What it's like to cruise to Antarctica with HX Expeditions

Since 1986, HX Expeditions have braved the wild corners of the world to get travellers closer to nature at its most primal. Mother Nature dictates the outcome of every experience, but with their handpicked experts leading every discovery, no two cruises are ever the same.  

HX Expeditions are far more intimate, less formal and boast a friendly environment. There is no dress code, each voyage only has 90-500 other guests on board and you can relax and recline in a refined environment that has been over 130 years in the making. 

However, in a nutshell, you do an HX Expedition for the experience. It’s so when people ask you what you got out of your journey you can respond like Heidi with “Antarctica has always been on my bucket list and COVID moved it right to the top - I thought if I could never travel again what would I want to have seen and Antarctica was it. As an animal lover it was next level, but what I didn't expect was the silence, the scale and the feeling of insignificance - it is ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING and I am still wondering what word could describe what an incredible experience it was.”

HX Expedition has a huge focus on care and sustainability, with hybrid ships and sustainable operations - think no single-use plastic, and water stations located across the ship. In 2023, HX Expeditions was rated the world’s most-sustainable cruise by Morningstar Sustainalytics for their state-of-the-art ships. 

Oh and they’re all inclusive - HX Expeditions believes that getting the most out of your trip shouldn’t be a luxury, and so all daily adventures come at no extra cost! 

Heidi’s Top Tip

“You’ll come home much wiser after each journey. The education and learning opportunities both onboard, and onshore, are second-to-none and since you’ll be with like-minded travellers, there is always such a genuine excitement and warmth in each interaction. You can learn from onboard scientists and experts who teach you about the work they’re actually doing. Being surrounded by people experiencing everything with you is so unique and incredible.” 

This depends on the specific voyage that you want to undertake. If you’re going to Antarctica, then you’ll want to do the mid-Spring to early-Autumn stretch as the days are longer and there’s often warmer (but still usually sub-polar) weather. The dramatic scenery is unparalleled and November is peak courting season for penguins and other seabirds. On the tail end (pun intended) of the season, you’ll find a greater volume of whales and penguin chicks in February and March, which is simply breathtaking. 

The Galapagos Islands are pretty ideal year-round, but December to May will offer warmer, calmer seas and more opportunities for getting out on the water. June to November may bring out a greater volume of marine life with the nutrient-rich waters but the seas can be much choppier. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast then the June to November stretch will be what you’re after. 

With an HX Expedition to Alaska, you’ll want to go between May and September. May and June offer longer days, wildflowers and fewer crowds, whilst July and August bring warmer temperatures and a greater chance of seeing whales. Things start to cool back down in September and you’ll see plenty of those gorgeous orangey-brown hues across the trees as Autumn gets into full swing. You’ll also have the chance to see the Northern Lights as evenings get longer and darker! 

Or, if you’re more in the market for sprawling glaciers, jagged mountains and scenic fjords then the isolated islands of Svalbard at the top of the world might be more for you. This rugged and striking landscape is a natural  home to polar bears and is best explored between May and September. In the earlier months of May and June there’s still ample ice and the greatest chance for spotting polar bears exploring on the ice. Into July, August and September you’ll see the tundra start to bloom as things warm up, along with a higher volume of birdlife, walruses and whales.  

Heidi’s Top Tip

“If you’re going to go to Antarctica, then I say go in December, over Christmas! Not only does this mean Christmas jumpers, carols, plays and an exquisite Christmas dinner, but it also means that you get longer days and some warmer weather. This leads to plenty of incredible animal sightings. If you can’t do Christmas, then the season runs from October to March and you’ll surely have a different experience with each season.” 

Given HX Expeditions voyages tend to get rough and wild, you’ll want to have plenty of coverage. Essential equipment like snow boots and heavy winter coats are usually provided onboard to ensure you’re well protected, so you don’t need to worry about packing these.  

Heidi puts it best, especially with Antarctica - “Layers! Pack lots of layers. The ship will be nice and cosy, so being able to layer up for trips out on the zodiac or on shore quickly is important.” 

