HX EXPEDITIONS

Explore the world’s most remote and breathtaking destinations aboard purpose-built expedition ships, guided by onboard experts who bring every landing to life. From Antarctica’s ice to Norway’s fjords, 130+ years of exploration heritage shapes every voyage.

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EXPEDITION CRUISING WITH NORWEGIAN HERITAGE

Formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions, HX Expeditions draws on over 130 years of Norwegian maritime heritage to deliver authentic, immersive expedition cruises to some of the planet’s most extraordinary destinations. With a fleet of purpose-built and hybrid-powered expedition ships, HX combines pioneering exploration with a deep commitment to sustainability and science. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights along Norway’s coast or setting foot on Antarctica, HX Expeditions brings you closer to nature, culture, and discovery than you ever imagined.

AT A GLANCE

Cruise Line: HX Expeditions (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) – Expedition Cruising

Fleet: Purpose-built expedition ships including hybrid-powered vessels, carrying approximately 200-530 guests

Destinations: Norway, Arctic (Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland), Antarctica, Alaska, British Isles, South America, and more

Service: Expert Expedition Team on every voyage including scientists, photographers, historians, and naturalists

Signature Feature: Unmatched Norwegian exploration heritage dating back to 1893, hybrid-powered ships, and immersive science-based excursions included in every sailing

  • Expedition landings and activities led by expert Expedition Team
  • Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
  • Loan of boots and trekking poles for landings
  • Full-board dining including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Lectures and workshops by the onboard Science Center
  • Complimentary tea, coffee, and water
  • Onboard fitness center and hot tubs
  • Informal lectures and educational programs throughout the voyage

Inclusions may vary by voyage and cabin category. Premium drink packages and additional excursions available for purchase.

  • Over 130 years of Norwegian maritime and expedition heritage – they pioneered the Norway coastal route
  • Hybrid-powered expedition ships leading the industry in sustainable cruising
  • Expert Expedition Teams of scientists, historians, photographers, and naturalists on every voyage
  • Small ship access to remote ports and expedition landings inaccessible to larger vessels
  • Science Center onboard for hands-on learning and citizen science projects

Aune: Main restaurant featuring Norwegian and international cuisine with locally sourced ingredients

Lindstrom: Fine dining restaurant with a Scandinavian-inspired tasting menu (select ships)

Fredheim: Casual bistro and bar with relaxed atmosphere and lighter fare

Explorer Bar & Lounge: Panoramic gathering spot for drinks, snacks, and socializing

HX emphasizes Norway’s culinary traditions with sustainably sourced seafood, regional specialties, and farm-to-table ingredients inspired by each destination.

HX Expeditions operates a fleet of purpose-built expedition ships designed for polar and remote-region exploration. Flagship vessels MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen are the world’s first hybrid-powered expedition cruise ships, combining sustainable battery technology with traditional engines to reduce emissions.

The fleet also includes MS Spitsbergen and MS Santa Cruz II (Galapagos). Ships carry small-boat fleets (RIBs and kayaks), onboard Science Centers, and expedition equipment for landings in some of the world’s most extreme environments.

Each vessel is built to navigate polar ice, narrow fjords, and remote waterways while maintaining comfortable onboard amenities.

Why Choose HX Expeditions

EXPEDITION CRUISING

130+ YEARS

of Norwegian exploration heritage

  • Hybrid-powered expedition ships
  • Expert Expedition Team on every voyage
  • Included expedition landings & activities
  • Full-board dining with Norwegian cuisine
  • Complimentary expedition jacket
  • Onboard Science Center
  • Small ship access to remote destinations

130 YEARS OF POLAR EXPLORATION, BUILT INTO EVERY VOYAGE

A white expedition cruise ship navigating through icy waters with a walrus resting on an ice floe in the foreground. Snow-covered mountains frame the serene polar seascape.

THE EXPERT EXPEDITION TEAM

Every HX Expeditions voyage is guided by a dedicated Expedition Team of scientists, naturalists, historians, and photographers. These experts lead shore landings, zodiac excursions, kayaking adventures, and onboard lectures that bring each destination vividly to life. Whether you’re spotting polar bears in Svalbard, photographing penguins in Antarctica, or learning about Viking history along Norway’s coast, the Expedition Team transforms your journey from sightseeing into genuine understanding. Their passion and knowledge are what set expedition cruising apart from any other form of travel.

