Antarctica – Highlights of the Frozen Continent – MS Fridtjof Nansen, Nov. 2021
Antarctica – Highlights of the Frozen Continent – MS Fridtjof Nansen, Nov. 2021
Trip Summary
About the Antarctica Classic 12-day (with hotel) Itinerary
Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more!
Itinerary Map

Pricing Information
About the Antarctica Classic 12-day (with hotel) Itinerary
- Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica
- Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
- Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
- Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Enjoy the “World’s Southernmost City” and explore the city center and nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park. Highlights of Ushuaia include the mountains surrounding the city with the popular “Train at the End of the World” and an award-winning museum. Delight in Argentinean leather markets and succulent lamb dishes that make Patagonia famous as you explore this growing city.
Day 2: Embarkation
Arriving at the ship in the afternoon, you will be greeted by Expedition Team and ships’ officers at a safety and orientation briefing followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the mountainous scenery on our early evening sail down the Beagle Channel past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies.
Days 3-4: Drake Passage
Among the wildlife spotting opportunities as we sail south are the Albatrosses, Prions, and Petrels that frequently follow the ship. The Expedition Team will be out on deck as well, looking for the Whales and Dolphins that may also be seen in the area. The team will begin presentations with informative and entertaining lectures on the wildlife, history, and geology of Antarctica. Helpful briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety will also be held.
Days 5-9: Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
Arrival to the White Continent, the land of extremes! The most common first reaction to the white continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, as few places are as untouched, unique and enduring as Antarctica. The Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. The route will stress the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas. Guided hikes with the Expedition Team will have you trekking up a glacier, visiting a research station, or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Gentoo and Adélie penguins are found here, along with Fur, Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard Seals. Curious whales, such as Minkes and Humpbacks, are often attracted to Zodiacs as well, giving you a chance to get within reaching distance of these majestic animals. Each day and each landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera shutter busy.
The trip may include picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, the Humpback Whale favored Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. A visit may be possible to an active scientific base such as Ukraine’s Vernadsky as well as an historic base such as U.K.’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House.
Days 10-11: Drake Passage
The lecture series and wildlife spotting will continue on the return trip to Ushuaia and while the team will reflect on beautiful Antarctica and its fragile future.
Day 12: Disembarkation
Morning disembarkation allows you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
Welcome Aboard the MS Fridtjof Nansen

Highlights
- All cabins and suites enjoy outside views
- Science Center with advanced microscopes
- Wellness Center with massage and spa treatments
- Expedition Team
- Three restaurants
- Indoor and outdoor gyms with on-deck running track
- Outdoor infinity pool and two hot tubs
- Sauna with a panoramic outside view
- Explorer Lounge and Bar
- Indoor and outdoor observation decks
- Expedition launch/Tender pit
- On board shop
- Lecture hall and group room
- 50% of all cabins are suites with a private balcony
Technical Specs
General
Year built | 2019 |
Speed | 15 knots |
Ship yard | Kleven Yards (NO) |
Ice class | Polar Class 6 |
Dimensions
Length | 459 ft |
Gross tonnage | 20,889 t |
Beam | 77 ft |
Machinery
Main engine type | Bergen B33:45 |
Number of engines | 4 |
Output | 3600 kw (each) |
Hybrid system
Battery storage | 2 x 627 kWh |
Discharge | 2 x 1750 kW |
Cabins & Amenities
Facilities onboard
Every element of the new ship is designed to enhance the journey and create a warm and informal atmosphere. Join us in premium onboard surroundings as we explore some of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Decks and cabins
These suites are large, well-appointed cabins with expansive windows and most have balconies. Some have a private outdoor hot tub. The suites feature flexible sleeping arrangements with comfortable sofas, sitting areas and TV. They can accomodate up to four people.
Expedition suites are exclusively in upper and mid-deck locations. Our Expedition Suite concept includes a bathrobe, espresso maker, and more. An exciting welcome gift awaits all suite guests in their cabin.
Arctic Superior
Arctic Superior class cabins are comfortable and roomy accommodation and most have balconies. Flexible sleeping arrangements, sofa beds, TV and other features make this one of our most popular categories. Our Arctic Superior concept includes a kettle, tea and coffee. Can accommodate two to four passengers.
Polar Outside
The Polar Outside cabins are primarily on the middle decks with windows, most are spacious, have flexible sleeping arrangements and TV for excellent and high standard accommodation. Can accommodate two to four passengers.
Restaurants
MS Fridtjof Nansen’s three restaurants will host a variety of dining options, with menus drawn from our rich Norwegian and Nordic tradition, as well as international cuisine and local inspiration.
Whether enjoying your meal at Aune Main Dining, Fredheim – the informal international meeting place, or the specialty restaurant Lindstrøm, you will indulge in low key yet refined, modern Norwegian Nordic cooking – where our honest and delicious cuisine reflects our destinations.
Wellness & Recreation
A Hurtigruten expedition cruise features superb onboard facilities designed to help you stay active and indulge in luxurious spa treatments as you explore
Gym & running track
Excellent indoor and outdoor workout facilities, featuring advanced equipment
Panoramic sauna
The elegant saunas feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular views.
Infinity pool & hot tubs
Swim, soak and truly relax with amazing views of glaciers, icebergs and wildlife.
Wellness Center
In the Wellness Center, you will find professional highly trained therapists who offer spa treatments including aromatherapy massages, tension release, face treatments and body scrubs.
Nansen Science Center
The Science Center serves as the learning and social hub of the expedition and a venue for guests and crew to meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. Nansen Science Center will also be the onboard headquarters for the Expedition Team
Passenger areas
Gym & fitness center | 2 |
Infinity pool | 1 |
Lounge & bar | 2 |
Sauna | 1 |
Restaurants | 3 |
Wellness center | 1 |
Science center | 1 |
Observation decks | 2 |
