For over 130 years, they have been exploring the most remote corners of the planet with daring, curiosity and a spirit of self-improvement. HX Expeditions brings us closer to the purest, most natural beauty of the world’s wildest places.
It all began in 1896, in the Arctic, with the first expedition cruise. A route that no one had ever sailed before, from Hammerfest to Svalbard, was completed by the DS Lofoten. A group of brave individuals set out on this adventure, driven by curiosity and drawing on Norwegian experience and resilience. The first explorers who had the privilege of seeing the Arctic as few others had done and of studying its wildlife, laying the foundations for what HX Expeditions stands for today. Pioneers of expedition travel for those who wish to understand the world by delving into its very essence.
With HX Expeditions, we’ll experience immersive journeys that take us to some of the wildest and most breathtaking places in the world. On these expeditions, nature calls the shots and the itineraries are adapted in real time, whether in response to the movement of sea ice or by sailing to places where wildlife has recently been sighted. The main attraction of these trips lies in the small expedition boats – fast, lightweight vessels that set sail from the main ship and take us easily to remote shores so that we can explore them. These are remote locations that traditional cruise ships cannot reach.
Exploration, science and discovery are the cornerstones of HX’s expeditions. Led by naturalists, scientists and historians, they reveal all the secrets of the natural landscapes and habitats we will visit through guided shore excursions and talks on board.
At the heart of every expedition lies a deep commitment to exploration and education. On board the Science Centres, enriching lectures and opportunities for hands-on research bring the world’s most remote destinations to life, sparking our curiosity, fostering understanding and cultivating a deep respect for the planet.
As we venture into the wilderness, we’ll be able to admire Papuan penguins in Antarctica and king penguins in South Georgia, whales in Greenland on a boat safari or a kayaking trip, polar bears in Svalbard and brown bears in Alaska… Always adhering to strict conservation practices established by various organisations to ensure the safety of both the animals and their habitats.
We will also find time to forge close ties with the communities we visit, whether in large cities or remote indigenous villages, always on the basis of mutual respect and shared values.
The world’s most sustainable cruise ship
At HX Expeditions, education and sustainability go hand in hand. By visiting the world’s most fragile ecosystems, we will have the opportunity to play an active part in their conservation.
The use of state of the art hybrid powered vessels, the search for better alternatives to single-use plastics and heavy fossil fuels, and genuine partnerships with leading scientists and conservationists enable HX to spearhead the drive for responsible exploration. All these decisions have resulted in the company being named ‘Best ESG-rated cruise line by Morningstar Sustainalytics in 2023’.
The ships of HX Expeditions
HX boats are more than just a means of transport: they’re your home in the heart of nature. You won’t find any casinos, cabaret shows or water slides there; but you will find the Science Centre, every kind of outdoor spectacle you can imagine, and kayaking trips or small-boat safaris along the coasts of the Arctic, Antarctica or the Galápagos.
Intimate lounges where travellers share the experiences they have had each day have replaced the crowded decks. You can get fit at the gym, treat yourself and pamper yourself at the wellness centre, or simply relax in your cabin. All this without the constraints of dress codes, with a warm welcome and just between ninety and five hundred guests on board.
The restaurants serve delicious dishes that will be yet another fond memory of this trip once you return home. If you’re staying in a suite, you’ll be able to enjoy a superb dining experience at Lindstrøm, the exclusive on-board restaurant. Inspired by Norway’s polar heritage, its menus – created by expert chefs – combine Scandinavian flavours with international influences, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. These delicious culinary creations are accompanied by premium wines, attentive table service and breathtaking views of glaciers, endless ocean horizons and coastlines teeming with wildlife.
The HX Expeditions fleet consists of five ships. The MS Roald Amundsen, named after the legendary Norwegian explorer, boasts a sumptuous and comfortable interior design featuring natural Scandinavian materials such as granite, oak, birch and wool, which have been used to create cosy cabins and relaxed, elegant communal areas.
The MS Fridtjof Nansen, a new-generation vessel and the company’s latest addition, boasts a carefully selected team of specialists and modern explorers. Its three restaurants offer a variety of dining options, with menus drawing on the rich Norwegian and Nordic traditions, as well as international cuisine.
The MS Fram captures the spirit of the legendary Norwegian exploration vessel captained by the great navigator Fridtjof Nansen. This ship offers every comfort; what’s more, you can enjoy a delicious dinner in one of its two restaurants or at the open-air barbecue. To round off the evening in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, you can enjoy a delicious cocktail. Numerous works of art by local Arctic artists adorn the walls of the MS Fram.
The MS Spitsbergen is named after the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. It has its own on-board expedition team, which acts as a ‘university of the sea’, organising a daily programme of lectures and evening events and teaching the Norwegian concept of ‘friluftsliv’ (outdoor life).
Finally, the MS Santa Cruz II is elegant and spacious, offering the chance to explore the Galápagos Islands. Enjoying a delicious meal in its restaurant, socialising on the various decks and learning more about the archipelago in the Science Centre are just some of the activities on offer on this ship, all in a relaxed atmosphere with the very best service.
The Expedition Suites are spacious, private and feature large windows. A private retreat where you can relax after a busy day of safaris, exploring remote coastlines or walking through the wilderness to discover wildlife. Some of the suites have a private balcony and the option of a private outdoor hot tub.
Why choose to travel with HX Expeditions?
Firstly, because they take us to the world’s most remote and unspoilt places, such as Alaska, Antarctica, the Galápagos, the Northwest Passage and the Canadian Arctic; but also to South America, Europe, Greenland, Iceland or the British Isles. Itineraries that combine authentic exploration with expert knowledge, allowing you to discover the archaeological treasures of great civilisations, magnificent cities, hidden gems and stunning biodiversity. All this is complemented by premium comfort.
You’ll also choose HX for its more than 100 years’ experience in taking curious travellers to the most breathtaking places on the planet; because they’ll introduce you to a world full of wonders, from cultural encounters to discovering wildlife; because that adventure is all-inclusive and the daily activities come at no extra cost, as do meals, drinks, Wi-Fi…; because they are designed for genuine travellers and offer the most comprehensive scientific programme in the industry and because HX Expeditions is a leader in adventure travel, having been awarded the Gold prize for Best Expedition Cruise Line at the 2024 British Travel Awards. Awards that highlight its commitment to providing an exceptional experience for its guests and to the responsible exploration of the destinations it visits.
