Aboard MS Fram with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions
Cruise Overview
When people discuss great South American cities, Lima is often overlooked.
But Peru's capital can hold its own against its neighbors.
It has an oceanfront setting, colonial-era splendor, sophisticated dining, and nonstop nightlife.It's true that the city—clogged with traffic and choked with fumes—doesn't make a good first impression, especially since the airport is in an industrial neighborhood.
But wander around the regal edifices surrounding the Plaza de Armas, among the gnarled olive trees of San Isidro's Parque El Olivar, or along the winding lanes in the coastal community of Barranco, and you'll find yourself charmed.In 1535 Francisco Pizarro found the perfect place for the capital of Spain's colonial empire.
On a natural port, the so-called Ciudad de los Reyes (City of Kings) allowed Spain to ship home all the gold the conquistador plundered from the Inca.
Lima served as the capital of Spain's South American empire for 300 years, and it's safe to say that no other colonial city enjoyed such power and prestige during this period.When Peru declared its independence from Spain in 1821, the declaration was read in the square that Pizarro had so carefully designed.
Many of the colonial-era buildings around the Plaza de Armas are standing today.
Walk a few blocks in any direction for churches and elegant houses that reveal just how wealthy this city once was.
But the poor state of most buildings attests to the fact that the country's wealthy families have moved to neighborhoods to the south over the past century.The walls that surrounded the city were demolished in 1870, making way for unprecedented growth.
A former hacienda became the graceful residential neighborhood of San Isidro.
In the early 1920s the construction of tree-lined Avenida Arequipa heralded the development of neighborhoods such as bustling Miraflores and bohemian Barranco.Almost a third of the country's population of 29 million lives in the metropolitan area, many of them in relatively poor conos: newer neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city.
Most residents of those neighborhoods moved there from mountain villages during the political violence and poverty that marked the 1980s and ’90s, when crime increased dramatically.
During the past decade the country has enjoyed peace and steady economic growth, which have been accompanied by many improvements and refurbishment in the city.
Residents who used to steer clear of the historic center now stroll along its streets.
And many travelers who once would have avoided the city altogether now plan to spend a day here and end up staying two or three.
The port city of Paracas is blessed with magnificent natural beauty and rich historical importance, offerings inviting beaches, ideal weather and pleasant scenery — a combination that draws visitors throughout the year.
The shores of the Paracas Peninsula and waters of the bay teem with wildlife and have been declared a national reserve.
Condors frequently can be seen gliding on the sea winds or perched on the cliffs; pink flamingos often rest here on their migratory flights.
The complex interaction between wind and ocean, sun and land has transformed this region into a kind of lunarscape under an equatorial sun.
Another reason for travellers to come to this area is its proximity to the famous and mysterious Nazca Lines.
Visible from the air, these strange markings stretch for miles on a large barren plain and have bewildered archaeologists, historians and mathematicians since their discovery over a century ago.
The earliest Andean people found shelter here.
The Paracas culture was known for fine weavings in geometrical designs and vibrant colours, which have been preserved for thousands of years by the dry climate.
Some of the finest examples are in museums in Lima.
The town of Ica is Peru’s finest wine centre, as well as home to the fiery brandy-derived beverage known as Pisco.
The surrounding area features oases with springs considered to have medicinal cures.
Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at Port of Paracas, about a 45-minute drive from Ica.
There are no passenger facilities at the pier.
Shopping Shopping opportunities are limited; some souvenirs can be found at the museum in Ica.
A bottle of Peruvian Pisco (grape brandy) makes a nice memento.
The local currency is the nuevo sol.
Cuisine Seafood is highly recommended, however, we recommend you dine only in the hotel restaurants in Peru’s southern region.
Be sure to sample the national drink pisco sour and the area’s excellent wines.
Always drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes.
Other Sites The Bay of Paracas is sheltered by the Paracas peninsula, noted as one of the best marine reserves in the world.
This is also a popular resort area thanks to its beautiful bay, beaches and dependable warm weather.
Facilities include swimming pools, tennis courts, miniature golf and a good restaurant.
For those who are looking for a little adventure dune buggies are available.
Local boat trips can be booked to the Ballestas Islands but be aware that commentary is given in Spanish.
