This is an expedition where the elements rule, and the weather, wind and ice conditions will determine our schedule. Safety is paramount and the captain will decide the final sailing itinerary during the voyage. Hence, this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience, and why every expedition with Hurtigruten is unique.

EXPEDITION TEAM AND WILDLIFE

To further enhance your experience, the Expedition Team on MS Fram will give presentations and lectures on the history, culture, traditions, navigation and wildlife. The Expedition Team consists of experts from numerous fields and backgrounds and they are always happy to answer your questions. Together with the crew they will make your time on board, and the landings we make, really worthwhile!

We will take advantage of the conditions at hand. On an expedition with MS Fram this means that the Captain and Expedition Leader monitors conditions at hand closely; where is the ice edge, how can we expect the ice drift, where is the ice landlocked, what is the prevailing winds and currents. We obviously have some wishes on where to go, but at this time of the year we have to expect weather- and especially ice conditions to be highly variable. The ice edge of the Arctic Ocean is now at its lowest latitudes – this is a highly productive area biologically as plankton and algae is growing beneath the ice. This cornerstone biological production is an immensely important part of the web of life and attracts all kinds of other animal- and birdlife that thrives here. At the top of this food web we find the big predators – including the polar bear.

Will we see polar bears?

Within the Svalbard Archipelago there are about 3000 polar bears – more than there are humans and probably one of the largest concentrations on Earth. That said; polar bears are solitude animals with no set colony or living area – they roam wherever they can expect to find food and only the pregnant females use denning areas during winter and only when they are expecting offspring.

However; the more eyes scouting through binoculars the higher is the chance of observing the King of the Arctic. The polar bear is a marine mammal hence it is more likely to observe it close to water or even in water. Whenever close to drift ice there is a chance that a polar bear uses this as a platform when at sea.

In very rare occasions dead whales or walrus drift ashore on Svalbard beaches. These tend to attract all kinds of wildlife – including polar bears.

Bottom line is that we often observe polar bears on this itinerary – not every day and seldom on very close range – there are no guarantees for sure. But; one of the biggest fascinations or this expedition is the chance of being really lucky spotting one.

One of the really nice “by-products” of looking for polar bears is that it sensitizes the observer to other wildlife such as birds and other marine mammals. You get a lot from observing sharply in Svalbard!

What about the walrus?

Since the protection of walrus in 1952 the Svalbard population has grown from being decimated down to only a few animals to a strong population with several haul outs scattered around the whole archipelago.

The two best ways to observe walrus is from the vessel when they are hauled out on ice flows or from shore, close to the well-established haul out places.

In order to understand where haul outs may be you’d have to understand that the walrus feeding method; they are shallow divers that feed on benthic fauna that are hiding in sediments on the bottom.

To find these shellfish and molluscs they use their hyper-sensitive whiskers to locate for then to suck in the food with high pressure with the mouth. Gently graduated beaches close to larger shallow areas are good habitats – a landing close to a walrus colony is an experience for all senses (in particular smell), but such places that are suitable for small boat operations are limited and often exposed to wind an swell. No guarantee – but we often see walrus on our expeditions in Spitsbergen.

Explorer Voyages Practical Information MS Fram

Alcohol Policy

Please remember that only beverages purchased from the ships' restaurants and bars can be consumed on board. Alcoholic beverages purchased in ports-of-call and from our on-board shops will be stored by the ship and delivered to your cabin on the last day of the sailing. According to Norwegian law, persons over the age of 18 are allowed to purchase beer and wine. Spirits are only available to persons over the age of 20 are allowed to purchase spirits .

Changes to the itinerary and the excursions

We are sailing in waters where the elements rule, and weather, sea and ice conditions may affect the itinerary. Because of this, the routes and excursions are provisional and subject to change. Excursions may also be subject to minimum/maximum number of participants. We reserve the right to change the itinerary and the content of excursions without prior notice.

