HX Expeditions, the world’s largest and first expedition cruise company, today announced significant refurbishments for two of its most popular smaller ships, MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen. With an investment of more than €7 million, these upgrades reflect HX’s commitment to delivering the highest quality service and guest experience while enhancing operational efficiency across its fleet.
MS Fram
With a guest capacity of 250, MS Fram carries the name of the legendary Norwegian exploration vessel that made history when Fridtjof Nansen used it (1893–1896) to test his polar drift theory, freezing it into Arctic Sea ice in an attempt to reach the North Pole.
The modern MS Fram was HX Expeditions’ first purpose-built polar expedition ship, designed with cutting-edge technology for Arctic and Antarctic exploration. Fully upgraded in 2022, it remains a favorite among guests for its advanced expedition tools, including an extractable forward-sounding sonar and an oversized oil retention system for self-sufficiency.
Now, MS Fram is set to undergo a refurbishment to enhance guest accommodations, public areas, and crew facilities:
- New Science Center: A state-of-the-art Science Center will be installed, providing an interactive space for guests to engage with the expedition experience.
- Cabin Refurbishments: A total of 19 Arctic Superior cabins will be completely renovated, including updated bathrooms. Additionally, 14 Expedition Suites and six Expedition Grand Suites will be fully refurbished and will now offer a twin-bed configuration option.
- Dining Experience Enhancements: Aune Restaurant, known for its vast array of global cuisine, will receive improvements to elevate the dining experience; the galley will also be updated to enhance operational efficiency.
- Additional Guest and Crew Upgrades: All Polar Cabins will be upgraded with new bathrooms, while 36 crew cabins will also undergo full bathroom refurbishment, along with refreshed carpets and sofas.
The refurbishment work will take place this April in Panama dry dock, with the ‘new look’ available to guests starting May 26, 2025.
“The same year Nansen was attempting to reach the North Pole aboard 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. That inaugural voyage in 1896 set the stage for more than a century of pioneering expedition travel.
MS Spitsbergen
Named after one of the largest and the only permanently populated island of the Svalbard archipelago in northern Norway, MS Spitsbergen is deeply tied to HX Expeditions’ origins, as its first expedition cruise in 1896 brought curious travelers to these remote waters, charting a course for modern expedition travel.
“From the start, HX Expeditions didn’t just witness exploration—we made it accessible, and Spitsbergen represents our bold beginning. More than a century later, that same pioneering spirit still drives us,” said Rainer.
With a guest capacity of 220, MS Spitsbergen continues to lead Arctic exploration, blending HX Expeditions’ heritage with modern innovation. Now, it will undergo a series of upgrades designed to enhance comfort, accessibility, and operational efficiency:
- New Science Center: A brand-new Science Center will be installed, further enhancing the ship’s expedition offerings.
- Cabin and Public Space Updates: All Polar Cabins will be upgraded with new bathrooms, while the popular Explorer Bar will receive a refreshed design for an improved guest experience.
- New Brygge Bistro:A new bistro concept will be introduced, offering guests a selection of snacks throughout the day.
- Accessibility and Crew Enhancements: Refurbished ADA bathrooms will improve accessibility, while new interpreter setups will allow guests to listen to science and educational talks in multiple languages. Crew areas and dining facilities will also be expanded for greater comfort and well-being.
Refurbishment work will take place in Astilleros de Santander S.A.U. dry dock in Spain this February and March, with the ship returning to service on April 2, 2025.
By blending modern advancements with a legacy of exploration, HX Expeditions continues to redefine expedition travel for a new generation of explorers.
“These significant investments in MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen reflect our commitment to delivering world-class expedition experiences. From enhanced public spaces to a stronger focus on science and education, these upgrades will elevate every aspect of the journey. When guests step aboard in spring 2025, they’ll experience a more immersive, comfortable, and seamless adventure—built on our dedication to continuous improvement,” concluded Rainer.
