HX unveils 2026-2027 sailings, including 130-year anniversary voyages

‘These are the best destinations done better than ever,’ remarked Alex McNeil, the line’s chief expedition officer. ‘We're building on over a century of maritime expertise by enhancing local partnerships and community-focused experiences, ensuring a lasting, positive impact wherever we go.’ 

In 1896, the company that would later become HX launched the ‘Sportsman’s Route’ to Svalbard, the last inhabited outpost before the North Pole. At a time when only explorers ventured into these remote regions, HX brought travellers to the edge of the world – one of the few operators to lay the groundwork for expedition cruising. 

Solar eclipse 

Spitsbergen will commence its 17-day solar eclipse expedition and anniversary celebration voyage on August 3, 2026. The path of totality will pass through Svalbard, Greenland, and Iceland – the best locations for viewing the eclipse. Passengers will sail to all three destinations, and witness the phenomena over East Greenland on August 12. 

Northern lights

The seven-night ‘Ultimate Norway’ expedition embraces the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv or ‘open-air living.' Passengers will sail with Spitsbergen to the Lyngen Alps, Lofoten Islands, Vesterålen and Senja while experiencing polar nights and the northern lights. There are 26 departures between January 2026 and March 2027. 

A special ‘Ultimate Norway at Christmas’ voyage will be available in late 2026. 

Alaska

There are new nine- and 12-night voyages offering unparalleled access to Alaska. Roald Amundsen's ‘Fjords of the Great Land’ itinerary is a condensed but immersive cruise, from Vancouver to Seward. 

The 12-night ‘Where the Mountains Meet the Sea’ sailing on Roald Amundsen begins in Seward, before heading for Prince William Sound, and crosses the Gulf of Alaska to follow the Inside Passage through Southeast Alaska and British Columbia, ending in Vancouver. 

For each sailing there are four departures between May 2026 and July 2026. 

Both itineraries provide access to Alaska's wilderness; passengers will spot eagles and bears, explore landscapes on foot or by kayak, and engage with local communities.

Antarctica 

Building on HX’s legacy as a leader in Antarctic exploration, the new ‘Explorer’s Route’ voyage takes passengers across the Antarctic Peninsula, allowing them to walk in the footsteps of explorers who originally traversed the Seventh Continent. 

Over nine days, they will visit the South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Sound, Weddell Sea, Gerlache Strait, and Penola Strait, beginning and ending in Buenos Aires. 

HX said that as ‘the largest operator in Antarctica, HX provides exclusive access to secluded areas beyond the usual routes. This voyage offers more exploration than any other Antarctic Peninsula itinerary.’ 

There are four departures between October 2026 and February 2027 on Roald Amundsen.  

Voyages from Dover and Hamburg

There are new expedition sailings departing from Dover, UK and Hamburg, Germany exploring Europe’s west coast as spring returns. Stops include remote islands rich in culture and nature, with unique locations only accessible by a small ship, such as the Channel Islands, the Isles of Scilly, the Dutch coastal town of Harlingen and Germany’s Heligoland Island. 

New Svalbard expeditions will also depart from Dover and Hamburg, taking passengers through Norway’s deep fjords before heading to the Arctic and the rugged west coast of Svalbard.

Loyalty members

HX loyalty members will receive an additional 5% discount on all 2026-2027 season sailings, combinable with other offers. Travelers can also take advantage of a lower deposit of 15% on bookings made through November 11, 2024 for selected HX departures from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.