Charter flight to Ushuaia

The flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and the return flight are part of your voyage. The flight from Buenos Aires usually departs early in the morning and the return flight to Buenos Aires in the afternoon. Please note that the airline will confirm the final flight times between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia only a few days prior to the day of departure. For final flight times and your boarding pass, please contact our hospitality desk at Emperador Hotel in Buenos Aires one day prior to departure. If you do not plan an overnight stay at the end of your voyage, please do not book your international flight from Buenos Aires in any case before 20:00. Please note that the flight to/from Ushuaia departs/arrives at the Jorge Newberry National Airport. You need at least 3 hours transfer time in Buenos Aires for your connecting flight from Ezeiza airport. We are unable to accept responsibility if you miss your return flight in the event of any delay

Children

For safety reasons we cannot accept children under the age of 5 to travel with us to Antarctica. There is no age restriction on our other destinations. Also for safety reasons, children under 12 years of age will be individually considered on each landing. It is entirely at the Captain’s discretion to allow children on shore landings.

Disabled cabins / Mobility

MS Fram is suitable for wheel chair users. Persons in need of special assistance must travel with a companion. Please note that the ship’s gangway will be used in order to embark/disembark wheelchairs. In ports where tidal conditions or other circumstances require use of a portable gangway, or during landings with Polarcirkel Boats, it is not possible to use/take wheelchairs. Embarkation and disembarkation in Kangerlussuaq/Greenland is by Polarcirkel boat and therefore we regret that any voyages starting and ending in Kangerlussuaq are not suitable for wheelchair users.

Environment and green navigation

Our Captains take pride in route planning that minimises the load of the engines and reduces emissions. All waste is stored on board until it is deposited for treatment ashore. We never dump waste in the sea and we ask you not to leave any waste when you are on shore excursions. In populated areas there are containers for depositing waste, please use them. We ask you to respect the saying: “Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures.”

Expedition Team

The on board Expedition Team is composed of an Expedition Leader, an Assistant Expedition Leader and several lecturers and experts. Your Expedition Leader will regularly update you on the progress of the trip as well as the different points of interest and wildlife sightings that may occur. Biographies of the Expedition Team can be found on the Information bulletin board located close to the Information desk. At the Expedition desk you will be able to find information regarding the trip and book optional excursions.

Lifesaving equipment, life vests and safety on board

The ship complies with all safety requirements and is a modern vessel suitable for sailing in icy waters. Upon arrival on board all passengers will be instructed in safety procedures, and the use and location of the safety equipment. There is a safety plan on the inside of the cabin door. We stress the importance of becoming acquainted with the ship's safety plan. Special safety regulations will apply on landings with the Polarcirkel boats. Please follow the instructions given by the Expedition Leader and crew/staff. Special lifejackets for use during landings will be handed out to all passengers before first landing. A mandatory briefing regarding the safety guidelines will also be given.

Medical Declaration Form

In accordance with Hurtigruten ASA requirements, all travellers to Antarctica and North East Greenland must complete a confidential medical declaration form, signed by a doctor, stating that they are fit to travel. This form will be sent to you well in advance. The form must be filled out, brought on board the ship and personally delivered to the doctor upon embarkation. Boarding may be denied if these forms are not presented at time of embarkation.

Medical emergencies and medication

For your safety there is an English-speaking physician and nurse on board at all times. The ship has a small medical facility with the necessary equipment and drugs to handle small emergencies. In the event of a serious emergency, the nearest hospital will be contacted. Medical consultations as well as medicines will be charged to the passenger affected. We strongly recommend carrying sufficient travel/health insurance. If you depend on medication, remember to bring sufficient supplies to last through any unforeseen delays. We also recommend that you keep your medication in your hand luggage properly labelled and with clear instructions for its use. If you depend on vital drugs, please inform the ship’s doctor upon arrival. Illness on board can lead to quarantine and orders from the ship’s physician and captain, must be followed.

Mobile phone

Depending on the operator with whom you have a contract, mobile phones will function in some places on shore. Check with your carrier company for details. Guests may use their own GSM telephones on board the ship at all times as long as we have connection at an international price level. The price will vary depending on which mobile operator you use. Please check with your carrier company for rates and if your subscription is valid on the MCP Satellite System on board.

