HX Expeditions has a small fleet of five ships that traverse some of the most remote places in the world.
This is a fun guide for those who want to see some of their most popular destinations, so let me spoil one thing upfront: they love adventure. Some of the most sought-after places to visit for expeditions are the Galápagos Islands, Antarctica, and the Arctic, and HX Expeditions goes to all these spots. We’ve always said that HX Expeditions is more about the places they visit than what you can do onboard the ships, so this is a guide that you should enjoy a lot.
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 Ships
HX Expeditions has a small fleet of five strong and sturdy ships, built to explore some of the wildest corners of the world. These are ships made to carry from 90 to 500 passengers, making them feel very intimate and an excellent choice for those that want peace & quiet above all else.
They typically have one bar, two or three main restaurants, a fitness center, and some include an outdoor hot tub, sauna and an infinity pool. If you are looking for the kind of entertainment options found on a typical family cruise, you will not find them here.
Here is a list of their current cruise ships, including launch dates, guest capacity, and any notable features to look out for:
- MS Fridtjof Nansen (2020; 490 guests; hot tub; pool; sauna)
- MS Roald Amundsen (2019; 490 guests; hot tub; pool; sauna)
- MS Spitsbergen (2009; 150 guests; hot tub; sauna)
- MS Fram (2007; 250 guests; hot tub; sauna)
- MS Santa Cruz II (2002; 90 guests; hot tub)
MS Santa Cruz II
- Main Destination: Galápagos Island only
- Starting price: $5,800 per guest for a 8-Day Galápagos Island Cruise
MS Santa Cruz II is the smallest ship in the fleet, carrying only 90 passengers. This ship focuses exclusively on the Galápagos Islands, so it makes sense that we don’t have a huge vessel moving from beach to beach. The Galápagos Islands aren’t easy to navigate, and the small size of the Santa Cruz II allows it to port in locations that bigger ships simply cannot access.
This ship has a single restaurant offering a buffet for all meals, one bar and lounge where you can socialize, a fitness center, and hot tubs. Cabin options are limited, with either an oceanview cabin or a single suite choice. This is a ship you book to enjoy an intimate experience and explore the Galápagos Islands in detail above all else.
MS Fram
- Main Destinations: Europe; the Arctic; Antarctica.
- Starting price: $3,600 for a 8-Day Europe Cruise; $6,600 for a 9-Days Svalbard Cruise.
MS Fram launched in 2007 and has a capacity for 200 guests. This ship offers several room categories, from the rare inside cabins on HX Expeditions to luxurious suites. It also features a sauna, a fitness center, hot tubs, and Restaurant Lindstrøm in addition to Restaurant Aune, where suite guests can dine for free (other guests pay €25).
MS Fram offers itineraries including one-way trips in Europe as well as voyages to Greenland and Svalbard. Overall, it is a good option for a European cruise at a reasonable price or for an Arctic adventure on a small, intimate ship.
MS Spitsbergen
- Main Destinations: Norway; the Arctic
- Starting price: $4,200 for a 8-Day Norway Cruise.
MS Spitsbergen launched in 2009, but it is actually a smaller ship than MS Fram, carrying up to 150 passengers. MS Spitsbergen offers all the main room categories found on MS Fram, as well as a sauna, fitness room, and hot tubs. The main difference is that this ship does not have a Lindstrøm restaurant. However, during a recent renovation in 2025, the complimentary Brygga Bistro was added for all guests, offering quick meals and snacks.
MS Spitsbergen has a strong presence in Norway, the Scottish Isles, and the Arctic in general, making it a good choice for travelers, especially those not staying in suites, since everyone gets access to a new, exclusive restaurant.
MS Fridtjof Nansen & MS Roald Amundsen
- Main Destinations: Europe, Greenland and Antarctica (MS Fridtjof Nansen); Alaska (MS Roald Amundsen)
- Starting price: $4,600 for a 8-Day Iceland Cruise (MS Fridtjof Nansen); $4,000 for a 10-Day Alaska Cruise (MS Roald Amundsen)
MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen are sister ships, sharing the same tonnage, length, and carrying capacity of 490 passengers, with MS Fridtjof Nansen being one year younger, having launched in 2020. These ships offer the most amenities onboard, including an infinity swimming pool with a pool bar and a spa. They also feature a fitness center, a sauna, and two hot tubs. Dining options include three restaurants: the classic Aune dining room, the exclusive Lindstrøm available free for suite guests, and Restaurant Fredheim, a casual spot for a quick bite. If you want a larger expedition ship with more onboard activities than the others, these two ships are the perfect choice.
