Wild Isles of Living History
The sublime beauty of the British Isles is as enchanting as it is varied. Discover a rich tapestry of distinct cultures, customs and languages across a diverse range of landscapes, all steeped in history that rolls back to the most ancient of times. Craggy castles, ancient ruins and standing stones are set against backdrops of heather-cloaked hills and misty mountains as life continues to thrive and change around them.
Our cruises to the British Isles concentrate on the islands around Scotland, including the breathtaking Hebrides. Here in the land of whisky, bagpipes and Highland Cows, you’ll witness stunning, windswept landscapes, discover the splendour of the Highlands and explore hidden natural harbours and pristine beaches. You’ll also have the chance to spot seals, otters and birds of prey, along with an array of photogenic wildlife such as whales, dolphins and some of the greatest seabird breeding colonies in Europe.
This beautiful archipelago off Scotland’s west coast is brimming with rugged landscapes, rich Gaelic culture, pristine beaches and vibrant wildlife, like the majestic Red Deer.
A serene island in the Inner Hebrides, Iona is perfect for spotting otters, puffins and seabirds against a backdrop of stunning landscapes, white sandy beaches and rich history.
This charming town on Mull is deeply picturesque, with colourful waterfront buildings, scenic hills and coastal views to admire, along with seals, otters and seabirds.
The Shetland Isles are a wonder. Filled with dramatic cliffs and rolling hills, they also boast a rich Viking history and plenty of wildlife, including puffins, seals and otters.
A haven for wildlife
The seas and coasts of the Scottish Isles are abundant with wildlife, filled with whales, basking sharks, dolphins and seals. They also play host to immense colonies of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes and gannets. As you explore the beaches, you'll spot oystercatchers hunting while otters frolic at the river mouths and Golden Eagles soar over the glens.
Skies full of life
Whether you’re an avid birder or a casual spotter, catching sight of an eagle soaring overhead is an exhilarating experience. The White-tailed Sea Eagle is the UK's largest bird of prey and thrives along coastal areas, often spotted circling the cliffs. Golden Eagles, known for their impressive wingspan and hunting skills, are primarily found in the Scottish Highlands.
Magnificence underwater
The British Isles offer many opportunities to observe both seals and dolphins. We’ll see Grey and Common Seals basking in colonies on rocky shores and coastal islands, while pods of Bottlenose and common dolphins can be spotted in many of the waters we’ll sail through, diving, breaching and showing off for their audience.
Bountiful birdlife
Our cruises to the British Isles offer ample opportunity to spot a diverse array of seabirds. With the help of our expert expedition guides, you may catch sight of puffin colonies on the shorelines, huge and hungry gannets diving into the waters and the black-legged kittiwake, often seen nesting on cliffs. We’ll also try to spot guillemots, storm-petrels and the Great Skua.
The best time to travel
Puffins
The best time to observe the puffins of the British Isles is during their breeding season, which typically runs from late March to early August. They’re easiest to spot when they return to their nesting sites in May, where you can watch them delivering sand eels and fish to their chicks at mealtimes.
Experience the British Isles with HX
Since 1896, we’ve been taking curious travellers on mindful expeditions to the most remote and awe-inspiring places on the planet. An expedition with HX offers the best of both worlds – expedition expertise and luxurious comfort, with the opportunity to change the way you see the world.
Explore in our expedition boats
Our smaller, nimbler expedition boats are perfect for exploring the coastline, spotting seals and whales and landing in remote areas to explore on foot. Then return to your stylish and comfortable expedition ship to relax and refuel before your next adventure.
Walk among nature
As well as exploring local villages and towns, your expedition guides will lead you back to nature. From shady forests to soaring cliffs, you’ll have the chance to get closer to the flora and fauna of the British Isles. Birders will enjoy the chance to spot a wide range of species and we’ll gain a deeper understanding of these islands’ unique and complex ecosystem, both on land and in our onboard Science Centre.
Visit local communities
Visiting local communities, like Tobermory and Islay, offers are the perfect way to foster a deeper appreciation for Scotland's unique traditions. Tobermory, with its colourful waterfront and friendly locals, has plenty of shops and art galleries to explore, while Islay, known for its stunning landscapes and whisky distilleries, showcases rich cultural heritage through traditional music and festivals.
Step back in time
Scotland’s rich history is best explored in person. We’ll visit treasured spots such Iona, revered as the birthplace of Christianity in the country, with its ancient abbey founded by St Columba. We’ll also discover stone circles that echo tales of ancient ritual and bring us a deeper connection with Scotland's spiritual and cultural heritage.
