Hurtigruten Expeditions HX

Hurtigruten Expeditions/HX (travelhx.com) is a new premium cruise line and luxury travel brand owned by the parent company Hurtigruten AS. HX's cruise fleet currently consists of five vessels: MS Fridtjof Nansen (2020-built), MS Roald Amundsen (2019), MS Spitsbergen (2009), MS Fram (2007), and MV Santa Cruz II Galapagos (2002).

HX cruises are operated by a separate fleet of smaller-sized vessels deployed in regions like South America and Antarctica, Alaska, North and Central America, Arctic Norway (Spitsbergen Island, Svalbard Archipelago), Atlantic Europe (Iceland and Greenland), Southern Europe (Mediterranean), Spain's Canary Islands, and Portugal's Azores and Madeira.

IMPORTANT: On November 28, 2024, Hurtigruten Group officially confirmed the sale of HX to a consortium of existing investors for EUR 140 million. On November 30, the sale of the sister company Hurtigruten AS was announced for EUR 110 million. HX's new ownership is led by Arini Capital Management (London-based asset manager) and Cyrus Capital Partners LP (London-based, SEC-registered investment adviser).

HX is currently registered as HX EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS LTD (company number 14861217). It was incorporated as a Private Limited Company (PLC) on May 11, 2023. From May 11, 2023, through February 5, 2024, the company was registered as HURTIGRUTEN EXPEDITIONS GROUP LTD. From February 5 through May 30, 2024, the company was registered as HX EXIT CO LTD.

HX's headquarters are located in London, England, UK (210 Pentonville Road, N1 9JY).

Hurtigruten Expeditions/HX's first CEO was Asta Lassesen, who was later succeeded by Gebhard Rainer. On June 15, 2024, Rainer was succeeded by Daniel Skjeldam.

Asta Lassesen (Hurtigruten Expeditions' CEO)

HX's current Nautical Itinerary Planners/Marine Operations Officers are Niclas Eriksson and Quentin Le Dain.

HX Company History and Changes

In January 2021, Hurtigruten Group's cruise shipping operations were reorganized into two separate entities: "Hurtigruten Expeditions" (rebranded "HX" in December 2023) and "Hurtigruten Norway." Both entities have different management teams (including CEOs).

Company Changes in 2024

In January, HX expanded its leadership team with Alex Delamere-White (CCO/Chief Commercial Officer), Jim Sayer (Senior VP of Global Marketing, Managing Director, and VP of Europe), Nathaniel Sherborne (VP of Sales and Marketing, UK & Nordics/previously worked for P&O UK, Cunard, and Princess), Carla Brake (Senior Sales Director), Sheralyn Berry (General Manager for the Americas), Jennifer Kennedy (Business Development Manager Southeast USA), Kent Phillips (Business Development Manager Western Canada), and Ian Kivell (Business Development Manager Eastern Canada).

Since November 2024, HX has been an all-inclusive cruise line, providing the following amenities and services fleetwide and to all destinations:

• Daily land expeditions and activities (hikes, community visits, lectures, etc.)
• Full shipboard dining (breakfast, lunch, dinner with house wine and beer)
• Availability of wine, beer, spirits, and cocktails throughout the day and evening
• Unlimited access to beverages (coffee, tea, soft drinks)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Inclusive crew gratuities
• Participation in the onboard interactive science program (Science Centre + activities)
• Access to wellness facilities (sauna, hot tubs, gym, etc.)
• Complimentary photos captured by the ship's professional photographer
• Expedition gear and a reusable water bottle for guests to take home

In May, HX appointed Chloe Couchman as Executive VP of Public Relations and Communications, reporting directly to the CEO.

In June, HX signed a partnership with Air Greenland (also known as Greenlandair/Greenland's flag carrier) for fly-cruises in 2025 (on the ship Fridtjof Nansen) with direct flights between Copenhagen and Nuuk. The new offers include pre- and post-cruise packages with fares inclusive of waterfront lodge stays (Ilimanaq) and fishing tours (Nuuk).

