HX Appoints Monty Halls as Official Brand Ambassador to Mark 130 Years of Exploration

15th September 2025 – HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), the world's first and longest-running expedition cruise company, is proud to announce a three-year partnership with renowned broadcaster, explorer, author and marine biologist Monty Halls, who will serve as the company’s official brand ambassador during its landmark 130th year of expedition cruising in 2026.

Monty is no stranger to HX, having previously partnered with the HX Foundation to launch the Big Blue Bag initiative in 2024; an ocean clean-up campaign that empowers everyone to reduce plastic pollution around the world with a bag that holds four easy-to-use marine protocols. This new collaboration builds on that groundwork, expanding Monty’s role across HX both onboard and ashore.

As part of the partnership, Monty's first trip in his new role will be joining a voyage in the Galápagos Islands sailing on the 19th November, where he continues his work as President of the Galapagos Conservation Trust and will be speaking to HX guests on his Big Blue Bag project with the HX Foundation. Fittingly, this announcement comes on 15 September, exactly 190 years after Charles Darwin first arrived in the Galápagos Islands in 1835, a moment that would forever change the way we understand the natural world.

Two Scottish Western Isles Exclusive Sailings
As part of the partnership, Monty will also headline two exclusive Scottish Isles expedition sailings, Island Hopping in the Hebrides, giving guests the chance to explore the Western Isles of Scotland. These special voyages depart on 7 May 2026 and 17 May 2026 and are available to book now on the HX website.

Monty will help curate the itineraries for these special British Isles expeditions, drawing on his deep knowledge of the region’s natural and cultural heritage. His forthcoming book, which is set to launch in Spring 2026, explores the rich and fascinating history of the foundation of the Commandos in the very heart of the west coast. His experiences on his BBC “Great Escapes” series provide further insight into why this remote corner of Europe is one of the most unique for marine life and wildlife.

Nathaniel Sherborne, Vice President and Managing Director of Europe and Global Sales Enablement at HX, said: “Monty embodies the spirit of exploration and conservation that is at the heart of HX. From his work with the HX Foundation on the Big Blue Bag to his lifelong commitment to marine protection, his expertise and passion make him the perfect ambassador as we celebrate 130 years of expedition cruising. We’re thrilled to welcome him onboard and to work together to inspire the next generation of explorers.”

Monty Halls added: “I’m delighted to be joining HX as brand ambassador, especially at such a significant moment in their history. HX has always stood for meaningful exploration with real purpose and connection with the natural world – that aligns perfectly with my own values and aspirations. Having already worked with the HX Foundation on the launch of the Big Blue Bag last year, I’m looking forward to taking that partnership further - whether that’s joining the team in the Galápagos, or helping guests discover the incredible history, wildlife and landscapes of the Scottish Western Isles. It’s going to be a truly exciting journey and fitting of such a significant year.”

The two exclusive Western Isles of Scotland itineraries, now on sale, will feature Big Blue Bag sessions, a personal Q&A with Monty, a special talk on his new book (launching Spring 2026), and various other activities. Monty will only be on board for the sailings on 7 May 2026 and 17 May 2026. Book now on the HX website.

About HX
HX, the world's first and longest-running cruise company has been guiding curious travellers on mindful adventures since 1896. With headquarters in London and a global team of just under 1,000 professionals, HX operates a fleet of five modern ships, offering voyages to over 250 destinations across more than 30 countries. Renowned for its pole-to-pole expeditions, HX combines sustainability, science, and education to create transformative travel experiences. Pioneering in sustainability, HX was the first cruise company to eliminate heavy fuel oils, ban single-use unnecessary plastics in its operations, and launch hybrid cruise ships. The company also supports scientific research, donating over 1,900 free cruise nights to onboard scientists, and runs the HX Foundation, providing grants to community projects focused on education and marine conservation. To find out more information go to travelhx.com or follow them on Instagram.