World Leader in Exploration Travel

 

Global rollout introduces university-developed pre-departure courses across all HX destinations starting in 2026.

  HX Expeditions, the world’s first and longest-running expedition cruise company, today announced the global expansion of its pioneering education partnership with the University of Tasmania (UTAS) and its Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS). The planned expansion begins with new Arctic Introductory Courses launching in 2026, featuring programs for Alaska, Arctic Canada, Greenland, Iceland, the Northwest Passage, and Svalbard.   Launching in HX’s 130th anniversary year, the Arctic rollout extends the program to Svalbard, where the company pioneered expedition cruising in 1896.   The collaboration builds on the award-winning HX-UTAS Antarctica Pre-Departure Course, the world’s first university-developed program designed to educate Antarctic passengers. Building on its success, HX and UTAS will now extend the concept from pole-to-pole through a series of destination-specific programs.   First launched in 2024 with a free introductory course, the program was expanded last month with the announcement of Part 2: a deeper dive into Antarctic science and sustainability that also allows participants to earn university credit. To date, 933 guests have completed the program, reflecting strong engagement and growing interest in educational travel.   Recognised at this year’s Seatrade Europe awards for redefining responsible expedition cruising, the initiative pairs transformative travel experiences with academic insight, sustainability education, and world-leading science.   A New Frontier for Learning   The rollout of the HX-UTAS Pre-Departure Program across all HX destinations marks the next evolution of the HX-UTAS partnership.   Planning is underway for Introductory Courses covering Greenland, Alaska, Northwest Passage and Arctic Canada, followed by programs for Iceland, and Svalbard. These courses are expected to launch in 2026, subject to final planning. Developed by leading UTAS and IMAS academics in collaboration with HX’s Chief Scientist, Dr Verena Meraldi, the courses will offer flexible, online pre-departure learning experiences that combine interactive content, live sessions, and expert insights. Additional collaborations with other universities will support the development of location-specific learning materials.   Topics for the Arctic courses include:

• Essential Overview
• Ecosystem Primer
• Iconic Species
• Responsible Tourism

  The university-developed program blends immersive learning with real-world experiences – with the online course able to be accessed anywhere in the world.   Participants will experience an enriched journey through the wonders of the polar regions and upon completion, guests will receive an official University of Tasmania certificate. HX’s new pre-departure courses complement its onboard Science & Education Program.   A Continued Commitment to Responsible Exploration HX’s Chief Scientist, Dr Verena Meraldi, said the worldwide expansion reflects HX’s ongoing commitment to connecting travel with education and positive impact.   “The success of our Antarctica program showed how eager travellers are to understand the environments they explore. Expanding these learning opportunities across all HX destinations gives our guests a deeper, more meaningful connection to the world around them.”   Iain McNeill, Chief Operating Officer of HX, added: “This collaboration continues to transform expedition cruising. By combining exploration with structured, university-backed learning, we’re helping guests become informed ambassadors for the planet, and reaffirming HX’s leadership in mindful, science-based travel.”   Professor Nicole Webster, Executive Director Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) said: “The global expansion of our partnership with HX reflects our shared commitment to education, sustainability, and science. Together with HX, we’re turning the world’s most remote destinations into living classrooms, where travellers can deepen their understanding and contribute to global sustainability awareness.”

  HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), the world's first and longest-running expedition cruise company, today proudly announces the appointment of Kelvin Murray as Director, Expedition Operations.   Kelvin will report directly to HX’s Chief Operations Officer Iain McNeill and joins the Operations Leadership Team (OLT) at a pivotal time, as HX prepares to celebrate 130 years of expedition excellence in 2026. In this role, Kelvin will work closely across both Operations and Commercial teams to elevate and ensure a consistently outstanding Guest Expedition Experience - one that reflects HX’s proud heritage and ambitious future in global expedition.   Kelvin brings a global reputation and deep operational expertise to HX, honed over decades of leadership in the field. Most recently, he served as Head of Expeditions at EYOS Expeditions, where he led groundbreaking trips across every continent and ocean. He has also worked with other expedition cruise companies including Oceanwide Expeditions and Lindblad.   Murray has been involved in some groundbreaking activities including taking the largest passenger ship to date through the Northwest Passage, producing the first live 4K broadcast from Antarctica, and guiding record-setting submersible explorations of the deep ocean. Kelvin has also served on AECO’s Executive Committee, several IAATO committees, and held roles with conservation societies and the British Antarctic Survey. He is also known for his popular TEDx talk on ‘Expedition Resilience’.   "Kelvin is a world-class expedition leader and operational strategist with an instinct for people, place, and purpose," said Iain McNeill, COO of HX. " As we approach our 130th anniversary, Kelvin’s vision and experience will be instrumental in raising the bar for our guests and our expedition teams. He joins us with an impeccable record and a passion for excellence that matches HX’s legacy."   Commenting on his new role, Kelvin Murray shared: "I’m thrilled to join HX and help build upon their successful and extensive expedition heritage. These trips are as much about people    as they are places, and I'm looking forward to working with the team to continue HX being a safe, sustainable, mindful and cool way to explore the world."   With Kelvin Murray joining the helm of Expedition Operations, HX is set to continue defining what modern expedition cruising means for the next century.

