Fridtjof Nansen, 12 Night Europe´s Atlantic Highlights – From Lisbon to Hamburg ex Lisbon, Portugal to Hamburg, Germany

Day 1 – Legendary Lisbon
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Set out from this enchanting cityThe Portuguese capital is rich in history and culture, shaped by centuries of exploration and a restless curiosity for discovering the world. After disembarkation, take a stroll through the classical streets of Baixa, the bohemian energy of Bairro Alto and Chiado, or the winding lanes of Alfama, the old Islamic quarter, where a Roman theatre and Moorish fortress still stand. A short trip from the centre brings you to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery before you set sail. MS Fridtjof Nansen, your platform for discovery, awaits you in the harbour. After being welcomed aboard, settle into your cabin and begin your adventure at sea.

Day 2 – Charming Porto (Leixões)
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The city of white and blue wonders Settle into life on board as we approach our first stop: Leixões, gateway to Portugal’s northern coast. Before heading ashore, there’s time to explore locally: the lighthouse of Leça, the Boa Nova Chapel, and the beautiful Praia Azul beach are all within reach. A shuttle bus takes you into Porto, famed for its port wine and UNESCO-listed historic centre. This is a city made for walking: pastel houses, colourful tiled façades, ornate churches, and panoramic views across the Douro River unfold at every turn. Stroll the bustling Ribeira docks, cross the Dom Luís I Bridge, snack on petiscos, and finish with a port wine tasting at the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.

Day 3 – Galician highlights
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See Galicia’s heritage in FerrolEnjoy a relaxing morning on board, perhaps enjoy the wellness facilities, or attend a lecture with the Expedition Team. As we enter the Ría de Ferrol early in the morning, head to the observation deck and take in the imposing forts of La Palma and San Felipe, standing guard on either side of the headland. Ferrol is one of Spain’s best-preserved 18th-century port cities. Criss-cross the grid of streets in Barrio de la Magdalena and visit the city’s maritime museums. Ferrol is also the starting point of El Camino Inglés, one of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes, and you may be able to join an excursion to Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Christianity’s most important pilgrimage destinations.

Day 4 – Gijón’s golden sands
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A unique cultural flavour in Asturias Enjoying a prime position on the Bay of Biscay, Gijón is the cultural heart of Asturias, a city that grew from a Roman-era fishing village into a prominent port. Explore old town charm in the Cimadevilla quarter and Barrio del Carmen, with their Baroque churches and the Plaza del Marqués, or hike up to Mirador de la Providencia, an unusual viewpoint shaped like the hull of a ship with panoramic coastal views. Afterwards, relax on the golden sands of Playa de San Lorenzo, take a coastal walk, or settle in for freshly caught fish and Asturian delicacies with a glass of local cider.

Day 5-6 – Bordeaux, ‘City of Wine’
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Raise a glass in BordeauxToday we sail up the Gironde Estuary and Garonne River, arriving in central Bordeaux after lunch, where we’ll enjoy an overnight stay. Bordeaux’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bursting with culture and art at every turn. From the famous water mirror at Place de la Bourse, to the Gothic St André Cathedral and the Musée des Beaux-Arts Bourdeax, if you love art and architecture, you’re spoilt for choice. But it’s wine that’s the true soul of Bordeaux. With over 8,500 châteaux and producers in the region, and vineyards just a short tram ride from town, you can taste and compare some of the 60 appellations, from the stellar red Bordeaux Supérieur to sweet Sauternes.

Day 7 – Laid-back in Île-d’Yeu
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Explore the many charms of Île-d’YeuWhat Île-d’Yeu lacks in size, it more than makes up for in diversity of landscapes. This pretty little island is home to rocky shores, dunes, pine forest, and lush meadows. Inhabited over 5,000 years ago by farmers of the Neolithic period, the island has many historical sites, ranging from superbly preserved dolmens and menhirs to medieval castles and tiny villages. You can rent a bike, or just discover the island’s treasures on foot. Ports in Île-d’Yeu are too small for our ship, so if the conditions are favourable, we’ll anchor off the island and use our small boats to take you ashore.