Passport and VISA requirements

Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the required travel documents you will be asked to provide prior to boarding the ship. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to identify and obtain all required travel documents and have them available when necessary. Passport is the only valid identification for all of our voyages aboard MS Fram. ID-cards are not accepted. The passport needs to be valid for more than six months after you return to your home country. At check-in passports will be collected by the crew on board the vessel, in order to clear immigrations and customs. Passports will be kept throughout the whole voyage and returned at the end of the trip. Please bring a photocopy of the passport with you. It is the guests’ responsibility to identify and to obtain the necessary visas before commencing their cruise. Based on nationality, many countries still require an entry visa. We regret we are unable to accept any liability if you are denied access to a flight or entry into a country or are otherwise affected by difficulties or costs resulting from your passport not being approved or if you have not obtained the required visa or other documentation.

Polarcirkel boat landings

These sturdy boats enable both water-based exploration and safe landings in otherwise inaccessible areas. You will need to be fairly agile to board these but there is otherwise no need to worry about travelling in them. The crew will show you what to do and as long as you follow their instructions, after a few days it will become second nature. On all landings in Polarcirkel boats guests are expected to wear proper footwear. In Antarctica it is mandatory to use rubber boots for all landings. For all other destinations boots can be useful. You are welcome to bring private boots, or you can rent a pair on board. Landing operations depend on favourable conditions.

Ship’s security

MS Fram complies with the ISPS-regulations (International Ship and Port Security System) where all luggage is subject to X-ray/metal detector inspection upon arrival at port facility or ship. Please keep this is in mind when packing your luggage for the voyage. The ISPS regulations also include hand baggage scan in all ports of call throughout the course of the voyage.

Special requests

If you have special requests such as vegetarian, diabetic or gluten free food, please inform us at time of booking and contact the Head Waiter when on board. We will do our best to meet such requests but cannot guarantee to do so and under no circumstance will any such request be accepted by us so as to form part of a contractual agreement.

Vaccinations

Please check with your General Practitioner regarding the recommended vaccinations for your journey.

What to wear

On board dress is informal. Although some passengers choose to change for dinner, the dress code is casual rather than formal. The weather can vary during the course of each voyage or even during the day. To cater for these variations we recommend the layered dress approach that enables you to adapt to changes in temperature, wind and precipitation conditions easily. For all voyages we advise you to take breathable rain and windproof clothing. A warm hat, gloves, scarf and thermal clothing can be useful, together with thermal underwear, during the winter months. On land where it may be icy, sturdy shoes are important for shore excursions and a walking stick/trekking pole may be useful.

On board information

MS Fram was specially built for comfortable sailing in the remote waters of the Arctic and Antarctic, and you may enjoy her many services whilst she takes you close to nature and wildlife. No dressing up for dinner – no fuss, no frenzy – our aim is to sail calmly through the crisp clean air, close to the ever-changing environment.

Announcements

To hear all announcements in the cabin, the TV has to be set to a channel number. Check your cabin folder for specific channel number once on board. Important updates to our programme and emergency information will be announced in the cabins via separate speakers overriding all other audio in the cabin.

Artworks

Local artists from the Arctic have contributed to making the MS Fram a modern masterpiece. There is a permanent exhibition of original artefacts from the original Fram used by Nansen and Amundsen.

Bar service

The ship has a bar with an excellent selection of spirits, wines, beers and soft drinks at moderate prices, and a lounge with coffee service.

Cabins

There is a wide range of comfortable cabins on board, all with private bathrooms. Please note that check in hours in reception may open before the cabin is ready for use. You will be informed at check-in when your cabin is ready for you. You may expect some noise and vibration in some cabins. This varies depending on the location of your cabin. Also, noise affects people differently and what may be a problem for one person may not be a problem for others. Please note that cabins on deck 5 with passenger access to outside areas may sometimes have an obstructed view due to other passengers walking past. Please ask our reservation team for advice on the best cabin location for you.

Cruise card/payment/credit cards

A cruise card will be issued upon arrival on board as part of the check in procedure in accordance with ISPS regulations. All our guests are requested to wear this card when disembarking the ship in all ports of call and landings. The card serves as a control system on the gangway enabling the ship to know which of our guests are on board and ashore at any time. This card, in addition to being the key card for your cabin, is also your payment card on board. The card is the only means of payment for the on board facilities.

To activate the cruise card account you must have a Visa, American Express, Diners or Mastercard. The credit card must be valid more than 3 months after your stay on board. We regret that our system does not support Maestro Card. Please note that when using your credit card on board the ship, your account will be debited in NOK. The rate of exchange will be the one validated by your credit card company. The evening before the voyage ends the account will be totalled and settled on board, and a receipt brought to your cabin. We regret that there is no facility for cash withdrawals or currency exchange on board.

