Overview
Is HX / Hurtigruten Expeditions right for you?
HX traces its roots to 1893, when its ships were Norway’s lifeline coastal ferry, delivering mail, cargo and passengers between remote fjord communities — a working heritage the line still leans on for its classic Norwegian coastal voyages. Its modern expedition fleet takes that same exploratory spirit to the Arctic, Antarctica, the Great Lakes and beyond aboard hybrid-powered ships built with a strong sustainability focus, including science labs and expedition teams of naturalists and historians. It’s a line for travelers who want genuine, low-frills exploration rather than a resort-at-sea experience.
Who it’s best for
- Travelers wanting genuine Norwegian coastal culture
- Polar and Arctic/Antarctic expedition seekers
- Sustainability-minded cruisers
- Guests who prefer small-ship exploration over resort-style ships
Popular ships
MS Roald Amundsen / Fridtjof Nansen
Hybrid-powered expedition ships built for polar sailing, with science labs and expedition teams.
MS Trollfjord / Richard With
Classic coastal ships sailing the historic Bergen–Kirkenes route year-round.
Cabin recommendations
Coastal voyage
A cabin with a private balcony or large window on the port side is worth it for fjord and Northern Lights viewing.
Expedition
On polar sailings, an outside cabin near midship handles motion best on open-ocean crossings.
Suites
Expedition Suites add more space and priority landing groups — useful on busy Zodiac-excursion days.
Dining
Norwegian-inspired cuisine emphasizing local, seasonal ingredients sourced along the route — think fresh seafood and regional specialties rather than an international buffet. Coastal voyages include the main restaurant and casual options; expedition ships add a more elevated dining program to match the higher fare.
Entertainment
Expedition-led: daily lectures from onboard scientists, historians and naturalists, Zodiac excursions and citizen-science programs on polar sailings, and on coastal voyages, the ever-changing fjord scenery, Northern Lights viewing and stops in working Norwegian ports as the main draw.
What’s included
- Expedition team lectures and shore landings (expedition ships)
- Hybrid-powered, sustainability-focused fleet
- Norwegian-inspired regional dining
- Science labs and citizen-science programs (select ships)
- Classic coastal-route port calls
HX / Hurtigruten Expeditions FAQs
The classic coastal voyage sails Norway’s historic working route between Bergen and Kirkenes, stopping in real working ports along the fjords. The expedition fleet is purpose-built for polar and remote destinations like Antarctica and the Arctic, with Zodiacs, science labs and onboard expedition teams.
Yes — the classic Norwegian coastal route sails well within the Arctic Circle through the winter viewing season, and onboard crew often announce sightings so you can head on deck. We’ll help you pick the sailing dates that maximize your odds.
It’s a rebrand to distinguish the international expedition and coastal-voyage business from its Norwegian ferry heritage, while keeping the same century-plus operating history and expedition expertise.