Introducing Fridtjof Nansen - Hurtigruten’s second hybrid ship
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The timing could not have been worse. Just as
Hurtigruten’s second hybrid expedition ship, Fridtjof Nansen, completed its
first ‘showcase’ sailing around the British Isles, the coronavirus pandemic put
a global stop to all cruising.
However, I was fortunate to be on board that
sailing - and what a stylish ship she turned out to be.
On boarding in Tilbury, the ship’s classy
Scandinavian design was immediately evident - it’s definitely a class above
Hurtigruten’s older-style vessels.
Light woods, Norwegian granite, oak and birch
merged seamlessly with swish lamps and elegant design. Artworks handpicked by
Her Royal Highness Queen Sonja of Norway and her art foundation adorned the
walls, a glowing ornamental fire was a magnificent centrepiece in the
Observatory lounge and retro Nordic skis in fine-dining restaurant Lindstrom
paid homage to Norwegian heritage.
A huge seven-storey TV screen showing beautiful
Nordic landscapes and wildlife in the central foyer set the tone for ship’s
outdoorsy expedition vibe - and was also wonderful viewing from glass-walled
lifts as we ascended to our cabin. Guests will definitely feel more at home in
gilet and walking shoes on this ship than evening dress and stilettos.
Cabins, which are all outside, are compact but
well-designed and the modern spacious bathroom has controllable underfloor
heating. Fifty-percent of cabins have balconies.
Attention to detail with today’s cruiser in mind
has been paid throughout. Aune, the main dining room, has lots of tables for
two and long high benches for singles or others who want to mingle. Floor-to-ceiling
windows provide a light, airy feel. Platters of langoustine, oysters, king
prawns and salmon were the stars of the lunch and dinner buffets which offered
plenty of choice. Dinner was waiter-service on occasion.
At cafe-style Fredheim, steam buns and delicious
crab rolls and burgers were served alongside thick milk shakes and sizzling
waffles with cloud berries - yum. Gourmet restaurant Lindstrom, which I found
offered a limited menu, is free for suite guests, €25 supplement otherwise.
Going green
However, it’s the hybrid ship’s
eco-credentials that are making industry heads turn. A battery-powered
propulsion system, which combines battery and diesel power, uses 20-30 percent
less fuel and reduces CO2 emissions significantly. Excess electricity generated
can be stored in batteries, where there’s space to increase capacity six-fold
in the future.
Just as much effort has gone into ‘above stairs’
too. I particularly liked the recycling bins in cabins, though they took up
quite a lot of space, reusable water bottles and hydration stations on each
floor. Some crew uniforms are made from recycled plastic and hairdryer bags
from recycled linen.
A ‘we go green’ sign on the door indicated when
guests didn’t want their cabin cleaned. For every guest who does that,
Hurtigruten will donate half a euro to an environmental fund. It’s a great idea
but I wonder how many guests will forgo their daily clean on a premium product?
The eco-vibe extends to excursions, too, in the
shape of beach clean-ups and conservation projects. Armed with litter-picker
and sack, we set about cleaning up RSPB Radipole Lake in Weymouth while our
colleagues tackled Chesil Beach. It was a rewarding and bonding experience.
Scientific research
A state-of-the-art science centre also sets this
ship apart. Expect to see members of the 22-strong expedition team pouring over
industrial-sized microscopes studying such things as sharks eggs. We were
invited to join Jenna from the Orca Foundation one morning to collect data on
porpoises and dolphins after departing from Portsmouth harbour. There’s also
books on birds, wildlife and glass cabinets displaying bird skulls and walrus
tusks. A Blueye underwater drone will relay pictures from beneath the ice in
polar regions.
I never made it to the early morning wildlife
watching but those who did were rewarded with great photographs of dolphins.
Wildlife and cultural lectures held during the
day and evenings were streamed to cabins so you could watch them while relaxing
in your pyjamas. Our evening storytelling session on polar explorer Fridtjof
Nansen, after whom the ship is named, was fascinating.
I found plenty to keep me fit including a
well-equipped gym, heated pool and 150-metre running track. Relaxation
opportunities included a spa (treatments from 65 euros), hot tub, sauna with a
huge panoramic window and comfy day beds in the Observatory which were ideal
for an afternoon snooze.
Ironically, it wasn’t the coronavirus pandemic
that played havoc with our itinerary in the end. Storms and rough seas put paid
to our calls at the Isles of Scilly and Isle of Man. On the plus side, we had
an extra day in Liverpool where we enjoyed an entertaining Liverpool City
Sights’ Beatles bus tour and sang along to the band’s hits as we toured the homes and haunts
of the Fab Four. A fitting fabulous finale to an utterly fab ship.
More information
Due to Covid-19 Hurtigruten has suspended its Norwegian
coastal voyages and expedition sailings. Please visit Hurtigruten
website for the latest information.
Fridtjof Nansen was scheduled to depart on a
15-day Iceland expedition cruise on 24 June and operate 16-day Diso Bay - Heart
of Greenland itineraries from Reykjavik in July and August. From January 2021,
it is due to sail 12-day cruises in Antarctica from Buenos Aires.
Silver Travel Advisor recommends Hurtigruten.
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I cannot agree that cabins were compact, we were impressed with how spacious they were. We saw many eco green signs outside cabins, as we have also seen on the Norwegian coastal voyages. Many people seemed to opt for one service every 2 or 3 days.
The expedition team were as good as we have come to expect from Hurtigruten, knowledgeable and enthusiastic at all times. Despite seeing us for only a few days we felt we were treated as friends.
Potential passengers should be aware that, although the word “cruise” does seem to be appearing, Hurtigruten more accurately describes their voyages as expeditions, the emphasis is on engaging with the environment, through outside activities, small boat exploration, lectures and the science centre. This is why we choose to travel with them. If you want glamour, shows, dancing etc, go elsewhere!