Antarctic Week: Hurtigruten

 Hurtigruten offers a variety of Antarctic-based itineraries,

all operated aboard their purpose-built ship, MS Fram.

Photo courtesy of Hurtigruten ASA.

Formerly known as Norwegian Coastal Voyages, Hurtigruten offers some very compelling Antarctic itineraries, all operated by their flagship, the aptly-named MS Fram.

Built in 2006, Fram is the perfect combination:

part expedition vessel, part cruise ship.

Photo courtesy of Hurtigruten ASA 

Named after the ship that carried Norwegian polar explorer Roald Amundsen to Antarctic victory in 1910, Hurtigtruten's Fram was built in 2006 specifically to transport passengers to the polar regions.  She is 374 feet long, 65 feet wide, and can carry just over three hundred passengers.

With her short, stout appearance, Fram looks like she's ready for anything mother nature can throw at her.  I love her outward design - she has a look that is elegant yet tough as nails.  But on the inside, she's as comfortable and tastefully decorated as cruise ships plying warmer seas.  Naturally, every public room comes with expansive views of the sea, ensuring passengers never miss out on the beauty of Antarctica.

 Cold outside, warm inside: Fram's inviting interior contains

numerous polar references, like this lit "iceberg" near the

staircase.

Photo courtesy of Hurtigruten ASA

The ship features public rooms decorated in beautiful wood tones, varying shades of blue, and red accents.  All public areas are themed after the polar regions in which the Fram sails, and the result is an expedition ship that is warm and inviting on the inside, regardless of the conditions outside. 

Located high atop the navigation bridge, the excellent forward-facing

lounge aboard the Fram provides breathtaking 180-degree views

of the passing Antarctic scenery.

Photo courtesy of Hurtigruten ASA.

An excellent photo-tour of this interesting polar expedition cruise ship can be found on Bart de Boer's fantastic ShipParade website, and highlights these spectacular interior spaces, many of which look as though they belong on a far larger vessel.  Therein lies the brilliance of this ship: it's the perfect expedition ship for those who aren't willing to compromise on amenities, but can't quite afford the jump to lines like Silversea or Hapag-Lloyd.

 One of Fram's larger Oceanview staterooms.

Photo courtesy of Hurtigruten ASA.

There's even two heated outdoor Jacuzzis aboard the Fram - something Roald Amundsen and his crew could only have dreamed about a century ago.

But most importantly, Hurtigruten knows these waters.  They've been sailing this region for years, and when other ships have run into trouble, Hurtigruten vessels have come to the rescue.  

 If a picture is worth a thousand words, these fortunate passengers

must be speechless.  Zodiac landing craft provide an opportunity

to get up-close and personal with this fascinating part of the world.

Photo courtesy of Hurtigruten ASA

While in Antarctica, guests can go ashore via the zodiac landing craft stored onboard the ship.  As with other expedition lines, shore landings depend on a variety of factors - passenger safety being first and foremost - but Hurtigruten makes every effort to give passengers a stellar polar experience, one that you are sure to remember for the rest of your life.

 Fram is seen anchored offshore in Port Lockroy, Antarctica.

Photo courtesy of Hurtigruten ASA.

So where can you go with Hurtigruten?  The line offers a wide variety of itineraries to Antarctica, but this one caught our eye for its vacation-day friendly duration as well as the amount of time actually spent cruising the Antarctic Peninsula.

Jan 3, 12, or Feb 14, 2012 - 12 Day Antarctic Discovery - MS Fram 

 Day 1- Buenos Aires - Arrive and stay overnight.
Day 2 - Ushuaia, Argentia - Fly to Ushuaia and embark MS Fram.
Day 3 - Drake Passage
Day 4- Drake Passage
Day 5 - Antarctic Peninsula
Day 6 - Antarctic Peninsula
Day 7 - Antarctic Peninsula
Day 8 - Antarctic Peninsula
Day 9 - Drake Passage
Day 10 -Drake Passage
Day 11 - Ushuaia, Argentina - Disembark and fly to Buenos Aires.  Overnight.
Day 12 - Buenos Aires - flights home.

 Sail off into the Antarctic Sunset.

Photo courtesy of Hurtigruten ASA

Curious as to what an actual voyage aboard Fram is like?  Have a peek at their fascinating, dedicated MV Fram blog, written from aboard the ship as she sails through some of the most amazing areas of the world.

For full details on Hurtigruten's extensive Antarctic programs, including departure dates, itineraries, and full pricing, be sure to pay a visit to their website.