HX Expeditions (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) is one of the most established expedition cruise operators at sea, with Norwegian pioneering heritage dating back to 1896. The decision turns on three things: whether you want a science-led expedition format with daily landings, whether the smaller hybrid-powered ships and remote destinations match what you actually want, and whether the all-inclusive fare structure works against your usage pattern.
This guide walks through the choice. For sailings and ships see our HX Expeditions page, or browse the wider expedition cruises category for alternatives.
Call our specialists on 020 7947 0270 once you have a shortlist.
30-second view: is HX the right expedition line for you?
| You typically… | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Want a science-led expedition with daily landings | HX is a strong fit (Science Centre, expert team) |
| Value sustainability and lower-impact travel | HX leads on hybrid propulsion, banned heavy fuel oil |
| Prefer a smaller ship that reaches remote places | MS Spitsbergen, MS Fram, MS Santa Cruz II |
| Want all-inclusive simplicity | HX (dining, selected drinks, gratuities, jacket included) |
| Want polar regions specifically | HX is one of the strongest options for the Arctic, Antarctica and Greenland |
| Want a luxury cruise feel rather than an expedition | Skip HX, look at Seabourn Pursuit, Silversea Endurance or Scenic Eclipse |
What HX Expeditions is
HX is the rebranded expedition arm of Hurtigruten, the Norwegian line that has carried passengers along the Norwegian coast for over 130 years. The Expeditions division operates a small fleet of purpose-built hybrid-powered ships designed to reach polar and remote destinations the larger cruise lines cannot.
The product sits between a traditional cruise and a research expedition. Daily guided landings are the rhythm of the voyage. The onboard Science Centre is the heart of the ship, with interactive exhibits, microscopes and citizen-science projects that guests can contribute to. The Expedition Team includes biologists, glaciologists, archaeologists and storytellers who lead briefings, shore landings and small-boat operations.
What is included in an HX fare
HX voyages are all-inclusive in a way that suits the expedition format. The fare typically covers:
- Daily guided landings and excursions, including small-boat (Zodiac) operations
- Full board dining across multiple venues
- Selected beer, wine and spirits with meals
- Gratuities
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Access to the onboard Science Centre and expert-led talks
- An expedition jacket or equipment kit, often included on polar sailings
The all-in fare removes most of the per-day decision-making (Do I add the excursion? Pay for Wi-Fi? Tip separately?) that other expedition operators leave to chance. For guests who want to commit to the voyage and let the rhythm carry them, that simplicity is part of what makes HX work.
The ships
HX operates five expedition vessels, each purpose-built for the regions it sails:
- MS Fram: ice-class polar expedition ship, well-suited to Greenland, Arctic and Antarctica
- MS Fridtjof Nansen: hybrid-powered, larger, with Explorer Lounge and panoramic spaces
- MS Roald Amundsen: hybrid sister to Nansen, polar-focused itineraries
- MS Santa Cruz II: small-ship Galapagos specialist
- MS Spitsbergen: small expedition ship, Svalbard, Norwegian coast, ideal for narrow waters
When HX is the right call
HX is the right operator if you want a science-led expedition format, you value the sustainability credentials (banned heavy fuel oil, hybrid propulsion, strict landing protocols), and you specifically want polar, Galapagos or remote-Norwegian destinations.
Look elsewhere if you want a luxury cruise with expedition elements rather than the other way round (Seabourn Pursuit, Silversea Endurance and Scenic Eclipse compete on that axis), or if you want a destination HX does not specialise in (Antarctica from Ushuaia is well covered, but for the Kimberley try Ponant or Seabourn).
HX is the right starting point for guests new to expedition cruising. Smaller ships than mainstream lines, more polar-focused than the small luxury fleets, and a well-developed lectures and Zodiac landings programme. If Antarctica or the Arctic are on your bucket list, an HX sailing is one of the easier first bookings, with the line handling the flight logistics from the UK to embarkation.
Caitlin, Sales, Paramount Cruises
FAQs
Yes. HX is the expedition arm of Hurtigruten, rebranded in 2024 to give a clearer separation from the coastal voyage product. The heritage and operating standards continue.
The fare covers daily landings, full board dining, selected drinks with meals, gratuities, Wi-Fi and an expedition jacket on polar sailings. Premium spirits, premium wines and onboard purchases outside the included list are charged separately.
Travellers who want substance over polish: science-led briefings, daily Zodiac landings, smaller ships, a focus on remote and polar regions. The format suits couples, solo travellers and small groups who are happy with no formal dress code and an emphasis on the destination rather than the onboard scene.
HX pioneered bans on heavy fuel oil and non-essential single-use plastics in key polar regions. Their hybrid-powered vessels reduce fuel use and emissions. They follow strict landing and wildlife protocols and contribute to citizen-science programmes.
Yes, with the caveat that the format is more active than a traditional cruise. Expect daily landings, weather-dependent itinerary changes and a less formal onboard atmosphere. Guests who want to be busy and engaged enjoy HX more than those wanting a quiet sea-day-heavy cruise.
Plan your HX Expeditions voyage with Paramount Cruises
Browse our full range of HX Expeditions sailings for current itineraries and prices, or call our specialists on 020 7947 0270 to compare HX against other expedition operators for your specific destination.
Browse HX Expeditions · All expedition cruises · Call our cruise experts on 020 7947 0270
By Josh Harris. Last updated: 20 May 2026.
