Introducing Fridtjof Nansen – Hurtigruten’s second hybrid ship

THurtigruten Fridtjof Nansen he timing could not have been worse. Just as Hurtigruten’s second hybrid expedition ship, Fridtjof Nansen, completed its first ‘showcase’ sailing around the British Isles, the coronavirus pandemic put a global stop to all cruising.

However, I was fortunate to be on board that sailing – and what a stylish ship she turned out to be.

On boarding in Tilbury, the ship’s classy Scandinavian design was immediately evident – it’s definitely a class above Hurtigruten’s older-style vessels.

Cabin with balcony Light woods, Norwegian granite, oak and birch merged seamlessly with swish lamps and elegant design. Artworks handpicked by Her Royal Highness Queen Sonja of Norway and her art foundation adorned the walls, a glowing ornamental fire was a magnificent centrepiece in the Observatory lounge and retro Nordic skis in fine-dining restaurant Lindstrom paid homage to Norwegian heritage.

A huge seven-storey TV screen showing beautiful Nordic landscapes and wildlife in the central foyer set the tone for ship’s outdoorsy expedition vibe – and was also wonderful viewing from glass-walled lifts as we ascended to our cabin. Guests will definitely feel more at home in gilet and walking shoes on this ship than evening dress and stilettos.

Cabins, which are all outside, are compact but well-designed and the modern spacious bathroom has controllable underfloor heating. Fifty-percent of cabins have balconies.

Chef in Lindstrom gourmet restaurant Attention to detail with today’s cruiser in mind has been paid throughout. Aune, the main dining room, has lots of tables for two and long high benches for singles or others who want to mingle. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a light, airy feel. Platters of langoustine, oysters, king prawns and salmon were the stars of the lunch and dinner buffets which offered plenty of choice. Dinner was waiter-service on occasion.

At cafe-style Fredheim, steam buns and delicious crab rolls and burgers were served alongside thick milk shakes and sizzling waffles with cloud berries – yum. Gourmet restaurant Lindstrom, which I found offered a limited menu, is free for suite guests, €25 supplement otherwise.

Going green

However, it’s the hybrid ship’s eco-credentials that are making industry heads turn. A battery-powered propulsion system, which combines battery and diesel power, uses 20-30 percent less fuel and reduces CO2 emissions significantly. Excess electricity generated can be stored in batteries, where there’s space to increase capacity six-fold in the future.

Kathryn litter picking at RSPB Radipole Lake Weybouth Just as much effort has gone into ‘above stairs’ too. I particularly liked the recycling bins in cabins, though they took up quite a lot of space, reusable water bottles and hydration stations on each floor. Some crew uniforms are made from recycled plastic and hairdryer bags from recycled linen.

A ‘we go green’ sign on the door indicated when guests didn’t want their cabin cleaned. For every guest who does that, Hurtigruten will donate half a euro to an environmental fund. It’s a great idea but I wonder how many guests will forgo their daily clean on a premium product?

The eco-vibe extends to excursions, too, in the shape of beach clean-ups and conservation projects. Armed with litter-picker and sack, we set about cleaning up RSPB Radipole Lake in Weymouth while our colleagues tackled Chesil Beach. It was a rewarding and bonding experience.

Scientific research

Black-browed albatross skull in Science Centre A state-of-the-art science centre also sets this ship apart. Expect to see members of the 22-strong expedition team pouring over industrial-sized microscopes studying such things as sharks eggs. We were invited to join Jenna from the Orca Foundation one morning to collect data on porpoises and dolphins after departing from Portsmouth harbour. There’s also books on birds, wildlife and glass cabinets displaying bird skulls and walrus tusks. A Blueye underwater drone will relay pictures from beneath the ice in polar regions.

I never made it to the early morning wildlife watching but those who did were rewarded with great photographs of dolphins.

Wildlife and cultural lectures held during the day and evenings were streamed to cabins so you could watch them while relaxing in your pyjamas. Our evening storytelling session on polar explorer Fridtjof Nansen, after whom the ship is named, was fascinating.

View of the gym I found plenty to keep me fit including a well-equipped gym, heated pool and 150-metre running track. Relaxation opportunities included a spa (treatments from 65 euros), hot tub, sauna with a huge panoramic window and comfy day beds in the Observatory which were ideal for an afternoon snooze.

Ironically, it wasn’t the coronavirus pandemic that played havoc with our itinerary in the end. Storms and rough seas put paid to our calls at the Isles of Scilly and Isle of Man. On the plus side, we had an extra day in Liverpool where we enjoyed an entertaining Liverpool City Sights’ Beatles bus tour and sang along to the band’s hits as we toured the homes and haunts of the Fab Four. A fitting fabulous finale to an utterly fab ship.

More information

Due to Covid-19 Hurtigruten has suspended its Norwegian coastal voyages and expedition sailings. Please visit Hurtigruten website for the latest information.

Fridtjof Nansen was scheduled to depart on a 15-day Iceland expedition cruise on 24 June and operate 16-day Diso Bay – Heart of Greenland itineraries from Reykjavik in July and August. From January 2021, it is due to sail 12-day cruises in Antarctica from Buenos Aires.

Silver Travel Advisor recommends Hurtigruten.

183 people found this helpful
19615

Share Article:

Kathryn Liston

Travel writer

Leave a comment

*

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest travel tips on top destinations.

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Most Recent Articles

There’s something refreshingly nostalgic about the quintessential British coach holiday….

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.