Press release —
HX Expeditions and University of Tasmania Launch First Arctic Educational Course, Starting with Alaska
London, UK and Hobart, Australia [30 June 2026] - HX Expeditions, the world’s first and longest-running expedition cruise company, today announced the launch of the HX + UTAS Alaska Course, the first in a new series of Arctic educational courses developed with their longstanding educational partner the University of Tasmania (UTAS). The Alaska launch marks the first phase of HX’s expanded university-backed learning programme, with future courses planned for Arctic Canada, Greenland, Iceland, the Northwest Passage and Svalbard.
The free online course has been designed to help HX guests prepare for their expeditions to “The Great Land” by deepening their understanding of Alaska’s wildlife, landscapes, ocean systems and native communities before they travel.
Developed with UTAS - ranked number one globally for climate action in the 2026* Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, the HX Alaska Course brings university-backed, pre-departure education to guests joining HX’s northern itineraries.
The course builds on the award-winning HX-UTAS Antarctica Pre-Departure Course, the world’s first university-developed learning programme designed to educate Antarctic passengers. With Alaska now leading the Arctic rollout, HX and UTAS are extending the concept from pole to pole through accessible, destination-specific learning that connects directly to what guests will experience on board and ashore.
The HX Alaska Course spans four modules, each taking around 30 minutes to complete:
- Essential Alaska
- Alaska Ecosystem Primer
- Iconic Alaska Species
- Responsible Alaska Tourism
Guests who complete all four modules will earn a Certificate of Attendance, while HX Explorers (loyalty members) will also earn points for completing the course.
Short, flexible and free, the course is designed for guests to complete at their own pace, anywhere in the world. It helps travellers arrive in Alaska informed, confident and ready to get more from their expedition experience. Guests who have already travelled to Alaska with HX this year can also take the course to relive and deepen their understanding of their recent journey.
Inside the HX Alaska Course
The course brings together expertise from the same HX teams who help plan expedition voyages with world-leading researchers at UTAS, giving guests an expert-led introduction to Alaska before they step on board.
Designed as a practical companion to the expedition experience, the course helps travellers understand how Alaska’s glaciers, coastlines, marine systems, wildlife and cultures connect, and how responsible tourism can support more mindful exploration of one of the world’s most remarkable regions.
The HX Alaska Course is available free of charge to all HX guests travelling to Alaska and can be completed in under three hours, helping guests build anticipation before a visit or just a better understanding of such a unique destination.
Learning Before the Journey Begins
HX’s Chief Scientist, Dr Verena Meraldi, said the worldwide expansion reflects HX’s ongoing commitment to connecting travel with education and positive impact.
“Alaska is a vast, complex and profoundly connected destination - from its coastal ecosystems and iconic wildlife to the communities who have shaped the region for millennia. By giving guests’, the chance to learn before they travel, we are helping them arrive not just excited, but informed, curious and ready to engage more deeply with every experience on board and ashore.”
Iain McNeill, Chief Operating Officer of HX, added:
“This collaboration continues to transform expedition cruising and lead our industry. By combining exploration with structured, university-backed learning, we’re helping guests become more informed and responsible ambassadors for the planet, while reaffirming HX’s leadership in mindful, science-based travel.”
Professor Vanessa Lucieer, Interim Co-Executive Director, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), University of Tasmania said:
"IMAS has long been at the forefront of understanding Earth's most critical marine environments, from the Southern Ocean to the Arctic. The launch of the HX Alaska Course reflects the natural progression of our pole-to-pole partnership with HX: applying the same research-led, education-first approach that defined our Antarctic program to one of the most ecologically significant and rapidly changing regions in the northern hemisphere. We are proud to help HX guests engage meaningfully with these environments, and to demonstrate that rigorous science and accessible education are not competing priorities."
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*For the fifth-year running, the University of Tasmania has been rated first in the world for Climate Action in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ratings
About IMAS
Located at the gateway to the Southern Ocean and Antarctica, the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) at the University of Tasmania is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for marine and Antarctic research. With collaborative partners across the globe, we deliver our research to government, industry, institutions, and communities. We create exceptional learning opportunities for the next generation of scientists, and we are dedicated to enhancing environmental understanding and facilitating thoughtful and sustainable development for the benefit of Australia and the world.
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HX Expeditions the world's first and longest-running expedition 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 our more information go to travelhx.com or follow their Instagram: HX Expeditions (@hxexpeditions)
