Norwegian expedition cruise line Hurtigruten will carry out an extensive upgrade on its vessel Fram, which will re-emerge “as brand new” in 2020.
The ship will have new suites and cabins, more environmentally friendly engines and a total makeover of all public areas.
Fram was custom-built in 2007 for exploring the Arctic, Antarctica and other destinations in Hurtigruten’s expedition cruise programme.
The last voyage of Fram before the refit will be Ushuaia-Montevideo in March 2020, and the refurbishment work will start in April 2020.
Daniel Skjeldam, Hurtigruten chief executive, said: “The original Fram was the most famous ship of its time and kept pushing the frontiers in the golden age of polar expeditions. Our MS Fram was built to embrace that legacy. With the upgrade she will keep setting the standard for expedition cruises, and deliver unparalleled, premium expedition experiences for her guests.”
The refurb will see the creation of an onboard Science Center, with touch screens, science equipment and other interactive features to help passengers have a deeper understanding for the areas that Fram explores.
The Fram upgrade follows news from Hurtigruten that it is building the world’s first hybrid-powered cruise ship, Roald Amundsen, at Norway’s Kleven yard.
Debuting in 2019, it will be followed by Fridtjof Nansen and a third sister ship in 2021. Another vessel, Richard With, recently emerged after its own makeover.