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HX Expeditions

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HX Expeditions

HX Expeditions (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) is a leader in adventure cruising, offering unforgettable journeys to some of the most remote corners of the planet. With a fleet of modern, ice-class expedition ships, HX specialises in small-ship exploration that blends immersive experiences with sustainability at its core. From Antarctica’s icy wilderness to the wildlife-rich Galápagos and the rugged beauty of West Africa, HX Expeditions provides authentic travel experiences that bring guests closer to nature, wildlife, and culture in 2026 and 2027.

Featured Itineraries

Why choose HX Expeditions

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Sustainable travel

Eco-conscious voyages with hybrid-powered ships

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Expert guides

Naturalists, scientists, and historians onboard

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Polar expertise

Decades of experience in Arctic and Antarctic

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Global reach

Itineraries span seven continents

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Immersive activities

Zodiacs, kayaking, hiking, and camping

HX Expeditions Ships

MS Fridtjof Nansen

MS Fridtjof Nansen

530 (500 in Antarctica) Guests

MS Fridtjof Nansen is one of HX Expeditions’ state-of-the-art hybrid expedition ships, purpose-built for polar exploration. Sister to MS Roald Amundsen, she carries just over 500 guests in modern Scandinavian comfort, powered partly by battery-assisted hybrid engines that reduce emissions. Designed for adventure in Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond, she combines scientific discovery with relaxed luxury. Her interiors feature natural materials such as birch, granite, and wool, reflecting Norway’s design heritage, while her onboard expedition team ensures that every voyage offers insight, exploration, and inspiration.

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MS Roald Amundsen

MS Roald Amundsen

530 Guests

Launched in 2019, MS Roald Amundsen represents a new era of sustainable exploration for Hurtigruten Expeditions. This pioneering hybrid-powered vessel is custom-built for navigating the icy waters of Antarctica, Patagonia, and the Chilean Fjords — offering guests an eco-friendly, luxurious basecamp for adventure.

Named after legendary Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, the first man to reach the South Pole, this ship carries his spirit of discovery into the modern age. Accommodating up to 530 guests, she combines cutting-edge expedition technology with Scandinavian comfort and style, ensuring every voyage is as enriching as it is environmentally conscious.

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MS Spitsbergen

MS Spitsbergen

335 Guests

Launched in 2016 after a complete rebuild, MS Spitsbergen is one of Hurtigruten’s newest expedition ships, designed for exploring the wild coastlines of Norway, Iceland, Greenland, and Canada. Carrying just 335 guests, she combines Hurtigruten’s expedition heritage with modern Scandinavian comfort and a focus on sustainability and discovery.

Named after the Spitsbergen archipelago, this agile, ice-strengthened vessel is purpose-built for navigating polar waters. Unlike Hurtigruten’s classic coastal ships, she is a dedicated expedition ship, offering a more premium onboard experience with spacious public areas, refined dining, and an intimate, adventure-led atmosphere. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or exploring Arctic fjords beneath the midnight sun, MS Spitsbergen delivers an unforgettable small-ship experience.

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Santa Cruz II

Santa Cruz II

90 Guests

Santa Cruz II is a purpose-built expedition vessel offering immersive voyages throughout the Galapagos Islands. Designed for discovery, she combines contemporary comfort with expert-led exploration, creating an unforgettable way to experience one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.

Operated by HX Expeditions (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), Santa Cruz II carries just 90 guests, ensuring an intimate and environmentally conscious experience. Every voyage is guided by a dedicated team of naturalists and expedition leaders who bring the Galapagos’ history, wildlife, and geology vividly to life. With small-group landings, Zodiac cruises, and daily excursions, guests can explore this unique archipelago in a respectful and deeply rewarding way.

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HX Expeditions cruise types

expedition

Expedition

scenic-itineraries

Scenic itineraries

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Enrichment focus

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All-Inclusive

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Small-ship style

Onboard details

HX Expeditions combines modern comfort with a strong focus on exploration and sustainability, offering an enriching experience on every voyage.

Overview
Accommodation
Dining
Amenities
Wellness
Entertainment
Families
  • Fleet of five modern expedition ships.
  • First hybrid-powered ships in the industry.
  • Polar and warm-water itineraries.
  • Immersive landings by Zodiac.
  • Locally inspired, sustainable cuisine.
  • Educational lectures and science programmes.
  • Comfortable, modern staterooms and suites.
  • Onboard science centres with labs.
  • Eco-certified operations and partnerships.
  • Authentic focus on wildlife and culture.
HX Expeditions Accommodation

Accommodation

HX offers a range of cabins, from Polar Outside rooms to spacious balcony suites. Staterooms feature modern décor, en-suite bathrooms, and smart storage. Suites add living areas and floor-to-ceiling windows for scenic viewing. Across the fleet, accommodation balances practicality with comfort, creating a restful haven after time ashore.

HX Expeditions Dining

Dining

Dining focuses on local and sustainable ingredients, blending international and Nordic-inspired dishes. Menus reflect the regions visited, with seafood, vegetarian options, buffets, and à la carte meals. Some ships feature bakeries or speciality venues. Complimentary teas, coffees, and soft drinks are included, making dining a cultural part of the journey.

HX Expeditions Amenities

Amenities

Amenities support both exploration and comfort. Ships include observation decks, Zodiac launch zones, lounges with wide views, and spaces for lectures or learning. Larger vessels add gyms, saunas, or Jacuzzis, while Santa Cruz II offers an intimate Galápagos experience. All maintain a relaxed, social onboard atmosphere.

HX Expeditions Wellness

Wellness

Wellness goes beyond spa facilities, though larger ships offer saunas and fitness suites. Time outdoors—fresh air, glacier views, hiking, or kayaking—forms a core part of the experience. Fitness areas provide room for stretching or yoga, while outdoor hot tubs offer relaxation with spectacular scenery.

HX Expeditions Entertainment

Entertainment

Entertainment is educational rather than theatrical, with lectures, workshops, and talks from experts. Science centres encourage hands-on learning. Evenings are relaxed, with social gatherings or local cultural moments. The wild landscapes and wildlife remain the main highlight, often visible directly from deck.

HX Expeditions Families

Families

HX welcomes families with older children on selected voyages. Shared activities like hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing create memorable adventures. Interactive science sessions help engage younger guests, and flexible cabin layouts support family travel. The small-ship setting fosters a safe and friendly environment for exploring together.

Ash - Meet the Experts
Ashley
Nikki

Meet Ashley, our HX Expeditions Expert

Ash is one of our Expedition Specialists, and there’s not much he doesn’t know about exploring the most remote corners of the world. Having worked with several leading expedition operators, he has second-to-none knowledge and expertise. Expedition cruising is his true passion, and he has built strong relationships with onboard expedition teams throughout the industry.

If you’re looking for an expedition voyage with HX Expeditions, Ash’s insight will be invaluable. With direct access to field-based experts, he can offer a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on life on board. Always up to date on the newest ships and itineraries, he’s the perfect person to help you plan your next adventure.

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FAQs

Whether it’s life on board or daily excursions ashore, these FAQs are designed to guide you through the HX Expeditions experience.