HX Expeditions has initiated a comprehensive EUR 7 million refurbishment project for its expedition vessels, MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen.
The 250-passenger MS Fram, which underwent a complete upgrade in 2022, is set to receive further enhancements. A new Science Center will be established to provide an interactive space for guest engagement. 19 Arctic Superior cabins will be renovated, including updated bathrooms, while 14 Expedition Suites and 6 Expedition Grand Suites will be refurbished, now offering a twin-bed configuration. The Aune Restaurant and galley will also see improvements to elevate the dining experience and operational efficiency. Additionally, all Polar Cabins will receive new bathrooms, and 36 crew cabins will undergo full bathroom refurbishments, along with refreshed carpets and sofas. This refurbishment is scheduled to take place in April 2025 at a dry dock in Panama, with the vessel resuming service on May 26th, 2025.
The 220-passenger MS Spitsbergen will also undergo significant upgrades. A new Science Center will be added to enhance the expedition experience. All Polar Cabins will be updated with new bathrooms, and the Explorer Bar will be refreshed. A new dining venue, Brygge Bistro, will offer guests a selection of snacks throughout the day. Accessibility will be improved with refurbished ADA bathrooms, and new interpreter setups will allow guests to listen to science and educational talks in multiple languages. Crew areas and dining facilities will also be expanded. This refurbishment is set to occur in February and March 2025 at the Astilleros de Santander S.A.U. dry dock in Spain, with the ship returning to service on April 2nd, 2025.
These investments underscore HX Expeditions' commitment to providing enhanced expedition experiences, blending modern advancements with a legacy of exploration.