HX Expeditions has reported that its October 2025 to March 2026 Antarctic season was the most successful in its history, reinforcing its position as a leading operator in the region and a major participant in expedition cruising.
During the season, the company completed 34 voyages to Antarctica, carrying several thousand passengers. Guest satisfaction levels were reported at a high level, supported by 272 online reviews, of which 252 were rated at the highest level, resulting in an overall 5-star rating of approximately 93%.
Demand for premium accommodation also increased, with suite bookings rising globally by around five percent compared with the previous year and reaching significantly higher growth levels in certain markets. At the same time, operational capacity for expedition activities was expanded, including a substantial increase in kayaking availability and a doubling of camping places, all conducted within the regulatory framework established by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.
The season was also characterized by a continued emphasis on scientific participation and data collection. The company reported that more than 1,800 cruise nights were allocated to visiting scientists engaged in research programmes. Guests contributed to citizen-science initiatives through wildlife observation platforms and biodiversity reporting, including over 1,100 submissions to Happywhale and more than 2,200 entries to eBird. In parallel, sustainability initiatives such as the “Green Stay” programme recorded over 27,000 participation nights, while onboard fundraising generated more than EUR 124,000 in support of environmental and community projects.
Educational engagement formed an additional component of the programme, with more than 2,300 passengers completing an academic module on Antarctic studies developed in cooperation with the University of Tasmania, contributing several thousand hours of study during the season.
Verena Meraldi, the company’s Chief Scientist, indicated that the Science and Education programme had continued to provide access for researchers to remote Antarctic environments while involving passengers directly in observational and data-gathering activities. She referred in particular to a research project documenting spawning behaviour of Antarctic blackfin icefish near Danco Island using underwater drone technology, noting that such observations contribute to the understanding of habitats that remain insufficiently studied.
In addition to onboard programmes, enhancements were introduced to the overall travel experience before and after the expedition. These included adjusted flight schedules from Buenos Aires, upgraded charter aircraft, and revised post-voyage arrangements in Ushuaia, aimed at improving logistical flow and passenger comfort throughout the journey.
The company operates within strict environmental guidelines governing Antarctic tourism, including limits on shore landings, wildlife interaction protocols and biosecurity measures. Its continued expansion in the region has been accompanied by an emphasis on maintaining compliance with these frameworks while integrating scientific research and sustainability practices into each voyage.
Chief Executive Officer Gebhard Rainer described the season as notable not only for passenger numbers and satisfaction levels but also for the scale of scientific engagement and adherence to responsible travel practices. He indicated that, as the largest operator in the region, the company recognizes the obligations associated with its position and maintains a focus on ensuring the long-term protection of the Antarctic environment, while demonstrating that expedition cruising and environmental stewardship can be pursued concurrently.