A detailed look at MS Fridtjof Nansen’s Polar Outside cabins

_{Written by Olivia Powling, Digital Communications & PR Manager at ROL Cruise}

Earlier this month, I was lucky enough to spend seven nights aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen. Not only was it my first expedition cruise, but it was my first time on an HX ship, too. 

Naturally, in the lead-up to departure, I had a few questions. Some of those questions related to MS Fridtjof Nansen’s cabins - was there a hairdryer, a safe, ample storage space? 

Unfortunately, information on Google was lacking, so as soon as I got onboard, I set off on a mission to answer these questions myself. Below is what I found. 

Before we get into it… 

MS Fridtjof Nansen’s cabin options are plentiful for a ship of her size. My home for the week was a Polar Outside cabin on Deck 4, which boasted muted Scandinavian-style decor with light colours and light wood. There were lots of impressive design touches and plenty of space, despite all my luggage! 

For reference, I stayed in cabin 422, which is in the RR cabin grade. Configuration will differ, so it’s best to check MS Fridtjof Nansen’s cabins for more information. 

• The bathroom has a single sink, a shower with a glass door and, of course, a toilet. 
• In terms of storage, the bathroom has four handy shelves with a small lip on the edge (to stop things from sliding off), a towel shelf and two hooks on the bathroom door. 
• There are four fixed products: Sea Buckthorn & Birch hand wash and moisturiser by the sink, and Cloudberry & Birch hair and body wash and conditioner in the shower. 
• There are two bath towels, two hand towels, two flannels and one bath mat. 
• There is a larger mirror above the sink and a smaller magnified mirror next to the sink. 
• There is a step up into the bathroom and two handrails: one by the toilet and one in the shower. 
• A clothes line extends from one corner of the shower to the other, and a bin is positioned under the sink. 
• The bathroom has heated flooring, which can be controlled by a switch in the cabin. 

• The bedroom has a double bed that can be converted to a twin, two duvets, and four pillows. It also has two bedside tables and a dressing table with a chair. 
• Storage-wise, there are two floor-length wardrobes with ample hanging space, shelving and shoe storage, a coat hook with four hooks, two shelves and two overhead cupboards above the tea and coffee-making facilities, two shelves above the dressing table and one drawer in the dressing table. 
• There is a full-length mirror on the wardrobe and a larger mirror above the dressing table. 
• There is a mini-fridge stocked with water, beer and fizzy drinks. There are also three bottles of wine and two wine glasses. The tea and coffee-making facilities consist of a kettle, two mugs, spoons and an assortment of tea and coffee. 
• In the drawers, you’ll find a laundry bag, a shoe horn, and a hair dryer. There is also a safe in the wardrobe and a telephone on the dressing table. 
• In keeping with HX’s green ethos, the bin has three compartments for other waste, cans/metal and paper/cardboard. 
• There is ample lighting throughout. 
• There are five European plugs in the bedroom and living area, four of which have USB ports. 

• There is a double sofa bed with a wool blanket, a small side table and a shelf beneath the Philip’s television. 
• A curtain separates the bedroom and the living area. The picture window has a blackout curtain with handy magnets. 

Before you go, there are a couple of handy things to know. Unlike other cruise lines, HX does not provide a daily paper programme. All the information you’ll need can be found on the HX app, which is updated nightly. 

Secondly, cabins are serviced twice a day. However, HX operates a commendable “We Stay Green” option, which means your cabin won’t be cleaned, your bed won’t be made, and your towels won’t be changed. When opted for, HX will donate 0.50 Euros to the Hurtigurten Foundation on your behalf. The foundation supports local initiatives and communities in the destinations the cruise line sails to.