The Magnificent Wild
The sheer scale of Alaska is enough to inspire awe. Here, in the USA’s largest state, with a population of just over 700,000, you’ll have the chance to experience unparalleled tranquillity. It’s a world where people live in harmony with the rhythms of nature, honouring its wisdom and celebrating the heritage of the land they call home.
Guided by our expert Expedition Team, you’ll find yourself enraptured by the wildlife: magnificent bears, colossal moose and noble whales, as well as Alaskan seabirds, caribou, deer and wolves. You’ll have the chance to spot all these and more from the ship, expedition boat, kayak or on land and, for those determined to see everything there is to see, there’s even our ultimate Alaska cruise.
Rich with dramatic scenery and rugged landscapes, the Aleutian Islands feature active volcanoes and rocky coastlines. There’s also the chance to visit the city of Unalaska and the Pribilof Islands.
This coastal route takes us through the North American Pacific Fjordland. While other cruises pass through at night, we’ll enjoy it during the day, spotting whales, wildlife-filled fjords and glaciers.
Katmai National Park is home to over a dozen active volcanoes and more than 2,000 brown bears. With your experienced bear guard, you’ll scout for bears from the ship deck or our expedition boats.
10,000sqm of protected waterways, islands and fjords, filled with whales, porpoises, otters and seals. There are also 30 species of land animals, such as bears and moose, and over 220 species of bird.
Unforgettably majestic, the Tongass National Forest covers most of Southeast Alaska with mighty Sitka spruce trees, towering mountains and deep bays, with a chance to see eagles, bears and salmon.
Thriving in harmony
The wildlife in Alaska is as varied as its landscapes. With its towering mountain ranges, deep fjords and vast forests, this is a land buzzing with diverse mammals, birdlife and sea life, all thriving in the well-protected wilderness and national parks. Bears, moose, deer, whales and eagles are just a handful of the extraordinary residents you’ll have the chance to spot here from the ship, on foot and by kayak.
Majestic bears
Alaska is home to around 30,000 Brown, Grizzly and Black Bears. These mighty omnivores can grow up to 10ft tall and spend their time foraging for berries, fishing and hunting small mammals. Mostly solitary by nature, besides nursing mothers and their cubs, they do like a party and you might be lucky enough to spot groups of bears gather for a feast during the salmon run. Black Bears, in particular, are great climbers, so you could catch sight of one relaxing in tree branches overhead.
Wondrous whales
Alaska’s chilly waters are home to seven whale species, including Beluga, Humpback, Blue and Minke Whales. The largest dolphin species, the Orca, can also be found here, breaching the water and stalking their prey. In peak season, you’ll often be able to spot these graceful giants from the ship or shore but, with HX, you’ll have the opportunity to board our smaller expedition boats and sail into whale territory for a chance to get a closer look among the glaciers, rainforests and fjords.
Bountiful birdlife
A dream destination for bird-lovers, Alaska’s vast stretches of untouched habitat are ripe for thriving populations, from birds of prey to tiny songbirds. Two species of eagle – Bald and Golden Eagles – rule the skies here and the landscape is filled with the sound of Trumpeter Swans honking in the water and hummingbirds buzzing around the trees and flowers.
The best time to travel
Whale watching
While some species, like Orca, can be spotted in bays and inlets all year round, Alaska’s peak whale season tends to be from from June through early September. This is when most species make their way to spend the summer in Alaska, starting with Gray Whales in late April. July and August are the best months to see Humpback Whales, particularly when over 500 of them gather in the Inside Passage, and July and August offer the best opportunity to spot Minke Whales before they migrate away from Alaska to enjoy warmer waters during the winter months.
Experience Alaska 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. At HX, we explore Alaska differently. We take in more of this region than most travel providers, experiencing natural beauty and engaging with communities that other ships simply sail past. From Southeast and Southcentral Alaska to Southwest Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, you'll see everything this extraordinary land has to offer.
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.
Get inspired by nature
From bears and moose to puffins and sea lions, the animal and bird life in Alaska has to be seen to be believed. Just the experience of standing on the deck of your ship can feel like a whale watching or bear spotting trip, but those hoping to sail a little closer will enjoy boarding our smaller expedition boats to look out for birds, mammals and sea life as they feed, hunt and play.
Immerse yourself in culture
While the natural beauty of Alaska thrives, the land also buzzes with diverse, time-honoured cultures and traditions. Discover the remains of the Gold Rush era in the fishing villages, abandoned towns and bustling harbours. Explore the rich past of the Aleutian Islands in their museum and World War II historic area. Learn more about the Łingít people who lived in Sitka over 10,000 years ago.
Take to the waters
With its wild rivers, glassy fjords and tranquil bays, Alaska is the perfect place to enjoy kayaking, whether you’re a seasoned pro or it’s your very first time. Paddle through ocean passages and iceberg lagoons just for pleasure, or to find the perfect place to hike, take photographs or spot the next animal resident on your list.
Adventure is All-Inclusive
A cruise to Alaska 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 Roald Amundsen or MS Fridtjof Nansen, our entire fleet has been designed to give you the very best expedition experience, as sustainably as we can. In fact, all our ships in Alaska are state-of-the-art and 4.5-star rated, equipped with brand new hybrid technology to reduce fuel consumption and tread lightly on the planet. 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.
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 in chilly climes, 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. 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. While your expedition is completely in English, our Expedition Team is from all over the world, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and experience. 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.
