Often seen as the final frontier of travel, Antarctica is a place that’s on many people’s travel bucket lists. And if you’ve been dreaming of following in the footsteps of famous explorers to experience unforgettable Antarctic journeys, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions offers polar adventure in style.
Here we’ve put together some Antarctic travel tips, looking at the unique experiences, comfortable accommodations, and unmatched service that make HX the choice for those seeking a premium polar exploration through awe-inspiring Antarctic landscapes.
Premium polar cruises with HX
HX offers a range of exclusive Antarctic experiences, ranging from 12 days to 24 days. All journey down to the Antarctic peninsula via the famed Drake Passage, with options to also calling in at places such as the Falkland Islands or South Georgia.
‘Highlights of Antarctica’ is one of the most popular HX voyages. This 12-day expedition gives you five days in Antarctica itself, where you can marvel at icebergs and spot whales and penguins.
Whatever your interests and however much time you want to spend in the Antarctic, you’ll find an HX expedition cruise to suit.
The sustainable way to explore Antarctica
With climate change being an important factor when booking holidays, it’s important that any Antarctic cruises you go on are respectful of the unique environment. Because HX has been exploring Antarctica for over 20 years, it knows first-hand how important it is to protect its fragile ecosystem, and prides itself on being the market leader in sustainable tourism to the region.
Two of HX’s ships are hybrid-powered, leading to an up to 20% reduction of carbon emissions. HX also stopped using heavy oil over 10 years ago and campaigning for a worldwide ban and uses biofuels made from organic waste.
HX is a founding member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). These trade member organisations work to establish sustainable tourism in polar regions, fighting mass tourism by limiting ships and shore visits, and creating guidelines that protect the environment and its rare wildlife.
HX also takes its lead from the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and is constantly updating and improving the sustainability of its expedition cruises. Initiatives include on-board measures such as banning single-use plastic, and supporting environmental cultural and social projects in the countries it visits. All this means you can cruise with confidence, knowing that you’re minimising your impact on this pristine landscape.
Expedition comfort with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions
You might not expect lavish accommodations when you’re on an Antarctic cruise, but each HX ship comes with premium cruise amenities and unmatched service so you can cruise to Antarctica in comfort.
An HX expedition is all-inclusive, letting you relax onboard and know that everything is taken care of. Your fare includes daily expeditions and activities, all meals and drinks, onboard facilities such as saunas and hot tubs, access to the science centre, and expedition gear and a water bottle so you can enjoy your Antarctic exploration in comfort.
Because HX has WiFi at no extra cost, you can also keep in touch with loved ones back at home and share some of your amazing photos!
For those who want ultimate Antarctic travel in comfort, you can choose to upgrade to a suite. This gives you access to a complimentary mini-bar, wardrobes, a private balcony and lounge area. You’ll also be greeted with a Champagne reception so you can set sail in style!
Learning more about the Antarctic
One of the things that makes an HX Antarctic expedition even more special is the opportunities it gives you to learn more about your destination. HX’s onboard Expedition Team are your guides to Antarctica, there to share their knowledge, passion, and expertise on everything from marine biology and the history of exploration to the impact of global warming and climate change on this fragile ecosystem.
Daily expeditions will give you the chance to see and experience the wonders of Antarctica first-hand, and on your return to the ship you can deepen your knowledge with talks from HX’s experts as well as the chance to take part in Citizen Science projects. Examples include working with the Polar Citizen Science Collective to collect data for animal population surveys and collecting water samples and logging seaweed temperatures for Fjordphoto’s study into phytoplankton communities in the polar regions.
Booking your HX Antarctic cruise
As a member of Cruise Collective, you can access a fantastic 5% discount on all HX Hurtigruten Expeditions. We’re also running an amazing competition where you can win a 12-night Antarctic expedition for two people.