Electricity

The plugs in your cabins are all 220V/50hz. Suites have 110V for Shavers. The plugs are continental two pin plugs. Adapters are available for purchase in the shop.

Entertainment

The emphasis on board is on relaxation and discovery, and not on commercial entertainment often part of conventional cruises. Our aim is to get you closer to unique environments and to allow you to share the experience with your fellow travellers. Occasionally there may be some musical entertainment on board in the evenings.

Fitness room, sauna and Jacuzzi

On deck 7, you find our modern fitness room and comfortable sauna with a fantastic view through panorama windows. Two outdoor Jacuzzis invite you to take a warm bath.

Gratuity Policy

We have learned that many of our guests wish to acknowledge the service provided by our crew on board. It is at you discretion to honour service rendered by the crew in bars, restaurant and cabins. In order to give you some guidelines, we recommend 80 NOK (approx 9 Euro, 12 USD) per guest per day as an average gratuity. Whatever amount you decide to give, please fill in the form you will find in your cabin and give it to the receptionist two nights before the end of the cruise. The amount will then be debited to your cruise account.

Information and services

On deck 4, you will find our reception and expedition desk, where the staff is available to answer your questions. In this area, you will also find our Internet café, our lobby with wireless access and our lecture rooms.

Jacket

A complementary Explorer jacket can be picked up upon arrival to the vessel.

Language

The language on board is English. Announcements, lectures and written information are also given in German.

Laundry

A laundry service is available on board at low cost. No self-service or dry-cleaning is possible.

Lectures

The ship’s experienced lecturers’ have an in-depth knowledge of the areas in which we sail. They will give, on a regular basis, lectures on topics such as biology, history and geology throughout the course of the trip. The lecturing schedule will be announced every day in the on board daily program. Do not hesitate to contact our Expedition Team for any questions or concerns you might have.

Library

The ship has a small selection of books on different topics that is available to guests while on board.

Observation lounge

MS Fram's observation lounge is called Qilak, meaning “sky” in Greenlandic, and the name of this lounge sets the standard. Here you find large panoramic windows, comfortable seats and binoculars so you can view the wildlife and details of the ever-changing landscape.

Outdoor decks

MS Fram has spacious outdoor areas. Enjoy the views from the very front of the ship where there is a large viewing area or from the back on deck 7. Both are perfect vantage points to sit back, relax and watch the world go by.

Post

You can hand in your mail in the reception, and for a limited amount covering service fee and stamps, we will forward your mail in every port where it is possible. The time it takes for postcards or other mail to reach the destination varies and may be relatively long. Hurtigruten acccepts no responsibility for lost mail.

Resident photographer

Our resident photographer will invite you to photography workshops and practical sessions out on deck to enable you to take the best possible pictures from your voyage.

Restaurant & cuisine

Your voyage includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our restaurant is named Imaq – the Greenlandic word for “ocean”, offering scenic views from every table. At the far end of the restaurant is a balcony, an ideal place from where to take photos. The open seating for the breakfast and lunch buffet creates a relaxed atmosphere. Dinner varies between buffets, set meals and barbeques. The type of dinner is announced in the daily programme. Our Head Waiter will assign tables prior to arrival. Information about table number and meal times will be in your cabin upon arrival. Please provide information regarding special requests for seating arrangements to your sales office/travel agent. At some voyages we might serve the dinner divided into Boat groups. Where possible, we plan our menus around seasonal ingredients, taking advantage of local produce to satisfy healthy appetites stimulated by the fresh sea air. Regular coffee/tea is complimentary throughout the whole voyage. Other beverages and refreshments during the day are not included but can be purchased on board in the restaurant, cafeteria and bar.

Room service

The cabins are cleaned daily. We regret that meals or drinks cannot be served in the cabins.

Rubber boot rentals

On board you may rent a pair of high quality boots for a low cost to wear during landings and hikes. These boots will be kept on the ship’s tender deck, and you will have your private pair during the whole voyage. We also offer high quality binoculars, walking sticks and a small selection of warm thermo suits for rent at a low cost.

