outings. On longer itineraries that offer time ashore in ports of call, the expedition team will lead HX’s guests in mountain hikes, beach walks or other expedition activities.
Unique Product Positioning
From our perspective, we'd best describe this expedition product as having an upper premium feel with a few touches of luxury. Advisors on our sailing cited several client types for whom the HX product—and specifically the Fridtjof Nansen—might appeal.
First, advisors felt that it's a possibility for those who’ve never cruised, don’t want huge ships and would prefer more of a boutique hotel feel coupled with an expeditionary approach. Second, this ship also could be a good fit for those travelers desiring to “try out” an expedition product but, at the same time, desiring to avoid an extremely small (100 to 200 guests) expedition vessel. At 530 passengers, this is a bit larger expedition ship, which affords the luxury of space for a diverse range of activities in different spots. Yet, it's still intimate in many ways.
Culinary Choices
Overall, the culinary product was varied and enticing. While the ship's menus in the three restaurants reflect Norwegian and Nordic traditions, those eateries also serve international cuisine and locally inspired dishes.
One popular culinary highlight during our Pacific Northwest cruise was Restaurant Aune's amazing Alaska buffet with both cold and hot dishes. Let’s just say that one cold buffet counter piled high with crab, shrimp and mussels proved a hit in many ways—for dining, snapping selfies and even going back for seconds.
We also dined at Restaurant Fredheim during lunch one day. Named after a 1900s hunting station on Svalbard, Norway, this venue is an informal and social meeting space. Guests can see an open galley kitchen and are seated at either communal or individual tables.
Even at the individual tables, though, guests may be seated with others not in their party. During one lunch meal, we sat at a table for six. Other guests soon were seated with us, providing a great way to meet our fellow guests and share a good meal. Generally, expedition cruisers develop a good sense of camaraderie as they bond over shared excursions.
The ship’s fine dining venue is Restaurant Lindstrom. Named after Adolf Lindstrom, a favorite chef of the Norwegian polar heroes, meals here are included in the suite guest’s cruise fare. Non-suite guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in Lindstrom for an additional cost.
Lovely Interior Feel
The interior of Fridtjof Nansen reflects a Scandinavian design with use of rich materials such as granite, oak, birch and wool. Guests will discover a comfortable, relaxed feel. Many on our cruise navigated to the Explorer Lounge to relax and socialize. Here, soft chairs, sofas and individual seating areas provide a comfortable spot to watch the outside world through floor-to-ceiling windows; plus, the bar wraps around the forward part of the ship. It’s also a popular spot for some lectures, receptions and events, although those are also held elsewhere on the ship as well.
Spa, Gym and Pool
The ship’s Wellness Center offers various spa services, plus guests can work out in a well-equipped fitness center.
One of our favorite spots aboard was the top aft pool deck. Here, guests will find a full-service pool bar, as well as plenty of loungers, two very large whirlpools (much bigger than some we’ve seen on other ships) and a decently sized aft infinity pool.
Fridtjof Nansen also offers a wellness center with a spa, sauna and relaxation area, plus an inside fitness center. In addition, guests will find observation decks on Decks 6, 7 and 11. The latter also has a running track and outdoor gym equipment.
Comfortable Suites and Staterooms
Space-wise, Fridtjof Nansen’s staterooms and suites range from the 194-square-foot entry-level outside cabin to a roomy 516-square-foot top suite. All staterooms and suites are outside and 50 percent of those offer private balconies. One perk for booking an aft suite is a private outdoor hot tub.
During our time aboard, we stayed in No. 804, an XT category accommodation. This 194-square-foot entry-level cabin with a private balcony was perfect for our needs. A double bed could be converted to two twin beds, if desired.
Upon arrival in the suite, guests will find a bottle of bubbly and three small round ceramic containers—one with nuts in one, another with prosciutto and a third with potato crisps. That was a nice welcoming touch.
Over the years, we’ve stayed in many balcony staterooms and many expedition cabins. One facet of No. 804 that we particularly appreciated was the living area’s seating. We loved the two comfortable chairs, rather than a pull-out couch—although that, too, is available, if desired, in some other accommodations. These chairs slightly reclined and offered good back support. Plus, one had a leg rest ottoman. After a long day of exploring, guests can relax on these chairs while watching a movie on the opposite wall’s large flat-screen HDTV.
We liked most everything about this accommodation. That said, we discovered one "could be improved" item that advisors should know about, particularly if they have clients with difficulty climbing one stair. The "lip" or step up between the stateroom floor and the bathroom was the highest we've ever had on a ship. Usually those are an inch or two high at maximum, but this one was far more.
Parting Thoughts
While we were only aboard for two nights, we liked what we did see and experience on this ship. As previously mentioned, one top takeaway is that Fridtjof Nansen is larger than some other expedition vessels, yet it still exudes a small-ship aura in many ways. And it lacks crowds and, for the most part, spreads out guests well. The Explorer Lounge, for instance, had plenty of seating.
Best of all, the Fridtjof Nansen offers the luxury of space—a potent draw for those who’ve only sailed on big ships and prefer diversity in public venues. They’ll feel at home with the airy, multi-story atrium with glass elevators, plus multiple restaurants, the Explorer Lounge, full-service spa, top deck pool and whirlpools, and the science lab and library, among other spaces—not to mention the accommodations were comfortable and well-appointed. In addition, this ship introduces nature-minded guests to the local flora and fauna, has an expedition aura, and also emphasize a focus on scientific research and sustainability. Cruise executives tell us the latter, in particular, is drawing a younger demographic.
Pricewise, the HX product is also highly inclusive, with the fare covering most expedition activities, gratuities, soft drinks, wine and beer (except premium drinks) and more.
Among the upcoming expedition itineraries for Fridtjof Nansen is the 19-day “Antarctica and Falkland Islands” northbound itinerary on three dates between March 2025 and March 2027. The journey is round-trip from Buenos Aires, Argentina (with the cruise departing from Ushuaia, Argentina).
For all itineraries and more information on HX, visit www.travel.hx.com.
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