Private arrangements for independent sightseeing are limited in this port as cars have to come from Lima.
Please submit your request to the Tour Office early in the cruise.
Arica boasts that it is "the land of the eternal spring," but its temperate climate and beaches are not the only reason to visit this small city.
Relax for an hour or two on the Plaza 21 de Mayo.
Walk to the pier and watch the pelicans and sea lions trail the fishing boats as the afternoon's catch comes in.
Walk to the top of the Morro and imagine battles of days gone by, or wonder at the magnitude of modern shipping as Chilean goods leave the port below by container ship.Arica is gaining notice for its great surfing conditions, and in 2009 hosted the Rusty Arica Pro Surf Challenge, a qualifying event to the world series of surf.
But Peru's capital can hold its own against its neighbors.
It has an oceanfront setting, colonial-era splendor, sophisticated dining, and nonstop nightlife.It's true that the city—clogged with traffic and choked with fumes—doesn't make a good first impression, especially since the airport is in an industrial neighborhood.
But wander around the regal edifices surrounding the Plaza de Armas, among the gnarled olive trees of San Isidro's Parque El Olivar, or along the winding lanes in the coastal community of Barranco, and you'll find yourself charmed.In 1535 Francisco Pizarro found the perfect place for the capital of Spain's colonial empire.
On a natural port, the so-called Ciudad de los Reyes (City of Kings) allowed Spain to ship home all the gold the conquistador plundered from the Inca.
Lima served as the capital of Spain's South American empire for 300 years, and it's safe to say that no other colonial city enjoyed such power and prestige during this period.When Peru declared its independence from Spain in 1821, the declaration was read in the square that Pizarro had so carefully designed.
Many of the colonial-era buildings around the Plaza de Armas are standing today.
Walk a few blocks in any direction for churches and elegant houses that reveal just how wealthy this city once was.
But the poor state of most buildings attests to the fact that the country's wealthy families have moved to neighborhoods to the south over the past century.The walls that surrounded the city were demolished in 1870, making way for unprecedented growth.
A former hacienda became the graceful residential neighborhood of San Isidro.
In the early 1920s the construction of tree-lined Avenida Arequipa heralded the development of neighborhoods such as bustling Miraflores and bohemian Barranco.Almost a third of the country's population of 29 million lives in the metropolitan area, many of them in relatively poor conos: newer neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city.
Most residents of those neighborhoods moved there from mountain villages during the political violence and poverty that marked the 1980s and ’90s, when crime increased dramatically.
During the past decade the country has enjoyed peace and steady economic growth, which have been accompanied by many improvements and refurbishment in the city.
Residents who used to steer clear of the historic center now stroll along its streets.
And many travelers who once would have avoided the city altogether now plan to spend a day here and end up staying two or three.
The port city of Paracas is blessed with magnificent natural beauty and rich historical importance, offerings inviting beaches, ideal weather and pleasant scenery — a combination that draws visitors throughout the year.
The shores of the Paracas Peninsula and waters of the bay teem with wildlife and have been declared a national reserve.
Condors frequently can be seen gliding on the sea winds or perched on the cliffs; pink flamingos often rest here on their migratory flights.
The complex interaction between wind and ocean, sun and land has transformed this region into a kind of lunarscape under an equatorial sun.
Another reason for travellers to come to this area is its proximity to the famous and mysterious Nazca Lines.
Visible from the air, these strange markings stretch for miles on a large barren plain and have bewildered archaeologists, historians and mathematicians since their discovery over a century ago.
The earliest Andean people found shelter here.
The Paracas culture was known for fine weavings in geometrical designs and vibrant colours, which have been preserved for thousands of years by the dry climate.
Some of the finest examples are in museums in Lima.
The town of Ica is Peru’s finest wine centre, as well as home to the fiery brandy-derived beverage known as Pisco.
The surrounding area features oases with springs considered to have medicinal cures.
Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at Port of Paracas, about a 45-minute drive from Ica.
There are no passenger facilities at the pier.
Shopping Shopping opportunities are limited; some souvenirs can be found at the museum in Ica.
A bottle of Peruvian Pisco (grape brandy) makes a nice memento.
The local currency is the nuevo sol.
Cuisine Seafood is highly recommended, however, we recommend you dine only in the hotel restaurants in Peru’s southern region.