Day 8 – Wild Beauty in Brittany
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Experience the pristine and rugged coastlines of the Quiberon peninsula Venture into the heart of Brittany’s untamed Atlantic coast on the Quiberon peninsula. To the west, craggy cliffs face the full force of the ocean. To the east, calm bays and sweeping beaches stretch along the coast. Explore this unspoilt landscape, rich in wildlife, wildflowers and local folklore. Nearby, you’ll find the ancient megaliths of Carnac. At this mysterious site, nearly 3,000 standing stones align across more than two miles, dating back more than 7,000 years.

Day 9 – Fascinating Finistère
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Inspiring coastal scenery and maritime historyWe’ll use our tender boats to go ashore at the picturesque seaside town of Douarnenez, where you’ll find the colourful quaysides, sandy beaches, and steep cliffs that inspired famous painters like Renoir and Boudin. As well as fishermen’s huts and seamen’s chapels, Douarnenez hosts a wonderful maritime museum with boats from around the world. While here, you can choose to discover the wild beauty of Pointe Du Raz, a promontory facing the elements of the Atlantic Ocean, where Finistère really does feel like the ‘End of the Earth’. Or explore the charming Breton town of Quimper, whose skyline is dominated by the twin spires of Saint Corentin Cathedral.

Day 10 – The citadel of Saint-Malo
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A beautiful Breton town steeped in historyViewed from the sea, Saint-Malo is an impressive sight, fringed by fortified bastions and gently sloping beaches. We’ll anchor off the town and use our tender boats to go ashore. A circular walk along the ramparts offers the best views of the town and surrounding islands. Follow the historical trail within the old city walls through a maze of cobbled streets and visit Demeure De Corsaire to learn about the feared corsairs and the town’s pirate heritage. You can walk to Île de Grand Bé at low tide or join an excursion to visit the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel. The island has the remains of an ancient fort, and this is where the renowned local writer Chateaubriand is buried.

Day 11 – Cruising the Channel
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Reflect and relax on a calming day at seaEnjoy the day relaxing while we navigate the waters of the channel that separates continental Europe from the British Isles. While the British call it the ‘English Channel’, it’s more commonly known in continental Europe as ‘La Manche’, or derivations of that. The Dutch may have the most diplomatic name for it, they simply call it ‘Het Kanaal’, or ‘the Channel’. Whatever the name, a quarter of the world’s maritime trade navigates through this passage. Our expert Expedition Team will be happy to share their knowledge about these historic waters with you.

Day 12 – Harlingen
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The Frisian port city of Harlingen Harlingen sits on the edge of the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site and is Friesland’s only seaport city. It’s also the gateway to the Wadden Islands of Vlieland and Terschelling, with a charming historic centre of canals, warehouses, and maritime heritage. Explore on foot, by bike, or, if conditions allow, by Zodiac through the waterways. Traditional sailing ships and historic warehouses line the old harbours of Noorderhaven and Zuiderhaven. Don’t miss the Harlingen Aardewerkmuseum, with its displays of distinctive Frisian pottery.

Day 13 – Germany’s Hanseatic treasure
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End your cruise in Germany’s second cityYour expedition cruise comes to an end as we arrive in Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany and one of the greenest urban areas in Europe. There’s much to see and do in Hamburg. If you have time, you’ll find many attractions in the old town district of Altstadt, including the St Nikolai Memorial and the historic street of Deichstraße.

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MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe.

Featuring Hurtigruten’s revolutionary battery hybrid powered propulsion system, MS Fridtjof Nansen will be a near identical twin to her sister ship MS Roald Amundsen.

Combining state of the art technology and premium on board experience with Hurtigruten’s 125 years of experience and unparalleled destinations, the two Norwegian built ships introduces the next generation of adventure travel.

The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor hot tubs with spectacular views.

