HX offer a very different style of travel, and understanding what sets them apart can make all the difference to your experience.
In May this year, ROL Cruise team member Olivia had the opportunity to experience HX first-hand, sailing aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen on an expedition to Iceland. From daily briefings and shore landings to life onboard and the rhythm of an expedition voyage, her time at sea provided valuable insight into what guests can really expect.
Based on Olivia’s experiences - alongside our wider knowledge of HX expeditions - this guide highlights the key things worth knowing before you set sail. Whether you’re new to expedition cruising or simply curious about how HX differs from traditional cruising, these insights will help you prepare for an unforgettable journey.
8 things to know before embarking on HX
HX is an expedition, not a traditional cruise
The most important thing to understand before boarding an HX ship is that this is an expedition first, cruise second. Since 1896, HX has been taking curious travellers to some of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring destinations, with a strong focus on exploration, learning and nature.
Rather than rigid itineraries, HX voyages are designed to be flexible. Routes and landings may change depending on weather, sea conditions, ice or wildlife activity - and that flexibility is part of the appeal. One day’s plans might shift because a pod of whales has appeared or conditions are perfect for an unplanned landing, and these moments often become the highlights of the entire trip.
HX sails to some truly extraordinary places, including Alaska, Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, Greenland, Iceland, the Northwest Passage and Norway, to name a few. These are destinations where adaptability matters, and guests who embrace that sense of spontaneity tend to enjoy the experience the most.
The Expedition Team are the heart of the experience
On an HX cruise, the expedition team plays a central role in your journey. Made up of scientists, naturalists, historians, photographers and destination experts, they’re not just there to guide you ashore - they shape the entire experience.
Daily briefings and lectures are a core part of life onboard, helping guests understand the landscapes, wildlife and cultures they’re encountering. Whether you’re learning about glacial formations, local history or animal behaviour, the onboard education programme adds real depth to every destination.
The expedition team also leads the majority of shore landings, usually in small groups, ensuring experiences feel personal, informative and well managed. Many guests are surprised by just how immersive and enriching HX voyages are - it’s as much about learning as it is about travel.
This is what’s included in the price of an HX cruise
HX is relatively inclusive, though in a different way to traditional luxury cruising. Meals are included onboard, along with drinks such as house wine and beer, and guests have access to a full program of lectures and educational talks throughout the voyage.
Shore landings and guided excursions form a major part of the experience, with more than 450 excursions available across HX itineraires. Many are included, while others are optional and available at an additional cost, allowing guests to tailor their adventure.
Practical inclusions also make a difference. Guests receive a reusable water bottle, with refill stations available throughout the ship, and on most voyages (excluding the Galápagos), a complimentary waterproof expedition jacket is provided. Access to the onboard Science Centre - packed with state-of-the-art equipment - gives guests a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on the regions they’re exploring.
Taken together, these inclusions help explain the value of an HX cruise, particularly for travellers who prioritise experience, knowledge and access over traditional onboard luxury.
What you really need to pack for an HX cruise
Packing for an HX cruise is refreshingly straightforward once you know what to expect. Layering is key. Even in warmer regions, conditions can change quickly, and being able to add or remove layers makes all the difference.
HX provides technical outerwear on many itineraries, which reduces the need to overpack. Waterproof trousers, gloves, hats and binoculars are worth bringing, along with comfortable footwear suitable for uneven terrain. A reusable water bottle is also handy, though one is provided onboard.
What you don’t need is formal wear. The dress code onboard HX ships is relaxed and practical, with no formal nights. Comfort and warmth take priority, and guests tend to dress for the day’s activities rather than for evening glamour.
Looking at fitness levels and accessibility
Most HX landings are designed to be accessible to a wide range of fitness levels, but it’s important to be realistic. Some landings involve uneven ground, and Zodiacs are used frequently to get guests ashore.
Activity levels vary, and guests can usually choose how active they wish to be. Information about each excursion’s intensity is available in advance on HX’s website and in the daily program onboard, which can be accessed via the HX app. This allows guests to plan their days with confidence and choose experiences that suit them best.
Sustainability and science are at the core
Sustainability isn’t an add-on for HX - it’s fundamental to how they operate. The cruise line has strong environmental credentials, with a clear commitment to responsible tourism, conservation and scientific research.
Guests are encouraged to take part in citizen science programmes, contributing to real research projects during their voyage. Wildlife encounters are carefully managed to minimise impact, and itineraries are designed with conservation in mind.
For many travellers, this science-led, environmentally conscious approach is one of the biggest reasons to choose HX over a mainstream cruise line.
HX cruises are best suited for…
HX cruises are ideal for curious, adventurous travellers who value learning, discovery and meaningful experiences. They particularly appeal to nature and wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and those who prefer substance over spectacle.
They’re less suited to travellers looking for party-style cruising, fixed itineraries or formal evenings. Understanding this upfront helps ensure expectations align with the experience.
How to choose the right HX cruise for you
Choosing the right HX cruise is all about matching the destination, season and expedition intensity to your interests and comfort level. That’s where expert guidance really matters.
Booking with ROL Cruise gives you access to knowledgeable advice, support throughout your journey and added benefits such as Cruise Miles®. With so many regions, itineraries and inclusions to consider, having a specialist on hand can make all the difference in planning an expedition that’s truly right for you.
