What is Hurtigruten and how is it organized?

Hurtigruten was split into two separate companies starting in 2021:Hurtigruten Expeditions — the global expedition cruise brand operating polar and worldwide sailings, carrying the adventure spirit of the original company forward into Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland, and beyond. As part of a 2023 rebrand this business now also markets internationally under the name HX, though Pavlus and much of the industry still refer to it as Hurtigruten ExpeditionsHurtigruten Norway — the Norwegian coastal express service, operating the iconic route connecting Bergen to Kirkenes through 34 ports in a working ship that has served Norwegian communities since 1893Both carry the broader Hurtigruten heritage but are independent businesses with separate ships, ownership, booking systems, and management — each was sold to its own investor group in late 2024. When booking through Pavlus, confirm which brand fits your intended voyage.

What is the history of Hurtigruten?

Hurtigruten was founded in 1893 as a postal and cargo service connecting the coastal communities of Norway — communities that were often inaccessible by road, particularly in winter. The name means “the fast route” in Norwegian, referring to the speed advantage the ship service provided over overland travel. For 130+ years the route has connected Norwegian communities, carrying mail, goods, and passengers — and tourists who discovered that the world’s most beautiful sea voyage was also a working ship. That authentic, non-tourist character persists today.

Are Hurtigruten ships environmentally friendly?

Hurtigruten has been a leader in sustainable expedition cruising for years. Their hybrid-electric ships — notably MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen — use large battery banks to reduce diesel consumption, particularly in sensitive polar areas where emissions reduction is most critical. The company has committed to eliminating single-use plastics fleetwide and has pursued biogas fuel alternatives for Norwegian coastal operations. Hurtigruten was the first major expedition company to announce the removal of single-use plastics from all ships.

How does Hurtigruten compare to Lindblad and Quark Expeditions?

Each line takes a different approach to expedition cruising:Hurtigruten combines deep Norwegian heritage with modern expedition ships — the coastal Norway product is unique to them; polar expedition programming is well-regarded and often priced more accessibly than competitorsLindblad leads on the National Geographic photography and science programming partnership; naturalist depth and educational programming are exceptionalQuark focuses almost exclusively on polar regions and offers the widest variety of ship types, including icebreakers for deep-Arctic accessHurtigruten is the best choice for travelers who want authentic Norwegian culture alongside expedition access, or who want polar voyages at a mid-luxury price point.

What is the classic Norway coastal route?

The classic full round-trip Norwegian Coastal Express voyage runs from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, covering 34 ports in approximately 11 days. You can also book one-way segments: northbound (Bergen to Kirkenes) or southbound (Kirkenes to Bergen), each taking approximately 6 days. The route passes through some of Norway’s most dramatic fjords, crosses the Arctic Circle, and calls at cities and remote fishing villages that are still accessible primarily by ship.This is a working route — the ship carries local Norwegian passengers, mail, and cargo alongside tourists. That authentic character makes it unlike any other cruise experience in the world. You are not on a floating hotel touring Norway; you are on Norway’s transportation infrastructure, temporarily sharing it with the people who depend on it.

HX Expeditions Cruise Line Guide: Ships, Inclusions & FAQs

About HX Expeditions

“Since 1896, HX Expeditions have been taking curious travellers on mindful expeditions to the most remote and awe-inspiring places on the planet.
To travel with HX is to open yourself to a world of awe. From cultural encounters to wildlife wonders, what you see and learn on your trip will inspire and energise you. And when you come back home, you’ll have a deeper, richer love of the planet we all share.
HX is world’s largest and leading expedition cruise line. With sustainability and exploration at core, HX Expeditions offers small-ship exploration of more than 250 destinations across 30+ countries, including Antarctica, Alaska, Northwest Passage, Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard, Norway, British Isles, South America, Caribbean and more. HX Expeditions fleet of small-size custom built expedition cruise ships include the world’s first battery-hybrid powered cruise ships, all offering big adventures on small ships - along with hand-picked experts from HX Expedition Teams.” — HX Expeditions

HX Expeditions has been sailing polar waters since 1896, when the steamship DS Lofoten pushed from Hammerfest to Svalbard while the Arctic was still barely mapped. Formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions, the company now sails as HX, an expedition-focused line distinct from Norway's coastal service, and every ship in the fleet is named for a legend of the golden age of polar exploration. In 2026 the line celebrates 130 years of adventure.

