The Ultimate Guide to HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions): Science, Sustainability, and Scandi-Cool

If you have been browsing expedition cruises lately, you might have noticed a new two-letter name popping up everywhere: HX Expeditions. You might be wondering who these guys are and where they came from. The answer is both simple and a little complicated. HX is the new, re-branded identity of Hurtigruten Expeditions. They aren't the new kids on the block; in fact, they are arguably the grandparents of the entire industry.

To understand HX, you first have to untangle the Norwegian knot of their history. For over 130 years, the name "Hurtigruten" (which translates to "The Fast Route") has been synonymous with the iconic coastal ferry that travels up and down the Norwegian coast, carrying mail, locals, and tourists from Bergen to Kirkenes. That service still exists, and it is wonderful, but it is not an expedition.

Over the decades, the company started sending ships further afield—to Antarctica, Svalbard, and the Amazon. Eventually, the product became so distinct from the coastal ferry that they decided to split the company in two. So, to clear the confusion once and for all: "Hurtigruten" refers to the coastal coastal route in Norway. "HX" refers to the global expedition fleet that sails to the ends of the earth.

This rebrand signals a massive shift. HX is positioning itself as the leader in "mindful adventure." They are the company for travelers who care deeply about their carbon footprint, who want to participate in citizen science projects, and who prefer a sauna and a lecture on glaciology over a casino and a cabaret show.

The Basecamp at Sea Concept

When you step aboard an HX ship, the first thing you notice is the atmosphere. They call it a "basecamp at sea," and the description is perfect. The design is distinctly Scandinavian—think light woods, wool blankets, fireplaces (vapor-based, for safety), and floor-to-ceiling glass. It feels like a high-end ski lodge that happens to float.

This "basecamp" ethos extends to the daily rhythm. The ship is viewed primarily as a tool to get you out into the world. The luxury here isn't gold taps and white-glove butlers; the luxury is efficiency and access. The "mudrooms"—the staging areas where you gear up for excursions—are spacious and designed to move hundreds of people onto Zodiac boats (they call them "Explorer Boats") quickly, maximizing your time on the ice or the beach.

The dress code reflects this. There isn't one. You will see people wearing wool sweaters and hiking pants to dinner. High heels are actively discouraged (ships move, after all). It creates a very egalitarian, relaxed vibe. You are there to explore, not to be seen. If you are looking for formal nights and captain’s tables, you are on the wrong ship. If you want to compare notes on penguin behavior over a local craft beer while wearing your socks, you are home.

The Science Center is the Heartbeat

On most cruise ships, the atrium or the pool bar is the center of the action. On an HX ship, it is the Science Center. This isn't a dusty library tucked away in a corner; it is the focal point of the vessel, usually located on a prime deck with huge windows.

The Science Center is packed with high-tech microscopes, rock samples, skeletons, and large screens. It is the domain of the Expedition Team. Unlike typical cruise staff, these aren't entertainers. They are ornithologists, marine biologists, geologists, and historians. They don't just give lectures; they hang out in the Science Center helping you analyze a sample of plankton you collected earlier that day or explaining the geological formation you just photographed.

This focus on education is central to the brand. They run extensive Citizen Science programs where guests participate in real research—counting penguin populations, measuring cloud cover for NASA, or tracking whale migrations. It makes you feel like an active participant in the protection of the places you visit, rather than just a passive tourist passing through.

Sustainability and the Hybrid Revolution

If environmental impact is a major concern for you, HX is likely your best option. They have staked their entire reputation on being the most sustainable cruise operator in the world. They were the first major line to ban heavy fuel oil (the dirty stuff most ships burn) over a decade ago, and they were the first to ban all single-use plastics on board—you won't find a plastic straw or water bottle anywhere.

But the real headline is their hardware. Their flagship vessels, the Roald Amundsen and the Fridtjof Nansen, are the world’s first hybrid battery-powered cruise ships. They can shut down their engines and run on battery power for short periods. While they can't cross an ocean on batteries alone, this technology allows them to sail silently into sensitive fjords or near wildlife without noise or emissions. It’s a profound experience to stand on the deck in Antarctica and hear nothing but the crack of the ice because the engines are silent.

They are also retrofitting their older ships to lower emissions and are currently researching a zero-emission ship project for the future. For HX, sustainability isn't a marketing buzzword; it’s an operational mandate.

The Fleet: From Hybrids to Classics

The HX fleet is a mix of the ultra-modern and the capable classics. The stars of the show are the aforementioned hybrid sisters, Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen. Carrying around 500 passengers, these ships are stunning examples of Nordic design. They feature infinity pools, outdoor hot tubs, three restaurants, and massive LED screens in the atrium soaring up seven decks.

Then there is the MS Fram. Built specifically for polar waters, the Fram is smaller (around 200-300 guests) and legendary among expedition cruisers. It is designed with a special hull to operate in deeper ice than most passenger ships. It’s less "boutique hotel" and more "serious tool," beloved by those who want to get deeper into the rougher areas of Greenland and Antarctica.

Another unique vessel is the MS Spitsbergen. This ship is small and highly maneuverable, often used for their more technical itineraries in the Arctic. It feels cozy and intimate. Finally, for the Galápagos, they use the Santa Cruz II. This is a fully refurbished expedition vessel stationed year-round in the islands, offering a specific layout designed for the unique logistics of the National Park.

