Ultimate Guide

Where Real Explorers Go

The Ultimate Guide to HX Expeditions (Hurtigruten Expeditions) — Discover 130+ years of polar heritage, custom-built hybrid-electric expedition ships, citizen science, and remote wilderness exploration.

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The HX Expeditions Difference

Pioneering Exploration Since 1896

HX is the world leader in expedition cruising, taking travelers to the most remote frontiers on Earth with certified expedition teams, scientific laboratories, and zero heavy fuel oil.

We Specialize In:

World's first hybrid-electric expedition ships (MS Roald Amundsen & MS Fridtjof Nansen)
Dedicated Science Center on every ship featuring high-tech microscopes and guest citizen science projects
All-inclusive expedition experience: daily Zodiac landings, guided hikes, kayaking, and polar parkas
Unmatched polar heritage with over 130 years of navigating Arctic and Antarctic waters

From watching penguins on Antarctic ice floes to swimming with sea lions in the Galápagos and tracking polar bears in Svalbard, HX combines authentic adventure with Nordic comfort.

Where You Can Go With HX Expeditions

Journey to the ends of the Earth across polar ice caps, volcanic archipelagos, and remote fjords.

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Explore Antarctica

HX Expeditions Antarctica Drake Passage Guide

The White Continent

Antarctica & Drake Passage

Cross the Drake Passage to encounter massive penguin colonies, breaching whales, and towering icebergs.

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Explore Galápagos

HX Galápagos Cruises

Enchanted Evolutionary Paradise

Galápagos Islands

Snorkel with sea lions, giant tortoises, and marine iguanas aboard the carbon-neutral MS Santa Cruz II.

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Explore Svalbard

HX Svalbard Cruises

Realm of the Polar Bear

Svalbard & High Arctic

Explore the remote Spitsbergen archipelago in search of polar bears, walruses, and Arctic foxes.

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Explore Greenland

HX Greenland Cruises

Ice Fjords & Inuit Culture

Greenland & Northwest Passage

Witness Ilulissat Icefjord, Viking ruins, and epic waterways of the legendary Northwest Passage.

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Explore HX Fleet

HX Expeditions Ships Guide Best HX Expeditions

Purpose-Built Vessels

HX Fleet & Expedition Ships

Explore MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Spitsbergen, MS Fram, and MS Santa Cruz II.

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Explore Overview

HX Expeditions Guide

Complete Brand Guide

HX Expeditions Overview

Discover inclusions, daily life onboard, Zodiac landings, and polar science.

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Expert Insight

Why Discerning Explorers Choose HX Expeditions

"If you want true exploration rather than just sightseeing, HX is unmatched. Their expedition leaders and onboard scientists turn every voyage into an extraordinary learning adventure."

— Angela Hughes, CEO of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel

HX ships are designed for sustainability and discovery. Guests enjoy Scandinavian dining, outdoor hot tubs overlooking icebergs, and panoramic observation decks while making a real contribution to climate and marine research.

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HX Differentiators at a Glance

Science Center:State-of-the-art onboard labs where guests participate in real-time scientific research.
Hybrid Green Fleet:Hybrid battery technology cutting emissions and allowing silent, peaceful cruising through fjords.
Included Gear:Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket and use of Muck boots included.
Authentic Exploration:Highest number of certified expedition leaders and marine biologists in the industry.

The HX Fleet: Engineered for Remote Frontiers

MS ROALD AMUNDSEN & MS FRIDTJOF NANSEN FEATURED SEASON

MS Roald Amundsen & MS Fridtjof Nansen

"Groundbreaking hybrid-powered ships carrying 500 guests with custom suites, three restaurants, and outdoor hot tubs."

Signature Season ExperienceBoutique Luxury River Cruising

Expedition Staterooms & Suites

Warm Nordic wood finishes, large picture windows or private balconies, and heated bathroom floors.

Polar Outside & Arctic Superior

Comfortable, functional staterooms featuring large oceanview windows, double beds, and smart TVs.

Expedition Suites with Balcony

Spacious living areas, private balconies, complimentary laundry, espresso makers, and minibar included.