The five-ship fleet spans intimate to expansive: the 90-guest MS Santa Cruz II in the Galapagos, the adventure-ready MS Spitsbergen and veteran polar ship MS Fram, and the next-generation sisters MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, each carrying 490 guests as the fleet's fully hybrid-powered pioneers. HX stopped burning heavy fuel oil more than a decade ago and led the industry in removing single-use plastics, ambitions matched by a top ESG ranking among cruise companies from Morningstar Sustainalytics in 2023.

What sets HX apart day to day is substance: handpicked expedition teams lead included landings, hikes, and community visits, while onboard Science Centers host what the line calls the most extensive science program in the industry, with working scientists sailing alongside guests. With meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and daily adventures all included, it suits curious travelers who want real expedition credentials from Antarctica to Alaska without roughing it.

New & notable: HX marks its 130th anniversary in 2026, commemorated by the one-of-a-kind 1896 Cabin aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen, which lets guests experience how late 19th-century polar explorers lived.

Save on HX Expeditions with Pavlus Travel

Pavlus Travel has been helping travelers save on the world's best cruise lines since 1994. Book HX Expeditions through Pavlus and our exclusive discounts stack on top of the line's own current promotions — then our Lowest Price Guarantee keeps it that way. You never pay a service or planning fee, and you work one-on-one with a dedicated advisor who knows HX Expeditions inside and out, from first quote to final port.

Exclusive Pavlus savings on every HX Expeditions sailing
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The HX Expeditions Experience

Polar Pioneers Since 1896

From the first Arctic voyage to Svalbard to today's global expeditions, HX traces its roots to the great age of polar exploration.

Hybrid-Powered Ships

MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen are fully hybrid-powered, part of a fleet that abandoned heavy fuel oil over a decade ago.

Science at the Heart

Onboard Science Centers and visiting researchers power the industry's most extensive science program, turning every voyage into a floating field station.

Expert Expedition Teams

Handpicked specialists across many fields lead included landings, hikes, kayaking, and community visits at every destination.

All-Inclusive Adventure

Daily excursions, all meals and drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are included, so the focus stays on the expedition, not the extras.

Pole-to-Pole Range

Itineraries span Antarctica, Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, the Northwest Passage, Alaska, and the Galapagos Islands.

What's Included with HX Expeditions

Daily adventures and shore excursions led by the expedition team
All meals on board
Drinks included with the onboard experience
Wi-Fi
Onboard Science Center programs and expert talks
Gratuities

The HX Expeditions Fleet (5 ships sailing bookable itineraries)

MS Fram

MS Fram has a fresh new look, with upgraded cabins and a state-of-the-art Science Centre — all designed to bring you even closer to the wild, remote destinations we explore. With space for 250 guests, MS Fram was built for polar travel, carrying on the spirit of the legendary Norwegian exploration vessel that once drifted through Arctic ice under great explorer Fridtjof Nansen.Elsewhere on board, comfort is a top priority, so after a day of exploration you can relax and dine in your choice of two restaurants, or at the outdoor BBQ and catch up with your fellow guests with a cocktail in the Explorer Lounge & Bar as you watch the scenery glide past the windows. Around the ship there are numerous artworks commissioned by local artists based around the Arctic, adding an extra sense of inspiration to your voyage.

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MS Fridtjof Nansen

MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to HX Hurtigruten Expeditions' fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe.The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor hot tubs with spectacular views. MS Fridtjof Nansen's three restaurants will host a variety of dining options, with menus drawn from our rich Norwegian and Nordic tradition, as well as international cuisine and local inspiration.

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MS Roald Amundsen

MS Roald Amundsen is as pioneering as the man it is named after, Roald Amundsen - the legendary Norwegian explorer. One of two fully hybrid ships in our fleet, explore the wonders of the world onboard one of the most environmentally friendly cruise ships in the world.The stunning scenery is reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool are used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside cabins, of which 50% have private balconies, and aft suites feature private outdoor hot tubs with spectacular views. One of the most eye-catching exterior design features is the two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck. It is an ideal place to scan the scenery and watch for wildlife with your binoculars.

