I recently had the opportunity to experience a two-night trip onboard HX Expeditions’ beautiful MS Fridtjof Nansen.
Sailing from Hamburg to the tiny island of Heligoland, this was my first taste of expedition cruising, and it was amazing to see for myself just how different this style of cruising can be.
After a quick flight from London Heathrow Airport to Hamburg, we made our way to the ship and were welcomed onboard. The first thing that struck me was how sleek and modern the ship felt.
MS Fridtjof Nansen is one of HX Expeditions’ hybrid-powered ships, designed with sustainability in mind, and it feels more like a stylish Scandinavian boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship.
I stayed in an Arctic Superior outside cabin, which was incredibly spacious and thoughtfully designed. Although it didn’t have a balcony, the picture window meant I never felt like I was missing out on the sea views, and the bathroom was much bigger than I expected.
Every detail had a clean Scandinavian feel – calming colours, natural textures, and a cosy atmosphere that made it very easy to settle in quickly.
One thing that really makes MS Fridtjof Nansen stand out is its size. With a capacity of just 490 guests, it feels far more intimate than many mainstream cruise ships. All cabins are outside facing, around half have private balconies, and the aft suites feature outdoor hot tubs with panoramic views.
If your favourite thing about cruising is formal nights and theatre shows, this isn’t that kind of cruise, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. HX Expeditions is all about exploration, discovery, and learning more about the destinations you visit. At the heart of the ship is the Science Centre, where guests and the Expedition Team come together to learn more about the world around them.
Onboard entertainment comes in the form of talks and lectures rather than traditional theatre productions, which gives the whole experience a much more immersive and authentic feel. HX even offers guests the opportunity to take part in real science projects during some of its voyages. It’s a refreshing concept and perfect for anyone who loves nature, wildlife, and adventure travel.
Another of my favourite features of this particular ship was the “1896 Cabin”. To celebrate 130 years since HX’s first expedition voyage, guests onboard MS Fridtjof Nansen have the opportunity to spend one night in a cabin designed exactly as it would have looked back in 1896. It’s such a creative idea and something history lovers and adventure seekers will absolutely love.
The ship also offers plenty of ways to relax after a day of exploring. Even though it’s smaller than many cruise ships, there are still three restaurants onboard, as well as a fitness and wellbeing suite. There are also two outdoor hot tubs, an infinity pool, and plenty of cosy spaces to sit back and relax with a drink in hand while watching the scenery pass by.
The main thing I took away from this trip is how authentic and genuinely different the whole experience felt. Before our sailing, the ship had just returned from Antarctica, and hearing about the incredible adventures guests can experience there was truly inspiring, from camping overnight under the Antarctic stars to sea kayaking through icy wilderness surrounded by wildlife. This is expedition cruising at its absolute best.
MS Fridtjof Nansen combines comfort, style, and excellent hospitality with genuine adventure, and I can completely understand why expedition cruising has become so popular. It’s an amazing way to experience some of the world’s most remote corners without sacrificing luxury.
If you’d like to find out more about my trip or enquire about your own expedition cruise, feel free to pop into the Taunton store or call me on 01823 335111. I’d love to hear from you!
