A World Within a Continent
Countless cultures, cuisines, histories and landscapes come together in this extraordinary part of the world. Europe cruises with HX take you on a voyage around the coastlines of France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and the Iberian Peninsula, exploring grand imperial port cities, historic harbours and charming fishing villages. Alongside human history and cultural marvels, enchanting natural beauty abounds, from sublime windswept cliffs and looming headlands to white, sandy beaches and quiet, hidden coves.
Guided by our expert expedition team, European cruises with HX are carefully curated experiences designed to offer a deeper understanding of each country in turn. From architecture, food, art and music to dolphins, porpoises and soaring seabirds, this is a perspective on Europe that few have truly seen.
One of the oldest seaport cities in the Netherlands, Harlingen is a charming blend of naval history and cosy ambience, with towering ships, pretty canals and a thriving city centre.
Walk the historic city walls of Saint-Malo and take in the view of its stunning natural harbour before learning about local corsair history at the Château Saint-Malo Museum.
Revered across the world as The City of Wine, Bordeaux has been exporting wine since the 12th century and is a UNESCO listed Old City, with its glorious gothic architecture, rich history and museums.
Spain’s most beautiful coastal town is packed with history and one of the best food destinations in Europe, with the second most Michelin stars per capita of anywhere in the world.
Portugal’s beloved second city is full of charisma and history, famous for its port wine and UNESCO-listed centre, with its exquisite architecture, cultural institutions and buzzing food scene.
Nature’s Beauty at Every Turn
Europe’s Atlantic coastlines are teeming with wildlife, from seals and dolphins to puffins and soaring seabirds. Your expedition team will guide you to the best lookouts to observe and photograph animal, sea and bird life, with vantage points from rugged headlands, enchanting hidden coves and rolling sand dunes.
Waters teeming with life
As we explore the varied coastlines of Europe by ship and expedition boat, you’ll have the chance to observe marine life in its natural habitat. Our expert expedition guides will help you to spot of Humpback, Minke and Fin Whales, as well as Common and Bottlenose dolphins. You may even catch sight of jellyfish and sea turtles in warmer waters.
Skies full of birds
Enthusiastic birders will have the opportunity to spot a vast number of species on our voyage around Europe. Sea birds are particularly abundant here, with colossal gannets and albatrosses flying overhead as petrels glide just above the water’s surface and puffins gather on the shore. On land, you may see herons, cormorants and terns, as well as a wide variety of seagulls.
Shorelines full of seals
On our cruise around Europe, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to spot a wide variety of seals. We’ll look out Grey Seals, with their distinctive snouts, and Common Seals, known for their spotted coats. In colder waters, we may even catch sight of Harbor and Ringed Seals as they hunt, bask and play along the coastlines.
Experience Europe 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.
Town and city walks
Walking through the towns and cities of Europe is the perfect way to gain a deeper understanding of these countries. Guided by our expert expedition team, you’ll hear a multitude of languages spoken, taste a range of cuisine, take in the architecture and art of each place and perhaps meet a few locals. From quiet fishing villages to glittering modern cities, you’ll get a feel for each country’s unique culture, style and ambience.
Kayaking
Europe’s varied coastlines offer many opportunities to take to the water and experience each country from a different point of view. You’ll paddle past quiet coves, pristine beaches and rugged cliffs, spotting seals, birds and other animals up close. You may even skim past a dolphin or two and find the perfect place from which to watch the sunset.
Wildlife watching
Wildlife watching along Europe’s Atlantic coastline is one of the most memorable activities you’ll enjoy on your voyage. Your expedition team will guide you to the best lookouts to spot seals, dolphins, puffins and other seabirds, and you’ll have the chance to these creatures in a wide variety of terrains, from rocky cliffs to sandy beaches.
Nature walks
Alongside the towns and cities you’ll explore on your voyage, you’ll also have the chance to get back to nature. Guided by our expedition team, you’ll explore Europe’s landscapes, from shady forests and tucked-away beaches to rolling hills and flower-filled meadows. We’ll get a closer look at the flora and fauna and, once you’re back on the ship, you can find out more in the Science Centre.
Adventure is All-Inclusive
A cruise to Antarctica 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.
The HX Foundation
HX Foundation is a collaboration between HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, our employees and our guests. Together, we unite in our commitment to fight climate change, strengthen local communities and stop unsustainable mass tourism.
