Since setting sail from Hammerfest (in the far north of mainland Norway) to Svalbard in 1896, Hurtigruten has established itself as a global pioneer in expedition cruising, paving the way for adventures in some of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring destinations. Now known as HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, or simply HX, their current range of adventure-packed cruises are designed for curious travellers seeking to explore the planet’s lesser-visited corners in comfort and style, taking in spellbinding landscapes and the possibility of spectacular wildlife encounters along the way. Here’s all you need to know about embarking on an expedition cruise with HX.
Extraordinary destinations
Polar bears spotted from MS Fridtjof Nansen in Svalbard
HX cruises are all about visiting wild, remote and sparsely populated destinations known for their breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife, including many regions that cannot be accessed by land or by plane. The essence of these cruises is deepening one’s knowledge and appreciation of the planet through immersive experiences that showcase each destination’s natural splendour in a caring and environmentally responsible manner. Our featured HX itineraries include an in-depth exploration of Iceland’s rugged coastal wonders, an epic Arctic voyage introducing you to Svalbard’s vast polar wilderness and a Northern Lights-focused cruise among the fjords and archipelagos of Norway’s far north.
Northern Lights Expedition Cruise with HX: Find out more
Custom-made expedition vessels
Outdoor infinity pool and hot tubs on MS Fridtjof Nansen
The HX fleet consists of six ships, each of which has been designed to access remote, often inhospitable locations while providing guests with a comfortable and relaxing expedition experience onboard. The two newest ships, MS Roald Amundsen (2019) and MS Fridtjof Nansen (2020) are hybrid-powered with innovative sustainable technology that reduces their fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 20%, while all ships have robust systems in place to minimise food waste and avoid non-essential single-use plastics. They each vary in size, mostly carrying between 220-530 passengers (though numbers are limited to 200 when visiting Svalbard and Antarctica due to local restrictions), and feature stylish Scandinavian interior design throughout the cabins and communal areas. Each ship has a spacious observation deck where you can keep a look out for wildlife and take in the scenery, as well as saunas, hot tubs and a well-equipped gym where you can unwind or exercise as and when you please. All cabins and suites come with a private ensuite bathroom with a shower, a TV, a mini bar and plug sockets as standard, while some have the added benefit of extra space, a private balcony and outward-facing windows.
All-inclusive dining
Restaurant Aune, MS Fridjtof Nansen
Part and parcel of the HX experience is superb all-inclusive dining throughout your expedition cruise. A plentiful buffet breakfast is served in the mornings, followed by an enticing selection of à la carte dishes later on, alongside house wine, beer and spirits (premium drinks are available for an additional charge) served in the restaurants and in the Explorer lounge and bar. Gratuities are also included at all times. You’re welcome to help yourself to complimentary tea, coffee and soft drinks throughout the day, as well as a takeaway service should you rather dine in the comfort of your own cabin. You will also be given a complimentary water bottle to refill onboard and take home with you afterwards. The newest ships, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, each have three restaurants, including a fine dining venue (Restaurant Lindstrøm) which is included for suite guests and available for an additional supplement for non-suite guests. On other, smaller ships, such as MS Spitsbergen, delicious meals are all served at the same restaurant.
Arctic Explorations with HX: Find out more
Epic shore excursions
Small boat glacier tour in Svalbard
While the bulk of any HX expedition cruise is spent on the ship itself, it’s the shore excursions that really elevate the experience by bringing you up close to the spectacular destinations you’ll be visiting. Several of these excursions are included on each cruise, while there are plenty more that can be arranged for an additional fee. Depending on your specific cruise, activities could include the likes of kayaking, hiking, whale watching, small boat tours and bus sightseeing tours. All guests receive a polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX exploration kit for the area you're exploring, so you’ll be well-equipped for whichever adventures lie in wait. While wildlife encounters are highly likely, they’ll always be from a safe distance and without disturbing their natural behaviour. Professional photographs of your expedition cruise are taken by the onboard photographer and will be made available to download free of charge.
Specialist expedition team
On every HX cruise, you’ll be accompanied by a team of experts from a wide range of fields and different walks of life. Their objective is to help you get the absolute most of your experience by sharing their detailed knowledge and insights as well as their natural enthusiasm for the areas that you’ll be visiting. Among them are experienced Arctic nature guides, scientific researchers, oceanographers, glaciologists, archaeologists and anthropologists. As well as leading your shore explorations, members of the expedition team will also be busy preparing a varied programme of onboard events, including lectures, photography workshops, yoga classes, meditation sessions and plenty more. And of course, they will always be more than happy to chat and provide fascinating facts and anecdotes about their own adventures and areas of expertise.
