Fridtjof Nansen, 8 Night Europe´s Atlantic Highlights – From Portsmouth to Lisbon ex Portsmouth, England to Lisbon, Portugal

Day 1 – England’s Historic Port 
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Sail from Portsmouth’s dramatic harbour Your expedition cruise begins in Portsmouth. For centuries, this historic harbour has been one of Britain’s most important naval ports, making it a fitting place to start our journey. The Historic Dockyard is home to the renowned Henry VIII’s flagship Mary Rose, giving great insight into life at sea in the 16th century. The iconic Spinnaker Tower stands gracefully over the historic harbour and the Solent. Sample fish and chips in a traditional pub overlooking the harbour entrance in Old Portsmouth, where fishermen, port workers, and naval seamen once mingled. MS Fridtjof Nansen awaits you in the harbour. After being welcomed aboard, settle into your cabin and get ready for the adventure.

Day 2 – 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 Zodiacs 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 3 – Fascinating Finistère
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Inspiring coastal scenery and maritime historyEnjoy a relaxing morning on board, perhaps enjoy the wellness facilities, or attend a lecture with the Expedition Team. We’ll use our Zodiacs 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 4 – At Sea
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Relax and recharge as at sea Today the ocean is yours. We sail south towards Spain, and the rhythm of the sea sets the pace. Share stories with fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, or find a quiet spot on deck to watch for marine life and seabirds from the comfort of the hot tub. In the Science Centre, the Expedition Team brings the Iberian Peninsula to life, preparing you for the discoveries ahead.

Day 5 – Explore San Sebastián
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Discover the jewel of the Basque CountryOur voyage continues to the Basque region. We berth at Pasajes, a port tucked into a narrow sea inlet with over 1,000 years of maritime history, and from here San Sebastián is a short journey away. Wander the Parte Vieja quarter with its Gothic church, Baroque façades, and lively squares, then head to La Concha beach or take the cable car up Monte Igueldo for sweeping coastal views. Make sure you find time to sample some traditional Basque cuisine. The delicious pintxos are perfect small bites to snack on as you tour the city. Before returning on board, take time to explore Pasajes itself, where 17th century residences line quiet streets above the water.

Day 6 – 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 7 – 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 8 – Charming Porto (Leixões)
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The city of white and blue wonders Our final stop is 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 9 – 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.

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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.