HX Expeditions (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) stands out for its premium, science-focused adventure cruises, rigorous environmental impact management, and fully flexible itineraries in polar regions.
Here are the key features of the onboard experience: Scientific and citizen-science immersion.
Scientists on board: The company hosts researchers from around twenty global research centers; in return, they give lectures and share their work.
Citizen science: Passengers are not mere spectators; they actively participate in field data collection to advance research in the Arctic or Antarctic.
Expert guidance: The ships carry some of the industry’s largest expedition teams (approximately 20 guides and experts per vessel). A strong environmental commitment.
Hybrid ships: The fleet’s two newest vessels feature electric battery power, allowing for silent navigation in highly protected areas to avoid disturbing marine wildlife.
No plastics or heavy fuel oil: Single-use plastics are banned on board, and the use of heavy fuel oil was phased out years ago.
Compliance with standards: Teams undergo rigorous training in IAATO (Antarctic) and AECO (Arctic) regulations to protect ecosystems. A day-to-day spirit of adventure.
No-frills atmosphere: The vibe is relaxed. There are no “Captain’s Dinners” or strict dress codes—guests simply come as they are.
Flexible itineraries: Thanks to daily scouting by the teams (terrain assessment, wildlife tracking), the program changes “day by day, hour by hour” depending on weather and ice conditions.
Exceptional destinations: from the poles to the tropics
HX Expeditions offers an impressive portfolio focused on pure exploration. The company covers 14 major destinations across the globe, organized into two distinct realms:
Polar Regions (their historic specialty): Antarctica remains the company’s flagship destination, with regular departures from Ushuaia. In the north, you can explore the Arctic, Greenland, the Svalbard archipelago (Spitsbergen), Iceland, and Alaska, as well as the legendary Northwest Passage.
Preserved Ecosystems: The company also operates in the Galápagos Islands. Outside of the polar seasons, the ships offer itineraries along the coasts of North America and the British Isles, as well as ocean crossings in Europe.
The HX fleet consists of five specialized expedition ships. Designed to navigate challenging waters (such as polar ice), they remain very small compared to conventional cruise ships, allowing them to access fjords and remote areas inaccessible to others. The MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen accommodate 500 passengers and serve as the flagships of the fleet. These are next-generation vessels featuring hybrid-electric propulsion that significantly reduces emissions. The MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen accommodate 300 passengers, offering an even more intimate experience and a rugged aesthetic, having been specially refurbished to foster maximum closeness to the wilderness. The MS Santa Cruz II accommodates 90 passengers, offering the atmosphere of an exclusive small ship entirely dedicated to the intimate exploration of the Galápagos archipelago.
On-board comfort: the “Premium” Scandinavian spirit
At HX Expeditions, comfort is not based on ostentatious luxury, but on a clean, warm Scandinavian design focused on observing nature. All cabins face the sea: on modern ships like the Fridtjof Nansen, there are no inside cabins. More than half feature a private balcony, and some high-end suites even have their own private outdoor hot tub.
Relaxation areas: The ships feature saunas with panoramic views, upper-deck Jacuzzis, a fitness center, and a spacious observation lounge (the Explorer Lounge) with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Dining: There are generally up to three restaurants on board showcasing local, sustainable cuisine, including the Lindstrøm restaurant—reserved for suites (or available for a surcharge)—and Fredheim, which offers a more casual atmosphere.
The “All-Inclusive” package: For total peace of mind, the price includes meals, drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks), Wi-Fi (via Starlink), gratuities, scientific lectures, and most standard Zodiac excursions. You are even provided with a premium waterproof expedition jacket.
From the eternal ice of Antarctica to the volcanic sanctuaries of the Galápagos Islands, HX Expeditions (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) is reinventing high-end adventure travel through a powerful concept: scientific and sustainable exploration.
For travelers seeking striking contrasts, the company’s portfolio offers a remarkable geographical span. To the south, Antarctica embodies the ultimate polar experience a white-and-blue wilderness of ice where time seems to stand still. To the north, the Arctic, Greenland, and the Svalbard archipelago open the gateway to the realm of the polar bear and colossal fjords. In stark contrast to these extreme landscapes, HX brings its expertise to the equatorial region, in the heart of the Galápagos Islands. This pristine island sanctuary, made famous by Charles Darwin, offers a radically different kind of immersion: an explosion of tropical biodiversity where marine iguanas, giant tortoises, and blue-footed boobies coexist without fear of humans.
To navigate these ecosystems at once fascinating and fragile the company relies on a fleet of five state-of-the-art vessels, all designed on an intimate scale to access the planet’s most remote regions. In polar waters, the sister ships MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen (carrying 500 passengers) stand as technological pioneers; featuring hybrid-electric propulsion, they glide silently among icebergs, drastically reducing their carbon footprint. For the Galápagos, the company prioritizes an ultra-intimate experience with the MS Santa Cruz II. Carrying just 90 passengers, this vessel operates like a large private yacht, capable of navigating into the archipelago’s most secluded coves.
On board, ostentatious luxury gives way to the Scandinavian hygge spirit: a design that is clean, warm, and fully oriented toward the outdoors. On newer vessels, every cabin offers a sea view, and the majority feature a private balcony. Passengers can watch whales or volcanic landscapes from their beds, or extend the experience in a panoramic sauna after a day of excursions. However, HX’s true signature lies in its all-inclusive, science-focused approach. Far removed from conventional entertainment cruises, travelers become active participants in environmental protection. Accompanied by a team of around twenty international guides and scientists, they take an active role in citizen science programs analyzing water samples or documenting local wildlife. It is an immersive, intellectual adventure where modern comfort humbly serves the cause of discovery and the preservation of the Earth.
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