In October, Steve Smotrys was appointed Managing Director and Senior VP of Commercial Operations for HX Americas. He was previously employed by Seabourn as VP of Sales and Trade Relations.

In November, the "HX Explorers" loyalty program was launched, offering exclusive benefits across two tiers: Level 1 (first-time customers) and Level 2 (3 nights or more). Rewards include discount rates (on HX cruises and select partner brands/CEWE, Waterhaul, Ocean Bottles), services by a dedicated Onboard Loyalty Manager, a Welcome Cocktail (upon embarkation), and year-round (non-cruise) activities.

Company Changes in 2023

In September, HX appointed Sheralyn Berry as General Manager for the Americas (USA-Canada-Latin America). Previously (2018-2023), she was Contiki Holidays' President for Canada.

In 2023, Hurtigruten Norway celebrated its 130th anniversary, since its first Norwegian Coastal Express voyage in 1893. In September, the sister company Hurtigruten Expeditions (operating a six-ship fleet) was rebranded to "HX".

Company Changes in 2022

In March, Hurtigruten Group AS acquired a 24.9% stake (one-quarter) in Metropolitan Touring (Quito, Ecuador-headquartered travel company and luxury brand) specializing in South America and Galapagos voyages.

In October, Hurtigruten Expeditions signed a deal with Speedcast (Australian satellite technology provider) and implemented fleetwide SpaceX 'Starlink' (satellite internet) connectivity. The fast internet is unlimited and offered complimentary to both passengers and the crew.

Company Changes in 2021 (Hurtigruten Galapagos Cruise Charter)

In June 2021, Hurtigruten Expeditions signed a boat charter deal with Metropolitan Touring (shipowner/company specializing in Galapagos and South America voyages) for the luxury yacht Santa Cruz II (max capacity 90 passengers). The boat was extensively dry-dock renovated in 2021 (all staterooms and public areas).

The first Hurtigruten Galapagos cruise was scheduled to depart on January 7, 2022.

Hurtigruten's 8-night/9-day Galapagos Islands itinerary includes hotel stays in Quito, Ecuador (two nights/pre- and post-voyage), six nights of cruising (round trips from Baltra Island), and two domestic flights (between Quito and Baltra).

The maiden season (2022) included a total of 32 expedition packages combining the voyages with land tours in the Galapagos, Cusco-Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca (Andes Mountain/Bolivia and Peru), and Manuel Antonio National Park (off Costa Rica's coast).

In December 2021, bookings opened for the Galapagos 2023-2024 seasons, and new itineraries were announced. In addition to the 6-night "Eastern Galapagos," a 4-night "Northern Galapagos," a 4-night "Western Galapagos," and an 8-night B2B/back-to-back (Northern and Western Galapagos) were added. Hurtigruten also expanded its land program by adding the luxury hotel Mashpi Lodge (capacity 47 beds, northwest of Quito) as a 3-night pre-/post-tour accommodation option for any Galapagos voyage.

Hurtigruten Expeditions/HX cruises are operated by a fleet of smaller-sized vessels deployed in regions like South America and Antarctica/Antarctic Peninsula, Alaska, North and Central America, Arctic Norway (Spitsbergen Island, Svalbard Archipelago), Atlantic Europe (Iceland and Greenland), Southern Europe (Mediterranean), Spain's Canary Islands, Portugal's Azores, and Madeira.

HX's cruise fleet currently consists of five vessels: MS Fridtjof Nansen (2020-built), MS Roald Amundsen (2019), MS Spitsbergen (2009), MS Fram (2007), and MV Santa Cruz II Galapagos (2002).

HX Cruises 2025-2026-2027 Program

In November 2023, HX unveiled its 2025-2026 season, highlighting its commitment to expanding into growth destinations through the introduction of new ports, landings, and itineraries, along with an increased emphasis on local integration and community engagement initiatives.

The upcoming season features 80+ itineraries spanning five continents, solidifying HX's reputation for pioneering novel and innovative travel experiences in vital expedition regions such as Alaska, Antarctica, Greenland, and the Northwest Passage.