Adventure is All-Inclusive
A cruise to the British Isles with HX includes everything from daily excursions and activities to our onboard Science Centre, meals, gratuities, drinks and more. All designed to give you the expedition experience of a lifetime.
Food
Enjoy daily culinary adventures in our onboard restaurants. Here you’ll be served beautifully prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, starting with a generous morning buffet and ending with an exquisite dinner, prepared with fresh ingredients by our onboard chefs.
Drinks
Your day begins with freshly brewed coffee and tea, followed by a selection of hot and cold drinks available at all times. After a day on the ice, relax with a glass of wine or beer, or toast your voyage with an expertly mixed cocktail. Drinks are served all day and evening at no additional cost (excluding premium drinks).
Activities
Every day, you’ll be joined by our Expedition Team. Our guides are carefully chosen experts in fields like natural history and climate science, and they’ll lead you on hikes, community visits and small boat trips, offering vital information and insight all the way. They’ll also deliver fascinating talks in our onboard lecture hall, accompany you in our Science Centre and brief you on the next day’s schedule.
Life onboard
A stay onboard any HX ship is unforgettable. Whether you choose to voyage on MS Spitsbergen, MS Fram or MS Fridtjof Nansen, our entire fleet has been designed to give you the very best expedition experience, as sustainably as we can. With almost 130 years of experience in expeditions, we’re perfectly placed to offer you a balance of intrepid adventure, luxurious comfort and mindful travel that makes a holiday unlike any other. Start the day sipping freshly brewed coffee on the terrace, watching the sun rise over a landscape you’re about to visit. Jump into one of our smaller, nimbler expedition boats for a day of extraordinary exploration. Then spend the evening dining in style, toasting the day and then lounging under a canopy of stars in the hot tub.
Comfort and style
With HX, you’ll enjoy a taste of luxury every time you step on board. Our spacious suites include private balconies, walk-in closets, unlimited access to fine dining and complimentary laundry. All designed to envelop you in comfort and relaxation, allowing you to reflect peacefully on the day’s discoveries and gather your energy for the next.
Culinary exploration
Our restaurants offer a wide range of delicious modern dishes, all prepared onboard using fresh ingredients. Our expert chefs bring their passion for food and travel to the table, incorporating local additions where possible, and working to keep their kitchens and creations sustainable.
Rest and relaxation
After hours of exploring the coastline, relaxing in our sauna or spa are two perfect ways to celebrate a day well spent. All our ships include an outdoor hot tub and some have a pool, others offer massages and beauty treatments. All well-deserved and welcome before the next day’s adventures.
A deeper understanding
The heart of an HX expedition lies in our onboard Science Centre. Packed with state-of-the-art technology, it offers plenty of opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of everything you’ve seen on land and sea. There are lecture spaces, a small library and specialty areas for workshops in photography, biology and more. It’s also where you'll find our Expedition Team.
Feed your curiosity
Curiosity is the key to an extraordinary expedition with HX. As you explore, you’ll find yourself drawn to find out more about the natural wonders you see and explore, and our Science & Education Program is there to enhance your knowledge and understanding. It’s an immersive learning experience, allowing you to find out more about landscapes, plants and wildlife across the land, supported by experts along the way. You’ll even have the opportunity to support real-time research and collect valuable data that will contribute to the conservation and understanding of our planet.
Active learning
The Science Centre is where guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas you explore. You’ll use advanced microscopes to analyse sea water, fossils and biological samples collected earlier in the field, and there are lecture spaces, a small library and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology and more.
Expert guidance
Our onboard Expedition Team is here to share their wealth of knowledge with you and help you make good use of the ship’s state-of-the-art Science Centre. The team also includes guest scientists conducting their own research while on board, and will only be too happy to share their findings with you.
Get involved
We‘re proud to support many vital Citizen Science projects on board our ships, including NASA cloud research, seaweed biodiversity, studies into Phytoplankton communities and many more. You're welcome to get involved in any projects that spark your interest, contributing valuable data to long-term research and playing your part in expanding our understanding of this extraordinary continent.
An Expedition Team like no other
On a British Isles expedition, the team will help you get the most out of your cruise. Knowledgeable and passionate, they’ll share history, wildlife facts and cultural insights as you travel. These active explorers will also guide you on landings and expedition boat cruising and take you off the beaten track to see the wild beauty of these islands.
The HX Foundation
HX Foundation is a collaboration between Hurtigruten HX Expeditions, our employees and our guests. Together, we unite in our commitment to fight climate change, strengthen local communities and stop unsustainable mass tourism.
