HX MS Fridtjof Nansen Review: Two Perspectives
May 2026
Rashmi Latchman
Social Media & Content Executive
HX MS Fridtjof Nansen Review: Two Perspectives on One Expedition Ship
We recently sent two of our team aboard HX Expeditions' MS Fridtjof Nansen, one of the Norwegian line's purpose-built expedition ships. Both came back with the same overall verdict and a few interestingly different observations. Rather than pick one voice, we thought it was more useful to share both. This review does exactly that, weaving together Charlie and Polly's experiences into a single honest account of what life aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen actually looks like.
First impressions: modern, warm, and immediately intriguing
Both Charlie and Polly stepped aboard expecting a functional expedition ship. What they found was something more considered. Polly described the atmosphere as warm and relaxing from the first moment, with staff greeting guests with genuine smiles and a crew member arriving at the cabin shortly after check-in to introduce himself and check if anything was needed. Charlie’s first reaction was slightly different but pointed in the same direction: the science area near the entrance caught his attention immediately. Stepping onto the ship and seeing microscopes, specimen jars, and research materials on display created an atmosphere he described as intriguing rather than merely decorative. It sets HX Expeditions apart from the first moment.
The ship itself is modern and clean, with a contemporary design that feels cosy rather than clinical. Polly summed it up well: expedition atmosphere without any of the austerity you might expect. Everything felt new, considered, and comfortable.
The cabins: thoughtful touches and a bathroom floor worth mentioning
Charlie and Polly shared Cabin 511, a Polar Outside cabin on the smaller side of the MS Fridtjof Nansen range. Neither found it cramped. Charlie noted that the bed placement maximised floor space well, though slightly more room between the twin beds would have been welcome. Polly found there was plenty of room for luggage and belongings, and the large window provided good natural light and views despite the absence of a balcony.
Both flagged the heated bathroom floor without prompting, which tells you something. Charlie described it as a genuinely nice touch after a shower. Polly said it made the stay noticeably more enjoyable. The shower itself was powerful and hot, and the bathroom was well-sized with good storage throughout.
On the ship tour, Polly also visited the Extra-Large Suite on Deck 8, positioned at the front of the ship with views comparable to the bridge. She also saw The 1896 Cabin, an exclusive feature of MS Fridtjof Nansen, redesigned to recreate the experience of polar explorers from 130 years ago as part of HX’s 130th Anniversary celebration. A historian is present on embarkation day, and guests can reserve it once on board. It is the kind of detail that rewards curious guests.
Public spaces: a fake fire pit and a lift worth finding
Charlie’s favourite public space was Deck 10, and specifically the Explorer Lounge. The standout feature for him was the fake fire pit logs in the centre of the room, which sounds like a minor detail and is somehow exactly the right touch on an expedition ship. Warm, atmospheric, and a natural gathering point. Polly agreed that the Explorer Lounge was the highlight of the communal spaces, praising the comfortable seating, quiet corners, and views.
Charlie also flagged the aft lift as a hidden gem worth knowing about. It displays expedition photography and images of penguins, polar bears, and remote landscapes. It sounds incidental. Several guests apparently spent time there deliberately.
The outdoor heated pool and hot tubs on Deck 10, near the Pool Bar, were a highlight for Polly, particularly for the experience of relaxing in warm water with open sea views in cooler temperatures. Charlie noted the outdoor pool was there but was too cold to attempt during his sailing. Both would agree the verdict depends entirely on the weather.
Dining: lamb stew, a tender steak, and a wait for dessert
Both Charlie and Polly dined at Aune Main Dining, the primary restaurant on board. The quality was strong across the two sailings. Charlie had the lamb stew on the first evening and described it as exceptional. Polly had a beef pie starter and stewed lamb main, which she described as beautifully presented, flavourful, and very well prepared. Both waited longer than expected for dessert on the first night and both agreed it was worth it.
Polly’s beef steak on the second evening was tender, juicy, and cooked perfectly. Charlie felt the service was slightly rushed on night two, though the restaurant manager’s response to a mix-up with a reservation he had cancelled was a genuine highlight: he came to find them personally, handled the situation warmly, and stayed to talk for some time. That kind of attentiveness, even in an awkward situation, says a great deal about the crew culture on board.
Breakfast at the Veranda was buffet-style and covered cold dishes, hot food, pastries, fruit, yogurt, and cooked-to-order options. Polly found it reliably good every morning. The all-inclusive model on HX Expeditions covers all meals, house wine and beer with meals, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and all excursions, which removes the decision-making from every meal and makes the overall experience considerably more relaxed.
The science and enrichment programme: the real reason to sail
This is where HX Expeditions genuinely distinguishes itself. Both Charlie and Polly highlighted the enrichment programme as one of the standout aspects of the voyage, and both pointed to the science lectures as a highlight. Charlie sat in on a session involving microscopes and seawater samples collected near Helgoland, where guests examined plankton under magnification. He described it as fascinating and genuinely educational rather than a token activity.
Polly noted that HX’s three core values of Comfort, Adventure, and Curiosity could be felt throughout the ship at every point. The presence of naturalists and specialists on board, combined with hands-on activities and afternoon enrichment sessions in the Explorer Lounge, creates an atmosphere that encourages guests to ask questions and engage with the world outside the ship. It is a meaningfully different proposition from standard luxury cruising.
Afternoon waffle time was also mentioned by Polly as a lovely and slightly unexpected touch: a chance to sit with snacks during a performance or simply enjoy a quiet hour on board. Small thing, well-placed.
Crew and service: consistent, warm, and quick to fix problems
Both described the crew as warm, helpful, and approachable throughout. Everyone said good morning, everyone smiled, and staff consistently stopped for proper conversations rather than simply passing by. Polly experienced a toilet vacuum system fault on the first morning and reported it to reception. The team responded quickly, were already aware of the issue, and had it fully resolved by the time she returned from her excursion. It is the kind of problem that can derail a trip. The response here made it forgettable in the best sense.
Who is MS Fridtjof Nansen best suited for?
Charlie summed up the guest demographic as a mix of solo travellers and couples, with a range of ages from around 12 upwards. Polly made the same observation and extended it: this ship works for curious travellers of almost any profile. The combination of expedition cruising comfort with genuine scientific and educational programming makes it particularly well-suited to guests who want to come back from a holiday knowing something they did not know before they left.
Disembarkation was well-organised on Polly’s sailing, with an earlier breakfast service arranged for guests with early flights. Charlie’s experience was slightly less smooth on timing, though the bus drivers were friendly and it was organised well overall.
Final thoughts: two outlooks, one shared verdict
Charlie would go back for longer to get more from the immersive activities and lectures. Polly would stay an extra night and try more of what the ship offers. Both would recommend it without hesitation to the right guest. Browse HX Expeditions cruise deals to see current sailings, or get in touch with our Voyage Consultants to discuss the right expedition voyage for you.
If you want to explore more expedition options, our best expedition cruise lines 2026 guide covers the full market. For another small ship perspective, read our Ponant Le Bellot review for further expedition ship first-hand accounts.
