HX Expeditions has been sailing polar waters since 1896 and today is a dedicated, all-inclusive expedition cruise line — hybrid-powered ships, onboard Science Centers, and included landings from Antarctica and Greenland to Alaska, Iceland, and the Galapagos. Below are the real questions our Travel Planners get asked before clients book.
Booking HX Expeditions through Pavlus comes with real savings and the kind of expert guidance you simply can’t get on a supplier website. Specifically:
HX Expeditions is a dedicated expedition cruise line sailing to Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Alaska, the Galapagos, and other remote destinations aboard purpose-built expedition ships. Every ship in the fleet is named for a legend of the golden age of polar exploration, and every voyage is all-inclusive — drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, expedition landings, Science Center access, and expedition gear are covered in the fare.
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.
No. As part of a 2023 rebrand, the expedition cruise business became HX Expeditions and operates solely under that name. HX Expeditions and Norway’s coastal ferry service are two completely separate companies, with separate ships, ownership, and booking systems. Everything on this page — and every HX voyage Pavlus sells — refers to HX Expeditions, the all-inclusive global expedition cruise line.
HX traces its expedition heritage to 1896, when the steamship DS Lofoten pushed from Hammerfest to Svalbard while the Arctic was still barely mapped. That pioneering spirit carries through today’s fleet, where each ship is named for a giant of polar exploration — Roald Amundsen, Fridtjof Nansen, and the ships of the Fram tradition. In 2026 the line celebrates 130 years of expedition adventure.
Sustainability is central to HX’s identity. The flagship sisters MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen are fully hybrid-powered, using large battery banks to cut emissions in sensitive polar areas. HX stopped burning heavy fuel oil more than a decade ago, led the industry in removing single-use plastics fleetwide, and earned a top ESG ranking among cruise companies from Morningstar Sustainalytics in 2023.
Each line takes a different approach to expedition cruising:
HX is the best choice for travelers who want real expedition credentials with all-inclusive simplicity and modern, comfortable ships — adventure without roughing it.
HX Expeditions is an all-inclusive expedition line. Every voyage includes:
While HX’s all-inclusive fare covers everything you need, these optional extras can enhance the experience:
Beyond more spacious and stylish accommodation, suite guests enjoy additional privileges:
On polar itineraries where sea days are part of the journey, the extra living space and Lindstrøm access make suites a meaningful upgrade — ask your Pavlus advisor about current suite promotions.
On expedition sailings, guests receive a blue branded HX parka and a water bottle — both yours to keep after the voyage. Expedition boots are available to borrow onboard for landings.
The five-ship HX fleet spans intimate to expansive:
All expedition ships are ice-classed as appropriate for their regions and deploy fleets of Zodiac craft for included shore excursions.
Each HX expedition ship features a dedicated Science Center — the hub of what the line calls the most extensive science program in the expedition industry — and access is fully included in every fare. Programming includes:
HX ships carry a handpicked expedition team of naturalists, marine biologists, historians, and geologists matched to each destination. Team members lead all Zodiac landings, hikes, and community visits, deliver daily enrichment lectures in the Science Center, and are available to guests throughout the voyage.
HX Expeditions sails to the world’s wild places across 2026, 2027, and 2028 seasons:
Wildlife varies significantly by destination and season:
HX sailings require a moderate level of mobility. Zodiac boarding involves stepping in and out of an inflatable craft from a moving vessel — crew assists, but guests manage this independently. Shore landings typically involve walking on uneven, rocky, or snowy terrain. Most activities are optional, and guests who prefer can observe from the Zodiac without landing ashore.
Guests with mobility limitations should discuss their needs with Pavlus before booking — HX’s larger expedition ships may offer better accessibility than smaller vessels in the segment. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential for all polar voyages.
On expedition sailings, the daily schedule is flexible and weather-driven rather than fixed. A typical day:
The schedule adapts continuously to wildlife sightings, weather windows, and ice conditions — this flexibility is a feature of expedition cruising, not a bug. No two days are identical.
