Press release —
HX Expeditions unveils new fleet enhancements for 2026 and beyond, elevating the onboard experience for guests
1st September 2026: HX Expeditions, the world’s first and longest-running expedition company, is introducing a series of new guest-focused enhancements across its fleet, designed to elevate the expedition experience at every stage of the journey, from booking and pre-departure planning through to life onboard and exploration ashore.
Reflecting HX's ongoing commitment to enhancing the guest experience, the latest developments combine digital innovation, expanded onboard services and carefully selected partnerships to create a more seamless, personalised and enriching journey before, during and after every voyage.
Together, these enhancements are designed to make expedition travel more intuitive, flexible and rewarding, while preserving the spirit of exploration, discovery and authentic adventure that has defined HX for more than 130 years.
Alongside these enhancements, HX is also launching two limited time offers from 1st September 2026, giving guests the opportunity to save on selected expeditions and, in selected European markets, benefit from free flights to Arctic Norway.
New fleet enhancements designed around the guest experience:
Personalised pre-departure journey
HX Expeditions has introduced a new personalised pre-departure experience to help guests feel informed and prepared before they step on board. Tailored to each guest’s specific booking, sailing and cabin, the experience brings key voyage information together in one place, making it easier to prepare for the expedition ahead.
Guests receive a personalised email featuring a bespoke PDF with key voyage information, alongside a dedicated digital landing page offering an interactive overview of their expedition and voyage details. Together, these tools provide guests with a more seamless and personalised experience before departure, helping them know what to expect and make the most of their time on board and ashore.
New HX app enhances the onboard journey
Now rolled out across MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen, the new HX app provides guests with access to essential travel information, real-time expedition updates and a range of onboard services throughout their journey. Designed to enhance convenience, the app allows travellers to make restaurant reservations, browse and book excursions, access daily programmes and stay informed with the latest expedition announcements and itinerary updates.
By bringing key information and services together in one intuitive platform, the app offers greater flexibility and personalisation, while complementing the service and destination expertise delivered by HX's Expedition Teams both on board and ashore.
Grab & Go offers flexible dining around the clock
HX has introduced a new 24/7 Grab & Go station on MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Spitsbergen, making it easier for guests to pick up something fresh and nutritious whenever they need it during their expedition. Designed around the flexible rhythm of expedition travel, the station is available around the clock for guests heading out early for an excursion, returning from a day of exploration or looking for a quick bite between activities.
The offering includes breakfast and dairy bowls, gourmet sandwiches, savoury cups, brownie bites, mini muffins and energy bites, with everything served in sustainable, reusable tempered glass containers. The concept gives guests greater freedom to eat when it suits them, without having to fit around traditional mealtimes, while maintaining the quality and freshness expected throughout the HX experience.
VINOBLE COSMETICS
Guests can enjoy VINOBLE COSMETICS’ signature spa treatments on board MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen, with selected face and body products also available to purchase on board MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Roald Amundsen, MS Spitsbergen and MS Fram. The Austrian skincare brand combines natural, plant-based ingredients with innovative formulations, including active ingredients derived from grape seeds and grape skins, creating products designed to nourish and protect the skin. Its focus on natural ingredients and restorative skincare makes it a natural fit for the expedition experience, helping guests care for their skin after days spent exploring in some of the world’s most extreme environments.
Suite guests also receive a complimentary selection of VINOBLE COSMETICS products in their room to take home, allowing them to continue their skincare ritual beyond their expedition. The range includes targeted serums, nourishing masks, rich creams and luxurious body oils, including products from the GOOD TRUTH range.
GROUNDTRUTH Bags
Guests can also discover GROUNDTRUTH travel bags and accessories on board MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen. Founded with a focus on creating high-performance travel gear with a lower environmental impact, GROUNDTRUTH designs its bags with durability, functionality and responsible material choices at their core. Made using recycled materials, the collection is designed to meet the demands of life on the move while reflecting a more considered approach to travel – making it a natural fit for the expedition experience.
