HX Expeditions is all about exploring the world and some of the most remote destinations you can think of, but even adventurers need a cozy place to rest and a nice restaurant to sit down and enjoy a hot meal, right? There is a good chance that you will be out and about a lot, so it is important to get a good nights rest and take in those calories before hiking icy glaciers or taking in the views of the Galapagos Islands as you explore forests, ancient temples and invoke your inner Indiana Jones.
As a heads up, know that while accommodations and dining options onboard HX Expeditions are good, they are not the main focus of this cruise line. There is a good chance you will be too busy at the science center or out on expeditions to stay inside your room for long, and the one or two restaurants onboard are more than enough for guests who are mostly interested in the adventurous side of cruising.
Before we move on, remember that you can always click the Request a Quote button and talk to us about anything related to HX Expeditions. We can help you with itineraries, ships, the all-inclusive fare, and excursions. Contacting us is free, and even better, our advisors may have access to deals not available anywhere else, helping you save money and fulfill your dream of being a scientist in Antarctica.
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Room Options
HX Expeditions staterooms can be divided into four categories:
- Inside Cabins
- Polar Outside Cabins
- Arctic Superior Cabins
- Suites
Let’s take a closer look at them.
Inside Cabins
- Good for: those planning on staying outside their rooms most of the time; if you are looking to save money on your trip.
Inside Cabins only appear on two of their cruise ships, the MS Spitsbergen and the MS Fram. These are the most economic options on their ships, featuring no balcony and no windows. They are great for solo travellers and guests who will be out and about most of the time and mainly need a bed just to sleep. The MS Fram only has a standard inside cabin that measures between 108 and 140 square feet. The MS Spitsbergen has three different subcategories, including big inside family staterooms that measure between 161 and 215 square feet and are perfect for families travelling together. These basic rooms come with a private bathroom, a television and a safe.
Polar Outside Cabins
- Good for: you want natural light in your room; you want a safe and comfortable stateroom option.
Polar Outside Cabins are present on almost all HX Expeditions ships and are a very popular option. They are basically the oceanview cabins you see on ocean cruise lines, meaning they always have some type of window that lets natural light in and gives you the chance to enjoy the scenery outside.
These cabins are some of the most popular choices on HX Expeditions and are also great for solo travellers. Interestingly, their two biggest ships, the MS Roald Amundsen and the MS Fridtjof Nansen, only have one Polar Outside room subcategory that measures between 205 and 248 square feet. The MS Fram and the MS Spitsbergen have three subcategories with sizes ranging from 108 to 226 square feet.
Arctic Superior Cabins
- Good for: if you want a private balcony in some cases; if you want a slightly bigger room when compared to the Polar Outside Cabins.
All HX Expeditions ships except the MS Santa Cruz II feature an Arctic Superior Cabin. These rooms are usually larger than the Polar Outside Cabins and are often located in better areas of the ship. Only the MS Fridtjof Nansen and the MS Roald Amundsen offer Arctic Superior Cabins with a private balcony. These are some of the most sought after cabin subcategories in the fleet and measure about 194 square feet. These ships also have Arctic Superior Cabins that come with a window only but measure around 291 square feet and rank among the largest rooms that HX Expeditions has to offer.
Suites
- Good for: if you want nothing but luxury; if you want the extra perks offered and listed below; if you want a big room.
Suites are the most luxurious and spacious rooms you can find onboard HX Expeditions, and they also come with some interesting perks. Every HX Expeditions ship has suites and subcategories, and each subcategory offers something cool. Some of them have larger private balconies, some are Mini Suites that cost less but still include the perks of suites, some come with a hot tub, and there is even a suite type that has an indoor smokeless fireplace. Rooms in this category range from about 172 square feet for the Mini Suites onboard the MS Spitsbergen up to about 506 square feet for the Extra Large Suites onboard the MS Roald Amundsen and the MS Fridtjof Nansen.
Suites come with a handful of perks. Some of the best include limited complimentary laundry, priority boarding. More alcoholic drinks available for free and the chance to have meals in the exclusive Lindstrøm restaurant, available on MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fram.
