Welcome Aboard the m/s Fram!

In 1891, the idea of providing daily, year-round express boat service along the west coast of Norway was born, and Hurtigruten, formerly known as Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc., took up the challenge in 1893 when one boat successfully completed a run from Trondheim to Hammerfest. This started a communications revolution, giving business and coastal inhabitants better access to the outside world.

From its beginning, it was believed that tourism could be an important part of Hurtigruten operations, and today, Hurtigruten has expanded their operations to include routes from the southern tip of South America to Antarctica. Operating a fleet of Contemporary Class ships specifically designed to cruise the Chilean Fjords and coastal waterways, Hurtigruten accommodates even the most discerning travellers with spacious suites, comfortable cabins, and a variety of elegant public areas and panoramic lounges.

Hurtigruten’s six Contemporary Class ships were built between 1993 and 1997, and accommodate approximately 490 passengers each (limited to 268 for Antarctica sailings). Although similar in exterior, each ship has her own specific style on board in terms of color schemes and the art and artists chosen to decorate the interior. The artwork on board the Norwegian Coastal Voyage ships is renowned. The people and scenery along their routes have inspired well-known artists who have brought them to life on board.

The MS Fram, built in 2007, was especially designed for cruising Arctic waters with its shallow draft, powerful bow and stern thrusters. Through the extensive use of wood, leather and oak, its interior has a Nordic feel. She has a dining room, café, comfortable restaurant, library, Internet café, sauna, two heated outdoor Jacuzzis, numerous panoramic and public lounges, and a gift shop.

All cabins are stylish and comfortable with two lower-berth beds or a twin-sized bed, and contain air conditioning, heat, a smoke alarm, and a private bathroom with a hair dryer. The fitness room located on deck 7; the sauna is on deck 8; the dining room, bar, Internet café, and library are on deck 4; the two heated outdoor Jacuzzis are on deck 7; and the panoramic lounges are on deck 7.

Guests on board Hurtigruten ships originate from all corners of the world. You’ll have the opportunity to meet people from a variety of countries and cultures — and will perhaps make lifelong friends who become future travelling companions.

The programs on board the MS Framare filled with unforgettable experiences to a region that is largely undiscovered by tourists. A highlight is sure to be Antarctica, where you’ll explore this fantastic continent with its unique landscape and a wildlife including various species of penguins, whales, and seals. The ship’s fleet of PolarCirkel boats gets you up-close and personal to flora and fauna during your voyage. And whether it’s a day at sea or an evening after a day of sightseeing, your time aboard will be an intensely educational experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coastal Voyage Cruising

Q: Are Coastal Voyage ships like other cruise ships?
Most of the Norwegian Coastal ships look and feel like cruise ships. This is especially true of the Contemporary Class ships, each of which is outfitted with spacious, art-filled public areas, exercise room, sauna, hair dryers in the cabins, elevators, and stabilizers. Unlike traditional cruises, however, there is no organized entertainment on board; Mother Nature is the entertainer! Lecturers are on board to provide detailed information about the areas you will be visiting.

Q: What is the ms Fram like?
Upon arrival on board, guests are invited to a welcome meeting. Security information as well as practical information about the cruise will be given.

The ship complies with all safety requirements and is classified as a polar vessel suitable for sailing in icy waters, equipped with a fleet of PolarCirkel boats for excursions. The ship offers a comfortable restaurant, two well-stocked bars, lounges, and a conference room. She also offers a library with a selection of books about the regions, a fitness room, a sauna, two heated Jacuzzis and a gift shop that holds assortments of local souvenirs, handicrafts, postcards,stamps, and basic personal effects.

Q: Are there lectures/briefings given on board?
The ship has experienced lecturers with in-depth knowledge of all the ports you will be visiting. They will conduct lectures of various topics during the cruise and hold recaps to sum up each day’s events. Time and place will be decided by the Expedition Team and will be announced through the daily program. Do not hesitate to contacting them for unanswered questions. Information on board is given in English, German, and Spanish.

Also, as a Vantage customer, you’ll have an experienced English-speaking Vantage Program Manager to accompany you throughout your journey. NOTE: A minimum of 30 vantage travellers will be required to engage the services of a Vantage Program Manager.

Q: How will I know what to expect each day?
The Expedition Team will inform about the daily program, arrival and departure times, excursions, and other activities. The program is subject to changes depending on weather and ice conditions or unforeseen circumstances. Please keep in mind that the weather and ice conditions in Antarctica are highly variable and may change quickly. The planned itinerary may change and landings may be cancelled due to deteriorating conditions. The ship reserves the right to change the itinerary due to weather conditions and other unforeseen events.

