From Pole to Pole: Epic Adventures with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

After five years of focusing on beach vacations, and helping Storied Landers return to travel after the pandemic, I'm meandering back to my first loves; adventure, sustainable and culturally focused travel experiences. Don't worry, I promise, I'll send you to the sun and help you escape those dreary winter blues, but I also want to start tempting you with bigger, bolder trip ideas.

So first up; Exploring the world with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions!

Unlike traditional ocean cruising, which often focuses on onboard entertainment and luxury, expedition cruising thrusts the essence of exploration, immersive experiences, and destinations into the spotlight. Expedition cruising is about slowing down, soaking up otherworldly landscapes, blissfully geeking out on science and discovery, and creating close connections with shipmates and staff. So if this sounds like something you need more of in your life, here are a handful of reasons why a cruise with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions should be your next adventure...

Penguins in Orne Harbour, Antarctica (Photography Credit: Oscar Farrera)

1. Connect with Remote Destinations

Expedition cruising is unique in its ability to connect travelers with some of the most remote corners of the world. From the ice-filled passages of Antarctica to the lush rainforests of the Amazon, these ships are designed to bring you closer to destinations that are typically inaccessible. HX Hurtigruten, with its specially designed ships, excels in navigating these hard-to-reach locales, offering you a front-row seat to the world’s most pristine landscapes.

Expedition boat cruising in Neko Harbour, Antarctica (Photography Credit: Oscar Farrera)

2. Focus on Sustainability

The ethos of expedition cruising revolves significantly around sustainability and the conservation of natural habitats. Hurtigruten leads the way with its commitment to green practices, including hybrid ships that reduce CO2 emissions, no single-use plastics on board, and menus featuring locally sourced ingredients. Choosing HX Hurtigruten means supporting a company that prioritizes the planet, and with the recent goings on across the Eastern United States, climate needs to be a top priority.

Sunset and beautiful icebergs in Scoresby Sound Greenland (Photographer: Yuri Matisse Choufour / HRX)

3. Educational Opportunities

HX Hurtigruten's onboard Science Centres are an exciting educational hub for expeditioners to learn more about the flora and fauna they encounter on their journey. Guests also have the opportunity to attend lectures by subject matter experts in culture, history, geology, and climate. Guests also have the opportunity to participate in Citizen Science Projects which contribute to essential data collection and climate-focused projects.

MS Roald Amundsen in Nuuk fjord, Greenland (Photographer: Arnau Ferre)

4. Smaller Ships, Personalized Experiences

Expedition ships, like HX Hurtigruten, offer a distinctly different experience compared to large cruise liners. They're smaller and more intimate, designed specifically to accommodate fewer passengers. This smaller scale provides a relaxed atmosphere, personalized service, and fosters a sense of community among travelers. Typically hosting fewer than 500 guests, and on some itineraries, no more than 90, these ships eliminate crowd overwhelm associated with larger vessels.

Expedition boat cruising in Neko Harbour, Antarctica (Photographer: Kay Fochtmann)

5. Adventurous Activities

Expedition cruising is all about embracing the spirit of adventure. HX Hurtigruten offers a plethora of activities like kayaking, hiking, and even polar diving, enabling you to actively engage with your environment. Whether you're paddling through Arctic ice or hiking up a volcanic mountain, these activities are tailored to challenge and exhilarate, making every moment unforgettable.

Bird watching from a tender boat around the Hornbjarg cliffs in Iceland (Phtographer: Camille Seaman / Hurtigruten)

6. Year-Round Expeditions

Flexibility in scheduling is another advantage of choosing HX Hurtigruten. They operate year-round, offering various itineraries to suit varying seasonal highlights across the globe. Whether you want to chase the Northern Lights in the winter or bask in the midnight sun of the summer, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions has an expedition for every geographical nook and cranny. Check out these locales:

• Antarctica

• Norwegian Coast:

• Caribbean & Central America

• Greenland

• Iceland

• Svalbard

• Northwest Passage & Arctic Canada

• The Galápagos Islands

• South America

• Alaska
  

7. HX Hurtigruten Welcomes Travellers With Diverse Abilities

Expedition cruising whisks travellers to remote locations, often far from the usual conveniences and facilities we have at home. Travellers in wheelchairs and other mobility aids are welcome onboard:

Recognizing that disabilities and mobility issues can vary widely, we recommend that guests who require assistance, either on board or ashore, consider traveling with a companion to help navigate the unique challenges and safety requirements typical to an expedition ship. We are eager to discuss accessibility options for individuals with disabilities or reduced mobility for each itinerary. Understanding the specific needs and expectations of each guest helps us facilitate participation in our programs and ensure that the experience aligns with what we can offer.

~ HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

Humans have been explorers (arguably) since the Anthropocene epoch. We are born curious and somewhere along the way, dulls our senses. It's time to reconnect, time to re-stoke the fires of exploration and take ourselves to places that remind us that we are but one species amongst millions that inhabit this breathtaking planet we call home. So step on board, and get ready to add another chapter to your story.

Want to learn more about expedition cruising? Go ahead and click the button below and let's schedule a chat!

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