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
Deposits & Payments
HX requires a standard non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total vacation package fare per person at the time of booking (covers cruise, domestic flights, and land components). The deposit percentage does not vary by stateroom, duration, or date. Final payment is due exactly 90 days prior to departure, and reservations made inside 90 days require immediate full payment. Grand Journeys or World Cruises may have advanced deadlines. Cancellations made 90+ days prior result in the loss of the standard 25% deposit, and restricted promo fares are 100% non-refundable from booking.
Cancellation & Refunds
Cancellation penalty rates depend on timeline prior to sailing.
90 Days or More Prior to Departure
- Cancellation Penalty: Loss of deposit (25% of total fare).
- Refund Eligibility: 75% of the total vacation package fare refunded.
89–60 Days Prior to Departure
- Cancellation Penalty: 40% of the total voyage fare.
- Refund Eligibility: 60% of the cruise fare refunded.
59–28 Days Prior to Departure
- Cancellation Penalty: 70% of the total voyage fare.
- Refund Eligibility: 30% of the cruise fare refunded.
27–14 Days Prior to Departure
- Cancellation Penalty: 90% of the total voyage fare.
- Refund Eligibility: 10% of the cruise fare refunded.
13 Days or Less / No-Show
- Cancellation Penalty: 100% of the total voyage fare.
- Refund Eligibility: No refund available.
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
HX does not directly sell customized cancellation waivers but partners with Allianz Global Assistance to offer comprehensive travel insurance. For polar itineraries (Antarctica and the Arctic), HX enforces a mandatory travel insurance requirement: guests must carry a policy that includes a recommended minimum of US $200,000 to $250,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, and present physical proof prior to boarding. To qualify for a waiver of pre-existing condition exclusions, the plan must be purchased within 14 to 21 days of the initial cruise deposit.
Tipping Policy
HX operates on a fully all-inclusive basis. Gratuities for shipboard hotel staff, stateroom stewards, dining room servers, kitchen teams, and bar personnel are fully bundled and included directly in the base cruise fare. No daily service charges are automatically applied to onboard accounts, and no physical tip envelopes are distributed. Prepayment, adjustments, or opt-outs are not permitted as tips are built into the package price. Gratuity policies are uniform across all cabin categories and destinations.
Dress Code
The dress code onboard is completely informal. Due to the expedition nature of the cruises, a layered approach is recommended with breathable, windproof, and waterproof clothing. Warm hats, gloves, and thermal underwear are suggested for polar excursions.
Formal Nights
- There are no formal nights onboard HX Expeditions, ensuring a relaxed environment where comfort and safety are prioritized.
Excursions
- Enhance your cruise vacation by pre-booking your excursions (recommended for most savings and to guarantee availability) via the cruise line app or book while onboard. Space is limited and popular excursions sell out fast!
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.
