HX Expeditions

About the Cruise Line

Who are HX Expeditions?

HX began life as the expedition arm of Hurtigruten, the Norwegian company whose coastal ships have linked the communities of Norway since 1893. Its first expedition voyage sailed in 1896, and for well over a century the same pioneering spirit has carried its ships to Svalbard, Greenland and Antarctica. In 2023 the expedition ships became a separate company under the name HX, short for Hurtigruten Expeditions, and today they carry more travellers to Antarctica each season than any other expedition operator.

The style is relaxed, informal and Scandinavian. There is no dress code and no formal nights. Instead you get an Expedition Team of naturalists, historians and scientists, a Science Centre on every ship, and fares that include meals, drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi and an expedition jacket to keep. HX were the first expedition company to ban heavy fuel oil and single use plastics, and their two newest ships were the first hybrid powered expedition ships in the world. They are members of IAATO, the body that sets the rules for responsible visits to Antarctica.

The Voyages

HX Antarctica voyages, 2026 to 2029

Ten voyages across the 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29 seasons, from twelve days on the Antarctic Peninsula to twenty four days taking in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Patagonia. Click through for the full itinerary, departure dates and brochure fares.

The Ships

The HX Antarctica fleet

Three ships sail to Antarctica for HX, all small enough to land you on the continent itself. Our HX fleet page compares them side by side, and life on board describes a typical day at sea.

Fares & Booking

What's included and how to book

HX fares are close to all inclusive. Our what's included page sets out exactly what is covered, what costs extra and what the suite fares add. When you book through us your contract is with HX Group Ltd, and their booking conditions apply. Our how to book page explains each step.

Deposit and balance

• Deposit: 25% of the total price, non refundable, when you book more than 120 days before departure. HX then send a confirmation invoice, which you should check carefully.
• Balance: due to us 120 days before departure. HX need payment from us 90 days before departure, so asking a month earlier gives everyone breathing space and keeps your booking well clear of cancellation charges. HX do not send a second invoice, so it is worth putting the date in your diary, although we will remind you too.
• Late bookings: full payment at the time of booking if you are within 120 days of departure.
• Cancellation: charges apply on a sliding scale from the deposit amount up to the full price as departure approaches.

Flights and extra nights

Every HX Antarctica voyage includes the flights between the gateway city and the ship: Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and back on most voyages, and Santiago to Punta Arenas on MS Fram's voyages from Chile. International flights from the UK are not included, but we can book them for you. HX also offer optional pre and post programmes, including Breathtaking Patagonia, The Iguazú Experience and a dinner and tango show in Buenos Aires, and we can add extra hotel nights around your flights. Our gateway cities guide covers the cities themselves.

Insurance and medical screening

Travel insurance is a condition of booking with HX, and it must cover emergency evacuation and repatriation from Antarctica. HX will ask for your insurer's name and 24 hour emergency number. Every guest also completes a medical screening form through HX's medical partner Vikand, using an online portal that opens 120 days before departure.

Financial protection

Flight inclusive packages booked with HX are protected under HX Group Ltd's own ATOL licence, and you will receive an ATOL Certificate from HX when your booking includes flights. Coastal Cruises is a member of the Travel Trust Association, membership number Q9151.