Age Policy
Core Age Requirements
- Minimum Age (General): Most expeditions do not have a strict minimum age, but children under 5 years old are generally not permitted on sailings to Antarctica or South Georgia due to the extreme environment and safety requirements.
- Cabin Occupancy: At least one person in each cabin must be 21 years or older.
- Exception: Married couples under 21 may be allowed if both are at least 18 (documentation may be required).
- Supervision: Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the cruise.
Activity & Excursion Restrictions
- Shore Excursions: For safety reasons, children under 12 years old are evaluated on a case-by-case basis for participation in certain landings and excursions. The final decision rests with the Captain and Expedition Leader.
- Zodiac Craft: Children must be able to follow safety instructions and sit independently to board the small inflatable boats used for landings.
- Alcohol Policy: The minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on board is 21, regardless of the ship’s location.
Expedition Highlights for Families
While HX doesn’t offer kids’ clubs in the traditional sense (no waterslides or arcades), they focus on education:
- Science Centers: Most ships (like the MS Roald Amundsen) feature high-tech Science Centers where children and teens can use microscopes and participate in Citizen Science projects.
- Young Explorer Program: Available on select sailings (primarily the Norwegian coast), this program offers activities like wildlife spotting, beach clean-ups, and learning about polar history.
Dining Information
HX is now largely all-inclusive. The atmosphere is Scandi-chic—high-quality and stylish, but completely casual (hiking boots and fleeces are standard at dinner).
- Inclusions: All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and unlimited drinks (house wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, coffee/tea) are included in your fare.
The Restaurants:
- Aune (Main Dining): Named after a Norwegian ship chandler family. It’s a social hub with varied international and regional menus.
- Fredheim (Casual): A relaxed bistro serving comfort food like street tacos, burgers, and dumplings. Great for a quick bite after a cold excursion.
- Lindstrøm (Fine Dining): Named after the famous polar chef. It is complimentary for suite guests; others can dine here for a small surcharge. It offers a more refined, multi-course tasting experience.
Fuel Surcharge Policy
Fuel surcharges may apply depending on itinerary and global fuel conditions. Any applicable charges are communicated prior to departure.
Payments / Refunds
Antarctica, Galápagos, Arctic, etc.
- Deposit: A 25% non-refundable deposit is typically required at the time of booking to secure your cabin.
- Final Payment: Due 90 days before your departure. If you book within 90 days of sailing, full payment is usually required within 7 days.
- Payment Methods: They accept Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, and bank transfers. For on-board expenses, only credit cards (not debit) are accepted to open your shipboard account.
Refunds/Cancellations:
- 90+ days out: Loss of deposit.
- 60–89 days out: 50% penalty (approximate, varies by specific contract).
- Under 60 days: Usually 100% penalty (no refund).
Note: HX now requires mandatory medical screening for remote regions; if you fail this screening late in the process, refund eligibility depends heavily on your travel insurance.
Smoking Policy
- Activities include scientific presentations, photography workshops, wildlife observation, hands-on citizen science projects, fitness centers, and relaxation areas such as saunas and hot tubs on select ships.
- All indoor areas and staterooms are non-smoking. Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas.
Travel Protection
For HX, travel insurance is usually mandatory, not just recommended—especially for Antarctica, the Northwest Passage, and remote Arctic regions.
Mandatory Coverage: You must have insurance that covers medical expenses and emergency repatriation (evacuation). In places like Antarctica, a medical evacuation can cost upwards of $100,000, and the ship will not let you board without proof of coverage.
The Vikand Medical Screening: For remote 2026 voyages, HX uses a third-party medical partner called Vikand.
- You must submit a medical form 3–4 months before sailing.
The Refund Safety Net: If Vikand denies your fitness to travel for medical reasons, HX will provide a full refund of your cruise fare. This is a rare and very customer-friendly policy.
Recommendation: Because HX has a strict Loss of Deposit policy for cancellations, many travelers opt for a Cancel for Any Reason(CFAR) policy from a third party (like Allianz or Generali) to protect that 25% deposit.
Tipping Policy
HX has moved to a fully all-inclusive model to compete with luxury expedition lines.
Policy: Gratuities are included in your cruise fare. There is no expectation or requirement to tip the crew, expedition team, or staff during your voyage.
Extra Tipping: If you feel the service was truly exceptional and want to give more, you are asked not to tip individuals. Instead, you can leave a contribution in the Crew Tip Box at reception on the final day, which is shared among all non-officer crew (including those behind the scenes like laundry and engine room staff).
Expedition Team: Unlike some other lines, you are not expected to tip the scientists or expedition leaders separately.
Why HX?
True Expedition Expertise
HX Expeditions employs experienced expedition leaders, scientists, and naturalists who provide in-depth insights throughout the journey.
Purpose-Driven Travel
HX integrates sustainability, conservation, and citizen science into every voyage, allowing guests to contribute to meaningful research.
Access to Remote Destinations
Travel to some of the world’s most inaccessible regions, including Antarctica, Greenland, the Arctic, and remote island chains.
Small-Ship Exploration
Smaller ships enable deeper exploration, Zodiac landings, and access to places larger vessels cannot reach.
All-Inclusive Expedition Value
Fares typically include meals, excursions, expert-led activities, and educational programming, delivering strong overall value.
FAQ
What destinations does HX Expeditions visit?
HX sails to Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, South America, Northern Europe, and other remote regions worldwide.
Are shore landings included?
Yes, guided landings and Zodiac excursions are included on expedition sailings, weather permitting.
Is HX Expeditions all-inclusive?
HX offers a highly inclusive experience, with meals, activities, and educational programming included.
What should I pack for an HX expedition?
Packing lists vary by destination but typically include layered clothing, waterproof gear, and sturdy footwear.
Are gratuities included?
Yes, tipping is included in the cruise fare.
Is Wi-Fi available onboard?
Wi-Fi is available on most ships, though connectivity may be limited in remote regions.
What is the activity level like?
Activities can be moderately physical, including walking on uneven terrain and Zodiac boarding.
Do I need prior expedition experience?
No prior experience is required; expert teams provide guidance and support throughout the voyage.
What makes HX different from traditional cruises?
HX focuses on exploration, education, and sustainability rather than entertainment-driven cruising.
Is HX suitable for first-time expedition travelers?
Yes, HX Expeditions is well-suited for travelers new to expedition cruising due to its structured guidance and expert support.