HX Hurtigruten Expeditions is great for:
- Those who love science
- Travellers who want to explore the far corners of the world on unique itineraries
- Solo travellers
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions might not be good for:
- Guests seeking ultra-luxury
- Those who want many onboard activities
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions breathes adventure unlike any other cruise line.
This is the cruise line for travellers who want to explore the world and feel like scientists inside a mix of cruise ship and science center as they study wildlife, flora and everything else around them. Expedition cruises are not exactly rare these days, but HX Hurtigruten Expeditions takes the idea to the next level.
Keep in mind that we are talking about HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, not Hurtigruten. Yes, it can be confusing, since both were part of the same company and were considered sister brands until late 2023, when they decided to split. Hurtigruten now focuses on Norway and the Arctic, while HX Expeditions travels all over the world and focuses mostly on the adventure side of cruising. And yes, we do have a full guide for Hurtigruten on Famvia.
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.
As we said, HX Expeditions is perfect for those who love the idea of putting on a lab coat and setting out to explore the unknown. If you are unfamiliar with expedition cruises, these are special voyages that offer a comfortable experience onboard, but their main focus is exploration. You visit remote places that mainstream cruise lines rarely approach and get to (really) know these locations using Zodiac inflatable boats, kayaks and more. HX Expeditions ships are also much smaller than the giants of the cruise world, made for 90 to 490 guests, and their compact size allows them to reach unique and niche ports.
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions is also a master of unique destinations, and it offers all the bucket list places that adventurers dream of visiting. Many expedition cruise lines focus on only one or two main regions, but HX Expeditions truly opens the deck of options. They visit Alaska, Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galapagos Islands, Greenland, Norway… yes, the list is long.
Antarctica, the Arctic and the Galapagos Islands are some of the most sought after regions for explorers, and HX Expeditions knows these destinations extremely well. As a big bonus, they also offer some really impressive expeditions to Alaska, which are among their most affordable cruises and an excellent choice for a first time vacation with HX Expeditions to see how they do things differently.
It is not only the destinations that set HX Hurtigruten Expeditions apart from the competition. They also have a Science and Education program and a full science center inside their ships. Yes, they traded big restaurants and casinos for a science center, and it is awesome. While many expedition cruise lines offer expert guides and lectures, HX Expeditions goes a step further with a dedicated space where you can learn about and explore the region around you.
The science center includes microscopes you can use to examine local flora, experts who bring fossils and samples from the region you are visiting, and many other hands on learning opportunities. It is impressive and very cool that an expedition cruise line offers this, and the science center alone makes a cruise line that is mostly focused on adults also a surprisingly good choice for teens.
It is also a great choice for solo travellers. In fact, HX Expeditions reports that almost twenty percent of guests onboard are travelling alone, so it is easy to make friends, especially during excursions and inside the science center. HX Expeditions also offers special deals and rates for solo travellers, so you do not need to pay the full price for a cabin. Usually, when a new itinerary is released, a few staterooms are reserved for solo guests at a discounted rate, so booking early is very important.
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions is also all inclusive, so all meals, most drinks, basic Wi Fi and gratuities are included in your cruise fare. There is no need to worry about what you will spend later. Just try everything on the menu and focus on SCIENCE. Who knows, maybe you will even discover a thousand year old fossil during your travels and decide to wear a lab coat permanently from that moment on.
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Reviews
The Good
Expeditions and Destinations: If you are looking for a great expedition cruise line, you can’t go wrong with HX Expeditions. They are masters of the subject and really go all in with lectures, experts, shore excursions and much more to help you understand each destination in detail. They visit some of the best places in the world for expedition cruises, from Antarctica to the Galápagos Islands, and they’ve been explorers for more than 100 years. So if the main objective of your trip is to explore, then HX Expeditions won’t let you down.
Science Center: For those who love everything related to science, HX Expeditions is the only cruise line I can think of that has a lab and a full science center inside their ships. It is the only place with microscopes, test tubes, fossils and flora samples with experts nearby to teach you about each destination. They also let you explore and study items you bring back from excursions right on the ship. The science center is amazing, plain and simple.
Solo travellers: Want to go on an expedition cruise but everyone else is busy sailing through the Caribbean? HX Expeditions takes great care of solo travellers. Almost 20 percent of their guests travel alone, they offer events that bring solo travellers together and if you are travelling solo you can often save when booking specific cabins. No one should stay away from science just because they are travelling alone!
All-inclusive: Being all-inclusive is a major perk and makes your life much easier. Your cruise fare includes gratuities, most drinks, all meals, Wi-Fi and at least one complimentary excursion at each port of call. You can enjoy your time onboard HX Hurtigruten Expeditions without spending extra. Items that cost more include some premium drinks and optional add-on excursions.
The Bad
Not Ultra-Luxury: While HX Expeditions ships are cozy, they are not ultra-luxury. Cruises with HX Expeditions are not cheap - fares usually start at around $3,600 per guest - but cabins are similar to what you might find on mainstream cruise lines with just a slight upgrade. Onboard amenities are adequate but limited, and there are not a wide variety of dining options with top-tier cuisine. Remember, this cruise line is for those who love exploring, enjoy science, or are travelling solo. If you are looking to relax or want a romantic cruise, there are better options.
How Much is a Cruise on HX Hurtigruten Expeditions?
HX Expeditions is not what we would call a cheap cruise line. This is a cruise line that explores truly unique and niche destinations, is all-inclusive, and has a large team of experts and lecturers to accompany you on your adventures. Cruises with HX Expeditions typically start at around $4,000 per guest and only increase from there.
