Sleep Like It’s 1896: HX Expeditions Launches Immersive Vintage Cabin Experience for Its 130th Anniversary

Available exclusively aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen throughout HX’s 130th year of exploration.

London, 22 October 2025 – HX Expeditions, the world's first and longest-running expedition cruise company, is celebrating 130 years of exploration with an experience that transports guests back to the year it all began: 1896, the year HX launched the world’s first expedition cruise. That pioneering voyage to the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard redefined travel itself: not just seeing the world differently, but truly discovering it.

Launching on 29 January 2026, the 1896 Cabin will be available exclusively aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen throughout the anniversary year (2026). This limited-edition experience will allow guests to spend one unforgettable night in a meticulously recreated late 19th-century expedition cabin – complete with handcrafted period furnishings, authentic scents, and curated touches that capture the spirit of HX’s earliest explorers. Bringing that vision to life, AROS Marine, a leading ship-interior specialist, drew meticulous research into 19th-century expedition cabins to create an authentic yet comfortable experience that will transport guests back in time.

The cabin’s design takes inspiration from HX’s earliest passenger accommodations and the vessels of the golden age of exploration, the very era in which HX was founded (among those early pioneers was Otto Sverdrup, who captained HX voyages after leading the legendary Fram expedition toward the North Pole and went on to map more Arctic territory than any other explorer of his time).

The 1896 Cabin will be offered as an exclusive add-on to any voyage for €450 per night (single or double occupancy). Availability is strictly limited to one night per guest, per sailing. More than a nostalgic tribute, the initiative also has a purpose-driven mission with 50% of all profits will be donated to the HX Foundation, supporting its ambitious fleet-wide anniversary fundraising goal of £130,000.

"The 1896 Cabin is a chance for our guests to not just see history, but to live and sleep in it,” said Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX. “As we celebrate 130 years of pioneering journeys, we wanted to create an experience that is immersive, atmospheric, and meaningful – connecting our guests to our amazing heritage while helping fund the future of exploration and conservation through the HX Foundation.”

1896 Cabin Experience Includes:

• Immersive historical setting – stay just as polar explorers did in 1896
• Special in-cabin touches – inspired by 19th-century voyages
• Strictly limited availability – one night per guest, per sailing
• Purpose with every booking – 50% of profits donated to the HX Foundation

Leading European ship-interior specialist AROS Marine, typically known for its modern and innovative cabin designs, took on the unique task of bringing the heritage cabin to life.

"Designing the HX 1896 Cabin to life has been a journey into history as much as it has into design," said Mantas Lataitis, Head of Design at AROS Marine. "Our expert design team have meticulously researched expedition cabins from the late 19th century, studying every detail from furnishings to lighting and materials, to create an authentic experience that honours HX Expeditions’ heritage. Collaborating closely with the VP, Hotel Operations Stefan Engl at HX, we’ve aimed to transport guests back in time while ensuring comfort and craftsmanship meet the adventure modern standards that guests know and love with the modern day HX."

Travelling In a Vintage Year

Adding to the anniversary celebrations, HX will also carry a specially crafted barrel of fortified wine from the Austrian Regele Vineyard. The barrel of ‘Fortified Zweigelt’ will travel across the whole HX fleet next year – passing from one ship to another. This unique barrel will journey to the farthest corners of the globe alongside HX’s explorers, absorbing the spirit of adventure from pole-to-pole. Once its odyssey is complete in late May 2027, the wine will be bottled and unveiled in 2027 as a limited-edition anniversary vintage – a celebratory taste of exploration, history, and heritage for guests to try.

The 1896 Cabin Is Now Open for Booking

The 1896 Cabin will be available on all MS Fridtjof Nansen voyages throughout 2026. Guests can reserve this exclusive time-travel experience alongside their standard cabin booking.

Availability is extremely limited; guests are encouraged to reserve their place in history early.

Find full details here: The 1896 Cabin Experience