Why HX is one of the most trusted names in Antarctic expeditions

HX have been experts in exploring since 1896 – how does this lengthy heritage shape the experience it offers on Antarctica expeditions? 

Sailing in the world’s most remote destinations, where nature can change in the blink of an eye, requires expertise, incredible skill, and real-world experience. Our Captains and Expedition Teams draw on decades of knowledge to make informed, flexible decisions, ensuring guests enjoy extraordinary moments ashore. Many of these life-changing experiences are planned on the spot, responding to shifting weather and wildlife, so every expedition is unique, immersive, and unforgettable.

Some agents, and their clients, will be unfamiliar with expedition cruising. Can you help demystify the experience with HX? 

Think of an HX voyage as a ‘safari at sea'. Our guests travel to some of the world’s most remote and wildlife-rich regions, like the polar regions and the Galapagos Islands, while enjoying premium comfort on board. Days are all about exploration: guided hikes, kayaking, snowshoeing, zodiac cruising and landings that bring you closer to nature. On board, our expert Expedition Team and guest scientists enrich the experience with talks and hands-on learning in the science centre. Here, guests can even contribute to real citizen science projects. With HX Expeditions, there’s no formal attire required, no West End shows, just curious travellers coming together to discover the wildest places on earth. 

Wildlife is of course a major reason people want to venture to the White Continent. Can you explain what clients will likely get to see and how they will encounter them? 

While every expedition is unique and sightings can never be guaranteed, I visited the Peninsula in late February and we had incredible encounters with 50+ humpback whales in one day. Learning about the colonies of gentoo and chinstrap penguins whilst they waddled past will be etched in my memory for ever. Add leopard seals, albatross and a wide variety of other amazing birdlife, and you’ve still only scratched the surface of the breathtaking abundance of wildlife that can be found in Antarctica.

What about life onboard – can you tell me more about the all-inclusive experience? 

At HX Expeditions, our expeditions are designed to combine adventure with comfort, giving guests exceptional quality for the price. All of our expeditions are fully all-inclusive, so a selection of daily excursions and activities, meals, drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities are included, allowing our guests to focus entirely on the experience rather than worrying about extras. To enhance the adventure, guests receive high-quality expedition gear, including our branded HX Shell Jacket and Ocean Bottle, which are provided free of charge, and muck boots, which are available to loan during the expedition. These thoughtful inclusions ensure every guest is fully equipped for the journey, blending comfort, practicality and a sense of expedition style.

Could you describe your suites offering? 

Our suites are designed to be a place to retreat after a full day of exploring. They are more spacious than our standard cabins, often with a separate living area, and big windows or a private balcony so guests can take in the amazing views wherever they are in the world. Suite guests also get extra benefits to make the experience even more special – things like priority boarding, welcome champagne, and complimentary access to Lindstrom, our fine dining restaurant, for all meals. They also enjoy a choice of premium drinks, such as our popular signature cocktails, with no additional charge, a restocked mini-bar, and free daily laundry. For our suite guests departing from Ushuaia for Antarctica, the experience begins with a few hours at the luxurious Arakur Resort & Spa, perched in the Cerro Alarken Nature Reserve with sweeping views over Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel. Guests can enjoy a gourmet lunch featuring regional flavours, relax in the spa, heated pools or saunas, explore scenic nature trails and take advantage of remote check-in with luggage delivered directly to their suite on board, providing a seamless and indulgent start to the expedition.

Antarctica is fast becoming one of the most desirable destinations for intrepid travellers. Why has HX been called the ‘most trusted’ operator to deliver the experience? 

HX Expeditions has been called one of the most trusted operators to experience the wonders of Antarctica thanks to our long heritage in expedition travel. Our roots stretch back to Svalbard in 1896, and we have been operating voyages to Antarctica since 2002, giving us more than two decades of experience exploring this extraordinary region. Our crew and Expedition Teams bring decades of polar knowledge and expertise, helping ensure every voyage is delivered safely, responsibly and with a deep understanding of the environment. That experience, combined with our commitment to exploration, science and sustainability, is why more travellers trust HX with their Antarctic adventure than any other operator, something we’re incredibly proud of. 

With more eco-conscious travellers in the world, can you explain how HX is being more mindful? 

HX Expeditions is committed to leading the way in responsible and transparent expedition travel. We are one of the most transparent expedition companies in the industry, publishing detailed ESG reporting on our environmental and social impact. Later this year we will also launch our second standalone sustainability report, continuing our commitment to sharing our progress openly. Our sustainability journey includes several key milestones. In 2019 we launched the world’s first hybrid-powered expedition ships, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, designed with advanced battery packs and emission-reduction technology. In 2023 we became the first expedition cruise company to introduce a Rapid Response Fund, created to support communities and environments affected by sudden events. In 2024 we also became the first expedition cruise company to hire product team members directly from the communities we visit, ensuring local knowledge and perspectives help shape our experiences. The HX Foundation supports frontline conservation initiatives around the world through onboard fundraising, giving guests the opportunity to directly support vital environmental projects, while our partnership with Ocean Bottle has already helped remove more than 450,000kg of plastic from the ocean. 

How does HX support the destinations its ships explore?

Our mindful commitment also extends directly to the destinations we explore. On our Northwest Passage sailings, 100% of shore excursion revenue goes directly to local communities, helping ensure tourism benefits the people who live there. Our Galapagos sailings are operated as 100% carbon-neutral, and in Greenland we are supporting a new era of connectivity and responsible tourism development in the region. Our Rapid Response Fund has also received industry recognition, winning 'Expedition Initiative of the Year' for its contribution to supporting destinations and communities when they need it most.

Finally, what resources and tools are available for travel agents to learn and sell HX Expedition cruises to Antarctica? 

Our agent portal allows trade to book, read news, download marketing support, videos and participate in training through our dedicated OTT course. We are also proud members of ATAS, a founding member of the Expedition Cruise Network, and members of CLIA UK. Through these respected organisations, our trade partners benefit from a wide range of support including training sessions, webinars, ship visits and industry resources. Our trade team is always on hand to help too. Whether it’s answering questions, delivering in-person training, or hosting webinars, we’re always just a call or email away. My top tip, however, is to join our UK Trade Facebook page, where we share daily offers, opportunities and exclusive updates for our trade community.