Experts in Expeditions

For 130 years, HX Expeditions has guided curious travellers to the planet’s most awe-inspiring places. Places like the frozen frontiers of Antarctica, where penguins gather in their hundreds of thousands, and the vibrant isles of the Galápagos, the archipelago that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Adventures with HX are designed to connect you deeply with the world around you. They’re not just about travelling to extraordinary destinations, but about truly understanding them. You might learn how Antarctic fish survive freezing waters thanks to natural antifreeze in their blood, or hear firsthand from Greenlandic locals about what life is like for them high in the Arctic.

Since the first-ever Arctic expedition cruise in 1896, HX has built a legacy of pushing boundaries. Today they travel around the world, remaining the leading provider of Antarctic and Arctic expeditions.*

*Cruise Industry News: 2025 Expedition Market Report.

Adventures for the Curious

One of the defining parts of an expedition cruise is experiencing remote, far-flung places up close. It’s boots-on-the-ground excursions and hands-on learning.

The depth and variety of experiences HX makes possible is prolific, from paddling through ice floes on kayaks to camping overnight on the Antarctic continent, or local-led visits to Inuit communities in Arctic Canada. These experiences are where you truly feel the scale and character of the place, bringing you closer to the people, wildlife, and landscapes that make each place unique.

On board, curiosity continues with workshops, lectures, and Citizen Science projects led by the HX Expedition Team. You might study phytoplankton samples under the microscope that you collected earlier that day, join a session about brown bear behavior, or learn from photographers about how to capture the best wildlife shots.

HX journeys are immersive, interactive, and accessible — no special skills or high fitness levels required. Small boat cruising, guided hikes, and tailored shore excursions mean there’s always a way to engage with the environment, whether you’re a casual explorer or a wildlife enthusiast.

Cruising in Comfort

Expedition cruising done right is a balance of adventure, comfort, and curiosity. HX ships are designed for exactly that; agile enough to reach remote shores, yet a stable, stylish base with plenty of facilities.

Step on board and you’ll find spacious cabins and suites, panoramic lounges, and wellness spaces that make it easy to unwind after a day of exploring. There’s also all-inclusive dining, with three restaurants on some ships offering everything from buffets and set dinners to fine Nordic-inspired cuisine.

The onboard atmosphere is calm and laid-back. There’s a sense of camaraderie among people who share the same curiosity and love for exploration, whether over dinner, in the bar, or while watching Arctic Norway’s aurora borealis drift across the sky. Two HX ships are hybrid-powered — the first in the industry — purpose-built to minimize environmental impact, so we can explore with a footprint we’re proud of, without sacrificing comfort.

Perfect for Seattle Travelers

Seattle is a natural gateway to the North and South, and selected HX expeditions depart right from the city, such as a journey through Alaska’s Inside Passage and the remote Aleutian Islands, or across the top of the world through the Northwest Passage.

For Seattleites who love adventure, access, and discovery, HX makes some of the planet’s most remote corners surprisingly close. Book your adventure today.