The program's notable highlights include:

Greenland: HX's most extensive Greenland season to date involves the addition of a fourth vessel, MS Spitsbergen. The company is among the first to operate from Nuuk's new airport, launching four itineraries, including 'Grand Greenland' voyages originating from and concluding in Nuuk. This development reduces transit times, allowing passengers to immediately immerse themselves in Greenland's wildlife and landscapes. Furthermore, the itineraries along Greenland's west coast feature enhanced community engagement, building upon the recently announced partnership between HX's sister brand, Hurtigruten, and the local Arctic Umiaq Line.

Iceland: HX is set to offer two new Icelandic itineraries, both departing from Reykjavik. The company made history by becoming the first cruise line to connect to shoreside electricity in Iceland this fall.

Northwest Passage and Arctic Canada: In 2025, HX introduces four new Arctic Canada sailings, all originating from or concluding in Nuuk, Greenland. These voyages encompass two Northwest Passage crossings, allowing travelers to experience this renowned route.

Antarctica: HX offers 50 departures to Antarctica, marking the largest-ever offering in this destination. The company's Science & Education program continues to support numerous projects and research endeavors in the region.

Svalbard: HX introduces exclusive spring itineraries, allowing guests to explore the Svalbard Islands as they emerge from the polar winter into spring.

Alaska: HX's MS Roald Amundsen, the world's first battery hybrid-powered ship, continues to serve guests for its fifth season in Alaska.

West Africa: HX plans to return to West Africa, where it is expected to be the sole cruise line offering exclusive voyages to the archipelagos of Cape Verde and the Bissagos Islands.

In September 2024, HX unveiled its 2026-2027 expedition program, featuring new itineraries across Antarctica, Alaska, Greenland, Norway, and the Galapagos.

One of the highlights is the Solar Eclipse Expedition – An Anniversary Celebration to Svalbard, Greenland, and Iceland, marking HX's 130th anniversary. This voyage reflects the company's first expedition in 1896 and offers passengers the opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse over East Greenland.

Other new options include a 7-night Ultimate Norway – Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights and a special Ultimate Norway at Christmas voyage in late 2026. Additionally, new 9- and 12-night itineraries for Alaska's Inside Passage showcase the state's remote wilderness and abundant wildlife.

The Iconic Antarctica – The Explorer's Route is another new itinerary, exploring the South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Sound, Weddell Sea, and Gerlache Strait, with departures from Buenos Aires.

Further new sailings depart from Dover, UK and Hamburg, Germany offering explorations of the Channel Islands, Isles of Scilly, Harlingen in the Netherlands, Heligoland Island in Germany, and Svalbard.

HX Galapagos Cruise Charter (Ship Santa Cruz II)

In June 2021, Hurtigruten Expeditions signed a boat charter deal with Metropolitan Touring (shipowner/company specializing in Galapagos and South America voyages) for the luxury yacht Santa Cruz II (max capacity 90 passengers). The boat was extensively dry-dock renovated in 2021 (all staterooms and public areas).

The first Hurtigruten Galapagos cruise was scheduled for January 7, 2022.

HX's 8-night/9-day Galapagos Islands itinerary includes hotel stays in Quito, Ecuador (two nights/pre- and post-voyage), six nights of cruising (round trips from Baltra Island), and two domestic flights (between Quito and Baltra).

The maiden season (2022) included a total of 32 expedition packages combining the voyages with land tours in the Galapagos, Cusco-Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca (Andes Mountain/Bolivia and Peru), and Manuel Antonio National Park (off Costa Rica's coast).

In December 2021, bookings opened for the Galapagos 2023-2024 seasons, and new itineraries were announced. In addition to the 6-night "Eastern Galapagos," a 4-night "Northern Galapagos," a 4-night "Western Galapagos," and an 8-night B2B/back-to-back (Northern and Western Galapagos) were added. Hurtigruten also expanded its Galapagos land program by adding the luxury hotel Mashpi Lodge (capacity 47 beds, northwest of Quito) as a 3-night pre-/post-tour accommodation option for any Galapagos voyage.