Step on board an Expedition Cruise

HX celebrate 130 years of travel expertise this year, having offered Expedition Cruises since 1896. The aim of their journeys is to change the way that we see the world, so Emma from our Commercial Team, and Lori from our Ferndown shop, were looking forward to having their eyes opened when they joined the last part of HX’s 13-day European itinerary. This route sails from Lisbon to Hamburg, all down the Atlantic coastline of Europe, taking in bustling cities, charming villages, gastronomic delights, and wild coastal landscapes along the way, and Lori and Emma flew to Hamburg to join MS Fridtjof Nansen for the final 2 nights of its journey.

Named after the Norwegian Explorer, MS Fridtjof Nansen, boasts a clean, elegant interior with Scandinavian style, and accommodates no more than 530 guests. “I was really impressed,” says Emma, “The ship is decorated beautifully, with so much comfortable seating and lots of windows so you can always see out. They have really thought about making it comfortable for guests when they get back from exploring ashore.”

There is an infinity pool and hot tubs for relaxing after a day’s exploration, as well as a gym, but Emma’s top spot to unwind is the Observation Lounge, “It’s surrounded by windows and you can really relax here, whether it’s watching the scenery, enjoying a drink or reading a good book.”

Thoughtful touches such as providing guests with a refillable water bottle, made from recycled ocean plastic, and weatherproof Expedition jackets make all the difference.

The main dining room – Restaurant Aune – is a buffet for breakfast and lunch, with waiter service in the evening. Restaurant Fredheim which is a more informal dining option, serves food cooked to order such as burgers and fries, and this was Lori’s favourite! “The Fredheim serves the most amazing milkshakes and crepes for dessert!”

Emma was also swayed by her sweet tooth, “One afternoon we had waffles and hot chocolate served by the pool, which was a much-deserved treat after a day exploring ashore! The milkshake from the Restaurant Fredheim is was one of the best I’ve had!”

The focus with HX is all about the destinations, and there is an education programme appropriate to the itinerary delivered on board by a team of naturalists, scientists and historians, who bring the landscapes to life, giving guests a new perspective on the wider world. Sustainability and respect for the environments visited is at the very heart of everything HX do, with MS Fridtjof Nansen being one of the most environmentally friendly cruise ships in the world.

There is a broad range of excursions available that the Expedition Team talk though each evening, including canoeing, kayaking, hiking, snowshoes and even camping overnight in Antarctica!  Emma and Lori joined a shore trip by tender to Helgoland, situated just off the coast of Germany.  This tiny archipelago but is now a peaceful, traffic-free destination, known for its scenery and wildlife. On the main island, Hauptinsel, there are scenic walks along the red cliffs and on smaller neighbour Düne there are sandy beaches that are home to a host of seals and seabirds. Emma particularly enjoyed this very different kind of shore excursion, “I loved the wildlife, scenery and the tranquility of the islands, it was nice to be ashore without all the hustle and bustle of most ports.”

MS Fridtjof Nansen boasts a special opportunity onboard to celebrate HX’s 130th anniversary – the 1896 Cabin, where you can step back time in and stay overnight in a cabin that offers a glimpse into how late 19th-century explorers lived. Its period furnishings and authentic touches bring this golden era of exploration to life, available for an additional charge. Other celebratory touches include anniversary menus, cocktails and experiences, all with a nod to the company’s rich heritage.

“For me it’s the relaxing, welcoming atmosphere and the attention to detail that makes all the difference,” says Lori. “HX would be a fantastic option for adventurous travellers and those that love nature – from families with children over 16, right through to active older clients.”

“This is really not your typical cruise,” says Emma. “It just can’t be compared to other cruise lines. It’s a comfortable and luxurious way to tick off those bucket-list destinations, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in each location, taking advantage of the knowledgeable staff and lecturers onboard, whilst enjoying stunning scenery and getting up close to incredible wildlife."