SS Lofoten was the vessel used for the company's very first 'expedition voyage' in 1896 - Credit Hurtigruten Museum

HX Expeditions celebrates 130 years with special offers and events

TORONTO — HX Expeditions, the world’s longest-running cruise company, is preparing for a milestone year in 2026 as it celebrates its 130th anniversary.

With more than a century of pioneering polar expeditions, HX is rolling out a series of special offers, exclusive activities and unique surprises throughout the year to commemorate the milestone.

“2026 truly is a year of celebration for us,” says Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX. “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, this is a year guests won’t want to miss.”

Among the celebratory initiatives is the limited-edition 130th Anniversary badge, honouring HX’s first expedition voyage in 1896 between Hammerfest and Spitsbergen in Svalbard. Additionally, guests can look forward to special culinary experiences, exclusive science lectures and a signature 130th anniversary cocktail to mark the occasion.

Offers and Exclusive Experiences

Starting today, April 2, 2025, HX is launching a special booking promotion for 2026 expeditions. New bookings will have the opportunity to upgrade to a Suite for the price of an Arctic Superior Cabin. This exclusive offer is available for a limited time and only for new reservations.

Special Events and Activities in 2026

Throughout the anniversary year, HX will host a variety of exclusive activities and surprise moments for guests, including:

Limited Edition Ocean Bottle

  • Official 130th Anniversary Historian and Storyteller: Magnus Winvold will join select voyages to share insights into HX’s rich history and legacy in polar exploration.
  • Limited-Edition 130th Anniversary Cocktail: Guests can enjoy a specially crafted beverage designed to celebrate 130 years of adventure.
  • Special Dining Experiences: Curated menus highlighting the finest in expedition cuisine.
  • Surprise and Delight Moments: Unique onboard experiences to enhance the anniversary celebrations.
  • Limited-Edition Ocean Bottle: Guests travelling in 2026 will receive a commemorative 130th Anniversary Ocean Bottle.
  • Northern Lights Science Lecture: A special presentation on the evolution of scientific data capture related to the Northern Lights over the past 130 years.
  • Photo Competition: Guests will have the chance to showcase their photography skills and capture memories from these historic voyages.
  • HX Foundation Fundraising Initiative: The company will set a special fundraising target to support conservation and sustainability projects through the HX Foundation.

Anniversary Booking Incentives

To make the 130th anniversary even more special, HX is offering exclusive promotions from April 2 to June 30, 2025:

  1. Suite Upgrade Offer: Guests booking an Arctic Superior Cabin will receive a complimentary upgrade to a Suite.
  2. Additional Anniversary Offers: A range of exclusive discounts and packages will be available throughout 2025 for travel in 2026. Special ‘130 Years’ labels will mark these limited-time deals. 

For more details on HX’s 130th Anniversary celebrations, visit
https://www.travelhx.com/en-gb/campaigns/130-anniversary-offers/.

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