An interview with Karin Strand, VP of Expedition Development at HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

There are also plans afoot to expand the Antarctic camping programme to introduce bivvy camping - "what we see with the current tent camping is there are really two types of campers, those really relish being inside the tent and others who sit outside for much of the night and would be happier with a bivvy concept." As with the kayak programme this expanded setup is designed to cater to all those who might wish to camp, usually between 30 and 50 on a cruise. Coping with the summer Antarctic nights isn't for the faint-hearted but if you're worried about whether you'll make it until morning Karin assured us that the vast majority of people do. "It's highly voluntary and the group is very well prepped beforehand, plus it's so comfortable and you're there with experienced guides." It's a voluntary activity with costs involved to cover the extensive preparation and equipment which also helps ensure guests are committed. The new programme will almost double the current group size with the hope of being able to cater to everyone who wishes to go.

The trend Karin outlines for HX is for an increasing focus on enhancing the already incredible guest experience by expanding the guest's sense of discovery, providing opportunities for people to push their boundaries with unforgettable moments and really feel the remoteness of the destination in which they travel. The hiking programme is another example of this, with Karin's focus on creating longer hikes, particularly in Greenland where fewer polar bear guards are needed.

It's clear that Karin has a passion for developing and enhancing HX Hurtigruten Expeditions' voyages and when we come to discuss the unique winter Norway programme on MS Spitbergen her enthusiasm becomes contagious. Starting in January 2026 these winter departures see seven-night Tromsø round trips exploring Norway above the Arctic Circle where guests can enjoy hiking, kayaking, nature landings in small expedition boats, community visits, fishing, snowshoeing, whale spotting and three unique and bespoke experiences: Day to Dusk - Flames and Flavours; Nordic Sauna and Polar Plunge; and Into the Night - Dinner at the Museum.

"It's something I've wanted to do for 15 years, and being Norwegian myself this is a winter programme like a Norwegian would do. We'll be doing bonfires on the beach, local style food, snowshoeing and hiking, and small boat cruises - Norwegian style, and we're not messing around here, we're doing it like I would do it if I were on my own." For the Northern Lights, she highlights the feedback she's heard from those staying in Tromsø, of long coach trips away from the light pollution, so HX gets guests out into the fjords, (the fjords only a Norwegian company with 130 years of history working the coastal route know) to get the very best views of the magical Aurora Borealis.

Karin has also been Chair at AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operations) since 2019 and sat in on the discussions with the Norwegian government when the regulations that govern the expedition industry were recently updated to specify the distance ships had to leave between themselves and polar bears. Karin was very positive about the change - "all areas of the Arctic are looking to introduce regulations as the industry has grown exponentially between 2011 to 2019 when there were a lot of new ships coming into the business. Governments around the Arctic feel they are losing control so they have brought in the regulations. Greenland is doing it, Norway has done it, Canada has had them for a long, long time." Karin's view is that it all amounts to an evening out of rules across the regions and doesn't think there will be any dramatic change, providing all expedition operators behave responsibly. In fact, Karin believes that the introduction in Svalbard that 300-500m should be maintained between people and polar bears really amounts to a clarification of the existing rules that have been in place for decades, these being that you're not allowed to 'lure or pursue' and that it will have little impact on the guest experience. She is also very understanding of the reason for the rules, her concern showing that "increased human-polar bear interaction could lead to a loss of fear of humans, ultimately leading to more bear killings. The distance rules will help limit bad actors, those that are not members of AECO who pushed the boundaries of the old regulation, however, these new distances are what HX has operated at for years, as any closer will lead to an unwanted change in behaviour."

It's all part of the development of the expedition cruise industry which, over time, Karin feels has gone from good to better, taking their responsibility for climate even more seriously. Organisations like AECO and IAATO, north and south, are helping drive protection for the environment. As an example when whale numbers increased the industry moved together to implement speed restrictions and extra watches to avoid whale strikes. In the future, there will likely be more regulation as climate change continues to impact the poles and Karin highlights the reduced permafrost that will mean increased protection required at each landing site. HX Expeditions takes a leading role in the industry to tackle these issues, helping set the tone with other operators. Their involvement in setting the rules is part of the guest appeal, knowing that they are travelling with an extremely responsible company that wants to protect the areas they visit, not exploit them.

Another appeal of travelling with HX is their experience. Karin highlights that Northeast Greenland National Park has seen fewer than 10,000 people visit in modern times - to put that into context, only a little over 7,000 people have summited Everest. "It's very challenging to operate here and cope with the ever-changing weather and ice conditions. You really need a plan A, B, C, D, and E to work in this region, the logistical challenges are huge to make sure you've got multiple routes in and out," and all the while HX strives to deliver an incredible guest experience every single day "so if you can't reach your intended landing you can find something equally as amazing". Knowledge and experience are key, and few others have more than HX Expeditions.

Finally, when asked the impossible, for a top moment from all her time at sea it's clear from Karin's reaction that it's an impossible one to answer - "let me take one that I think our guests can relate to, and that is the first view of a polar region. In my case Antarctica. When I first visited in 2002 I had no expectations, and having grown up in Norway I was well used to mountains and snow. But crossing the Drake, and seeing that icescape stretching forever and ever, days and days, and feeling you've come to a different planet, and then leaving it a week later with a lingering to return. It struck me so hard that it changed me for the rest of my life. In fact, I think that's why I've been fighting cancer so hard, I'm just not ready to give the feeling up. I can't explain it, but I know a lot of our guests feel it.  It's a sense of accomplishment but also of something bigger than yourself. You don't have to be religious or believe in anything, but nature takes hold of you, holds you there, and says you're human but you're not almighty. It's a humbling experience."

To discover more about HX Expeditions, the excursions available during their voyages, and much more simply get in touch with the Mundy Adventures team who will be delighted to discuss their own expedition experiences while creating yours.