Cruise Industry News: 2025 Expedition Market Report

As the leading provider of itineraries, cabins, and suites to the polar regions, more people choose HX for expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic than any other expedition cruise company.

We offer more ways to explore the ends of the Earth aboard our hybrid-powered ships, together with expert Expedition Teams, and over 130 years of experience guiding curious travellers where few have gone.

Winner: Best Expedition Cruise

HX Expeditions has been honoured with the prestigious Best Expedition Cruise title at the Travel Weekly Globes Awards for both 2025 and 2026.

This back-to-back win highlights HX’s continued leadership in the expedition cruise sector, recognizing its exceptional itineraries, sustainability initiatives, and immersive guest experiences.

Securing the award two years in a row further reinforces the brand’s strong reputation within the travel industry and its commitment to setting the standard for modern expedition cruising.

Winner: Expedition Cruise Line of the year

The TTG Travel Industry awards are among the most respected and rigorous accolades in the UK travel industry, voted for by travel agents and industry professionals.

This recognition highlights HX’s outstanding contribution to the expedition cruise sector, celebrating its innovative itineraries, responsible travel practices, and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. The award further cements HX’s position as a leader in the industry and a trusted partner within the travel trade.

Winner: Best in Adventure 2025

Winner: Best in Arctic 2025

Cruise Critic is the world’s leading cruise reviews site and online cruise community, offering expert insight and trusted reviews from millions of travellers.

HX Expeditions has been recognised at the 2025 Cruise Critic Awards, winning Best in Adventure 2025 and Best in Arctic 2025.

These awards highlight HX’s expertise in delivering immersive adventure experiences and exceptional Arctic expeditions, further reinforcing its reputation as a leader in responsible and experience-led exploration cruising.

Winner: Best Expedition Cruise Line

Winner: Best Sustainability Initiative

The Wave Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the UK cruise sector, with winners voted for by travel agents and industry professionals.

HX Expeditions has been honoured at the 2025 Wave Awards, winning Best Expedition Cruise Line and Best Sustainability Initiative.

These accolades recognise HX’s leadership in expedition cruising as well as its continued commitment to advancing sustainable practices, reinforcing its position at the forefront of responsible, experience-led exploration.

Gold: Best Cruise Line for Expedition Voyages

The British Travel Awards are the UK’s most respected consumer-voted awards, representing the voice of real travellers.

Winning Gold as the Best Cruise Line for Expedition Voyages solidifies HX as the leading choice for those seeking unparalleled exploration in destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Galápagos.

Gold: Best Cruise Line for Expedition Voyages

Bronze: Best Travel Company for Adventure Holidays

The British Travel Awards are the UK’s most respected consumer-voted awards, representing the voice of real travellers.

Winning Gold as the Best Cruise Line for Expedition Voyages solidifies HX as the leading choice for those seeking unparalleled exploration in destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Galápagos.

Securing Bronze in Best Travel Company for Adventure Holidays further highlights our strength in transformative, nature-driven experiences.

Winner: Favourite Expedition Cruise

The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards are a mark of excellence in adventure travel, voted for by some of the most passionate explorers in the world.

Being named Favourite Expedition Cruise is an incredible honour, reaffirming our mission to inspire, educate, and immerse travellers in the planet’s most remote and untouched landscapes.

Winner: Best Adventure Cruise Operator

Receiving the title of Best Adventure Cruise Operator from The Times Travel Awards reinforces our reputation for expertly crafted, small-ship expeditions that deliver real, off-the-beaten-path experiences. This recognition speaks to the seamless blend of adventure, discovery, and comfort that defines every HX expedition.

Winner: Best Expedition Cruise Line

The Silver Travel Awards celebrate the finest travel experiences designed for discerning, mature travellers.

Winning Best Expedition Cruise Line highlights our belief in exceptional service, deep cultural immersion, and conservation travel practices, ensuring every guest—no matter their experience level—feels empowered to explore the world’s last great frontiers.