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MS Santa Cruz II

When you are exploring the Galápagos islands with us onboard the MS Santa Cruz II, you will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in high quality surroundings. The small size - with a guest capacity of maximum of 90 allows for a cozy yet classy environment. You´ll easily feel at home on board.This sleek, spacious ship has a layout that allows you to enjoy your cruise from start to finish. Enjoy delicious food in the elegant restaurant, increase your knowledge of the Galápagos Islands with your fellow travellers in the Science Center or maybe mingle out on the multiple decks.While exploring the Galápagos, you'll have the ability to actively engage in activities and encounters. After a day in Darwin's footsteps, you will enjoy coming home to a casual atmosphere with the best service there is. MS Santa Cruz II's amenities easily appeal to all world explorers.

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MS Spitsbergen

Named after the largest island in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, MS Spitsbergen offers expedition cruising at its most intimate and immersive. With a smaller capacity and enhanced manoeuvrability, this nimble ship can reach secluded landing sites few others can — making it ideal for exploring remote coasts and narrow fjords.Rebuilt in 2016 and extensively refurbished in 2025, MS Spitsbergen combines modern expedition capability and adaptability with elegance and simplicity. With space for just 150 guests, she offers a relaxed, intimate atmosphere that speaks to Scandinavian style — and the agility to access remote places larger ships can’t.

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Where HX Expeditions Sails

Galapagos 11 Arctic 6 Greenland 4 Alaska 2 Norway 2

Good to Know Before You Book

Gratuities & tipping

It is not common practice to tip on HX Expeditions ships on the coastal voyage, but if you feel that crew members should be rewarded for providing exceptional service, tip boxes are placed in the restaurant together with envelopes.

Cancellation policy

Cancellation By Guest

When the cancellation letter is received before departure | Charges as a % of the total holiday cost (excl. insurance premiums):

For departures up until 31 March 2027
When the cancellation letter is received before departure	Charges as a % of the total holiday cost (excl. insurance premiums)
90 or more days	25%
60-89 days	40%
28-59 days	70%
14-27 days	90%
Less than 14 days	100%

For departures from 1 April 2027 onwards
When the cancellation letter is received before departure	Charges as a % of the total holiday cost (excl. insurance premiums)
90 or more days	25%
60-89 days	50%
30-59 days	75%
Less than 30 days	100%

If you have to cancel for a reason covered by your travel insurance you may be able to reclaim the cancellation charges, less applicable excess. Insurance premiums are not refundable.

Last updated: March 2, 2026. Click this link to view the latest policy provided by the cruise line.

Smoking on board

On board, smoking is only permitted in designated areas on outside decks. Smoking is not permitted in cabins or private balconies. Throwing cigarette butts overboard is strictly prohibited. A cleaning charge of approximately EUR 150 will be applied for smoking in your non-smoking cabin to cover the cost of cleaning the linen and curtains and thus return it to a non-smoking standard. E-Cigarettes, according to Norwegian law, are the equivalent to tobacco cigarettes and are therefore only permitted in the designated smoking areas.
Smoking is prohibited when the ship is refueling. Announcements will be made on board accordingly.
Smoking is not allowed during nature landings in AECO and IAATO areas, except for city landings.

Traveling with minors

- Participation of children under the age of 12 years in small-boat landings during expedition cruises is at the discretion of the captain.
- In accordance with International Association of Antarctica Tour companies guidelines, the minimum age for travel to Antarctica is 5 years.
- Minimum age for Galapagos is 6 years.

Pregnancy policy

Pregnant women are highly recommended to seek medical advice prior to travel at any stage of their pregnancy. Women who are up to 23 weeks pregnant at the end of the cruise are required to produce a medical certificate of fitness to travel. The Carrier cannot for safety reasons carry pregnant passengers of 24 weeks or more by the end of the cruise.

Policies are provided by HX Expeditions and can change; your Pavlus advisor will confirm current terms for your specific sailing before you book.

About HX Expeditions: Pioneering expedition cruising