The First Expedition Voyage

It all began in 1896. Aboard the steamship DS Lofoten, we charted a course few dared attempt—sailing from Hammerfest to Svalbard when the Arctic North was barely mapped, its landscapes still a mystery to most.

Guests landed on the icefields of Bjørnøya, studied wildlife in the raw, and stepped where few feet had stood before.

These early expeditions forged what HX stands for today: resilience, active exploration, and mindful adventure rooted in real experience.

130 years later, we’re still sailing polar waters—bringing modern explorers face to face with the same jagged peaks and towering glaciers that first captivated those bold enough to set foot there.

The Spirit of Nansen

HX’s expedition roots are linked to one of Norway’s greatest polar pioneers: Fridtjof Nansen.

Nansen didn’t follow the well-worn path. During his daring Fram Expedition, he froze his ship into the Arctic ice, trusting the currents to carry him closer to the North Pole. What followed was three years locked in the ice, battling the elements, and ultimately skiing further north than anyone had ever reached—86°14′N.

That mindset—relentless, scientific, adaptable—lives on in HX today.

Two of our ships honour his legacy: MS Fram and MS Fridtjof Nansen, a constant reminder that real exploration isn’t polished. It’s raw and always at the mercy of nature.

The Steady Hand of Otto Sverdrup

In 1897, legendary Norwegian explorer Otto Sverdrup agreed to captain our first vessel SS Lofoten. Known for his calm authority and ability to navigate ice-covered seas, Sverdrup served as Fridtjof Nansen’s trusted captain during their daring 1893–1896 expedition.

When Nansen left the Fram to attempt his overland push toward the North Pole, it was Sverdrup who remained at the helm, ensuring the safety of the crew through the long, harsh years locked in the ice.

Sverdrup would later lead the Fram on his own expedition to map vast, uncharted areas of the Canadian Arctic. Generations on, we also sail Arctic Canada, with each journey carrying forward the legacy of polar greats like Sverdrup – bold, resilient, and always ready to go further.

Following Amundsen's Wake

Another name forever linked to HX’s ethos: Roald Amundsen.

In 1903, aboard the wooden vessel Gjøa, Amundsen took on the fabled Northwest Passage—a route that had eluded countless explorers before him. But unlike others, he listened. Learning survival techniques from the indigenous peoples, mastering sled dogs, adapting to the Arctic.

By 1906, Amundsen made history as the first to successfully navigate the full length of the Northwest Passage – an achievement so rare that, even today, more people have stood atop Everest than have completed this crossing.

Now, we sail those same icy waters, giving modern explorers the chance to retrace Amundsen’s daring path—and carve out their own story in the heart of the Arctic wilderness.

Racing to the South Pole

By 1911, Amundsen had his sights set on the South Pole.

While others relied on brute force, he leaned on skill—using sled dogs, skis, and intimate knowledge of polar survival he gained from the Northwest Passage to reach the South Pole first, planting Norway’s flag at the bottom of the world.

That same bold spirit guides HX’s Antarctic expeditions today. We take travellers beyond the postcard views—into the heart of Antarctica’s towering glaciers, ice-clad landscapes, and close encounters with rare wildlife.

Deepening Our Mission

Throughout the 20th century, HX continued to chart new territory – opening routes across the wider Arctic. In the early 1950s, the class system was also abolished on board, making exploration more accessible to all.

Partnerships with scientists, researchers, and conservationists strengthened, laying the groundwork for decades of climate research and environmental stewardship.

By the close of the century, HX was firmly established as a pioneer in the Arctic, with innate exploration and a growing sense of sustainability guiding our every step.