Q: What are the cabins like?
Cabins aboard the ship are comfortable and cozy. All cabins on the MS Framhave two lower berths or a twin-sized bed. Each cabin has 2 lower berths, air conditioning, heat, a smoke alarm, and a private bathroom with a hair dryer. There are 220V sockets. An adapter and converter are required. Also, the electricity at the hotel in Buenos Aires is 220V/50HZ.

Q: Is there room service?
The cabins are cleaned daily. The ship regrets that meals or drinks cannot be served in the cabins.

Q: What kind of meals are served on board?
At breakfast and lunch, the ship serves a buffet of Norwegian and local specialties, while a three-course meal is served at the tables for dinner on days at sea (buffet while in port). A selection of wines is available for purchase at lunch and dinner. You will have a choice of fish, meat, or vegetarian dish as a main course, a bar with a selection of spirits, wines, beers, and soft drinks, and a lounge with coffee service.

Q: What about special dietary requirements?
Please advise Vantage as early as possible if you have special dietary requirements. The chefs will do their utmost to
meet your dietary requirements.

Q: Are there any other services on board?
A small fitness room and a sauna are available to the passengers by request at reception.

The ship’s shop has a limited assortment of local souvenirs, handicrafts, and postcards for sale as well as a small selection of soap, toothpaste, and other personal effects. Woolen sweaters, fleece jackets, and wind/ waterproof hats and gloves are also for sale on board. There is also a small selection of books and souvenirs for sale.

The ship has a library with a limited selection of books about Chile, Argentina, Antarctica and the other ports you will be visiting. As a courtesy to fellow passengers, passengers are asked not to remove any books from the library at any time.

Q: Are there laundry facilities on board?
A limited, low cost self-service laundry is available on board.

Q: Is there a doctor on board?
There is an English-speaking doctor and nurse on board at all times, and the MS Framfeatures a small medical facility with the necessary equipment and drugs to handle emergencies. In serious emergencies the nearest hospital will be contacted. Medical consultations as well as medicines will be charged to the passenger.

In case of a medical emergency in Antarctica, the only means of evacuation are by airplane to the city of Punta Arenas, Chile, as there are no hospital facilities in Antarctica. This is very expensive and dependent on favorable
weather conditions. Therefore, comprehensive travel/health insurance is a MUST. Remember to bring sufficient medication to last through any unforeseen delays. We also recommend that you keep your medication in your hand luggage properly labeled and with clear instructions for its use, in case of the need for emergency treatment by the ship’s doctor. We strongly encourage all passengers to purchase travel/health insurance. Check with your local health authorities regarding recommended vaccinations for travel to the countries visited on this itinerary.

Under the terms of the Antarctic Treaty System, the ship is required to carry medical information regarding all passengers. Prior to departure, a confidential medical information report will be mailed to you to fill out and bring with you at the time of embarkation. Every section of this form must be completed and the form must be signed by a doctor.

Q: Is this cruise suitable for physically challenged passengers?
The Contemporary Class ships have elevators and three cabins specially equipped for physically challenged guests. However, most of the Antarctic landings are by PolarCirkel boats and the terrain on shore may be fairly rugged, so you should be reasonably sure-footed. These excursions are not suitable for the physically challenged.

Q: What if I experience seasickness?
Seasickness pills are available on board at reception at a low cost. If you are prone to seasickness, please bring pills you are familiar with.

Q: Is smoking permitted on board?
Smoking is only permitted in outside areas. Smoking in your cabin, the dining room, and during lectures is not permitted. To show respect for the environment, please use the provided ashtrays when smoking outside. Throwing cigarette butts overboard is strictly prohibited.


Q: What travel documents are required?
All passengers must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after your return date.

Q: What is used for identification on board?
An identity card will be issued upon arrival on board as part of the check-in procedure. All passengers are requested to wear this card when disembarking the ship in any port of call and on landings in Antarctica. The card serves as a control system on the gangway enabling the ship to know which passengers are on board and ashore at any time.

Q: What clothes should I bring?
The dress code aboard the ship is casual and you are not expected to dress formally for meals.

All passengers will receive a wind and waterproof jacket as a memento (sizes XS to XXXL). A Woolen sweater or fleece jacket is required to wear underneath. For safety and practical reasons we suggest that passengers wear it on all landings in Antarctica. Passengers will also be lent one pair of rubber boots to wear during landings in Antarctica.Various boots in sizes are available on board.

