HX Expeditions
Small-Ship Expedition · Science-Led Updated November 2026HX Expeditions Brochures & Ship Guide
Current HX itineraries, ships, and cabins. Tap any brochure to open it.
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Request a QuoteHX Expeditions (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) is a small-ship expedition cruise line that has been exploring since 1896. Its five ships carry roughly 90 to 500 guests to Antarctica, the Arctic, Alaska, the Galápagos, Norway, and beyond, with fares that include meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and daily expedition activities. On this page you'll find our firsthand HX voyage stories, a guide to the HX fleet, and current HX brochures.
Our TakeWe've sailed with HX Expeditions multiple times, and we've always enjoyed the HX approach to expedition cruising. Expert onboard teams, citizen-science programs, and a relaxed, outdoorsy atmosphere make the expedition itself the point of the trip, not just the scenery. It's the line we recommend most often for a first expedition.
- Exploring Since
- 1896
- Fleet
- 5 ships
- Guests per Ship
- ~90–500
- Fare Style
- All-inclusive
Our Voyages With HX Expeditions
We don't just book these trips; we've taken them. Read what it's really like on board and ashore.
Antarctica Expedition Cruise With HX
Our firsthand account of an Antarctic expedition with HX: ice, penguins, and Zodiac landings at the bottom of the world.
Read the Story →
Alaska Expedition Cruise With HX
Our firsthand account of sailing Alaska with HX: wildlife, glaciers, and small-ship landings along the coast.
Read the Story →The HX Expeditions Fleet
HX sails five small expedition ships. Each is built or adapted for remote waters, and the right one depends on where you want to go.
MS Fridtjof Nansen Up to 500 guests
HX's newest ship and one of its two hybrid-powered vessels, with a Science Center, expedition suites, and a wide polar and Arctic program.
MS Roald Amundsen Up to 500 guests
Sister ship to Fridtjof Nansen and the first hybrid-powered expedition ship, sailing deep-polar routes including Antarctica and South Georgia, plus Alaska. ✓ We sailed Roald Amundsen on our 10-day Alaska Inside Passage expedition.
MS Fram 200 guests
A purpose-built polar ship, refreshed with upgraded cabins and a Science Center. A favorite for Greenland, the Arctic, and Antarctica.
MS Spitsbergen 150 guests
A smaller ship suited to coastal Norway, Svalbard, and Arctic itineraries where a lower guest count means a more personal voyage.
MS Santa Cruz II 90 guests
HX's dedicated Galápagos ship, operated with local partner Metropolitan Touring. Small enough for intimate island landings.
HX Expeditions Destinations
Planning a specific region? Our destination guides cover packing, seasons, and wildlife for each place HX sails.
HX Expeditions FAQ
What is HX Expeditions?
HX Expeditions is an expedition cruise line formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions. With Norwegian roots going back to 1896, it operates five small expedition ships carrying roughly 90 to 500 guests, and focuses on remote destinations, expert-led landings, and onboard science programs.
What is included in an HX Expeditions cruise fare?
HX fares are all-inclusive. They typically cover all meals with drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, daily expedition activities and landings led by the Expedition Team, Science Center programs, and an expedition jacket to keep. Flights, pre- and post-cruise hotels, travel insurance, and some optional excursions are not included. Inclusions can vary by voyage and cabin, so confirm details in the current brochure or ask us.
Where does HX Expeditions sail?
HX sails to Antarctica, South America and Patagonia, the Galápagos Islands, Alaska, Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard, the Northwest Passage and Arctic Canada, the Norwegian coast, and the British Isles.
Which HX Expeditions ship is best?
It depends on where you want to go. MS Santa Cruz II sails only in the Galápagos. MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen are the newest, hybrid-powered ships and sail the widest range of polar routes. MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen are smaller and more intimate. Download the HX Fleet Ship Guide on this page to compare ships side by side.
Is HX Expeditions good for a first expedition cruise?
Yes. In our experience, HX is one of the best lines for a first expedition. There is no formal dress code, the atmosphere is relaxed, expedition gear is provided, and the Expedition Team explains everything from Zodiac landings to the wildlife you will see.
Can I book an HX Expeditions cruise through Venture To See?
Yes. Venture To See is a CLIA-member travel agency and HX Expeditions booking partner. We have sailed with HX multiple times and can help you compare itineraries, ships, and cabins, and check current promotions. Booking through us does not add to your cruise fare.
Venture To See, LLC is an independent travel agency and an authorized booking partner of HX Expeditions. Brochures are provided by the cruise line; itineraries, pricing, and inclusions are subject to change. Contact us for current availability.
Help Us Make This Better
Expedition cruising is always evolving — new routes, changing conditions, better gear. If you've been on a voyage and have something to add, a correction to share, or feedback on what helped you prepare, we'd genuinely love to hear it. Every message gets read.
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