Seasickness

Seasickness pills are available for purchase in the reception. If you are prone to seasickness it is recommended that you bring pills that you are familiar with. You may also buy “sea bands” on board.

Shop

In our on board shop you can buy modern clothes suitable for Explorer voyages. Our Expedition Team will be happy to give you expert advice on how to dress properly in polar areas. We offer a great range of both warm and practical clothing, and we focus fabrics with natural fibres. We also offer souvenirs, handicrafts, and postcards at good prices. In addition we also stock a small selection of soap, toothpaste and other personal effects.

Shore excursions

A selection of shore excursions is available to pre-book. Where available we will supply you with excursion information in advance, otherwise you will receive full details and prices on board. Excursions and their contents are subject to maximum/minimum number of participants and local weather conditions.

Smoking

You are welcome to smoke in designated areas on outside decks, but not in your cabin or elsewhere on board. To show respect for the environment, please use the provided ashtrays when smoking. Throwing cigarette butts overboard is strictly prohibited. A cleaning charge of 1 500 NOK will be applied for smoking in your non-smoking cabin, to cover for the cost of cleaning linen and curtains to return it to a non-smoking standard.

Suite service

As a suite guest on MS Fram, we offer you an exclusive suite check-in area at deck 5 with a chilled glass of champagne to begin your voyage. Special amenities come with our magnificent suites including a welcome on board gift, complimentary beverages for lunch and dinner inclusive of chilled filtered water by the carafe, sodas, soft drinks, beer and a selection of wine by the glass. We also offer an exclusive breakfast area with speciality buffet products. If local products are available, we will do our best to provide them to you. In the suite you will find a kettle for your convenience with coffee, teas, sweeteners and cream, and the mini bar has a complimentary selection upon your arrival. Replenishment of the mini bar is chargeable.

Telephone/Internet

All cabins have a telephone. Buy a phone card in the reception to call from the ship. There is an Internet café on board (at extra cost) and Wi-Fi is available on deck 4 (in the reception area only) and in the bar on deck 7. Please note that the connection is a 512MB line and that both Internet and telephones from time to time will be out of range due to the vessel’s location. Due to the limited capacity we kindly ask you not to use live casting /live streaming websites.

Water

The tap water in your cabin is potable, but we recommend buying bottled water or our self-produced potable water by the carafe in the restaurant for the quality and freshness.

Walking on board

We kindly remind you to be careful walking on board the ship while at sea, especially out on deck, where you should mind the signs warning of wet and slippery decks. Be aware that the doors toward the outer decks on 5, 7 and 8 are potentially dangerous in windy conditions. Please respect signs and announcements advising or warning you not to go outside. While walking inside, hold on to railings but not to doorframes to avoid injury.

Welcome meeting/Information meeting

Upon arrival on board, there will be a mandatory passenger safety drill before departure. There will also be a welcome meeting where security information as well as practical information about the cruise will be given, and an opportunity to meet some of the crew and be introduced to the key personnel on board.

What's the population of Svalbard ?

The population of Svalbard is approximately 2,800. Longyearbyen is the largest settlement on the islands and also the seat of the governor. Spitsbergen is among the safest places on Earth, with virtually no crime. Barentsburg is the second largest settlement in Svalbard with about 500 inhabitants, almost entirely Russian and Ukrainian. The Russian-owned Arktikugol has been mining coal here since 1932, and during the Cold War, Barentsburg was a hotbed of activity. Ny-Ålesund is one of the world’s northernmost settlements, inhabited by a permanent population of approximately 30-35 people who work for one of the research stations or the logistics and supply company “Kings Bay AS”, which ‘owns’ and runs the research village. In the summer the activity in Ny-Ålesund is greatly increased to up to 120 researchers, technicians, and field assistants.

What weather should I expect?

Despite its northerly location, Spitsbergen has a relatively mild climate. Due to the Gulf Stream, Spitsbergen’s west coast is the world’s most northerly ice-free area. The average summer temperature is 6º C and the coldest winter month of March has an average temperature of -14º C. There is little rain, but the moist air from the sea can cause a light drizzle and fog during the summer.

What are the seasons of Spitsbergen ?

