HX Expeditions Ships Guide

Selecting the ideal vessel for your polar or tropical voyage is a core part of planning a Hurtigruten Expedition. HX operates a modern fleet of ice-class expedition ships engineered to navigate remote polar corridors (such as the Antarctic Peninsula, Svalbard, and Greenland) and warm-water wildlife reserves like the Galápagos Islands.

Each vessel features a distinct shipboard environment. While hybrid-powered ships like MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen offer spacious, modern layouts with Nordic-inspired wood accents and private balconies, classic vessels like MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen feature intimate, classic maritime layouts that are ideal for navigating narrow fjords and shallow harbors.

Onboard wellness facilities are designed to promote relaxation after active days of exploration. Both the MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen feature spacious wellness areas, including a fully equipped gym, a wellness spa, and an outdoor infinity pool and hot tubs located on the pool deck. A highlight of the Nordic experience is the glass-fronted sauna, which offers panoramic views of the icebergs and glaciers as you warm up. Classic vessels like MS Fram also feature comfortable saunas and hot tubs, allowing guests to relax and recharge.

Deciding which vessel is best for your party requires analyzing the stateroom sizes, deck plans, passenger capacity, and target itinerary. The MS Santa Cruz II, for example, is specifically configured for Galápagos expeditions, featuring glass-bottom boat excursions and wildlife lectures. Meanwhile, polar vessels are designed with high-power stabilizers to navigate the Drake Passage smoothly.

All HX ships feature state-of-the-art Science Centers where naturalists, marine biologists, and geologists host lectures and guide citizen science projects. Guests can analyze water samples under microscopes or assist in cataloging wildlife sightings, adding an educational dimension to their cruise. By collecting data on cloud cover, krill levels, and whale sightings, travelers actively support research initiatives by organizations like NASA and the Polar Citizen Science Alliance.

Dining onboard HX ships is a highlight, featuring locally sourced, regional menus across three main dining concepts. Aune is the ship's main dining room, offering open seating breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Fredheim is a casual eatery serving international street food and comfort food, while Lindstrøm is an exclusive, fine-dining restaurant offering gourmet Nordic culinary creations. Meals, select beers and wines, specialty coffees, and snacks are fully included, ensuring a seamless and premium experience.

Trips & Ships Luxury Travel works as your personal travel planner. We leverage our close relationships with cruise line executives to secure upgrades, value-added benefits, and preferred cabin selections. Whether you are boarding the MS Roald Amundsen or planning a custom family group expedition, we handle all ground transfers, pre- or post-cruise hotel stays, and flight details.