• Thermals, woollen clothing, long socks, hats and gloves are a must. Also a neck gaiter - it helps you keep warm when moving on the zodiacs.
• Make sure you pack sunscreen, moisturiser and polarised sunglasses. You’ll burn surprisingly quickly and the cold dry air can dry out your skin before you know it. Don’t underestimate the wind.
• It might be the last thing you’re expecting, but make sure to pack something to swim in! There are hot tubs and saunas on board, and if the conditions are right, you’ll even have the opportunity for a polar plunge.
• You will need a pair of waterproof snow pants to go over top of your thermals when you go out on adventures.
• In the evenings, you can choose to get a little more dressed up for dinner - but definitely leave the high heels and any formal gear at home. They’re not needed here.
• Lastly, explore some seasickness solutions. Things can get pretty choppy out in the Antarctic ocean and so you’ll want a solution that works for you.  

But what about on board? Heidi says “Think cosy, and active. Don’t worry too much about it, as everyone onboard HX is comfy during the day. Honestly you could probably even pack your Ugg boots for walking around the ship!”  

Compared to some other cruise ships you may have experienced, HX Expeditions ships are true adventuring vessels. They’re typically smaller than larger cruise lines, but offer unforgettable experiences on board that rival others. Whether you voyage on MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fridtjof Nansen or MS Fram, the entire fleet has been designed to give you the very best expedition experience, as sustainably as possible. 

Comfort and style are paramount. Heidi recalls “panoramic lounges and nordic minimalism that are so comfortable and cosy”. You’ll enjoy a taste of luxury every time you step on board. From spacious suites with private balconies and walk-in closets through to fine dining and complimentary laundry, everything is designed to envelope you in comfort and relaxation.  

The onboard restaurants offer a wide range of delicious modern dishes prepared onboard using fresh ingredients by expert chefs. They bring their passion for food and travel to the table and work sustainably to craft impeccable delights. Beyond the restaurants, you can idle away the hours in the sauna or relaxing in the spa. All ships include an outdoor hot tub and have a pool, whilst others offer massages and beauty treatments. 

Plus, at the heart of every HX Expeditions ship is the Science Centre. Packed full of state-of-the-art technology, it offers you the chance to gain a deeper understanding of everything you’ve seen on land and at sea. There are lecture theatres, a library and specialty areas for workshops in photography, biology and much more. You’ll truly feel like part of the expedition after a few days in the Science Centre.  

• Take every opportunity to learn - the HX Expeditions science centre on board is packed full of experts ranging from scientists to historians and naturalists. They often run lectures throughout the day that you can sit in on. Don’t worry if you miss one, however, as they’re recorded so you can watch it from the comfort of your room later on! They’ll cover wildlife, glaciology, climate and Antarctic history! This does vary ship-by-ship and depends on the experts that they have on board.
• It might seem unnatural but you can fully live in the moment, and don’t have to take your smart phone and camera with you. HX Expeditions have a professional photographer on board who captures all the incredible moments and at the end of your journey, they’ll share all the photos with you along with a log book and a science and education report. So leave your phone in your cabin and just live in the moment - besides, most of the time their photos will be better anyway.
• Don’t be afraid to embrace the unexpected. “I always wanted to know where I was going, what was happening from the moment of booking” Heidi says, “However, the itinerary is entirely weather dependent” and all it takes is a turn of nature to change things. You’ll need to embrace the unexpected and live in the moment to ensure you can make the most of your voyage. The crew update you as you go along on your own unique adventure and they’re pros at handling things on the go. 
• Heidi says “Don’t miss the sauna. It’s unlike anything else, with floor to ceiling windows that let you watch the world go by outside. Utterly incredible!”
• Plus a final random tip from Heidi, “If you find you’ve got any damp clothing, you can dry it on the floor of your bathroom! They’re heated and so things dry very quickly.” 

HX Expeditions offers incredible excursions as part of their all-inclusive package, however there are some extra special optional options. These are all once in a lifetime experiences that you’ll remember forever. “On my trip there was sea kayaking, sleeping overnight on the snow and snow shoeing as the optional experiences. These are all done via a draw whilst you’re onboard and, importantly, are at an additional cost. Some of them are reliant upon having attended some safety briefings that happen while you’re crossing the drake passage, so it pays to head along, listen and register. Hopefully the luck will be with you!” 

How will I know when it’s time to get off the ship? “You’ll have an app to use” Heidi says, “And be allocated into a group. So you have plenty of time to head back to your cabin and change into the appropriate clothing for any time off the ship.  

So, ready to book your ultimate HX Expeditions voyage? Get started with the amazing packages on offer and then chat to a Cruise Specialist to make it into reality!