HX Expeditions Cruises
Explore The World Through True Expedition Travel
HX Expeditions is one of the most established names in expedition cruising, with roots dating back to 1896 and a strong focus on remote, nature driven, small ship travel.
Today, HX sails to some of the world’s most extraordinary expedition regions, including Antarctica, the Galápagos, Greenland, Svalbard, Norway, Alaska, South America, Iceland, the British Isles and the Northwest Passage.
For travelers who want more than a traditional cruise, HX offers a style of travel built around exploration, wildlife, science, education and access.
The Expedition Experience:
These are journeys for travelers who want to stand on Antarctic ice, search for polar bears in Svalbard, explore Greenlandic communities, walk volcanic landscapes in the Galápagos or experience Norway and the Arctic by small expedition ship.
Angela Hughes
At Trips & Ships Luxury Travel, we help clients choose the right HX itinerary, ship, season and cabin based on how adventurous they want the journey to feel, how much comfort they expect onboard and what wildlife or landscapes matter most.
With more than 40 years in the travel industry and travel experience across 121+ countries, Angela Hughes and the Trips & Ships Luxury Travel team provide trusted expedition cruise expertise travelers can rely on.
The New Luxury Discover
Antarctica, Greenland & the Arctic
Experience the ultimate in expedition luxury as you explore the breathtaking landscapes of Antarctica, Greenland, and the Arctic. From towering glaciers and pristine wilderness to unforgettable wildlife encounters, discover a new way to experience the world's most remote destinations.
Why Choose HX Expeditions?
HX Expeditions is best for travelers who want expedition depth rather than traditional scenic cruising.
Core Voyage Pillars
Authentic Flexibility
Unlike conventional cruise lines focused heavily on onboard entertainment, HX builds its journeys around the environment. Daily schedules may change based on:
- Ice conditions
- Weather patterns
- Wildlife sightings
- Local opportunities
"This flexibility creates a more authentic and immersive expedition experience."
HX is particularly well suited for travelers seeking:
Where Does HX Expeditions Sail?
HX operates expedition cruises across some of the world’s most remote and spectacular destinations.
Antarctica
Iconic Features:
- Penguin colonies
- Icebergs
- Zodiac landings
- Whale sightings
- Drake Passage crossings
Svalbard
Ideal For:
- Polar bear opportunities
- Arctic wildlife
- Midnight sun experiences
- Glacier scenery
Greenland
The Experience:
- Massive icebergs
- Inuit culture
- Remote Arctic communities
- Dramatic fjord landscapes
Galápagos
What It Delivers:
- Extraordinary wildlife encounters
- Small ship exploration
- Snorkeling opportunities
- Educational naturalist experiences
Norway & Iceland
Primary Highlights:
- Scenic fjords
- Arctic landscapes
- Cultural experiences
- Expedition style exploration
Alaska
Best For:
- Wildlife focused travel
- Glacier exploration
- Coastal small-ship discovery
- Softer expedition experiences
South America & The British Isles
HX also sails to high-latitude and remote coastal regions, offering deep immersion into:
HX Expedition Ships
HX’s fleet is designed specifically for expedition travel and remote destination access.
MS Roald Amundsen
One of the world’s first hybrid powered expedition ships featuring modern Scandinavian design and advanced sustainability technology.
Best For:
- Antarctica
- Arctic exploration
- Modern expedition comfort
MS Fridtjof Nansen
A sister ship to Roald Amundsen offering hybrid technology, science focused expedition travel, and comfortable modern accommodations.
Best For:
- Antarctica
- Greenland
- Arctic itineraries
MS Spitsbergen
A smaller expedition vessel named after the largest island in Svalbard, designed for maneuverability and deep immersion.
Best For:
- Arctic exploration
- Smaller ship experiences
- Wildlife focused itineraries
MS Fram
A classic expedition ship purpose built for polar travel, honoring the heritage of original Norwegian explorers.
