The Frozen Continent
A visit to Antarctica is the experience of a lifetime. The ultimate destination on every intrepid traveller’s list. A dream for many and an experience for few. Start planning your HX adventure here, with the global leader in Antarctica cruises.
An adventure this unique calls for the most trusted and experienced Antarctica operator there is. Since 1896, HX has been taking curious travellers to the most remote and awe-inspiring place on the planet. Experience genuine adventure, crossing the Drake Passage with expert guides, enriching your knowledge and understanding, and changing the way you see the world.
These huge ice shelves give birth to mile-long tabular icebergs that are carried here by the strong currents of the Weddell Sea.
There are 16 research stations on this group of Antarctic Islands, studying the seabirds, penguins, whales and seals that thrive in its surrounding waters.
778 islands filled with grassy hills, white sand beaches and turquoise waters. The local residents include seals, albatrosses and four species of penguin.
One of the most beautiful waterways in Antarctica. Spot Humpback Whales against a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains as you sail past jagged icebergs, glacial spouts and walls of glassy ice.
A wild realm beyond the horizon
Welcome to the only continent with no permanent human residents. Thanks to its untouched landscapes and pristine waters, a huge array of wildlife thrives here in harmony, from penguins and seals to the majestic Blue Whale.
“Otherworldly,” “beautiful desolation” and “the only place on Earth that is still as it should be.” These are just some of the ways that travellers have described the intense beauty of Antarctica. Guided by your Expedition Team, observe and photograph iconic animals, enjoy natural history talks from our wildlife experts and enhance your knowledge in our onboard Science Centre, where you can contribute to vital research programmes.
Fellow travellers
When you spot any whale species in Antarctica, you know they’ve had to migrate from afar, usually swimming thousands of miles. The Southern Ocean is the world’s largest feeding ground for marine mammals, which explains why ten different species of whale visit every year. On your voyage, you’ll have the opportunity to spot Humpback, Orca and Minke Whales and could even see the largest animal ever known to have lived on Earth: the Blue Whale.
Dressed for the occasion
All penguins living in Antarctica have feathers devoted entirely to insulation: short, densely packed and, cleverly, overlapping. A thick layer of fat completes the armour that hot-blooded penguins need, not only to survive but to thrive in the coldest place on Earth. While Emperor and Adélie Penguins live exclusively on the Antarctic Continent, Chinstrap, Gentoo and Macaroni penguins can be found on the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, where conditions are gentler.
Know your seals
There are two natural groups of seals: true seals and fur seals. Differentiated by their outer ears and ability to walk on all-fours, fur seals are also smaller, with adult females weighing only 150kg. True seals, on the other hand, can be colossal. A male Elephant Seal, for example, can weigh an impressive 4 tonnes. In Antarctica, you’ll spot Fur, Leopard, Ross and Southern Elephant Seals, with plenty of Crabeater Seals and Weddell Seals – known as the world's southern-most breeding mammal.
The best time to travel
Immense icebergs
Antarctic spring runs from late October and through November – the beginning of the Antarctic expedition season. It’s also one of the best times to see incredible ice formations, horizons of pristine white snow and colossal sheets of sea ice. Wildlife is still emerging at this time of year and there are opportunities for camping on the ice and snowshoe hikes.
Experience Antarctica 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 forever.
Camp under an Antarctic sky
Spend a magical night camping in a tent on the shore in Antarctica. In the style of the early explorers, we use our specialised equipment to sleep under the stars for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Kayak through ice packs
Hear the beautiful 'symphony of the ice' as you glide silently past nature's frozen works of art in a sea kayak. Designed for close-up polar exploration, there's no better way to encounter the wildlife of Antarctica and to enjoy its soul-stirring scenery.
Snowshoe across the tundra
When the conditions are right, snowshoes are perfect for crossing the frozen terrain on foot. Our modern equipment makes it easy to walk on the soft snow, and the snow conditions are usually best during our late spring and early summer Antarctica cruises.
Explore in our expedition boats
Our smaller, nimbler expedition boats are perfect for exploring the ice floes, spotting seals and penguins 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.
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.
What our guests say
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Life onboard
A stay onboard any HX ship is unforgettable. Whether you choose to voyage on MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fridtjof Nansen or MS Fram, our entire fleet has been designed to give you the very best expedition experience, as sustainably as we can. As the world’s largest provider of Antarctic 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.
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 trekking over ice and sailing frozen seas, thawing out in our sauna or relaxing in our spa are two perfect ways to celebrate a day well spent. All ships include an outdoor hot tub and 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. Here on the frozen continent, 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 Antarctica, 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.
Meet the HX Team
Tim L:
Science & Education Coordinator
Alicia P:
Expedition Coordinator
Torstein G:
Expedition Leader
Connor M:
Marine Biologist
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.
