HX Expeditions: A Legacy of Adventure, Reimagined for Today

Formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions, HX has been taking travelers to the ends of the Earth for more than 130 years. What started as a Norwegian coastal shipping line has evolved into a modern expedition cruise leader, with an unmatched commitment to sustainability, science, and true exploration.

HX doesn’t just take you to remote places—it invites you to engage with them deeply, traveling with scientists, naturalists, and local experts on ships designed for adventure in comfort. This is expedition cruising for those who care about the planet—and want to explore it with purpose.

The Fleet: Sustainable and Purpose-Driven

HX operates a fleet of small, ice-class expedition ships, most carrying between 250 and 500 guests. Each is equipped for Zodiac landings, polar exploration, and scientific discovery, with a focus on environmentally responsible technology.

Core expedition vessels include:

• MS Fridtjof Nansen & MS Roald Amundsen – Hybrid-powered ships that reduce emissions and represent the forefront of sustainable cruising

• MS Maud – A sleek, comfortable ship designed for rugged coastal exploration in the British Isles, Iceland, and Northern Europe

• MS Fram – A classic expedition vessel completely modernized, often used in Antarctica and the Arctic

• MS Spitsbergen – Perfect for smaller groups and off-the-beaten-path destinations

All HX ships feature:

• Science Centers, complete with onboard labs, microscopes, and interactive exhibits

• Expedition Launches for quick and easy access to Zodiac adventures

• Panoramic lounges and observation decks that maximize time with the scenery

• Comfortable cabins and suites with Scandinavian design sensibility

• Onboard saunas, hot tubs, and fitness centers to unwind after active days

Rather than compete on luxury, HX competes on purpose and depth—inviting travelers to be active participants, not passive passengers.

Where They Travel

HX offers year-round expedition cruises to some of the world’s most captivating and remote destinations. If you're dreaming of wild coastlines, polar wildlife, or rarely visited islands, chances are HX goes there.

Signature regions include:

• Antarctica – including the Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, and South Georgia

• Arctic – Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, and the Canadian High Arctic

• Alaska – smaller ports and cultural encounters beyond the big-ship routes

• Galápagos Islands – launching in 2026, a major expansion of warm-weather expeditions

• South America – Patagonia, the Chilean fjords, and Cape Horn

• West Africa – including Cape Verde and the Bissagos Islands

• British Isles & Northern Europe – immersive coastal expeditions

• The Northwest Passage – rare and challenging journeys through the Arctic frontier

Itineraries are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for spontaneous wildlife sightings or weather-dependent landings. This is expedition travel in its purest form.

The Onboard Experience

Onboard an HX expedition, you’ll find a vibe that’s casual, curious, and community-minded. There are no butlers or ballgowns here—just nature lovers, seasoned guides, and immersive programming that deepens your connection to the destinations.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Daily landings and Zodiac excursions, often led by local guides and expedition leaders

• Interactive lectures and workshops on climate science, marine biology, geology, and cultural history

• Opportunities to contribute to real scientific research, from seabird counts to microplastic sampling

• Locally inspired dining, often with regional ingredients and sustainably sourced seafood

• Comfortable lounges and shared spaces that foster camaraderie among guests

• No formal nights, no dress codes—just boots, binoculars, and curiosity

You won’t just see penguins—you’ll learn about their breeding behaviors, threats to their habitat, and how to photograph them like a pro. The goal is always active engagement, not passive sightseeing.

What Makes HX Unique?

• 130+ Years of Exploration Heritage – HX is rooted in a real legacy of connecting remote communities and navigating wild waters

• Sustainability Leaders – They launched the world’s first hybrid-powered cruise ships, have banned heavy fuel oil, and are vocal advocates for responsible travel

• Science at Sea – With full-time scientists onboard and public science labs, HX blends tourism and research in a way few other lines do

• Small-Ship Focus – HX’s fleet allows for true expedition landings, visiting places inaccessible to traditional cruise ships

• Expedition-First Philosophy – Every cruise is built around exploration, education, and environmental stewardship

The HX Guest

The typical HX guest is curious, active, and environmentally aware. They don’t need fine china or nightly entertainment—they want adventure, enrichment, and real connection to the places they visit. Many are well-traveled, with a deep interest in wildlife, culture, and climate, and a desire to tread lightly on the planet.

Guests tend to skew international, creating a diverse onboard atmosphere and rich conversation in the lounges and science centers.

Final Thoughts

With HX, the journey is more than just a trip—it’s an invitation to understand our world better. Whether you’re stepping foot on Antarctica, following polar bears across the sea ice of Svalbard, or navigating the fjords of Chile, you’re doing so with purpose, integrity, and a spirit of exploration that runs deep. For travelers who care not just about where they go, but why and how they go there, HX is a natural choice.

Ready to explore the world with purpose? HX is waiting.