PIONEERING SUSTAINABLE EXPLORATION

HX Expeditions leads the cruise industry in sustainable innovation. Their hybrid-powered vessels – MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen – were the first expedition cruise ships to combine battery power with traditional engines, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Beyond the ships themselves, HX has eliminated single-use plastics, partners with local communities for responsible tourism, and engages guests in citizen science projects through their onboard Science Center. When you sail with HX, you’re not just visiting these pristine environments – you’re helping to protect them for future generations.

A sleek white and navy blue expedition cruise ship sailing on a gray, overcast ocean. The vessel appears to be a small to mid-sized expedition-style ship designed for adventure travel.
A large cruise ship sailing through icy waters with snow-capped mountains and glacial terrain in the background. A small zodiac boat is visible near the ship's hull.

NORWAY’S ICONIC COASTAL VOYAGE

The Norwegian coastal voyage is where it all began – and it remains one of the most spectacular cruising experiences on Earth. Sailing between Bergen and Kirkenes, HX Expeditions takes you through dramatic fjords, past the Arctic Circle, and into the heart of Norway’s stunning coastal communities. In winter, chase the Northern Lights dancing across the polar sky. In summer, experience the Midnight Sun illuminating a landscape of extraordinary beauty. Having navigated this legendary route since 1893, no one knows Norway’s coast better than HX Expeditions.

WHAT SETS HX APART

HYBRID-POWERED INNOVATION

Sail aboard MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, the world’s first hybrid-powered expedition cruise ships, combining battery technology with traditional engines to explore pristine environments with a lighter footprint.

SCIENCE & DISCOVERY

Every ship features a dedicated Science Center where guests engage with citizen science projects, attend expert lectures, and gain hands-on understanding of the ecosystems, geology, and wildlife they encounter during the voyage.

EXTRAORDINARY DESTINATIONS

From Antarctica and the Arctic to Norway’s legendary coastal route, Alaska, Greenland, Iceland, the British Isles, and beyond – HX Expeditions takes you to the planet’s most remote, dramatic, and wildlife-rich destinations.

MS Roald Amundsen expedition cruise ship navigating Antarctic waters with dramatic ice formations and mountains in the background.

CABIN CATEGORIES & ONBOARD COMFORT

HX Expeditions offers a range of cabin categories from Inside cabins and Outside cabins to Balcony suites, Mini-suites, and premium Expedition Suites. Higher category cabins feature private balconies, larger living spaces, and enhanced amenities. Expedition Suites on the newer hybrid ships offer stunning panoramic views, separate sitting areas, and premium in-cabin amenities. The onboard atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming – no formal nights, no stuffy dress codes. Just comfortable spaces designed for adventurers who want to recharge between landings. Your RiverSea Cruises advisor can recommend the ideal cabin based on your preferences and what matters most to you.

GALLERY

Antarctica_MS_Roald_Amundsen_HX_28993_Photo_Dan_and_Zora_Avila__1_.webp
The expedition cruise ship Fram navigating through icy waters surrounded by floating ice fragments
A large cruise ship sailing through icy waters with snow-capped mountains and glacial terrain
Antarctica_Lemaire_Channel_MS_Fridtjof_Nansen_HX_44945_Photo_Espen_Mills__1_.webp
A sleek white and navy blue expedition cruise ship sailing on a gray, overcast ocean. The vessel
A white expedition cruise ship navigating through icy waters with a walrus resting on an ice floe

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HX Expeditions, formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions, is a Norwegian expedition cruise line whose roots trace back to 1893. They specialize in immersive expedition voyages to the world’s most remote and dramatic destinations, including Antarctica, the Arctic, Norway’s coastal route, Alaska, Greenland, Iceland, and the British Isles. Their purpose-built ships are designed for polar and extreme-environment exploration while maintaining comfortable onboard amenities.

HX Expeditions fares typically include full-board dining (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), expedition landings and activities led by the expert Expedition Team, a complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket, loan of boots and trekking poles, access to the onboard Science Center, lectures and workshops, and complimentary tea, coffee, and water. Premium beverage packages, additional excursions, and spa services are available for purchase. When you book through RiverSea Cruises, you also benefit from our exclusive group rates, weekly price monitoring, and no booking fees – ever.