HX expedition ships offer multiple dining venues, with Nordic culinary traditions informing the menus — expect excellent seafood, local game, and Nordic desserts. All meals and standard beverages, including beer and wine, are included in the all-inclusive fare.
For a special evening, Lindstrøm offers elevated fine dining as an optional extra — and it is unlimited and complimentary for suite guests. Premium drinks such as top-shelf spirits, vintage wines, and Champagne are available for purchase.
Yes — dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free are accommodated across the fleet, and the galley teams are experienced in providing well-executed alternatives. Notify your Pavlus advisor of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so they can be flagged in your reservation before embarkation.
Deposit requirements and cancellation terms vary by voyage type and itinerary length, with cancellation fees scaling progressively toward the sailing date. Polar expedition sailings may require earlier final payment due to operational commitments with logistics providers in Antarctica. Your Pavlus advisor will confirm the exact terms for your specific voyage at booking.
HX provides the big-ticket gear — a branded parka to keep and boots to borrow — so packing centers on layers:
For Galapagos and Alaska sailings, adjust for milder conditions — your Pavlus advisor can share the destination-specific packing list for your voyage.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all HX voyages. For polar expedition sailings, comprehensive coverage is essential:
Purchase insurance shortly after paying your deposit to maximize pre-existing condition coverage. Your Pavlus advisor can refer you to insurance providers experienced with expedition itineraries.
Expedition sailings are naturally social — group Zodiac landings, shared meals, and evening lectures in the Science Center build bonds efficiently, and the all-inclusive format means no bar-tab bookkeeping getting in the way. Single supplements apply for solo cabin occupancy; HX periodically offers solo promotions. Ask your Pavlus advisor about current solo-friendly departures, or browse our HX solo deals.
For Antarctica sailings, book 12–18 months in advance — the austral summer season is short and ships are limited. Galapagos departures on the 90-guest MS Santa Cruz II also book far ahead given the small capacity. For Arctic, Iceland, and Alaska sailings, 6–12 months ahead is typical. Booking early also locks in any available early-booking offers, which HX periodically runs across its 2026–2028 seasons.
Call Pavlus Travel at 800-528-9300. Our specialists can advise on the right destination and season for your priorities, the right ship and cabin category, and current promotions. Deposits and cancellation terms vary by voyage — your advisor will outline specifics at booking.
Booking through Pavlus provides real advantages:
Pavlus has preferred agency relationships with HX Expeditions and periodically accesses promotional offers and onboard amenities not available when booking direct. These change regularly. Call 800-528-9300 and ask specifically about current HX promotions for your target voyage. Early-booking offers on polar sailings are often the most valuable — they expire as the sailing date approaches.
Bookings can often be transferred to a travel agency within a defined window after the original deposit date. Call Pavlus at 800-528-9300 to discuss whether a transfer is possible for your specific booking. Transferring gives you an experienced advisor for all pre-voyage questions and ongoing support.
No — you will pay less. Pavlus Travel provides a savings benefit on top of current HX promotions, in the form of a discount, cash back, or onboard credit. You receive all the line’s deals plus Pavlus savings, along with the value of experienced guidance on voyage selection, timing, and logistics.
Pavlus Travel has sold expedition voyages on these ships for decades and knows the product deeply — from Antarctica season timing and Galapagos capacity to how HX’s all-inclusive fare and Science Center programming position it against Lindblad, Quark, and Atlas Ocean for specific expedition destinations.
Pavlus acts as your advocate throughout the booking and travel process. If you encounter a billing issue, itinerary change, cabin assignment problem, or any other concern, call us at 800-528-9300 and we will work directly with HX Expeditions on your behalf. For polar sailings where weather-driven itinerary changes are inherent to the product, having an experienced agency in your corner is particularly reassuring.
To make the booking call efficient, have:
If you’re undecided between destinations, call 800-528-9300 and we’ll walk you through the options to find the best fit.
Try a different search term, or call us at 800-528-9300 for a direct answer.