Next, we will look at starting prices per guest for specific itineraries. Keep in mind that prices fluctuate, but this gives a good idea of the average cost of a cruise with HX Expeditions.
- 8-Day European Spring Explorer - From Lisbon to Dover: $3,600
- 10-Days Alaska’s Inside Passage: Fjords of the Great Land: $4,000
- 8-Days Ultimate Norway - Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights: $4,200
- 16-Days Chilean Fjords - Discovering the Heart of Patagonia: $5,100
- 7-Days Galápagos Islands - Iconic Wildlife & Sublime Scenery: $5,800
- 12-Days Highlights of Antarctica Expedition Cruise: $9,000
What is included in your HX Hurtigruten Expeditions fare?
HX Expeditions is all-inclusive, so much is already covered in your base fare. You get:
- Your room
- Gratuities
- Basic Wi-Fi
- All meals and snacks
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks and most and alcoholic drinks (some premium drinks cost extra, though)
- Daily expeditions and activities
- Expedition gear, water bottles and pictures from a photographer
- Amenities onboard like the whirlpool, sauna and science center
What is NOT included in your HX Hurtigruten Expeditions fare?
Although HX Hurtigruten is all-inclusive and covers much in your base fare, some items cost extra. These include:
- Premium excursions and experiences
- Premium drinks
- Premium Wi-Fi for Streaming
- Spa treatments
- Fine dining in Lindstrøm restaurant if you are not in a suite
- Laundry (suite guests receive one free bag of laundry per day)
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Fleet
HX Expeditions has a fleet of strong and sturdy ships, built to explore some of the wildest corners of the world.
These are very different from the ships you might be used to on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises or Holland America. HX Expedition vessels are designed for travellers who want to relax while heading to their destination. 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)
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Destinations
For a cruise line with only five ships, it is impressive that HX Expeditions visits so many regions and explores some of the wildest places on the planet. They typically offer fewer than 100 itineraries at any given time, which may not sound like a lot, but it shows that they focus on the itineraries they truly master.
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)
Is HX Hurtigruten Expeditions for You?
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions is for those who want to visit remote places and focus on exploration above all else. This is not a traditional cruise with Michelin-star restaurants or stops at the most popular beaches. It is for travellers who care less about luxury and more about discovering new destinations, hopping into a Zodiac boat, and going on shore excursions as quickly as possible. It is amazing for those who want to learn, take plenty of photos, travel solo, or simply try something different.
If you want to learn while you travel and see a lot of amazing sights, HX Expeditions gives a whole new meaning to the word expedition. Adventures take center stage thanks to expert lecturers aboard and the onboard science center. It is a fantastic choice for solo travellers, and families or teens who love science will also enjoy their time onboard.
Guests are usually in their 50s or older and want to relax while discovering something new. Many guests also travel alone, bringing a spirit of adventure without someone to share it with. HX Expeditions’ focus on solo travellers is a big incentive for many to book with them.
Who wouldn’t have a good time onboard HX Expeditions? If luxury is your top priority, there are other options, such as Silversea or Seabourn. HX Expeditions still offers great service and food, but ultra-luxury cruise lines lead in terms of overall luxury for similar prices.
Activities Onboard HX Hurtigruten Expeditions
Activities onboard HX Expeditions are fairly limited, unless you love science, of course. Most activities revolve around lectures and experts who discuss the many destinations you will visit, with the science center playing a central role. The science center is open throughout the cruise, allowing you to learn about wildlife and flora, read fascinating facts, and get hands-on with a variety of scientific experiments. It is truly unique among cruise lines!
Other than that, entertainment is very low key. Do not expect live shows, movie nights, or swimming pools on every ship. As mentioned before, this is a cruise line focused on the destination and exploration above all else.
Still, here is what you can find onboard HX Hurtigruten Expeditions:
- Science Center
- Fitness Room
- Hot Tub
- Sauna and Spa in most ships
- Swimming Pool in two of their ships
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!
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Additional Info
Passport
Your passport is the most important item for your HX Expeditions cruise, and we always recommend bringing it on every trip, including to Alaska if you are an American. As with any international travel, a valid passport is essential, as it is the only accepted form of identification. It must meet the national requirements of the countries you will visit and have at least six months of validity remaining at the end of your cruise.
Gratuities
Gratuities are included in your base cruise fare, but additional tipping for exceptional service is always appreciated.
Wi-Fi
Basic Wi-Fi is included at no extra cost and can be used for messaging or browsing the internet. Additional packages for streaming content are available for purchase onboard.
Dress Code
There is no formal dress code onboard. Overall, the style is relaxed and informal, even in the fine-dining restaurant.
Laundry
Suite guests receive one bag of laundry per day included. Laundry services are available for all other guests at an additional cost.
Carry-on Drink Policy
There is no official statement on the website regarding bringing alcohol onboard from ports of call. However, guests report that they have had no issues bringing whiskey and other drinks onboard. Be sure to consume them in your cabin and not in public areas.
Loyalty Program
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions’ loyalty club is called HX Explorers and is divided into four tiers. You earn points by nights cruised, onboard spending, and more, which allow you to advance through the tiers. Perks include discounts on future cruises, complimentary laundry, and a complimentary cabin upgrade at the highest tier.
Book your dream vacation with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions!
Now that you know a lot about HX Hurtigruten Expeditions… why not learn even more!? Yeah, our guides do not end here. We have guides about almost anything you can think of. How about the room options at HX Expeditions? Or the list of restaurants you can find there? We have those too. Wait, now you want to know about the specific pH levels of the swimming pools during June on a rainy night? We don't have that guide yet, but don't tempt us!
Feel free to message us anytime for the best deals, more information about room options, activities, or anything else you need. Until the next one!
