HX Expeditions

Norway, the Arctic, Antarctica, and beyond. HX Expeditions takes you to the world’s most remote and breathtaking destinations aboard purpose-built expedition ships, guided by onboard scientists and naturalists who bring every landing to life.

Or call us at 1-800-444-1560 or email info@smartcruiser.com

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

Lindstrøm: 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 (Galápagos). 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.

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The expedition cruise ship MS Spitsbergen navigates through icy Arctic waters near Svalbard, with

The Expert Expedition Team

Scientists, Naturalists, and Storytellers on Every Voyage

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 modern expedition cruise ship, the MS Santa Cruz II, photographed at sea in calm waters under
The expedition cruise ship MS Roald Amundsen is positioned front-on in the pristine waters

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.

The HX Expeditions Experience

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.

The MS Fram, a luxury expedition cruise ship, navigates through icy Arctic waters surrounded

Cabins Built for Polar Comfort

HX Expeditions offers a range of cabin categories, from Inside and Outside cabins to Balcony suites, Mini-suites, and premium Expedition Suites. Higher categories add private balconies, larger living spaces, and enhanced amenities. Expedition Suites on the newer hybrid ships feature panoramic views, separate sitting areas, and premium in-cabin touches – well worth considering when you’re sailing past glaciers and fjords. Not sure which category fits your voyage? Your dedicated SmartCruiser agent can walk you through deck plans, cabin placement, and upgrade costs to find the best fit and value for your expedition.

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Our Fleet

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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 SmartCruiser.com, you also benefit from our exclusive group rates and value-added amenities on every sailing.

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 dedicated SmartCruiser agent 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 Galápagos 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. Lindstrøm 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 experienced agents at SmartCruiser.com can help you choose the right 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 SmartCruiser.com, Division of Oasis Travel Network, you work with a dedicated, experienced agent who can help you choose the right itinerary, the best cabin for your needs, and the ideal sailing date. We offer exclusive group rates and amenities, with savings of up to $1500+ depending on the time of year and destination. See a lower price elsewhere? Ask and we’ll do our best to price match. Your dedicated agent stays with you from the moment you inquire right through to disembarkation and beyond – you’re never routed to a random reservations agent.

Ready for an Extraordinary Expedition?

Whether it’s your first expedition or your tenth, our cruise experts at SmartCruiser.com, Division of Oasis Travel Network can help you find the right HX voyage, secure the best rate, and handle every detail. With exclusive group rates, valuable amenities, and a dedicated agent guiding every step, your polar adventure starts with a conversation. Call us at 1-800-444-1560 to get started.