  Hurtigruten, the iconic leader in Norwegian coastal voyages, announces a new culinary and drink-themed itinerary launching this September. The seven-day voyage includes three nights onboard the Original Coastal Express from Bergen to Stamsund, two nights at partner farms in Lofoten and Vesterålen, and one night at a distillery by Lyngen Fjord in northern Norway.   Following widespread acclaim for its Norway’s Coastal Kitchen program – including its most recent recognition as one of Food & Wine’s 2025 Global Tastemakers and winning Most Sustainable F&B Programme Award at Seatrade, the world’s largest annual cruise event - Hurtigruten has curated new small-group departures set for September 21, October 5, October 19, and November 2, 2025.   “More and more foodie travellers are discovering Norway, and Hurtigruten offers some of the freshest produce you can eat on a ship thanks to our 70+ partners along the coastline. So, it was a natural evolution for us to create small group itineraries to run just a few times a year, where our guests can enjoy truly the best of what Norway has to offer when it comes to food and drinks,” said Øistein Nilsen, Hurtigruten’s Culinary Director.   The new voyages deliver a premium gastronomic experience highlighting Norway’s exceptional coastal flavours. Beginning in Bergen, during the first three days guests will savour a fresh shellfish platter from the local fjords, enjoy a tasting session at the women-owned Feddie Ocean Distillery, a five-course tasting menu featuring fjord and mountain produce, a Trøndelag-inspired lunch, and a four-course Sámi dinner crafted by Sámi Culinary Ambassador Máret Rávdná Buljo. Guests will also sample Hurtigruten’s unique “Bubbles of the Sea” sparkling wine, matured for twelve months deep beneath the Arctic Sea.   After three nights onboard, guests disembark in Stamsund for a farm-to-table dinner and tour at Myklevik Gård, Hurtigruten’s partner in its zero edible food waste initiative. The journey continues with a seaweed lunch at Lofoten Seaweed, whose products are featured in many dishes onboard, and an overnight stay at Kvitnes Gård, where Hurtigruten Culinary Ambassador Halvar Ellingsen presents a 17-course tasting menu.   On day six, the group travels north to Aurora Spirit Distillery, the world’s northernmost whisky distillery, for a private tour, cask tastings, and a whisky-paired three-course dinner before retiring to fjord-side cabins. The final day concludes in Tromsø with a visit to Mack Brewery, a Hurtigruten partner for over 120 years, featuring a brewery tour, beer tasting, and a lunch showcasing Hurtigruten’s new Signature bread made from Mack’s spent grain - another example of the cruise line’s focus on sustainability.   “At Hurtigruten, we design journeys that nourish both body and spirit. These new culinary voyages are a fusion of innovation and tradition, where guests don’t just taste the Norwegian coast, they connect with it. By connecting our guests with the people and places behind Norway’s rich flavours, we turn meals into memories, destinations into relationships, and travel into transformation. Our guests crave meaning in their journeys—and that’s exactly what these voyages deliver,” said André Pettersen, Hurtigruten’s Chief Product and Hotel Officer.   In peak season, up to 80% of Hurtigruten’s onboard food is sourced locally along the Norwegian coast, while 60% of 154 drink products year-round, supporting over 70 farms, fisheries, bakeries, butchers, cheesemakers, and distilleries through its Norway’s Coastal Kitchen network.