HX Expeditions operates purpose-built expedition ships designed for polar and remote-region navigation. Their flagship vessels MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen use groundbreaking hybrid power, combining battery technology with traditional engines to reduce emissions. Ships carry approximately 200-530 guests and feature small-boat fleets (zodiacs and kayaks), onboard Science Centers, panoramic observation lounges, and expedition equipment for shore landings in extreme environments.

HX Expeditions offers a range of cabin categories from Inside cabins and Outside cabins to Balcony suites, Mini-suites, and premium Expedition Suites. Higher category cabins feature private balconies, larger living spaces, and enhanced amenities. Expedition Suites on the newer hybrid ships offer stunning panoramic views, separate sitting areas, and premium in-cabin amenities. Your RiverSea Cruises advisor can recommend the ideal cabin based on your preferences and budget.

Every HX Expeditions voyage is accompanied by a dedicated Expedition Team of scientists, naturalists, historians, photographers, and adventure guides. These experts lead shore landings, zodiac excursions, kayaking trips, and onboard lectures that bring each destination to life. They provide in-depth knowledge about local wildlife, ecosystems, geography, and culture – transforming every voyage into a genuine learning experience. The Expedition Team is what makes expedition cruising fundamentally different from traditional cruising.

HX Expeditions sails to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations. Their iconic Norwegian coastal voyage runs between Bergen and Kirkenes. Polar expeditions include Antarctica, Svalbard, Greenland, and the Northwest Passage. They also sail to Iceland, Alaska, the British Isles, South America, and the Galapagos Islands (aboard MS Santa Cruz II). Whether you’re drawn to the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun, penguin colonies, or dramatic fjords, HX has a voyage for you.

Dining on HX Expeditions emphasizes Norwegian culinary traditions and sustainably sourced, locally inspired ingredients. The main restaurant Aune serves Norwegian and international cuisine. Lindstrom offers fine dining with a Scandinavian tasting menu on select ships. Fredheim is a casual bistro for lighter fare. The Explorer Bar and Lounge provides panoramic views with drinks and snacks. Meals are included in your fare and feature regional specialties inspired by each destination along the route.

The Science Center is a unique feature aboard HX Expeditions ships where guests can engage directly with scientific research and learning. It features interactive exhibits, laboratory equipment, and citizen science projects where you contribute real data to ongoing research. Expedition Team scientists host workshops and lectures covering marine biology, glaciology, ornithology, and more. It’s a hands-on way to deepen your understanding of the extraordinary environments you’re exploring.

Absolutely. HX Expeditions is an excellent choice for first-time expedition cruisers. The Expedition Team provides thorough briefings before every landing, ensures safety at all times, and offers activities for various fitness and comfort levels. Shore landings are organized in small groups, and zodiac excursions are led by experienced guides. The onboard atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the ships offer comfortable modern amenities. Our expert advisors at RiverSea Cruises can help you choose the perfect introductory expedition voyage.

HX Expeditions maintains a casual and practical dress code throughout the voyage. There are no formal nights. Comfortable, layered clothing is recommended for excursions, and casual attire is appropriate for onboard dining and socializing. HX provides a complimentary expedition jacket, and boots and trekking poles are available for loan during shore landings. The relaxed atmosphere reflects the adventurous spirit of expedition travel.

When you book HX Expeditions through RiverSea Cruises, you get access to exclusive group rates with savings up to 50% off published fares – with just one room. Our team of expert advisors, many with real cruise ship experience, provides personalized cabin selection advice, itinerary planning, and destination guidance to help you choose the perfect expedition voyage. We perform weekly price monitoring on every booking and automatically adjust your rate if the price drops. Plus, we never charge booking, consultation, or change fees – ever. With 365-day support, you’re never on your own from the moment you inquire to the moment you disembark.

READY FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY EXPEDITION?

Whether it’s your first expedition or your tenth, our advisors can help you find the right HX voyage, secure the best rate, and handle every detail. With exclusive group rates, weekly price monitoring, and no fees – ever – we’re here to make it easy. Call us at (941) 941-8785 or email info@riverseacruises.com to get started.