RETURN TO THE NORTHERN ICE:
(Reykjavik to Svalbard) In a few days, just over a week, we will be heading to Reykjavik, Iceland. We currently have no set plans for Reykjavik. I am sure we will visit our favorite city pool and dine on those wonderful hot dogs. I am sure we will visit the Elf Stone and ask for a safe journey, I will also get some new ink at Reykjavik Ink, and I am sure we will visit the Drunken Rabbit Pub.
After spending a couple days in Reykjavik we will board the MS Fram for a sailing north to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, Svalbard. To clarify Svalbard is the archipelago, Spitsbergen is the largest island in the archipelago where you find Longyearbyen. Longyearbyen is the world's northernmost settlement.
A while back Hurtigruten split into two separate entities. Hurtigruten is the coastal ferry service offering sailings along the Norwegian coast. HX is an expedition fleet offering sailings around the world. So if you are looking at a Hurtigruten or HX sailing, note the differences in these cruises. Having sailed both, I can whole heartedly recommend both.
One minor exciting thing about this sailing is the MS Fram which carries the spirit and tradition of the greatest Norwegian exploration vessel (FRAM) that once drifted through Arctic ice under the leadership Fridtjof Nansen. MS Fram returns to service on May 26, 2025 with a fresh new look featuring upgraded cabins and brand-new Science Center.
We will be sailing on the MS Fram for our first time. She is a small expedition ship carrying 250 passengers. She has allocated spaces for observation both inside and outside. There is a fleet of RIBS (Rigid Inflatable Boats/ Zodiacs) for exploration and shore landings. There is a Science Center where citizen science projects are conducted. There is a lecture hall where the Expedition Team presents great lectures, where I learn so much. There are no casinos or flashy stage shows, NATURE IS THE AMAZING SHOW!
There are two restaurants onboard that will be serving great meals with locally sourced ingredients. Also on the upper deck there is a BBQ area.
Then there is the Explorer Lounge and Bar offering panoramic views of the world in which you are sailing. With this cruise and most expedition cruises drinks are included.
Yes, there are hot tubs, a sauna, and a fitness room.
When one sail on a HX Expedition you receive a wind and waterproof jacket. There is a new blue one currently being offered.
Passengers also receive a metal waterbottle as there are water filling stations all over the ship.
MS Fram is primed to bring us on a journey of discovery to our planet’s most alluring and unspoiled regions.
As we sail from Reykjavik we will make calls at Grundarfjörður, Ísafjörður, Akureyri and Húsavík, visiting waterfalls, swimming pools, museums, fjords all the while keeping a weather eye out for sea birds, whales and dolphins. Oh, and finding a hot dog in each port.
Then we will be sailing North to the remote volcanic island of Jan Mayen, a bird haven, home to Northern Fulmars, Guillemots and Little Auks and maybe a Puffin or two. Jan Mayen is home to a Norwegian Military weather base. Last time we were there it was staffed by only eight people.
Then we sail further North to the Svalbard archipelago. Here we explore an Arctic wilderness where nature reigns supreme in hopes of finding Ice Bears.
In Longyearbyen we disembark early (really early) on the final day for a charter flight to Oslo. We will have a couple days in Oslo before returning home.
I was impressed with HX as this sailing was extended by one day at no charge to the passengers. How KEWL is that an extra day to search for Ice Bears.
Yes, we have been to these places, so why return. The best reason is; THIS IS AN EXPEDITION and nothing happens the same twice. The whole sailing is determined by nature, from the weather to where the critters might be found.
So get ready to tag along as I will attempt to keep the blog entries up to date.
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