Expedition cruising with HX is to experience immersive journeys that bring you to the planet’s wildest and most awe-inspiring places, exploring where only a few ever have. On our adventures, nature is in charge and our itinerary adapts to conditions in real time, whether in response to the shifting sea ice or sailing to where wildlife was recently seen.    

Our ships will sometimes call at established ports, but the core experience of an expedition cruise lies in the small expedition boat. These fast, nimble vessels launch from the main ship and allow us to easily bring you to explore off-the-beaten-track shores that traditional cruise ships just can’t access. 

Expeditions with HX are driven by exploration, science, and discovery. Every journey you take with us is led by knowledgeable naturalists, scientists, and historians who bring the landscapes and natural habitats to life through guided shore excursions and onboard lectures. This is travel with purpose, perspective, and a deep respect for the planet – experiences that have the power to change the way you see the world.     

With 130 years of pioneering exploration, HX is built on a legacy of adventure, discovery, and conservation practices. We focus on boots-on-the-ground immersive insights –ensuring that every landing, every sighting, and every moment connects you to the wild in a way that will stay with you forever.  

Expedition cruises are designed for the world’s most remote, untouched places —destinations that larger ships can’t reach. With us, you aren’t a tourist going to some holiday destination. You’re an explorer, witnessing the raw beauty of the planet’s great wildernesses. 

Our horizons stretch from the Arctic’s icy north, like Greenland, Svalbard, and the Northwest Passage, to the wilderness of Alaska, the wildlife of the Galápagos, and all the way due south to wonderous Antarctica at the bottom of the world. 

We also embark on sailings across Europe, to the far-flung Scottish Isles, circumnavigations of Iceland, and exhilarating winter expeditions in Arctic Norway. Whichever destination you choose to experience with us, it’ll be an adventure to remember. 

Natural Habitats

With shore landings in small expedition boats, you’ll step straight into the heart of the wild. Gentoo penguins in Antarctica. Thousands of king penguins in South Georgia. Whales in Greenland while on a boat safari or kayak trip. Polar bears in Svalbard. Brown bears in Alaska. Whatever the wildlife, we follow strict conservation practices set by AECO, IAATO, and other guiding bodies to keep both you, the animals, and their habitats safe.   

Locals on Their Terms

Be they classical European cities or remote indigenous hamlets, we work hard to forge close relationships with the communities we visit. Whenever we meet local people and get to know their home, it’s based on mutual respect and shared values.   

Inspiring your Inner Scientist

At the heart of every HX expedition is a deep commitment to exploration and education. Our onboard Science Centres, insightful lectures, and hands-on research opportunities bring the world’s most remote destinations to life - fostering curiosity, understanding, and a profound respect for the planet. 

Meaningful Change

Education and sustainability go hand in hand. By engaging in real scientific discovery and responsible travel practices, you won’t just witness the world’s most fragile ecosystems, you’ll have a chance to actively contribute to their preservation. Every journey with HX is designed to inspire, inform, and leave a lasting impression that will stay with you long after you return home.

Where the Wild Becomes Home

Our expedition ships – MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Fram, MS Spitsbergen, MS Santa Cruz II – are more than just a way to travel - they’re your home in the heart of the wild. Instead of an onboard casino, we have the Science Centre. Instead of cabaret shows, you have all the show you need outside the windows. No water slides, just kayaking trips or small-boat safaris along the coast in the Arctic, Antarctic, or the Galápagos.

Relax, Recharge, and Explore

Swap crowded decks for intimate lounges where your shipmates gather to recount the tales so far. Onboard restaurants serve delicious dishes, fit for the modern-day explorer. Destress in the gym or pamper yourself in the wellness centre before unwinding in your comfortable cabin. Elevate your expedition experience in a spacious suite with a private balcony - some even have outdoor hot tubs, perfect for soaking in the scenery after a day of discovery.