What’s Included with HX Expeditions

HX Expeditions includes much more than a cabin and meals. Each voyage combines life onboard with an expedition programme created to bring you closer to the destination. One day might begin with a lecture on glaciology before a small-boat journey beside sculpted icebergs. Another could bring a guided wildlife walk, a community visit or time in the Science Centre examining samples collected in the field.

The precise programme responds to the destination and local conditions, but meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities and a wide range of expedition activities are included across HX’s core voyages.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included each day, from generous morning buffets to relaxed lunches and evening meals prepared by the onboard chefs. Menus combine international favourites with Scandinavian influences and ingredients inspired by the regions visited.

On applicable ships, Aune provides the principal dining experience, while Fredheim offers casual dishes and takeaway choices. Lindstrøm presents a more refined à la carte experience, included for eligible suite guests and available to other guests for an additional charge where offered. Restaurants and dining arrangements vary by ship.

Dietary requirements can be accommodated where possible when notified in advance. HX recommends submitting special dietary or medical requests no later than 12 weeks before departure.

Planned landings and small-boat journeys are included throughout HX’s expedition programme. Depending on your destination, you may cruise beside icebergs, walk across a remote shoreline, search for wildlife, visit an isolated community or explore a landscape accessible only from the water.

The Expedition Team provides briefings, guidance and support throughout each activity. The number and nature of landings cannot be guaranteed because weather, sea ice, wildlife and local regulations help determine what is possible each day. This flexibility is an essential part of a genuine expedition.

Some voyages also visit established ports where a complimentary introductory experience may be included. More extensive tours operated by local partners can be available at an additional charge.

Many HX voyages include a wind and water-resistant expedition jacket to keep after your journey. Designed as an outer layer rather than an insulated winter coat, it should be worn with the warm base and mid-layers appropriate for your destination.

On applicable polar itineraries, rubber expedition boots are loaned for wet landings and other activities where they are required. Equipment varies by region, and guests must still bring suitable waterproof trousers, warm clothing, footwear and personal outdoor gear as advised within their destination information.

Galápagos sailings have their own equipment arrangements, including complimentary wetsuit rental on request aboard MS Santa Cruz II.

On many HX voyages, the onboard photographer captures professional images from throughout the expedition. These may include wildlife encounters, landscapes, landings and moments involving guests, helping tell the story of the journey from a perspective that can be difficult to capture yourself.

Photography workshops and informal guidance may also be offered by members of the Expedition Team. The inclusion and delivery of professional photographs should be confirmed against the individual voyage.

Time between adventures is an opportunity to rest and take in everything you have experienced. Depending on the ship, included facilities can feature a sauna, hot tubs, swimming pool, fitness room, panoramic lounge and outdoor observation areas.

Ease tired muscles in the warmth of the sauna, exercise with views across the water or settle into a lounge as ice, mountains and wildlife pass beyond the windows. Spa treatments and selected wellness services are available for an additional charge. Facilities vary considerably between ships.

HX explores the Galápagos aboard the 90-guest MS Santa Cruz II, where guided landings and nature walks are led by local specialists in small groups. Meals are included onboard, with house wine, local beer and soft drinks available during lunch and dinner.

Guests receive limited complimentary Wi-Fi, and wetsuits can be borrowed without charge on request. Galápagos itineraries may also combine the sailing with hotels, domestic flights, transfers and escorted experiences on mainland Ecuador or in Peru, depending on the selected programme.

Because the onboard arrangements differ from HX’s polar ships, the specific inclusions displayed with each Galápagos itinerary should be checked carefully before booking.