Grand Suites with Private Hot Tubs

Corner suites featuring panoramic floor-to-ceiling glass and private outdoor whirlpools overlooking polar ice.

Vacation Investment

How Much Does an HX Expedition Cruise Cost?

Estimated pricing based on expedition destination, season, voyage length, and cabin choice.

From $6,500 – $12,000+

7 to 10-Day Galápagos Expeditions

Carbon-neutral expedition with naturalist guides, snorkeling, and inter-island flights.

From $5,800 – $11,500+

10 to 12-Day Svalbard & Arctic Norway

Polar bear viewing, bird cliffs, and midnight sun cruising with all activities included.

From $9,995 – $22,000+

12 to 18-Day Antarctica Highlights & Peninsula

Classic Antarctic Peninsula exploration, Zodiac landings, and polar plunge experiences.

From $18,000 – $36,000+

20+ Day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands

The ultimate polar safari visiting king penguin super-colonies in South Georgia.

Ready to Start Planning?

Connect with our luxury travel advisors to find the perfect HX Expeditions itinerary for your travel style.

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Explore Our Curated HX Guides & Comparisons

Access our library of polar expedition guides, wildlife advice, and head-to-head competitor faceoffs.

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EXPLORE THIS DESTINATION

HX Antarctica Expeditions HX Svalbard Cruises HX Greenland Cruises

Polar Exploration

Polar & Remote Destinations

Guides to Svalbard, Greenland, and Antarctica expeditions.

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EXPLORE THIS DESTINATION

HX Galápagos Cruises HX Expeditions Ships Guide Best HX Expeditions Ranked HX Complete Overview Guide

Fleet & Experience

Ships & Overview Guides

Reviews of HX fleet ships, Galápagos routes, rankings, and complete brand reviews.

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EXPLORE THIS DESTINATION

HX vs Silversea Expeditions HX vs Viking Expeditions Drake Passage Survival Guide

Brand Comparisons

Expedition Comparisons

See how HX compares head-to-head with Silversea and Viking, plus Drake Passage tips.

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Polar Science & Adventure

Zodiac Landings & Citizen Science

Discover the onboard Science Centers, expert-led Zodiac excursions, and sustainable hybrid-electric fleet.

✦ LUXURY TRAVEL EXPERTISE ✦

Angela Hughes Authority & Credentials

Polar Expedition Specialist & CEO of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel

40+ YEARS EXPERTISE

Angela Hughes

Angela Hughes INSIGHTS & LEADERSHIPTrusted Greece Luxury Travel Authority

Angela Hughes has explored Antarctica, the Arctic, and remote island archipelagos, helping adventure travelers select the right ship, itinerary, and season for life-changing polar expeditions.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS

Over 4 Decades Designing Luxury Travel Experiences
Explored 121+ Countries Across Seven Continents
Recognized Industry Leader & River Cruise Specialist
CEO & Founder of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel
Specialist in Active River Cruising & Multi-Generational Travel
Personal Relationships with AmaWaterways Executives & Staff

Direct consultation & VIP cruise amenities with Angela Hughes.Contact an Advisor

Frequently Asked Questions About HX Expeditions

Essential answers for travelers preparing for a polar or wilderness expedition.

Hurtigruten operates two distinct brands: Hurtigruten Coastal Express (carrying local passengers and cargo along the Norwegian coast) and HX Expeditions (purpose-built luxury adventure ships sailing to Antarctica, Galápagos, Svalbard, and Greenland with expert expedition teams).

Fares include accommodations, all meals, house beer and wine with lunch and dinner, all daily Zodiac landings and guided hikes, access to the Science Center, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and a complimentary windproof polar expedition jacket to keep.

HX expeditions are accessible to anyone with average mobility who can step in and out of a Zodiac boat with crew assistance. Daily activity options range from gentle walks to strenuous mountain hikes and kayaking.

Our expedition specialists ensure proper gear selection, flights via Buenos Aires or Santiago, pre/post hotel arrangements in Patagonia, and exclusive onboard amenities.