MS Fridtjof Nansen sails almost everywhere, offering 24 expeditions with a strong focus on Greenland and Antarctica. MS Roald Amundsen offers 19 expeditions and is an excellent choice for Alaska or the Chilean Fjords.
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Destinations
HX Expeditions is all about adventure and exploring the most remote places in the world, so they usually skip popular Caribbean itineraries to send their ships to Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, the Chilean Fjords, and Norway. Itineraries are generally long, starting at eight days and going up from there, so be sure to prepare accordingly and pack appropriately depending on your destination.
Let’s take a look at their destinations, along with the number of itineraries available at the time of this writing. The number of itineraries changes over time, but this gives a clear idea of their most popular routes.
- Greenland (16)
- Antarctica (14)
- Galápagos Islands (12)
- Svalbard (11)
- Northwest Passage & Arctic Canada (8)
- Alaska (6)
- Europe (6)
- Norway (5)
- British isles (4)
- Iceland (3)
- South America (3)
Let’s take a closer look at some of their most popular destinations.
Antarctica
- Starting Price: $8,800 for a 12-Day Cruise onboard MS Roald Amundsen
HX Expeditions is big in Antarctica, with more than 10 of their roughly 80 itineraries taking place there. Most cruises in the region are true expeditions, with the shortest lasting 12 days and most taking more than 16 days to fully experience the area. Itineraries focus on the Antarctic Circle alone or combine Antarctica with the Falkland Islands, Patagonia, and South Georgia. Their “Highlights of Antarctica Expedition Cruise” is the entry-level Antarctic cruise and the most popular choice, giving you the chance to study wildlife and take part in several expeditions over 12 days.
Svalbard & Greenland
- Starting Price: $6,600 for a 9-Day Svalbard Cruise onboard MS Spitsbergen; $7,000 for a 10-Day Greenland Cruise onboard MS Spitsbergen.
Technically, Svalbard and Greenland are part of the Arctic, and HX Expeditions is a major player in this region, offering almost thirty different itineraries. Svalbard cruises can focus on the region alone or include destinations like Iceland, featuring stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. A very popular option is the “Svalbard in Summer - Under the Midnight Sun,” a nine-day cruise for $6,600 that focuses on Svalbard alone. Guests get to experience the midnight sun and see incredible wildlife, including Arctic foxes, polar bears, walruses, and many more species.
Greenland cruises offer a variety of itineraries, including trips focused on national parks, main towns, Disko Bay, and even solar eclipse expeditions. “Discovering Greenland - From Reykjavík to Nuuk” is a fun 14-day itinerary starting at $8,000, exploring local communities, wildlife, and glaciers, allowing you to see Greenland from every angle.
Alaska
- Starting Price: $4,000 for a 10-Day Alaska Cruise onboard MS Roald Amundsen
To be honest, HX Expeditions is not very big in Alaska, usually offering about six different itineraries in the region. These itineraries, however, are an excellent way to explore the Last Frontier, as they depart from popular ports (usually Vancouver or Seattle) and rank among the most affordable options you can find.
Alaska expeditions include exploring icy glaciers onboard Zodiac boats, visiting indigenous villages, towns, and national parks. There are even special cruises for spotting bears at Katmai National Park and Kodiak Island. Alaska is incredible and a great opportunity for guests to experience HX Expeditions before trying other destinations.
Galápagos Islands
- Starting Price: $5,800 for a 7-Day Galápagos Islands Cruise.
The Galápagos Islands are some of the most stunning islands in the world, home to an incredible variety of wildlife and some of the most beautiful beaches and waters you can visit. Most cruises here focus on exploring the natural beauty of the region, with wildlife that includes giant tortoises, countless lizard species, and much more. Activities usually include kayaking, glass bottom boat trips, stand up paddleboarding, hiking and snorkeling.
One of the best itineraries is “Galápagos Islands plus Machu Picchu,” a 12 day cruise starting at $9,900 that combines two of the most beautiful, unique and mysterious destinations in the world.
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!
