Cruise ship review: MS Fram
Overall score 9/10
A nimble expedition ‘basecamp’ designed to bring guests closer to nature and named after the famous 19th-century wooden schooner Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen used on their polar expeditions. It has a 318-passenger capacity and 127 cabins.
Style & character 8/10
Breaking through icebergs since 2007 and due a major refurbishment in 2020, she remains unprentious and homely – with an exhibition of original artefacts from Amundsen and Nansen’s historic expeditions, lecture theatres and a Science Centre.
Cabins 7/10
It has 127 cabins split into seven categories: from windowless inner cabins all the way up to 20 double-bed suites with private balconies and named after Norwegian polar heroes. All are decorated with works by local Arctic artists and equipped with flat-screen TVs, hair dryers, safes and fridges.
Food & drink 9/10
All meals are taken in the Imaq (‘sea’ in Inuit) bi-level dining room with sea views.
Breakfast and lunch are usually buffet; dinner is normally a superb three-course seated affair with a choice of meat or fish. Afternoon tea is served in the panoramic lounge at 4pm and there’s a self-service bistro with free tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
Service 10/10
Hutigruten staff – from the waiters to the expedtion leaders – are exceptional. Approachable, friendly and always willing to go the extra mile for guests.
Facilities 9/10
Extras include a bright, well-equipped fitness room, large sauna, two hot tubs on deck, and a panoramic observation lounge kitted out with binoculars and a library.
Entertainment & excursions 9/10
A variety of high-calibre excursions are offered on most land days and there are daily lectures on culture, history and nature. Evening entertainment centres around the bar with quizes, karoke and a fashio- show finale.
Value for money 7/10
Excursions, Wi-Fi and alcholic beverages are billed separately, but the quality of guiding, food and facilities make it worthwhile.