Here’s the full list of perks you get when you book a suite:
- Bigger list of complimentary drinks like premium beer and cocktails
- Priority boarding
- Access to the exclusive Lindstrøm restaurant in select ships
- Room service for the Lindstrøm restaurant during meal times
- Laundry (One laundry bag limit per day per suite)
- Daily replenishment of the minibar is included for suites (once per day)
- Complimentary welcome champagne
- In-suite espresso machine & premium teas
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Dining Options
HX Expeditions usually has two to three restaurants onboard and one bar serving drinks. Remember, these are small and intimate ships, so it makes sense that they aren’t filled with dining venues everywhere.
Here are the dining options you can find when booking a cruise with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions:
MS Santa Cruz II
- Beagle Restaurant: the only restaurant onboard the small MS Santa Cruz II, with a very cute name and a wide variety of culinary experiences. Meals here are always buffet-style.
- Panorama Bar and Lounge: the bar and lounge onboard the MS Santa Cruz II. It is an excellent social space to meet fellow passengers, grab a drink and enjoy the views. The Wi Fi signal here is also better than in the rest of the ship, which is always nice to know.
MS Spitsbergen
- Restaurant Aune: Aune is present on every HX Expeditions ship except the MS Santa Cruz II. Aune serves three meals a day, including a buffet for breakfast and lunch and a dinner service that highlights regional dishes.
- Brygga Bistro: the place you go for a quick snack or a light meal, open during the times when Aune is closed. It was introduced recently in 2025 and we have not had the chance to try it, but a hot sandwich after coming back from a polar expedition does sound nice.
- Explorer Lounge and Bar: the main bar onboard, perfect for relaxing to the sound of the waves and socializing with your fellow passengers. Some lectures also take place here from time to time.
MS Fridtjof Nansen & MS Roald Amundsen
- Restaurant Aune: the main dining room onboard for breakfast, lunch and dinner, available to all guests.
- Restaurant Lindstrøm: a specialty restaurant available free of charge to suite guests, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is similar to the Aune restaurant, only better. Guests who are not staying in a suite can dine here by paying an extra charge.
- Restaurant Fredheim: a more casual restaurant where you can grab a quick bite.
- Pool Bar: a big perk of the MS Fridtjof Nansen and the MS Roald Amundsen is that both ships have not only a swimming pool but also a pool bar offering drinks.
- Explorer Lounge and Bar: similar to the bar you find on the MS Spitsbergen, featuring huge floor to ceiling windows.
MS Fram
- Restaurant Aune: the classic main dining room is also open for breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard MS Fram.
- Restaurant Lindstrøm: a specialty restaurant available for free for suite guests, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well. All other guests can eat here for an extra fee.
- BBQ Area: MS Fram has an unnamed BBQ area on deck 7 near the hot tubs offering a variety of quick meals during the day.
- Explorer Lounge & Bar: the social space for what HX Expeditions is known for makes a comeback here on MS Fram, and is a similar design to what you find on the other ships.
Dietary Needs
If you have special requests, HX Expeditions asks guests to inform them as soon as possible, and no later than 12 weeks before your cruise departure. We at Famvia can help you with that.
Room Service
Room service is only available in selected suites aboard MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen. Orders can be placed from the Lindstrøm menu during restaurant opening hours.
What drinks are included in my base fare?
House wine, beer, soft drinks, and still and sparkling water are available and complimentary at lunch and dinner. For cabin guests, premium drinks and signature cocktails are not included.
For suite guests, signature cocktails, premium beers, and wines by the glass are included. Coffee, tea, and potable water purified onboard are available throughout the day.
How much does it cost for non-suite guests to eat at Lindstrøm?
Non-suite guests pay a €25 cover charge to dine at Lindstrøm.
Why book HX Hurtigruten Expeditions with us?
At Famvia, we are experts when it comes to cruises. We offer a wide range of guides covering mainstream, premium, ultra-luxury, river, and expedition cruises. We proudly partner with some of the world’s most prestigious cruise lines, including Seabourn, Silversea, Explora Journeys, and, of course, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions and Hurtigruten.
Navigating all the itineraries offered by HX Expeditions can be challenging, as this is a niche cruise line with many destinations, cabin options, and more. That is where we come in. Our dedicated travel advisors specialize in HX Expeditions and can help you find the perfect voyage tailored to your preferences. In addition, we often have access to exclusive offers and pricing not available to the general public.
We understand HX Expeditions like no one else, even from before the split with Hurtigruten. We can guide you through fares, provide tips on the best onboard dining and excursions, and ensure your experience is seamless. Contacting us is free, and booking through us costs nothing extra. You may even save money in the process. Click the Request a Quote button and let’s get started!
