HX Celebrates 130 Years Of Expedition Voyaging
HX Celebrates 130 Years of Pioneering Exploration
with Exclusive Anniversary Events and Offers
2026 Marks a Historic Milestone with Special Activities, Offers, and Unforgettable Moments for Guests
A photo of DS Lofoten. DS Lofoten was the vessel used for the company's very first 'expedition voyage' in 1896—between Hammerfest and Spitsbergen in Svalbard. The image is courtesy of the Hurtigruten Museum.
HX, the world’s first and longest-running cruise company, is preparing for an extraordinary celebration in 2026 as it marks an impressive 130 years of expedition cruising. Since launching its first polar voyage between Hammerfest and Spitsbergen in Svalbard in 1896, HX has been at the forefront of exploration, taking adventurous travellers to some of the most remote and awe-inspiring corners of the globe.
To honour this monumental anniversary, HX has announced a year-long celebration packed with exclusive events, limited-time offers, and special onboard experiences designed to make 2026 a once-in-a-lifetime voyage for guests.
Commemorative Surprises and Signature Touches
Among the early highlights is the launch of a limited-edition 130th Anniversary badge, paying homage to HX’s very first voyage. Throughout 2026, guests can expect culinary delights, surprise moments, and unique science-led experiences that bring HX’s rich heritage to life.
Expect:
A special 130th Anniversary cocktail, crafted just for the celebration
Curated dining experiences inspired by 130 years of expedition cuisine
A science lecture on “130 Years of Northern Lights” research
A limited-edition Ocean Bottle, available exclusively to 2026 guests
A Story to Tell: Meet HX’s Anniversary Historian
Magnus Winvold, HX’s official 130th Anniversary Historian and Storyteller
To further bring the company’s heritage to life, Magnus Winvold has been appointed as HX’s official 130th Anniversary Historian and Storyteller. He will join select voyages in 2026 to deliver exclusive talks and storytelling sessions, delving into the history, people, and places that have defined HX’s legacy in polar exploration.
Extraordinary Events Throughout the Year
Guests sailing during HX’s anniversary year can look forward to a range of special activities and surprises, including:
Guests will receive a 130th Anniversary Ocean Bottle. (Artist Impression)
Anniversary Science Lecture: “130 Years of Northern Lights” explores the evolution of aurora data collection.
Photo Competition: Share your most stunning expedition photos for a chance to be featured in HX’s anniversary collection.
Surprise and Delight Moments: Expect the unexpected with spontaneous onboard celebrations.
130th Anniversary Ocean Bottle: An exclusive sustainable souvenir available only to 2026 guests.
HX Foundation Fundraising Drive: Help support conservation and community projects through the HX Foundation.
Voyage to the Edge of the World: Exclusive Anniversary Pricing
HX’s celebratory offers include exclusive pricing on selected sailings to some of their most iconic and remote destinations: Antarctica, Greenland, Svalbard, and Alaska.
For example, Antarctica, the ultimate bucket-list adventure, is now more tempting than ever:
Suites from £11,318pp
Cabins from £8,330pp
Limited-Time Booking Offers
Guests booking between 2 April and 30 June 2025 for 2026 departures will receive:
A Suite upgrade for the price of an Arctic Superior Cabin
Access to 130th Anniversary onboard events, lectures, and limited-edition merchandise
Invitations to special culinary experiences and historian-led sessions
These unforgettable journeys offer the chance to sail past majestic icebergs, encounter vast penguin colonies, and experience the raw, untouched beauty of the White Continent.A Legacy Worth Celebrating
“This is not just a celebration of our past, but also of our future,” says Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX.
“In 2026, we’re offering our guests something totally unique—a chance to be part of history and experience limited-edition moments that will last a lifetime. It’s a year of celebration, and we’re thrilled to have our guests with us as we continue our journey forward.”
He adds:
“2026 truly is a year of celebration for us. How we continue to lead the way in sustainable and meaningful travel means this celebration should leave a legacy – something that both guests and the communities we visit will remember. With all the incredible surprises we have in store for our guests, this is a year they won’t want to miss.”
Be Part of Expedition History
Learn more about HX's 130th Anniversary celebrations and to make a booking for 2026
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