Best known for their Norwegian Coastal Voyage service, Hurtigruten have now expanded their offering further afield, with an expanding roster of purpose-built expedition vessels, as well as former Coastal Voyage vessels that have been upgraded to polar capability. HX, short for Hurtigruten Expeditions, is a name that reflects their ever-expanding horizons while still paying homage to their storied history of pioneering seafaring.

Hurtigruten's flagship expedition vessels are the hybrid-powered MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, launched in 2019 and 2020 respectively and each carrying 530 guests - on the larger side for a polar expedition ship, but able to offer great value fares as a result.

Destinations on offer include Antarctica, Greenland, Svalbard, Alaska, Central and South America, Iceland and Norway, along with a programme of no fly voyages from the UK on board the biofuel-powered MS Maud exploring the more remote corners of the British Isles.

On board a Hurtigruten expedition ship you can expect expert lecturers, naturalist guides and zodiacs to facilitate trips ashore, along with comfortable cabins, a fresh Nordic style and a relaxed ambience. From October 2024, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions will be introducing an 'all-inclusive' offering across their fleet, featuring new inclusions such as daily expeditions, alcoholic drinks, professional photographs and more.

Sustainability

HX Hurtigruten Expeditions are committed to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals as their guiding principles to operate as sustainably as possible.

The biggest investment in their history was their two new-build ships, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, which are both hybrid-electric powered and display ground-breaking technology such as heat recovery systems and an innovative hull design. The combination of these technologies reduces carbon emissions by over 20%, compared to similar sized cruise ships.

As part of their sustainabillity mission, Hurtigruten were the first expedition company to ban non-essential single-use plastics, so you won't find plastic cups, water bottles or straws on board any of their ships. They also support 41 environmental, cultural and social projects in 11 different countries, from initiatives to protect Galápagos seabirds to to endangered orcas in the Pacific Northwest. On board you will be inspired by the Expedition Team, providing knowledge and education about ways to tackle global environmental issues and preserve animal welfare in the areas visited, and you will find menus of plant-based dishes and food management programmes aiming to reduce food waste by at least 30%.

Hurtigruten are also founding members of AECO (the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators), who support responsible, environmentally friendly and safe tourism in the Arctic. Additionally, they are members of IAATO (the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) who advocate and promote safe and environmentally responsible private sector travel to Antarctica.