  Hurtigruten’s vision for the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship is advancing, with its groundbreaking Sea Zero project recently completing a new phase of rigorous testing at SINTEF Ocean’s facilities in Trondheim, Norway. Large battery packs, retractable sails, air lubrication systems, contra-rotating propellers and an energy-optimised hull are among the innovations being evaluated.   Hurtigruten wants to design a ship that can sail without emissions in normal operation on the Norwegian coast from around 2030. “We are learning a lot from these tests, and we now see that many of the ambitious goals in this project can also be implemented in practice,” said Gerry Larsson-Fedde, Chief Operating Officer at Hurtigruten.   Thorough tests   Following months of testing, the ship design has been further refined to be longer, lower, and more stable, now featuring two large retractable sails, that can be raised or lowered as needed. The recent digital simulations and physical trials in Trondheim, using an eight-metre model tested in SINTEF’s ocean basin and towing tank, confirmed that the sails alone could reduce energy consumption by 10–15%.   “For each round we make changes to optimise the design. Now the ship is eight meters longer and slightly wider, and the height has been reduced by one deck. This provides, among other things, better stability. We have also gone from three to two sails,” adds Larsson-Fedde.   Sea Zero   The Sea Zero concept aims to cut energy between 40-50% compared to today’s ships. With that reduction, batteries charged with shore power connectivity in key ports could make emission-free operations possible.   "With the reduction in energy use we’re aiming for, it’s realistic to fit a battery system with enough energy to allow the ship to sail between charging ports under normal weather conditions," said Trond Johnsen, Project Manager for Sea Zero.   Hurtigruten is working closely with Norwegian research institute SINTEF and other leading partners to refine the design.   “To fully understand and analyse how these technologies work together, we are using advanced numerical simulations and have developed new laboratory techniques and instrumentation for ship model testing,” said Anders Alterskjær, Research Manager at SINTEF Ocean. “The model tests and analyses performed so far show encouraging results towards reducing the energy demand to the degree needed to enable zero emission operation.”   Facts About Sea Zero:  

• Goal: World’s most energy-efficient cruise ship
• Zero-emission operation targeted for 2030
• New: 143.5 metres long – Hurtigruten’s longest vessel to date
• New: Two retractable sails with solar panels (10–15% energy savings)
• Contra-rotating propellers and air lubrication to reduce drag
• Smart energy systems for heating, cooling, and onboard operations
• Estimated 40–50% energy savings vs. current ships
• Partners include SINTEF, Vard Design, DNV, Brunvoll, Plug, Corvus Energy, and others

  “The Coastal Express has sailed the Norwegian coast for 130 years. For us to sail for 130 years more, we need to change the way we sail,” said Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten.

 

The acquisition of Hurtigruten Group has been completed by a consortium of investors. The closing of the deal also concludes the separation of Hurtigruten from Hurtigruten Expeditions Holdings Ltd which were previously part of one corporate group. The Consortium is made up of existing investors led by Arini Capital Management, AlbaCore Capital and Barings. A long-term capital investment of approximately €400 million will enable Hurtigruten to continue exploring future growth and development. The company has been offering Norway coastal cruises for 131 years. Hedda Felin, Hurtigruten CEO said, “Today, we have new owners, and we have put in place a very solid foundation for Hurtigruten's future growth and development.” “With the completion of this transaction, Hurtigruten is once again a company focusing exclusively on its two core tasks as a coastal express operator and provider of cruise experiences.” Hurtigruten says demand remains strong for Nordic coastal cruises. At the end of 2024, advance bookings for 2025 and 2026 were significantly higher than 2024 and 2025 advance bookings were at the end of 2023. Hurtigruten will be headquartered in Oslo, Norway and will own and operate 10 ships under the Norwegian flag. The transaction completion will not affect Hurtigruten’s customer bookings, employment terms or day-to-day operations.