From around mid-April until late August, Longyearbyen has Midnight Sun. From late October until mid-February it is dark, and from mid-November until late November it is what we call polar nights, which means that it is quite dark and the sun is lower than 6º above the horizon.

What's the History of svalbard ?

Since Willem Barentz’ discovery of Svalbard in 1596, several nationalities have explored, hunted and managed industries in this Arctic Archipelago. The Svalbard treaty dated 1920, signed by 40 member countries, gives Norway sovereignty over Svalbard.

What nature and wildlife will I see?

In order to preserve nature and wildlife on Svalbard, 65 % of the Archipelago is protected through national parks, nature reserves and bird sanctuaries. There are only three land mammals on Svalbard: polar bear, Svalbard reindeer and the Arctic fox. In the sea however there are walrus, ringed seals, bearded seals, Greenland seals, hooded seals, whitenose dolphins, narwhales, white whales and killer whales. There is a rich bird life on the island and more than 100 species have been registered. Surprisingly the flora is very diverse for somewhere this far north.

Are the polar bear dangerous ?

The polar bear does not usually attack humans but it can be lethal. On all our voyages and activities, safety is maintained by experienced guides carrying weapons, and giving warning shots if necessary. The authorities on Svalbard, together with the travel industry, advise and make recommendations to travellers taking part in organised activities in order to protect both visitors and the polar bear population. On organised trips the guide will always be responsible for safety and will carry a weapon and equipment.

what shoes should I bring ?

On Svalbard it is a tradition to take off your shoes when entering private houses, hotels and certain shops and public offices. On board the ships as well as in the hotel we advise you to bring a pair of shoes to use indoors. It is important that the shoes have good grip (no slippery sole).

What currency should I bring ?

Svalbard is a tax-free area which means that many commodities are cheaper here than on the Norwegian mainland. Longyearbyen has a variety of shops selling everything from perfumes to outdoor- and sports equipment, gifts and souvenirs. Norwegian Kroner (NOK) is used all over Svalbard, also in the Russian settlement Barentsburg. Major credit cards are accepted in Longyearbyen as well as on board MS Fram. Please note credit cards payments will all be processed in NOK on MS Fram. Credit cards that are used to make payments on board have to be valid for at least three months after the journey has ended. There is also a cash dispenser in the center of Longyearbyen. In Barentsburg they only accept cash in Norwegian Kroner (NOK), USD or Euro. We do recommend our guests to bring cash in NOK for use ashore.

How can I contact family / friends while onboard ?

Mobile phones can be used in Longyearbyen and Barentsburg only. There is no coverage for mobile phones during the voyage at sea. We have contact with MS Fram with satellite telephones. If your family back home need to get in touch with you in an emergency, please give them the telephone numbers for Spitsbergen Travel, tel. +47 79 02 61 00, or Radisson BLU Polar Hotel Spitsbergen, tel. +47 79 02 62 34 50. Via these numbers they can deliver urgent messages that will be forwarded to you.

What customs regulations are in place ?

Visitors can buy a certain amount of tax-free alcoholic drinks. Tourists have to show their airline ticket when shopping and are allowed to buy in total:

• 2 bottles containing more than 21% alcohol
• 1 bottle of wine containing 14-21% alcohol
• 24 cans/bottles of beer

Wine (up to 14%) can be bought without producing an airline ticket. Not all of the above can be taken tax-free to the mainland.

Each person is only allowed up to 2 litres, e.g.:

• 1 litre of alcohol (more than 21%) and 1 litre wine (14 to 21%) - or
• 2 litres of wine (14 to 21%) - or
• 2 litres of wine (less than 14%)

It is possible to buy more but you will have to pay duty on it. In total, visitors are allowed to shop for NOK 6,000 of goods without paying taxes.

Is there access for wheelchairs/disabled passengers?

Wheelchair passengers may travel on the MS Fram to Spitsbergen as the ship is handicap accessible, however, unfortunately, excursions and landings are not adapted for handicapped travellers.

What happens in case of a medical emergency?

In case of a medical emergency, outside Longyearbyen the only means of evacuation is by helicopter to Longyearbyen Hospital. If any condition cannot be treated here, the patient is sent to the Norwegian mainland. This is very expensive and dependent on favourable weather conditions, therefore, comprehensive travel/health insurance is essential.