The core of the onboard experience is the Nansen Science Center, an edutainment venue to guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. Nansen Science Center will also be the on board HQ for the Expedition Team.
MS Fridtjof Nansen’s three restaurants will host a variety of dining options, with menus drawn from our rich Norwegian and Nordic tradition, as well as international cuisine and local inspiration.

Whether enjoying your meal at Aune Main Dining, Fredheim – the informal international meeting place, or the specialty restaurant Lindstrøm, you will indulge in low key yet refined, modern Norwegian Nordic cooking – where our honest and delicious cuisine reflects our destinations.

After a day of exploring new destinations, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the elegant Explorer Lounge, a large gym and Wellness center, or enjoy the scenery and sunsets on the massive in- and outdoor Observation Decks with the aft infinity pool and hot tubs as one of the highlights.

Each expedition voyage is accompanied by a hand-picked team of specialists and modern-day explorers. Highly experienced, passionate and knowledgeable, the Expedition Team will be your guides and guardians on your voyage of exploration, instructing you on safety, sustainability and science.

MS Fridtjof Nansen will feature a variety of custom built expedition equipment, including kayaks, a fleet of Blueye underwater drones and Expedition Boats for safe landings in remote areas.

HX Expeditions is a leading global expedition cruise line offering immersive journeys to the planet’s most remote and extraordinary destinations. From the icy wilderness of Antarctica and the Arctic to the unique ecosystems of the Galápagos and Alaska, HX delivers authentic small-ship experiences designed for curious travelers seeking adventure, discovery, and meaningful connections with nature.

Operating a modern fleet of purpose-built, sustainable vessels, HX puts environmental responsibility at the heart of every expedition. Guests explore fragile ecosystems with expert-led guidance from naturalists, scientists, and local specialists, ensuring journeys are both educational and transformative.

With an emphasis on small groups and personalized service, HX provides access to hidden places unreachable by larger ships, delivering comfort, authenticity, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether witnessing the Northern Lights or exploring pristine shores, HX Expeditions invites travelers to experience the world’s wildest corners in a responsible and impactful way.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Select the Cabin to view detail.

MA - Expedition Suite

Extra Large Corner Suite with private balcony. Ship’s most spacious cabins with large windows, flexible sleeping arrangements with double bed that can be divided into two single beds, sofabed, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.

MB - Expedition Suite

Extra Large Corner Suite without balcony. Aft corner suite with sofabed, flexible sleeping arrangements with double bed that can be divided into two single beds, large windows, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker. 

MC - Expedition Suite

Aft Corner Suite with private balcony and hot tub. Various sizes, large windows, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofa, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker. 

MD - Expedition Suite

Large Corner Suite with private balcony, flexible sleeping arrangements, sofabed, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, espresso maker. Adapted for guests with wheelchair.

ME - Expedition Suite

Suites with private balcony, different sizes, top-high decks, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofabed, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.

MF - Expedition Suite

Corner cabin with large windows. Flexible sleeping arrangements, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker. Without balcony.

XY - Arctic Superior

Accessible cabin with balcony. High deck, broad balcony, double bed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.

XTD - Arctic Superior

High deck cabins with balcony. Spacious cabins, different sizes, double bed, some with sofabed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.

XT - Arctic Superior

High deck cabins with balcony. Spacious cabins, different sizes, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofabed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.

TY - Arctic Superior

Large accessible cabins without balcony. Middle decks, flexible sleeping arrangements, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.

RR - Polar Outside

Larger cabins on middle decks. Most 20 square meters, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofabed, TV. Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed. To order twin beds, please notify us at time of booking.

RS - Polar Outside

Cabins on lower/middle decks. Double bed, TV.

XTJ - High Deck Cabin with Balcony (Limited View)

High deck cabins with balcony. Spacious cabins, different sizes, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofabed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee. With limited view. 18 m2.

TT - Arctic Superior

Large cabins without balcony. Lower/middle decks, flexible sleeping arrangements, sofabed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.