HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, originally the expedition cruising arm of Hurtigruten, officially separated from the Hurtigruten Group in early 2025 to operate as an independent brand.

Continuing Hurtigruten's legacy of over 130 years of seafaring experience, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions focuses on polar and ecological tourism. Destinations include Antarctica, the Northwest Passage in the Arctic, Alaska, the British Isles, Norway, Greenland, Iceland, South America, and the Galápagos Islands.

Currently, the fleet consists of 5 small expedition ships, allowing access to smaller ports. Each ship accommodates fewer than 500 guests, with the smallest, MS Santa Cruz II, hosting only about 90 guests.

All-Inclusive Expeditions

HX Hurtigruten Expeditions offers an all-inclusive cruise experience, covering meals, beverages, gratuities, Starlink Wi-Fi, shore excursions, access to the onboard Science Center, as well as complimentary use of the sauna and gym.

In addition, every guest receives an expedition jacket and backpack, gear suitable for the chosen itinerary, and a reusable water bottle—all of which can be taken home as souvenirs!

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Expedition Suites

Choosing an Expedition Suite makes your journey even more comfortable. After an adventurous day, you can recharge in a spacious resting area, getting ready for the next day's adventure!

Suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious balconies, offering expansive views of the beautiful scenery. On embarkation day, guests are welcomed with champagne to start the exciting journey. The room is equipped with a coffee machine, selected teas, and a mini-bar replenished with drinks and snacks.

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Guests can also enjoy exquisite meals at the fine dining restaurant, Lindstrøm. Savor juicy seafood and reinterpreted classic Nordic dishes in an elegant dining space while admiring the view outside (Lindstrøm is available only on MS Roald Amundsen, MS Spitsbergen, and MS Fram).

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Science Center

Every HX expedition ship features a Science Center. The onboard Science & Expedition Team curates a series of lectures, providing guests with a deeper understanding of the destination's ecology and culture.

The Science Center is equipped with professional scientific instruments such as microscopes and CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) profilers. It also houses animal specimens, skeletal displays, rock and sand collections, as well as various experimental materials, science books, and interactive maps. The goal is for every guest to return home with a wealth of knowledge through immersive learning.

HX also encourages guests to participate in Citizen Science research. Observations of birds and whales, cloud photography, and plant records can be uploaded to apps like eBird, Happywhale, and NASA Globe Observer, becoming part of global scientific projects!

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Expedition Itineraries

HX Hurtigruten Expeditions selects diverse destinations to create unique expedition itineraries.

The Antarctica route is a classic HX itinerary. Crossing the Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula, or visiting the nearby Falkland Islands and South Georgia, guests can observe penguins, whales, and seals in remote areas. Unforgettable experiences include snowshoeing, kayaking, and camping in the icy wilderness.

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HX has been operating Galápagos Islands itineraries since 1969, boasting extensive experience. The Galápagos Islands are rich in natural ecology, where you can see the world's largest Galápagos giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, brown pelicans, and the Galápagos penguin—the only penguin species found in the tropics.

Guests travel on MS Santa Cruz II and transfer to small expedition boats designed specifically for exploring the archipelago, observing the island's ecology without disturbing the wildlife. The Galápagos itinerary is perfect for family travel, combining tourism with education to create wonderful memories together.

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Routes in Norway, Svalbard, Greenland, and Iceland offer chances to see the Midnight Sun or Northern Lights, as well as ice fields and wildlife. European and British Isles itineraries allow guests to observe natural ecology and experience local history and culture in city streets. South American routes feature the fjords and glaciers of Patagonia or the stunning views at the end of the world at Cape Horn.

Image Source: Olga Stalska on Unsplash