Stefan Engl, SVP, Guest Experience Operations at HX Expeditions, said: “These latest enhancements reflect our commitment to continually evolving the guest experience. By listening to what our guests value most, we’re making expeditions more seamless, flexible and rewarding at every stage, from booking through to returning home, while preserving the personal service, expert guidance and spirit of adventure that define the HX experience.”
Two limited-time offers to celebrate 130 years of exploration with HX Expeditions:
From 1st September to 9th November 2026, guests can enjoy an extra 5% off cabins and 10% off suites, on top of existing 130 Years anniversary discounts, when booking selected HX expeditions.
The offer applies to selected departures from 1st October 2026 to 31st March 2028*, giving travellers the chance to explore some of HX’s most distinctive destinations, from the Arctic to Antarctica.
Available in selected European markets, bookings made between 1st September 2026 and 31st January 2027** can benefit from:
- Free Economy Class flights
- 50% off Premium Economy and Business Class flights
The Ultimate Norway – Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights offers an immersive journey through Arctic Norway, combining the chance to witness the aurora with dramatic landscapes, wildlife and authentic winter experiences. A highlight is exclusive access to Tranøya Island, where HX guests can step ashore at this remote destination, meet members of the local community and hear first-hand stories of the island’s history, culture and way of life.
Together, these offers form part of HX’s 130th anniversary celebrations, bringing more than 130 years of exploration heritage together with science, innovation and responsible travel.
– ENDS –
Terms and Conditions:
*
i. Extra 5% discount on cabins and extra 10% discount on suites (the “Offer”) applies to new bookings made from 1 September 2026 to 9 November 2026 (“Offer Period”) for selected HX departures from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2028. Bookings made outside of the Offer Period will not qualify.
ii. Offers with a saving, discount or amount off stated in GBP represents a discount applied to the “From” price quoted in GBP per person based on double occupancy of cabin on the specified sailing or Tour Code.
iii. Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.
iv. Single supplements may apply and applies to all offer occupancies.
vi. Holidays and flights are ATOL- protected by the Civil Aviation Authority; our ATOL number is 12642.
**
i. Offer applies to new bookings made from 01 September 2026 to 31 January 2027 inclusive (“Offer Period”) for selected HX Norway departures departing between 28 November 2026 and 31 March 2027 (“Applicable Sailings”).
ii. The Offer consists of:
a. Complimentary return Economy Class flights where the total airfare (including taxes and carrier – imposed charges) does not exceed EUR 1,000 per person; or
b. a 50% discount on return Business Class flights, up to a maximum discount value of EUR 2,000 per person.
iii. Flights must:
a. be booked through HX (to redeem the Offer please quote HX-AIRNORWAY-26 when booking with our Expedition Specialists);
b. include both outbound and inbound sectors to and from Tromso; and
c. be booked in the same cabin class throughout the itinerary, except that connecting, domestic or regional sectors may be operated in Economy Class.
iv. This Offer applies to guests who reside in selected HX European markets and applies regardless of departure airport.
v. All bookings remain subject to HX’s General Booking Terms and Conditions.
Topics
HX Expeditions is the world's oldest expedition company and the largest provider of expedition travel to Antarctica, guiding curious travellers on mindful adventures since 1896. Headquartered in London, HX Expeditions employs just under 1,000 professionals worldwide and operates a fleet of five modern ships, sailing to more than 250 destinations across over 30 countries.
Renowned for its polar expeditions and immersive voyages beyond the poles, HX Expeditions combines conservation, science and education to deliver transformative travel experiences. A pioneer in responsible expedition cruising, HX Expeditions was the first cruise company to eliminate heavy fuel oil, ban unnecessary single-use plastics across its operations, and introduce hybrid-powered expedition ships. HX Expeditions actively supports scientific research, providing more than 1,600 complimentary cruise nights to onboard scientists, and operates the HX Foundation charity, which funds community initiatives focused on education and marine conservation in the areas in which they sail.
To find out more information go to travelhx.com or follow them on HX Expeditions (@hxexpeditions) on Instagram.
