HX Expeditions made a name for itself in Norway as part of the Hurtigruten Group. It was previously known as Hurtigruten Expeditions and rebranded as HX Expeditions in 2023.
Exploration is rooted in the line’s history. Its sister brand, Hurtigruten, first ventured into the Arctic in 1896 when the DS Lofoten sailed from Hammerfest to Svalbard. The line launched its modern expedition operations in 2007 with MS Fram, a ship designed for polar travel.
Now, the line sails far and wide from Antarctica to Greenland, Arctic Canada to the Outer Hebrides and the Chilean fjords to Iceland with a fleet of five ships, including two hybrid-powered expedition vessels.
Each expedition ship sails with research scientists, mountain and kayak guides, submarine pilots and experts in glaciology, history, biology, archaeology and anthropology.
Underpinning itineraries is the on-board science centre – a convivial and well-equipped space to meet the expedition team, ask questions, get involved in citizen science and join photography and other workshops.
HX Expeditions’ cruises are all-inclusive, so there’s no forking out for daily excursions or on-board drinks, Wi-Fi or gratuities. Expedition gear is also provided.
1. Where does HX Expeditions cruise?
With expedition cruises to more than 250 destinations in over 30 countries, passengers have plenty of remote and memorable locations to choose from. Cruises to Antarctica and Alaska are popular, and the line also sails to the Galápagos, Norway, Svalbard, Arctic Canada, South America, the British Isles, Iceland and Europe (France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and the Iberian Peninsula). The line also offers full eastbound and westbound transits of the Northwest Passage.
Antarctica can be combined with land touring in Patagonia, as well as the Falklands and South Georgia, while in the Galápagos, HX Expeditions operates carbon-neutral cruises on its smallest ship, the 90-capacity Santa Cruz II.
2. Who does HX Expeditions appeal to?
Curious, adventurous travellers will enjoy an HX cruise. Families and solo travellers are welcome on board, and the atmosphere is informal and friendly. Among other activities, there is camping in Antarctica, hiking to see puffins in the British Isles and kayaking through fjords in Greenland.
Expect an international passenger mix, aged 55-plus, with Europeans, Australians and Americans forming the lion’s share.
HX Expeditions may also appeal to guests conscious of the environment. Under the Hurtigruten banner, it was the first cruise company to eliminate heavy fuel oil (HFO), ban non-essential single-use plastics across its operations and launch hybrid-powered ships that combine battery packs with (or instead of) hybrid-electric propulsion to reduce emissions.
During the 2024/25 Antarctic season, 1,620 nights were donated to on-board scientists for research purposes and the HX Foundation supports 41 environmental, cultural and social projects in 11 countries.
3. HX Expeditions’ fleet
HX Expeditions counts five ships as part of its fleet, including two fully electric science boats that were introduced in 2025 and designed to minimise underwater noise pollution in the Arctic and Antarctic. A food management waste programme is in operation on all its ships.
MS Fridtjof Nansen (490 passengers)
The newest hybrid ship in the fleet was built in 2020 and is almost identical to Roald Amundsen. Sustainable technology reduces the ship’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 20 per cent.
Interiors feature materials such as granite, oak, birch and wool. All cabins come with sea views and half have balconies, with outside hot tubs in aft suites. Dining is available in three restaurants: Lindstrøm, which serves fine dining for guests staying in suites; Aune; and Fredheim, which offers street food, lighter options and meals to take away, too. The wellness area includes a spa, sauna and fitness centre.
As part of HX’s 130th anniversary celebrations in 2026, passengers can spend one night in the 1896 Cabin, an expedition cabin complete with handcrafted period furnishings and authentic scents (€450 [£392] per night with 50 per cent of profits donated to the HX Foundation).
Sails to: Antarctica, the Falklands, Greenland, Iceland, Arctic Canada, Northwest Passage, Patagonia, Alaska, British Columbia, Europe
MS Roald Amundsen (490 passengers)
Built in 2019, Roald Amundsen is the other of the fleet’s two hybrid ships. Half of the cabins have a balcony and those staying in the expedition suites can soak in their private balcony hot tub. Some cabins sleep three or four.
Similar to MS Fridtjof Nansen, dining is available in Lindstrøm, Aune and Fredheim. An infinity pool flanked by hot tubs is warmed by heat recovered from the ship’s engines, and there is a spa, a sea-facing sauna and a fitness centre. The two-level indoor/outdoor observation deck is a great place for wildlife watching.
Sails to: Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, Arctic Canada, Northwest Passage, Patagonia, Alaska, British Columbia
MS Fram (250 passengers)
Built in 2007 for cruising in the polar regions, Fram underwent a refurbishment in 2025, when 14 expedition suites and six grand suites were added. It’s among the fleet’s smallest ships, with 119 cabins and amenities including a fitness centre, sauna and hot tubs. Dining is in the casual restaurant, Aune, or the speciality restaurant, Lindstrom, which costs an additional €35 (£30) for non-suite guests. There’s also an outdoor barbecue area. A mini-suite can sleep up to four.
Sails to: Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, Antarctica, South Georgia, the Falklands, Europe
MS Spitsbergen (150 passengers)
Spitsbergen joined the HX fleet in 2009 and was refurbished in 2025, though aesthetically, the low-ceilinged cabins aren’t quite as contemporary as those on the new-build ships. It’s small and comfortable, with a friendly vibe.
The informal restaurant, Aune, also serves food to take away, and the casual Brygge Bistro offers snacks and light meals in between restaurant hours. Passengers will find hot tubs and a gym and there are great views from the Deck 7 sauna. Some cabins sleep three or four.
Sails to: Svalbard, the British Isles, Greenland, Norway, Iceland
MS Santa Cruz 11 (90 passengers)
Built in 2002 and refurbished in 2021, the fleet’s smallest ship sails in the Galápagos. Dining is in the Beagle Restaurant and the Panorama bar and lounge doubles as a lecture theatre and has an al fresco terrace.
The bow-facing expedition lounge and bar has a science corner and a small library. At the top of the ship is a sky deck with sun loungers, and a gym and hot tubs.
There are two cabins for solo travellers and explorer family cabins sleep up to three. Top of the tree are the Darwin Suites, which have a sofa bed.
Sails to: The Galápagos
4. Access for guests with disabilities
All ships have accessible cabins. Contact the line for advice on specific itineraries and activities.
5. Loyalty scheme
HX Explorers is free to join. Tiered loyalty benefits include discounts on cruises, on-board credit and activities.