By iCruise Editorial Staff, Avid Cruisers | October 14, 2025 ( Comments)
What if a cruise could be more than just a vacation? Imagine a cruise where the destination isn't just a quick stop but a living, breathing wilderness waiting to be explored. That's the core of expedition cruising, a travel trend that redefines travel by blending adventure, comfort, and deep discovery. Leading this movement is HX Expeditions (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), a company that has pioneered journeys to some of the world's most extraordinary and remote destinations.
On an HX journey, you'll explore remote landscapes beyond typical tourist routes, from the ice-covered wilderness of Antarctica to the dramatic fjords of South America. Unlike traditional cruises with endless buffets and on-board entertainment, expedition cruises focus on authentic encounters with nature and culture, led by a team of scientists, historians, and local experts, where Zodiac landings, awe-inspiring wildlife sightings, and immersive lectures replace the usual shipboard entertainment. This is travel for the curious and the adventurous, designed to transform the way you see the world.
What is Expedition Cruising?
Unlike traditional cruises, these journeys take place on smaller, purpose-built ships designed to access places larger vessels cannot. You won't find bustling casinos or Broadway-style shows here. Instead, the focus is on meaningful, hands-on experiences: gliding to shore in a Zodiac boat, hiking with a local guide, or observing wildlife with a trained naturalist. Itineraries are flexible and can change in an instant to follow a new whale sighting or a unique weather pattern.
These voyages are gaining popularity with nature lovers and lifelong learners who want more than a vacation. They seek insight, discovery, and a real sense of purpose from their travels.
Meet HX: A Pioneer in Exploration
Drawing on over 130 years of polar and adventure travel heritage, HX Expeditions seamlessly combines deep expertise with a strong commitment to safety and sustainability. Its fleet of five custom-built expedition ships is designed for discovery, featuring onboard science centers, immersive lecture halls, and advanced technology that facilitates responsible exploration.
HX is a leader in protecting the environment, using hybrid-powered and LNG ships to cut emissions significantly. The company also partners with top research institutions, allowing travelers to join citizen science programs to contribute to real-world research. This hands-on approach deepens your understanding of the ecosystems you visit, putting education, wildlife preservation, and discovery at the heart of every journey.
Where Can You Go with HX?
Antarctica: Icebergs, Penguins & Zodiac Landings
An expedition to Antarctica with HX feels like stepping onto another planet: a vast, frozen continent teeming with life. Guests can kayak past towering blue icebergs, walk among penguin colonies, and witness seals lounging on the ice. Guided tours on Zodiac boats take you to pristine shorelines where you can explore nature at its best. Along the way, experts will share lectures about the unique continent's ecosystem and its role in global climate science.
Alaska: An Expedition for First-Timers
Alaska is an excellent entry point for those new to adventure cruising. HX's small ships slip into narrow fjords to get you closer to the action, where bald eagles circle overhead, humpback whales breach nearby, and glaciers calve with thunderous roars. The focus is on up-close explorationrather than crowded ports, giving you a taste of true wilderness with the comfort of an expedition vessel.
Arctic: & Greenland: Polar Bears and Northern Lights
With Arctic expedition cruises, HX ventures into Svalbard, Greenland, and other high-latitude destinations where polar bears roam and the Northern Lightsdance across the sky. Guests meet Inuit communities, learn about survival in extreme climates, and explore breathtaking landscapes of ice, tundra, and volcanic peaks.
Canada & New England sailings reveal wild coastlines, rich maritime heritage, and colorful port towns. Traveling through Newfoundland, Labrador, and Atlantic Canada, you'll discover both rugged nature and vibrant culture. Fall voyages through New England add the stunning spectacle of fiery foliage and crisp ocean air, blending natural beauty with immersive cultural encounters.
HX offers a unique type of expedition called a "Cruise to Nowhere." These cruises depart from a single port and return there without making any other stops. They are ideal for travelers curious about expedition cruising but who can't commit to a longer journey. Onboard, days are filled with enrichment, including science workshops, photography seminars, and navigation demonstrations, providing a true taste of life aboard an expedition vessel.
Europe: Rugged Shores & Remote Islands
Forget the crowded tourist routes. HX's European itineraries reveal the continent's wilder side. They take you to Scotland's wind-carved isles, Iceland's dramatic fjords, and volcanic archipelagos like the Azores and Canary Islands, combining natural wonders with cultural encounters in remote fishing villages and ancient seaports.
South America: Fjords, Rainforests & Patagonian Peaks
On HX's South America sailings, travelers discover Chile's jagged fjords, Argentina's glacier-fed channels, and the lush Amazon Basin. Zodiac excursions take guests deep into national parks, where birdwatchers, hikers, and photographers experience wildlife and scenery far from crowded tourist paths.
Thinking about your own adventure? HX offers expeditions to Antarctica, Alaska, the Arctic, Europe, and South America. Browse HX Expedition Cruises on iCruise!
What Sets HX Apart?
The HX experience lies in their seamless blend of small-ship intimacy with scientific expertise. Onboard, you'll be part of an expert-led team, sailing alongside glaciologists, ornithologists, and marine biologists who provide in-depth briefings and join you on daily excursions.
At the core of every sailing is a deep commitment to sustainability. HX leads the way in protecting the environment with hybrid propulsion systems, LNG fuels, and strict waste protocols that protect the sensitive environments it visits. Guests can also participate in citizen science programs, gathering plankton samples, photographing wildlife for research, or tracking weather patterns to contribute to real-world data. Flexible travel plans allow each trip to flow with the natural pace of the surroundings. This approach leads to memorable experiences rather than strict schedules.
Is HX Right for You?
An HX expedition is the perfect choice for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure seekers who prefer meaningful exploration over traditional cruise entertainment. While every journey is an adventure, travelers should be ready for early-morning wildlife sightings, brisk polar temperatures, and the occasional spray from a Zodiac boat.
HX expeditions are fun and exciting for everyone, no matter your age or fitness level. With friendly, professional guides, all the necessary equipment, and different activities to choose from, every traveler can find a rewarding experience.
Ready to Set Sail?
HX Expeditions offers a world of adventure, from Antarctica's icy frontiers to Alaska's wildlife-filled fjords. Seek out pristine landscapes and close-up penguin encounters in Antarctica, accessible wilderness and calving glaciers in Alaska, or polar bears and the Northern Lights in the Arctic. For remote coasts, rainforests, and rich history, destinations like South America are the perfect choice.
The best way to find your perfect match is to explore the itineraries. Visit iCruise's HX page to browse current sailings, compare destinations, and learn more about departure dates.
Start your expedition today! Discover HX journeys on iCruise and choose your next adventure.