Be sure to sample the national drink pisco sour and the area’s excellent wines.
Always drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes.
Other Sites The Bay of Paracas is sheltered by the Paracas peninsula, noted as one of the best marine reserves in the world.
This is also a popular resort area thanks to its beautiful bay, beaches and dependable warm weather.
Facilities include swimming pools, tennis courts, miniature golf and a good restaurant.
For those who are looking for a little adventure dune buggies are available.
Local boat trips can be booked to the Ballestas Islands but be aware that commentary is given in Spanish.
Private arrangements for independent sightseeing are limited in this port as cars have to come from Lima.
Please submit your request to the Tour Office early in the cruise.
Arica boasts that it is "the land of the eternal spring," but its temperate climate and beaches are not the only reason to visit this small city.
Relax for an hour or two on the Plaza 21 de Mayo.
Walk to the pier and watch the pelicans and sea lions trail the fishing boats as the afternoon's catch comes in.
Walk to the top of the Morro and imagine battles of days gone by, or wonder at the magnitude of modern shipping as Chilean goods leave the port below by container ship.Arica is gaining notice for its great surfing conditions, and in 2009 hosted the Rusty Arica Pro Surf Challenge, a qualifying event to the world series of surf.
Cruise Itinerary
Aboard MS Fram
Launch Year: 2007 Length: 114 Width: 20.2 Currency: NOK Capacity: 318 Crew Count: Deck Count: 7 Cabin Count: 127
The original Fram was the most famous explorer ship of her time, and the achievements of her Arctic and Antarctic expeditions are the stuff of legend.In this spirit, the comfortable surroundings and advanced technology on today’s MS Fram – which was fully upgraded in summer 2022 – make her exceptionally well suited for modern expedition cruising.
Purpose-built as an expedition cruise ship, MS Fram is an exceptional base camp for explorers. On board, comfort is a top priority, so after a day of exploration you can relax in a hot tub, dine in your choice of two restaurants or at the outdoor BBQ and catch up with your fellow guests with a cocktail in hand as you watch the scenery glide past in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. In the Science Centre, at the heart of the ship, you’ll discover more about the places you sail to and listen to talks by the Expedition Team.
With key expedition features and technology, MS Fram is primed to bring you on a journey of discovery to our planet’s most alluring and unspoiled regions.
Premium expedition comfort
MS Fram gets you closer to nature creating an unforgettable expedition experience.The 2022 upgrade has injected a fresh Nordic look and feel across all seven decks, while exploration and learning remain front and centre. There's an expanded and improved Science Center, a larger fleet of small expeditions boats for off-ship exploration, upgraded lecture areas and the ability to stream Expedition Team talks to your cabin.
Designed to bring the outside in, take in panoramic views from the revamped Explorer Lounge & Bar, gym, sauna and hot tubs. Dine al fresco at the top-deck BBQ and savour local flavours in our signature onboard restaurants. Numerous artworks commissioned from local artists based around the Arctic adorn the interior, adding an extra sense of inspiration to your voyage.
MS Fram Facilities
MS Fram Includes
Cabin Details
Fully refurbished from bow to stern in 2022, including the 125 cabins and suites, MS Fram’s interiors are bright and airy with a Nordic vibe.
Expedition Suite
Our Expedition Suites are the most exquisite cabins on the ship. Situated on upper decks, the suites feature double beds, some with extra sofabeds, a seating area and TV.Our Expedition Suite concept includes a bathrobe, espresso maker and more. A welcome gift awaits all suite guests in their cabin.
Arctic Superior
Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic Superior cabins which are situated on both the middle and upper decks. Most of them feature flexible sleeping arrangements with a double bed that can be divided into two single beds. Our Arctic Superior concept includes a TV and amenity kit, kettle, tea and coffee.
Polar Outside
Enjoy sea views from our Polar Outside cabins, situated on the middle or upper decks. Most of them feature flexible sleeping arrangements with double bed that can be divided into two single beds.Our Polar Outside concept includes TV and an amenity kit, kettle, tea and coffee.
Polar Inside
Our cosy Polar Inside cabins feature flexible sleeping arrangements with double bed that can be divided into two single beds.Our Polar Inside concept includes TV and an amenity kit, kettle, tea and coffee.
