HX is a global leader in sustainable expedition cruising. Operating a fleet of five modern ships, offering voyages to over 250 destinations across more than 30 countries, HX is renowned for its pole-to-pole expeditions, and its dedication to combining sustainability, science and education to create transformative travel experiences.
With a legacy dating back to 1896, HX has evolved from its Norwegian roots to become a world leader in sustainable and immersive sea voyages to remote regions around the globe. Exploring with HX is far from a sightseeing tour.
Forget sitting in a bus while you zip past sites; with HX you jump in the kayaks to paddle around the icebergs in Antarctica, or hike up mountains in South America to see the landscape from the summit. HX not only seeks out wildlife, they also have experts sharing their wisdom about the science of the entire ecosystem in talks and hands-on Citizen Science projects. When they visit remote communities, they are met like old friends because the thrill of exploration and authentic connection is what drives HX.
They can take you beyond the ordinary, to places where you’ll encounter the extraordinary. Whether that’s remote Alaskan communities, the Galápagos Islands’ spectacular wildlife or Svalbard’s pristine natural beauty, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of wonder. You can travel to where nature is at its most raw in Antarctica, where the wildlife roams free in British Columbia, and where the elements rule in Greenland.
A HX cruise is no ordinary cruise, and HX itineraries are not completely set in stone. Routes flex to respond to nature’s changes and challenges, and they grasp opportunities for spontaneous adventure and exploration as they arise. It really is adventure travel at its finest.
Laid-back Luxury
When you’re done exploring for the day, your HX ship awaits with all the comforts of home. With HX the luxury is laid-back, and the atmosphere is informal and authentic. There’s no dress code, so if you want to enjoy fine dining wearing a comfy fleece and hiking shoes, that’s completely fine. And just like at home, there’s no bill waiting at the end of your meal or after your nightcap: it’s all included. You’ll find your Captain, crew and Expedition Team approachable and friendly – they’re permanent staff members, so your ship is also their home – and they love nothing more than to chat with fellow travellers and swap stories. And in such warm and relaxed surroundings, it’s easy to make new friends.
HX is continually refining their ships to suit the conditions in which they explore. For example, MS Fridtjof Nansen, launched in 2020, features advanced hybrid technology for sustainable operations and state-of-the-art facilities for polar expeditions, and MS Spitsbergen is designed for navigating narrow fjords and offers intimate expedition experiences.
All HX ships are large enough to carry a full suite of expedition equipment, including fleets of small boats and kayaks, while a dedicated tender deck means you’ll be at sea level getting to and from shore landings. At the same time, they’re also small enough to go off the beaten track and venture to where larger ships cannot reach.
With sustainability in mind, they strive to achieve a lower ecological footprint while keeping plenty of room for restaurants, lecture areas and quiet window seats. For HX, their goal is to strike the right balance between adventure, comfort and sustainability, so you can enjoy your adventure, while treading as lightly on the planet as possible. When it comes to sustainability, HX have always been at the vanguard. They were the first cruise company to stop using heavy fuel oils and single-use plastic in their fleet, and they introduced the world’s first hybrid-powered expedition ships. They also try to buy their food as locally as possible – unlike some other cruise companies that ship frozen food in from around the world. They trade with the communities where they sail, supporting local economies; and they clean up marine plastics from remote beaches. HX partner with global scientific institutions, giving their scientists free onboard space to do their research. In 2024 alone, a record-breaking 1,911 cruise nights were dedicated to guest scientists.
HX’s charitable oranisation – the HX Foundation – supports community and conservation projects around the globe, including collaborations with institutions like the British Antarctic Survey, Norwegian Polar Institute and Alfred Wegener Institute.
Yes, chef
HX has just announced a new partnership with renowned Greenlandic chef Inunnguaq Hegelund, to develop a unique culinary program that showcases the rich, diverse flavours of Greenlandic cuisine. It will feature specially curated menus, collaborative recipes and culinary lectures led by Hegelund and other top chefs from Greenland.
Antarctica
HX take more travellers to Antarctica than anyone else, and have been doing it longer than anyone else. A vast realm of glaciers, ice fields, and soaring white peaks, where penguins roam and whales carve through subzero waters, setting foot on Antarctica is a dream for many, but reality for few. With multiple trips each year on polar-
built ships, more travellers trust HX to take them to Antarctica than any other expedition company. Experience genuine adventure, crossing the Drake Passage with expert guides, changing the way you see the world.
ESG report
In April of this year, HX released its first standalone Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report. It outlines HX’s sustainability strategies, achievements and future goals. “This report marks an important milestone in HX’s journey as an independent company,” said Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX. “It reflects not only the tangible progress we’ve made, but also our unwavering commitment to setting a new standard in sustainable expedition travel.”
Destinations
HX offer a diverse range of top expedition cruises to some of the world’s most remote and captivating locations.
Polar Regions
HX’s hallmark voyages include expeditions to Antarctica, Greenland, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard.
The Americas
Cruises along the beautiful coasts of Alaska, Central America and South America provide fascinating insights into diverse cultures, ecosystems and historical sites.
Galápagos Islands
Specialised itineraries allow guests to explore the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos, following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin.
Europe
Voyages around Iceland, the British Isles, and the Norwegian coast offer a blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