Hurtigruten Expeditions (HX) is about to get new owners. A consortium of investors including Arini Capital Management and Cyrus Capital Partners are set to acquire the expedition cruise brand. The deal, for an undisclosed sum, is expected to be completed in early 2025. HX was spun off from the Norwegian Hurtigruten coastal cruising line to create two separate entities. When the acquisition is complete, HX will get a €140 million war chest to fund growth. The acquisition will signal another ‘exciting phase’ for HX, the consortium said. “It will have the resources and strategic support to expand its offerings with adventures to northern and southern Polar expeditions and trips to the Galapagos Islands,” it said. “The acquisition also allows the company to continue its investment into a fleet of industry-leading ships.” Current CEO Gebhard Rainer will remain at the helm. Torben Geisler of Arini Capital Management, said: “This is the start of an exciting new growth phase for HX. We believe HX is poised to continue to build market share, and the group of investors is committed to providing the backing needed.”  

Expedition cruise company HX has announced the launch of ‘HX Explorers’, its first standalone dynamic loyalty programme. HX Explorers will offer various exclusive benefits and rewards starting in November. The new loyalty programme has two tiers: Level 1 – for those about to sail, and Level 2 for those who have sailed more than three nights. Membership offers special rates for repeat bookings. HX Explorers will offer special activities and offers on HX products, as well as special rates for partner sustainable brands including CEWE, Waterhaul, and Ocean Bottles.  Other HX Explorers offers include: Dedicated Loyalty Manager: Each HX Explorer will have access to a dedicated onboard Loyalty Manager. Welcome Cocktail: A special new loyalty cocktail on embarkation day. Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX, said: “At HX, we believe that travel is about embracing the journey. HX Explorers is our commitment to reward our loyal guests, encouraging them to dive into new adventures and discover the world with a fresh perspective.” “With HX Explorers, we recognise that today’s travellers seek more than just vacations—they desire meaningful experiences." As part of the launch, HX has created a specially designed range of anniversary badges to celebrate the HX Explorers programme as well as their 130-year anniversary which will take place in 2026. HX Explorers booking in until the end of 2026 will all receive a special badge when they arrive on board for their voyage. The badges depict the first expedition voyage made by the company back in 1896, called the “Sportsman Route” between Hammerfest and Spitsbergen in Svalbard. 

Related News Stories:  

Less than two weeks after its launch, Hurtigruten's new travel agent rewards scheme agents has onboarded over 300 travel agents. The enthusiastic response has seen 325 agents sign up. Iain Powell, VP of Sales & Marketing at Hurtigruten, said: "We're incredibly encouraged by the overwhelming response. The number of travel agents signing up shows the deep connections we've built over the years." There is a sign-up deadline of October 31, 2024, for travel agents to register to unlock an exclusive bonus of 100 points, to jumpstart their rewards journey. Agents can register now at http://www.hurtigrutenrewards.co.uk

Related News Stories:

Hurtigruten has launched a new rewards scheme for UK-based travel agents. Now live, it aims to reward travel agents for Hurtigruten's ongoing success in the UK market. Year to date, B2B revenue has shown an impressive increase of 107% year on year. The new agent rewards programme offers a user-friendly platform where agents can easily track their rewards. Individual bookings made are translated into points, which can be quickly redeemed as a monetary voucher or saved up for larger purchases. The voucher offers the flexibility to shop both online and in-store at over 200 UK brands. James Howlett, Head of Sales at Hurtigruten, said, "This new programme is our commitment to building lasting relationships between Hurtigruten and UK travel agents. Their support has been a key driver of our success." Agents who sign up on the platform before 23:59 on October 31, 2024, will unlock an exclusive bonus of 100 points credited to their account, to jumpstart their rewards journey with Hurtigruten. Travel agents can sign up at hurtigrutenrewards.co.uk Iain Powell, VP of Sales & Marketing at Hurtigruten, added, "The UK trade continues to be importance to us. Travel agents have played a critical role in promoting our unique Norwegian coastal experiences.” This new rewards scheme is a meaningful and simple way to give back to our partners."

