Culture Discovery Cruises
A Hurtigruten expedition ship among Arctic ice and mountains
Expedition Cruise Line

Hurtigruten Expeditions

A Norwegian expedition heritage carried to the Arctic, Antarctica and beyond on small, science-driven ships.

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The line

Norwegian roots, now sailing as HX

Hurtigruten pioneered coastal and expedition voyaging from Norway more than a century ago. In 2025 the group formally split in two, and the global expedition business now sails as HX, short for Hurtigruten Expeditions, as an independent company focused on the poles and other remote coastlines.

HX runs five small expedition ships, led by the custom-built hybrid-powered MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, alongside MS Fram, MS Spitsbergen and the Galapagos-based Santa Cruz II. The separate Hurtigruten line continues its classic Norwegian coastal service.

What has not changed is the character. These are working expedition ships with onboard science centers, expert teams and an all-inclusive style, built to put you ashore by small boat in places most travelers only read about.

Style
Expedition
Fleet
5 expedition ships
Guests
90 to 500
Fares
All-inclusive
Sails to
Poles and beyond
Now branded
HX
In a word

“Few names carry more expedition history than Hurtigruten, and its HX ships still measure a voyage by what you see ashore, not what glitters on deck.”

Guests working in the onboard science center of a Hurtigruten expedition ship

Small hybrid ships with science built in

The fleet centers on MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, custom-built expedition ships with battery-hybrid propulsion that cuts fuel use and emissions. MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen add smaller, nimble options, and Santa Cruz II sails the Galapagos year round.

Every ship carries a science center and a Citizen Science program, so guests can join real research on wildlife, weather and the sea between landings. It is expedition travel with a genuine purpose, not just a scenic backdrop.

A window-lined dining room aboard a Hurtigruten expedition ship

All-inclusive comfort, expedition-first

HX sails on an all-inclusive model, with cabins and suites, several restaurants featuring regional and Nordic-inspired menus, and the outdoor gear you need for landings. The mood is relaxed and Scandinavian, focused on the view rather than glitz.

Onboard time is filled with expert lectures, wildlife watching and easy access to the outdoors, from top-deck vantage points to the Zodiacs that carry you ashore. You spend your days looking outward, which is the whole point.

A comfortable cabin with polar views on a Hurtigruten expedition ship

From Antarctica to the Northwest Passage

HX ranges across the wildest edges of the map. The northern season brings Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, the Northwest Passage and the Norwegian coast, while the southern summer means Antarctica by way of the Drake Passage.

Between the poles, HX explores the Galapagos, Alaska, the British Isles and beyond. We help you line up the right ship, hemisphere and season for the expedition you want.

Booking Hurtigruten Expeditions with CDV

Why book through us

Exclusive Hurtigruten value

Group amenities and onboard credit on qualifying HX sailings that you will not find booking direct.

Combinable offers

Our exclusive value can usually be layered with HX’s current promotions, plus full loyalty credit.

Expedition specialists

Advisors who know the HX fleet and its polar seasons, and match the right ship, cabin and departure to you.

Seamless land and sea

Because we run our own tours ashore, we make it easy to add a CDV land stay where your voyage begins or ends.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Hurtigruten and HX?

They are now two separate companies. Following a split completed in early 2025, HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) runs the global expedition ships to the Arctic, Antarctica, the Galapagos and beyond, while the Hurtigruten line continues its classic coastal voyages along Norway. This page covers the expedition side, now branded HX.

How many expedition ships does HX have?

HX operates five expedition ships: MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Fram, MS Spitsbergen and the Galapagos-based Santa Cruz II. They range from about 90 to 500 guests, so the fleet suits both remote polar sailings and smaller island expeditions.

Are Hurtigruten expedition cruises all-inclusive?

HX sails on an all-inclusive model that typically covers your cabin, dining, expedition landings and the expert team’s lectures and guiding. Some extras, such as certain optional excursions, premium drinks and flights, may sit outside the fare, which we confirm for your specific voyage.

Where do HX ships sail?

HX sails to the Arctic and Antarctica along with the Galapagos, Alaska, Greenland, Svalbard, Iceland, the Northwest Passage, the British Isles and the Norwegian coast. The fleet follows the seasons between the hemispheres.

What makes HX expedition ships different?

Two of the ships, Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen, use battery-hybrid propulsion to lower fuel use and emissions. Every ship carries a science center and a Citizen Science program, so guests can take part in real research between landings.

What is the dress code on an HX expedition?

It is casual and practical. Days are built around layers, waterproofs and sturdy footwear for landings, and evenings stay relaxed rather than formal. We tell you what to pack for your route and season.

Who is an HX expedition cruise for?

It suits curious, active travelers who care more about wildlife, landscapes and hands-on learning than nightlife or big-ship amenities. The small ships, science focus and outdoor emphasis reward people who want to be out exploring.

How much does a Hurtigruten expedition cost?

Fares vary widely by ship, cabin, season and destination, and a remote Antarctic voyage prices very differently from an Arctic or Galapagos sailing. Rather than quote a misleading range, we price your specific expedition and secure the best available CDV value. Request a complimentary quote and we will lay out the real numbers.

Ready to sail with Hurtigruten Expeditions?

Complimentary quote, exclusive CDV value, and a specialist who plans it around you.

Request a Quote+1 (656) 333-6123 ext. 403