Where comfort, discovery and purpose unite in Antarctica.
“This is the closest I’m going to get to experiencing being on a different planet.” That’s how one awestruck traveller described his recent voyage to Antarctica with HX Expeditions.
Indeed, the Seventh Continent is unlike anywhere else on Earth: a land of extremes shaped by ice, silence and staggering scale. No permanent human settlements. No roads. Just wind-sculpted snow, mighty glaciers, and icy seas teeming with life.
Setting foot on the remote continent is a dream for many, but an experience for few. The first tour company to take travellers to the Arctic in 1896, now HX takes more people on cruises to Antarctica than any other expedition company, with voyages designed to go beyond expectations and enrich guests’ understanding of our world.
But HX Expeditions travellers don’t just “go to” Antarctica or “visit” the Great White South. Rather, they experience a place that the earliest explorers called “otherworldly”.
Guests don’t just witness the stark, mesmerising panoramas -they take part in activities and excursions that bring them closer to Antarctica’s beauty and iconic wildlife. They can join talks with wildlife experts and, in the ship’s Science Centre, even contribute to vital research.
One of HX’s most popular expeditions is the 12-day Highlights of Antarctica expedition which gives a streamlined experience of the continent. There are 48 departures between November 2025 and March 2028 to choose from.
The best times to travel to Antarctica are in November as penguins court and nest, or in December-January when penguins hatch, while February-March offers peak whale-watching opportunities.
Departing from and returning from South America, the expeditions call at Punta Arenas or Ushuaia - the gateway to Antarctica; South Georgia, one of the planet’s last great wildernesses where wildlife thrives across dramatic, untamed landscapes; the wild, remote and captivating Falkland Islands, where nature is at its awe-inspiring best; and the South Shetland Islands, the first landfall in Antarctica.
HX operates two of the world’s first and most advanced hybrid-powered expedition ships, MS Roald Amundsen and
MS Fridtjof Nansen, both equipped with sonar-optimised hulls, battery packs, and emissions-reduction technology. These vessels are designed to tread lightly in the fragile regions they explore, reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. MS Spitsbergen and MS Fram – HX’s smaller, nimbler expedition ships – offer a classic expedition atmosphere and are ideal for guests who value an intimate, close-to-the-elements experience in remote regions.
Spacious suites include either private balconies or expansive windows, unlimited access to fine dining and complimentary laundry. Th three onboard restaurants serve a wide range of modern dishes, freshly prepared by expert chefs.
After hours of trekking over ice and sailing frozen seas, thawing out in the sauna or relaxing in the spa are perfect ways to celebrate the day. All ships include an outdoor hot tub and pool; others also offer massages and beauty treatments.
As a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), HX follows its standards on landing sites and safe distances from wildlife to prioritise guest safety, animal welfare, and precious habitats.
Excursions are unique and unforgettable: guests can spend a night camping in a tent on shore; kayak through ice packs, gliding silently past nature’s frozen works of art in a sea kayak designed for close-up exploration; and snowshoe across the tundra with modern equipment that makes it easy to walk on frozen terrain.
Curiosity is the key to an extraordinary experience with HX Expeditions. Guests are drawn to find out more about the natural wonders they see and explore, and HX’s Science and Education Programme enhances knowledge and understanding.
It’s an immersive learning experience supported by experts, helping guests discover more about the landscapes, plants, and wildlife of Antarctica. Moreover, travellers can support real-time research and collect valuable data contributing to the conservation and understanding of our planet.
The heart of an HX expedition lies in the onboard Science Centre. Packed with state-of-the-art technology, it offers opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of everything seen on land and sea. There are lecture spaces, a small library and workshops in photography, biology and more.
With expert advice, guests become Citizen Scientists, using advanced microscopes to analyse sea water, fossils and biological samples. They’ll meet guest scientists on board to conduct research, who’ll be only too happy to share their findings.
HX supports vital Citizen Science projects including NASA cloud research, seaweed biodiversity, the impacts of climate change and studies into phytoplankton. While the company encourages guests to unlock their inner scientist, HX has partnered with key organisations and been recognised for its alliance with the world-leading climate change university, the University of Tasmania (UTAS).
Their industry-first programme debuted last year, offering travellers a unique opportunity to pair the life-changing experience of visiting Antarctica with academic insight and scientific knowledge.
The initiative has set a new benchmark for responsible expedition cruising and has been expanded into two online learning tiers.
The Introductory Course, available to all HX guests, is an online overview of Antarctica, designed to spark curiosity and prepare travellers before, during, or after their voyage.
The Comprehensive Course is a deeper dive into polar science and sustainability, available year-round with UTAS accreditation, allowing participants to earn credits towards future study.
So much to see, so much to learn. As one of HX’s scientific team observes, “We humans have just about conquered the entire world. Antarctica is the only place left where we are still visitors.”
Book your all-inclusive HX Expedition with House of Travel www.houseoftravel.co.nz