For outer clothing we suggest several layers instead of one thick piece of clothing, as the temperature may vary quite a lot during the day. Wind and waterproof pants/jacket is a necessity at sea and on excursions in Antarctica.
You should also bring gloves, a scarf, and a warm cap/hat to wear outdoors. We also recommend long underwear and warm socks.

Aboard the ship you may wear ordinary shoes or tennis shoes. On landings in Antarctica passengers are expected to wear the rubber boots lent by the vessel.

Q: What other items should I bring?
We strongly recommend that you bring a pair of good quality sunglasses. The Antarctic sunlight and its reflection from the ice are very strong. We recommend wearing them at all times when outdoors! Also, due to high light refraction from ice and snow combined with a thinning ozone layer, we suggest all passengers wear a high UV factor sunscreen when outdoors.

We recommend you to bring a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at wildlife and nature, as well as a camera to capture this unforgettable experience. When using your camera you should always use UV or skylight filter and lens hood. If you use special brands of film, make sure you bring your own — special films are difficult to obtain in South America. Professional photographers normally prefer slow speed film (100 ASA or less) in Antarctica. Of course, you’ll want to bring extra batteries for your camera as battery life is shorter in cold areas. There are sockets in the cabins for charging video camera batteries. We recommend that you bring sufficient video film, as the ship’s kiosk only carries limited stocks.

To protect your valuables while on excursions, a small waterproof rucksack is a must. Be aware that water spray is to be expected during transfers from ship to shore and on board our PolarCirkel boats.

Q: What is the environmental policy?
All waste is stored on board until it is deposited for treatment ashore. The ship does not dump waste in the sea and you are asked not to leave any waste ashore when you are on excursions. In populated areas there are containers for depositing waste; please use them. Please respect the saying: “Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures!” Human traffic in Antarctica is strictly regulated by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), which prohibits more than 100 people from being ashore simultaneously. Passengers will be instructed on how to comply with IAATO guidelines. Hurtigruten is a full member of IAATO.


Q: What is the method of payment on board?
Upon arrival aboard the ship you will receive a cruise card, which works as a “credit card”. The card may be used as means of payment in all the facilities on board. Prior to your final departure from the vessel, your account will be added up and settled on board.

Q: What currency is accepted on board?
Visa® and MasterCard® are accepted on board. DinersClub® and American Express® are not accepted on board. Please note that when using your credit card on board, your account will be debited in Norwegian Krone (NOK) with the rate of exchange of that day.

The currency on board is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Ashore, U.S. dollars are accepted as well as local currencies. Some shops might accept U.S. cash, though this is not a common practice. In some places ashore major credit cards are accepted. Be aware that smaller towns only accept cash in local currency and sometimes U.S. dollars.

Q: What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is at your discretion. The ship will ensure that all gratuities are divided equally between the entire crew, as they are all involved in making this an unforgettable experience for you. On the Antarctica program, approximately $9 per person per day (NOK $50) will be automatically debited to your cruise account.

Q: How do I keep in touch on board?
There is a satellite telephone and fax on board each ship where passengers may be contacted at a cost. Telephone cards may be purchased on board in order to call the U.S. from the ship. Rates are advised on board.

There is an Internet café on board and access may be purchased at reception. The ship’s e-mail address is: fram@hurtigruten.com

There is a mailbox at reception.

For mobile phone telephones, depending on the carrier company with whom you have subscribed, mobile phones will function in the biggest cities ashore, but will not work when leaving South America (to/ from and in Antarctica). In Chile and Argentina the only system working is GSM1900 For further information on Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc. and your ship, please refer to their website at www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us

For further information on Hurtigruten and your ship,
please refer to their website at hurtigruten.us.

A passport is required for this trip. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the scheduled return date of your vacation. Bring with you a photocopy of the pages of your passport that contain your personal information and extra passport photographs. These are useful in the event of loss.

Should the above requirements change, you will be notified in a mailing prior to departure. All visa, entry requirements, and fees are subject to change without advance notification by action of the government and port authorities. Vantage is not responsible for any additional charges resulting from such changes.

For up-to-date information, contact Generation Visa at http://www.genvisa.com

When planning your flights, Vantage considers each airline's reputation for quality, service, and routing options to the destination. Vantage selects flights that both serve our groups' needs and ensure the best balance of quality and cost. Our flight team members will do their utmost to select flights that will get you to your destination as quickly and easily as possible. Click here for more information on flights.

First and Business Class Airfare Upgrades
Many of our programs offer first and/or Business Class upgrades, for more information, please visit our Customer Service page - Flight Information page.