Destinations: The Polar Specialist

Given their Norwegian heritage, it is no surprise that HX dominates the polar regions. They have deep roots in Svalbard (the Norwegian archipelago in the High Arctic), and they offer more itineraries there than almost anyone else. If you want to see polar bears, this is their home turf.

In Antarctica, they are a major player. Because their ships are slightly larger than the tiny 100-passenger yachts (mostly falling in the 200-500 passenger range), they are incredibly stable in the rough Drake Passage. They offer classic peninsula trips but also longer, deep-dive expeditions that include the Falklands and South Georgia.

Crucially, despite the larger passenger count, they are experts at logistics. They use a "rotation" system for landings that ensures everyone gets their time ashore. However, it is worth noting that regulations in Antarctica limit the number of people on shore at one time (usually 100), so on the larger HX ships, you might have slightly less time on "land" than on a tiny yacht, but they compensate with extensive Zodiac cruising where everyone can be out at once.

Warm Water and Unique Routes

HX isn't just about ice. They have aggressively expanded into warm waters, bringing their "science-first" approach to the tropics. Their Galápagos program is excellent, offering a slightly larger, more stable ship experience than the typical cramped yachts found in the islands, which is a blessing for families or those prone to seasickness.

One of their most unique offerings is West Africa. They run a route that visits the Bissagos Islands (Guinea-Bissau) and Cape Verde. This is true frontier tourism, visiting places that see almost no other cruise ships. It’s a cultural and nature expedition that digs into the history of the slave trade, traditional animist cultures, and rare saltwater hippos.

They also tackle the legendary Northwest Passage—the grail of northern cruising—and have unique itineraries connecting the poles, sailing from the Arctic to Antarctica down the spine of the Atlantic.

The Food: Local and Sustainable

Dining on HX is a reflection of their sustainability goals. They have a program called "Norway’s Coastal Kitchen" (even on their global ships), which prioritizes sourcing food locally from the regions they sail through to reduce food miles.

You have three main venues on the newer ships. Aune is the main dining room, serving buffet breakfasts and lunches and plated dinners. It’s casual and social. Fredheim is the informal "diner," serving burgers, dumplings, and unparalleled milkshakes—it’s often the favorite spot on the ship. Then there is Lindstrøm, the fine dining à la carte restaurant. On most fare types, Lindstrøm costs extra, but for suite guests, it is included.

The food is hearty and high quality, often featuring plenty of seafood. Don't expect caviar and lobster tails every night like on Seabourn. Instead, expect incredible local fish, reindeer (when in the north), and plant-based options that are actually delicious, not just an afterthought.

Wellness, Nordic Style

You cannot have a Norwegian ship without a sauna. It is physically impossible. Wellness on HX centers around the concept of friluftsliv (open-air living) followed by recovery. The ships feature stunning panoramic saunas with floor-to-ceiling windows. There is nothing quite like sweating in 180-degree heat while watching an iceberg float by.

There are also hot tubs, gyms, and a wellness center offering massages. But the "wellness" here is more about the endorphin rush of a "Polar Plunge" (jumping into freezing water, which they encourage) followed by a warm soak, rather than gold-leaf facials.

The All-Inclusive Shift

Historically, Hurtigruten had a lot of "add-ons." However, with the rebrand to HX, they have moved to a more all-inclusive model to compete with the luxury players. Now, your fare generally includes daily excursions (usually landings or small boat cruises), Wi-Fi (Starlink, so it’s actually fast), beer and wine with meals, and gratuities.

This is a massive improvement for the guest experience. It removes the friction of signing bills at dinner. They also include a high-quality expedition jacket that you get to keep, and the use of boots for landings (which you return).

Who Is the HX Traveler?

The demographic on HX is fascinatingly diverse. While you will find the standard retired affluent travelers, the average age skews slightly younger than the ultra-luxury lines because the price point is more accessible and the vibe is more active.

You will see multi-generational families (they have a "Young Explorers" program for kids that is science-based, not cartoon-based). You will find solo travelers. You will find people who saved up for years for this one trip, mixing with people who do three expeditions a year.

The common thread is attitude. HX guests are down-to-earth. They are interested in the world. They are the type of people who will stand on deck in freezing rain because someone shouted "Whale!" and they don't want to miss it. They value the lecture on history as much as the nice dinner.

Accessibility and Activity Levels

HX expeditions are generally active. While you don't need to be an Olympic athlete, you need to be mobile. Getting in and out of Zodiacs requires balance and a bit of strength. The "landings" can involve walking on slippery rocks, deep snow, or soft sand.

However, because the ships are larger and more stable, they are actually quite good for people with mild mobility issues compared to tiny expedition yachts. The ships have elevators and accessible cabins. If you can't go ashore, the ship itself is a comfortable observation platform with huge windows everywhere.

Final Thoughts: The New Era

The transition from Hurtigruten Expeditions to HX is more than just a logo change. It is a declaration of intent. They are carving out a space that sits right between the "rustic" expeditions of the past and the "ultra-luxury" expeditions of today.

They offer a premium, comfortable, and incredibly professional experience that puts the planet and the destination first. If you want a butler, look elsewhere. If you want to see the world with the people who invented the concept of taking travelers to the edge of the map, HX is your basecamp.