MS Fram
Extensively renovated in 2022, this comfortable ice-strengthened ship’s revamped facilities include a high-tech science center.
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HX Expeditions can draw on a heritage longer than anyone when it comes to polar expedition cruise, with their parent company running the first Arctic cruise way back in 1896 – long before humans had even reached the North Pole. They’ve been sailing to Antarctica since 2013, and have led the way in making the polar fleet greener with their hybrid electric expedition ships.
While Swoop has only started working with HX Expeditions in recent years, we’re proud to have very quickly built a close partnership with one of the oldest and best-loved names in cruising.
Proudly working with every operator in the industry
Swoop says
It's very exciting for Swoop to work with sustainability leaders HX Expeditions – their hybrid electric-LNG powered ships aren't just green, but they let our guests enjoy Antarctica in almost complete silence.
Lizzie Williams Polar Product Manager
Who are HX Expeditions?
HX Expeditions’ roots in expedition cruising are deep – stretching back all the way to 1896 with the very first Arctic cruise charter to Svalbard. The company grew by operating the Hurtigruten cruises along the Norwegian coast as well as to the Arctic. They have been sailing in Antarctica since 2012, and in 2023 the expedition cruising arm of the business formally became an independent company under the name HX Expeditions.
As Antarctic operators, HX Expeditions have been pioneers in sustainability, launching the ships Fridjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen that both use hybrid electric-liquid natural gas engines, slashing their carbon emissions and offering a smooth and almost silent voyage in polar waters.
Why Swoop loves working with HX Expeditions
- HX Expeditions's long-held reputation as a leading expedition cruise brand means we know they'll exceed our client's expectations sailing in Antarctica.
- HX Expeditions smooth the way for our guests by including a first night in Buenos Aires and charter flight to join the ship in Ushuaia, making everything easy the moment of arrival in Argentina.
- HX Expeditions are a brilliant way to experience Antarctica for travellers who are most used to larger traditional cruise ships, blending comfort with plenty of time to explore off-ship.
- Their ships Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen were the world's first hybrid electric-LNG ships, slashing carbon emissions for their 500 passengers, alongside the 200-capacity Fram, which was refurbished in 2015.
- HX Expeditions share Swoop's passion for polar science: along with offers citizen science to guests, they host resident scientists on many voyages to enable their research.
- HX Expeditions offer plenty of sailings with no solo supplement, making them a great choice for our guests who are travelling alone.
- Their inhouse training academy for polar guides is one of the best in the industry, and won a Princess Royal Training Award (UK) in 2024 for its achievements.
- No cruise operator has a greater commitment to educating guests about Antarctica, having developed their own polar learning syllabus with the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies.
Swoop's trips with HX Expeditions
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
HX Expeditions' ships
Roald Amundsen
The world’s first fully hybrid expedition ship, Roald Amundsen focuses on sustainable Antarctic travel practices, with fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions reduced by up to 20%.
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Fridtjof Nansen
A fully hybrid expedition ship with fuel consumption and CO2 emissions cut by 20%, Fridtjof Nansen is a leader in sustainable Antarctic travel.
Discover MoreSwoop works with every major Antarctic operator
Swoop’s unrivalled network of trusted partners across the polar fleet make it easy to find your dream Antarctic adventure.
Our expertise means we can offer impartial advice on which operator, ship, and departure is best for you.
And our Price Match Promise means that we’ll always match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
1. Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2. Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3. Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