Best For:
- Experienced expedition travelers
- Traditional expedition atmosphere
- Remote Arctic exploration
MS Santa Cruz II
A small expedition vessel designed specifically for Galápagos exploration, prioritizing low-impact nature discovery.
Best For:
- Wildlife lovers
- Nature focused travel
- First time expedition guests
A New Era of Sustainable Exploration
Witness the world’s first hybrid-powered expedition fleet in action. Combining advanced Norwegian engineering with Scandinavian comfort, our ships are designed to be silent, sustainable windows into the most pristine environments on Earth.
Best HX Expeditions For First-Time Travelers
Choosing the right first expedition cruise depends heavily on comfort level, travel goals and desired adventure level.
DESTINATION EXPERTISEAntarctica: The White Continent
Best For:
- Bucket list travelers
- Dramatic scenery
- Wildlife encounters
- Classic expedition experiences
Expedition Focus:
At Trips & Ships Luxury Travel, we help travelers choose the expedition style that best fits their expectations, mobility, comfort level and interests.
What Expedition Travel Actually Feels Like
Expedition cruising feels very different from traditional cruise vacations. The focus shifts from the ship's interior to the world outside.
Travelers Should Expect:
- Flexible itineraries
- Wildlife focused days
- Zodiac landings
- Educational lectures
- Outdoor exploration
- Casual atmosphere
- Nature centered experiences
Travelers Should Not Expect:
- Casinos
- Broadway entertainment
- Formal cruise culture
- Large ship nightlife
"The destinations themselves become the experience."
Common Expedition Cruise Mistakes
Many travelers make avoidable mistakes when booking expedition cruises including:
Expert guidance can dramatically improve the expedition experience.
The World’s Most Remote Frontiers
From the icy silence of Antarctica to the volcanic energy of the Galápagos, true expedition travel is about the moments that happen off the ship. See the wildlife encounters and Zodiac landings that make HX journeys a life-changing experience.
Angela Hughes
Founder of Luxury Travel University
More than 40 years in the travel industry
Traveled to more than 121 countries
Global luxury travel speaker and trainer
Weekly industry columnist
Travel Leaders Network Advisory Board member
2024 Luxury Travel Influencer of the Year
Named among the Most Influential Women in Travel in 2026 by TravelPulse
"Angela and her team specialize in helping travelers navigate the complexities of luxury expedition travel with highly personalized guidance."
HX Expeditions:
Frequently Asked Questions
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions: A Comprehensive Guide
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) is a global leader in expedition cruising, taking adventurous travelers to some of the world's most remote and beautiful environments. With specialized ice-class vessels designed to operate in extreme conditions, HX sails to polar regions like Antarctica, Svalbard, Greenland, and the Northwest Passage, as well as unique tropical ecosystems like the Galápagos Islands.
The HX experience centers around education, sustainability, and real exploration. Onboard hybrid-powered ships like the MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, guests can visit a state-of-the-art Science Center where they participate in research, analyze water samples, and listen to lectures led by marine biologists and geologists. Daily landings via rigid inflatable boats (Zodiacs) allow for safe shore excursions to view wildlife and historic sites close-up.
All HX cruise fares are all-inclusive, covering daily landings, standard onboard wine and beer, specialty coffees, Wi-Fi, and gratuities, alongside an expedition jacket to keep. Coordinating polar flights, hotel stays, and selecting the right stateroom category is best done with the help of a certified expedition specialist at Trips & Ships Luxury Travel. Contact our team today to begin planning your journey.
Ready To Explore The World With HX Expeditions?
Expedition travel is one of the most rewarding forms of luxury travel available today, but choosing the right destination, ship and season matters enormously.
Trips & Ships Luxury Travel helps travelers confidently plan extraordinary HX Expeditions cruises with personalized expert guidance.
- Antarctica expeditions
- Arctic & Svalbard wildlife cruises
- Galápagos small ship voyages
- Greenland ice exploration
- Remote coastal adventures
Contact Trips & Ships Luxury Travel today to begin planning your next expedition adventure.