Related News Stories:

Hurtigruten has kicked off its UK roadshow to showcase the brands’ heritage and Norwegian coastal cruising expertise as the best way to explore Norway all year round. Recently beginning in Ipswich, and followed by Chichester, the Hurtigruten sales team will also host evening events for travel agents at Cineworld cinemas in Cheltenham, and Ashton-Under-Lyne over the next two days. Agents can learn more about why Norway is a key destination for travellers, and understand the best way to experience the Northern Lights and Midnight Sun. James Howlett, Head of UK Sales Hurtigruten, said: “We are experiencing high demand in the UK for sailings to Norway, which is testament to the relationships we’ve built with our trade agent partners.” “Norway is a must-visit destination, and our roadshow provides the opportunity to speak to these agents to explain all the country has to offer.” All agents who attend the events will be entered into a prize draw to win a 12-day cruise for two to experience Norway first-hand.   Remaining event dates and locations: 17 September, Cineworld Cheltenham 18^t September, Cineworld Ashton-under-Lyne

Related News Stories:  Partner News - TravelMole     DidaTravel - TravelMole

  Hurtigruten is not only the iconic leader in Norwegian coastal cruise voyages but also the best opportunity to see what has once again been ranked as the number one bucket list trip/experience: the Northern Lights.   September marks the start of the official Aurora Borealis season, and the coming months will provide one of the best ever viewing opportunities as the Sun heads towards solar maximum in 2024/25 – a peak in solar activity that only occurs every 11 years, resulting in an increased number of charged particles released into space.   Travel company Skyhook surveyed 4,000 people from different countries across the world about their ultimate bucket list experiences. Seeing the Northern Lights came out on top overall, ahead of Machu Picchu, the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, and an African safari, to name a few other high-ranking dream experiences. Gen Z respondents, born between 1997 and 2012, ranked the Northern Lights the highest of any other group, with around 60% having it at the top of their list.   “While we have offered guests cruises to see the Northern Lights since 1893, this coming winter season will be one of the best ever to see this natural phenomenon due to the solar maximum. Hurtigruten really does offer one of the best possibilities in the world to see the Northern Lights as our ships travel through the large geographical hotspot for the Aurora Borealis – Nordland, Troms, and Finnmark in Northern Norway – for multiple days each sailing. Additionally, the chances of viewing the Northern Lights from a ship are significantly better compared with on land, especially with minimal light pollution onboard Hurtigruten’s ships. That’s why we confidently introduced our unique Northern Lights Promise 10 years ago, and in recent years have added astronomy-led itineraries, and as of this year, our very our Chief Aurora Chaser, offering guests a wide range of options to experience their bucket list wishes,” said Hurtigruten CEO Hedda Felin.   Due to the extremely high visibility rate of the Northern Lights during its cruises, Hurtigruten pioneered the Northern Lights Promise 10 years ago. Earlier this year, the cruise liner introduced the world’s first Chief Aurora Chaser, astronomer Tom Kerss, the esteemed Northern Lights astronomer. He is one of several astronomers partnering with Hurtigruten, and this upcoming 2024/25 winter season, Hurtigruten will offer nine astronomer-led itineraries following a strong response to the 2023/24 season’s astronomy voyages. Meanwhile, Hurtigruten offers 266 itineraries this upcoming winter season where guests can expect to see the Northern Lights.   The designated astronomer-hosted itineraries provide travelers with an onboard Northern Lights expert, offering invaluable insights into the Northern Lights phenomenon. Moreover, they elevate the guest experience by leading digital talks, webinars, and workshops, as well as organizing engaging and innovative guest-focused activities and events.  

Hurtigruten's Chief Aurora Chaser, Tom Kerss.   “Since Hurtigruten launched the Northern Lights Promise a decade ago, nearly a full cycle of solar activity has passed. Now we're approaching solar maximum again, and all signs point to a superb season ahead, exceeding the performance of the last maximum in 2014. There will be ample opportunities to witness dramatic, spellbinding displays of the Northern Lights as choppy space weather, churned up by the Sun, frequently arrives at Earth. With that in mind, it's a perfect time to be planning your aurora-chasing adventure in Arctic Norway. Being always on the move, and with the expertise on board to give you a heads-up, the chances are you won't just cross the Northern Lights off your bucket list, but also add several unique aurora experiences to the top of the list and cross them all off in a single voyage! Now's your chance to experience the unmatched beauty of the Arctic sky, safe in the knowledge that with the Northern Lights Promise, you really can't go wrong,” said Hurtigruten’s Chief Aurora Chaser Tom Kerss.   Earlier this year, Hurtigruten also announced the extension of its Northern Lights Promise period to commence mid-September, rather than October.   Hurtigruten has long been synonymous with the best of Norway's natural wonders, and its various initiatives underscore Hurtigruten's unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled Northern Lights experiences. It also reaffirms Norway as the ultimate destination to witness this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.