By
Laura Hyde |
HX Expeditions (formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions) is refurbishing two of its most popular smaller ships, Fram and Spitsbergen, in a project set to cost over €7 million ($7.3 million).
Fram, the brand’s first purpose-built polar expedition ship, has a capacity for 250 guests. It was fully upgraded in 2022 and features numerous expedition tools, including an extractable forward-sounding sonar and an oversized oil retention system for self-sufficiency. The refurbishment project onboard Fram will create a new Science Center which will provide an interactive space for guests to engage with the expedition experience.
A new Science Center will be installed on HX Expeditions’ ship Fram
During the refurbishment, 19 Arctic Superior cabins, 14 Expedition Suites and six Expedition Grand Suites will be refurbished, and all Polar Cabins will be upgraded with new bathrooms. Elsewhere onboard, 36 crew cabins will also undergo full bathroom refurbishment and will get new carpets and sofas.
Crew cabins onboard Fram will be given carpets and sofas
The ship’s restaurant, Aune, will also receive improvements designed to elevate the dining experience, while the galley will be updated to enhance operational efficiency.
Fram will enter dry dock in Panama for its refurbishment in April 2025. Guests can experience the ship’s new look from 26 May.
Read more: Expedition cruise line HX acquired by investment consortium in €140 million deal
The refurbishment project onboard HX Expeditions’ 220-guest ship Spitsbergen will include numerous upgrades designed to enhance comfort, accessibility and operational efficiency. As with the refurbishment onboard Fram, a new Science Center will be installed, and crew will benefit from new bathrooms in their cabins and modernised communal areas and dining facilities.
Spitsbergen will also feature a Science Center following the refurbishment project
All Spitsbergen’s Polar Cabins will feature new bathrooms. The Explorer Bar will be redesigned while a new bistro concept restaurant, called Brygge Bistro, will be introduced. Interpreter setups will be installed to enable guests to listen to science and educational talks in multiple languages.
Spitsbergen will spend February and March in dry dock at Astilleros de Santander in Spain and is expected to return to service on 2 April.
“These significant investments in Fram and Spitsbergen reflect our commitment to delivering world-class expedition experiences,” said Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX Expeditions. “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.”