Life Onboard HX
Overview
Established in 1896, HX has been leading the way in exploration for over 130 years. The story began with a single daring voyage aboard the DS Lofoten, sailing from Hammerfest to Svalbard on a route no one had charted before. This pioneering journey marked the birth of expedition cruising and set the tone for what HX stands for today: bold exploration and a drive to push beyond the familiar. From those early days landing on Arctic shores and studying wildlife in the world’s most remote regions, HX has built a legacy rooted in Norwegian resilience and scientific discovery. Today, they continue to take travellers far beyond the usual cruise routes, offering meaningful, small ship adventures to the Polar Regions and beyond.
Accommodations
Accommodation options vary depending on which ship you choose. MS Spitsbergen and MS Fram offer identical cabin options. You can choose from Polar Inside, Polar Outside and Arctic Superior cabins or Expedition Suites. MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen, the newest ships in the fleet, also offer Polar Outside and Arctic Superior cabins and Expedition Suites, but there are no Polar Inside cabins. MS Santa Cruz II has a slightly different accommodation offering. Onboard, you’ll find just two cabin options to choose from: Explorer Cabins and Darwin Suites.
Amenities vary depending on the accommodation type you choose. But, a flat-screen television, tea and coffee-making facilities, a hairdryer, an electronic safe, eco-friendly toiletries and a telephone all come as standard. For more information, click through to each cruise ship to discover the accommodations available.
Activities & Entertainment
HX’s entertainment isn’t about glitzy stage shows. Instead, the true spectacle lies in the extraordinary destinations you sail to. At the heart of this experience is the ship’s Science Centre (known as the Science Corner on MS Santa Cruz II). It’s a dynamic, interactive space where curiosity is encouraged and exploration comes to life. Filled with hands-on exhibits, scientific tools and fascinating displays, it’s where guests gather to learn, question and share insights with the knowledgeable Expedition Team.
Meanwhile, the Expedition Launch Pad is where the adventure begins each day. It’s a well-organised area where you’ll prepare for small-boat landings and excursions ashore. And when it comes to going off the ship, HX places great emphasis on shore excursions.
Shore excursions are central to the entire journey, offering the chance to experience each destination in a truly meaningful way. A selection of included excursions is available on most sailings, from guided hikes and Zodiac rides to wildlife encounters and cultural visits. For those wanting to dive even deeper, a range of optional add-ons (like kayaking, snowshoeing or photography workshops) give you the chance to tailor the experience to your interests.
Food & Drink
Dining with HX is an experience shaped by flavour. Across the fleet, each venue offers something different.
Restaurant Aune is the main dining venue onboard MS Fram, MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Spitsbergen. Named after a historic Norwegian ship chandler, Aune reflects HX’s Nordic heritage while embracing global flavours. Here, you can enjoy a generous buffet breakfast, a laid-back lunch and elegant, regionally inspired dinners - all served in a warm and sociable setting.
Exclusive to MS Spitsbergen, Brygga Bistro is a relaxed, brasserie-style eatery that’s open throughout the day. Whether you’re in the mood for a gourmet sandwich, a fresh salad or something heartier like lamb koftas or wraps, Brygga offers high-quality light meals with the flexibility to suit your schedule - perfect for in-between excursions.
On MS Fram, MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen, you’ll also find Restaurant Fredheim. Fredheim is a laid-back, comfort-food favourite. Inspired by a historic Svaldbard hunting station, Fredheim is the go-to for casual bites like burgers, hot dogs and quesadillas. With its easy-going atmosphere, it’s a great spot to grab an on-the-go snack or light meal.
For something more indulgent, Restaurant Lindstrøm - available on MS Fram, MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen - offers a refined fine dining experience in an intimate setting. Named in honour of Norwegian polar chef Adolf Lindstrøm, the restaurant showcases elegant dishes crafted from local ingredients, with menus that rotate every couple of days. Suite guests enjoy complimentary access for all meals, while non-suite guests can book in for a supplement, subject to availability.
On MS Santa Cruz II, the culinary journey continues at the Beagle Restaurant. Overseen by a Le Cordon Bleu-trained Gastronomy Director, this is the ship’s main dining venue, offering sophisticated, locally sourced dishes that celebrate the flavours of the Galápagos. The atmosphere is relaxed and the service warm, making each meal feel like a fitting end to a day of exploration.
Relaxation & Fitness
HX offers a thoughtful range of relaxation and fitness options across its fleet, giving guests the chance to unwind or stay active between expeditions.
On MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen, wellness takes centre stage with a well-equipped fitness centre, a calming wellness centre, two hot tubs, a sauna, and even a heated pool. You’ll also find an outdoor running track. MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen both offer a more compact but equally welcoming setup, with two hot tubs, a fitness centre, and a sauna to help you unwind after a day of exploration.
On MS Santa Cruz II, you can enjoy a soak in one of two hot tubs or make use of the fitness centre, which comes complete with treadmills, bikes, weights and yoga mats.
HX Explorers
Did you know you can be rewarded for your loyalty if you choose to sail with HX time and time again? The cruise line’s loyalty programme, HX Explorers, offers its members exclusive benefits, like member savings and special offers. You’ll automatically become an HX Explorers member after your first voyage, unlocking benefits such as a welcome cocktail, in-cabin treats, exclusive offers, and discounts on selected shore excursions. After just one sailing of more than three nights, you’ll reach the next tier, Seasoned Explorer, which gives you all the same great perks plus a 5% saving on future HX cruises.
What’s more, when you book through ROL Cruise, you’ll earn Cruise Miles® and gain benefits from HX Explorers.
HX Destinations
HX travels to over 250 destinations across more than 30 countries, spanning five continents. These include awe-inspiring regions like North America, Europe, the Polar Regions and South America. You can explore some of the world’s most impressive destinations with an array of refined but thoughtful itineraries.
Each voyage is carefully curated to offer an immersive experience, and you can make the most of your time in port with HX’s extensive range of shore excursions. You can explore Trondheim on a bike, go whale watching in Husavík or help with a beach clean-up in Iquique.
Types of Cruises
Named Best Cruise Line for Expedition Voyages at the British Travel Awards 2024, HX specialises in small-ship cruises designed for curious travellers with a spirit of adventure. The cruise line offers a variety of expedition cruises, with a strong focus on scenery, wildlife and cultural discovery. The emphasis is on exploration (both on land and at sea) with expert-led shore landings, immersive Science Centres, and a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere onboard. Sailing on ultra-small ships, you’ll venture to some of the planet’s most remote and awe-inspiring places.
