HX Expeditions

Antarctica was incredible! I honestly don’t even know where to start, but we just got back from Antarctica with HX Expeditions, on the MS Fridtjof Nansen, and it was absolutely incredible. Everything was so well-organized from start to finish. The ship itself was great—our room was surprisingly large, super clean, and comfortable. The food was delicious, but honestly, it was the people who made it. Every single person, from the housekeeping crew to the front desk and the restaurant servers, was just wonderful. We had such a blast with the HX team. Jeremy gave these amazing presentations that basically have us ready to book our next three trips with HX already. Even as someone who isn't a huge history buff, Magnus was such an incredible storyteller that I actually found myself wanting to learn more! Kay and Timo, the onboard photographers, were wonderful. They were so patient with our questions and gave a great lecture on composition that really helped us capture the landscape. We also had the (unfortunate!) chance to visit the Medical Center. While you never want to need a doctor on vacation, Nurse Rosie and Dr. Tankosic were so kind, helpful, and compassionate. They really put us at ease. Speaking of ease, Captain Martinsen was a constant presence around the ship. He was always happy to chat and answer questions, and we felt 100% safe crossing the Drake Passage with him at the helm. A huge shoutout to Friederike, our Expedition Leader. She was so approachable and worked tirelessly to make sure every landing and tour was perfect. She and her team created memories we’ll be talking about for the rest of our lives. Bottom line: If you want to see the White Continent with a team that feels like family, go with HX!

Our trip to the Falklands was unfortunately shortened by one day. While this might seem like a minor adjustment to some, for many of us, the journey to Antarctica and the Falklands represents a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially considering the significant cost of AUD1000 per person per day. When the captain announced the early return of the ship due to an anticipated strong wind condition two days in the future, it sparked a wave of concerns and questions among the passengers. It’s important to note that the captain may not have realised that all passengers had internet access on board. After the decision to return was made, we promptly checked the weather conditions and found no indication of strong winds in the forecast. Additionally, having already crossed the Drake Passage, we were left feeling confused about the rationale behind the captain's choice. The weather during our return journey to Ushuaia was absolutely perfect. The next day, as we disembarked, we were greeted by clear skies and no indication of impending bad weather. Later in the evening the following day, rain and wind arrived, but it felt like just another typical rainy day in Ushuaia. Clearly, the conditions were not severe enough to prevent Hurtigruten from departing once again with the next group of passengers. The objective seems to be returning the ship on time for the next group of passengers, and it has nothing to do with our safety. With a new vessel like the Roald Amundsen, if it cannot manage moderate wind conditions, it should not be operating in Antarctica and the Falklands. Additionally, during the initial briefing, the expedition crew promised their passengers two activities each day in Antarctica. While two activities were conducted on the first day, for the remainder of our time in the Antarctic Peninsula, we were limited to only one activity per day. This raises the question: why? As we sailed from one location to another, the captain appeared to navigate at a deliberately slow pace without justification. Upon reaching the next destination, which was often not far away from each other, we found ourselves with insufficient time to engage in more than one activity before the day concluded. For example: The journey from Stanley to Westpoint Cove, Falkland Islands, travelling east to west along the northern route of the islands, consumed the entire day. This lengthy travel time implies that strategic decisions were likely made well in advance of our arrival at Westpoint Cove. It was here that the captain chose to return the ship during that night’s briefing. The financial implications are substantial, especially given the funds gathered from 400 passengers. With an average collection exceeding AUD1,000 per person per day, this amounts to at least half a million dollars. This is a considerable sum that has been taken from the passengers who have not received ONE full day on the itinerary and at least 4 other activities while in Antarctica. Such a situation casts a negative light on Hurtigruten, and we want to ensure that the travellers are fully aware of what they will receive from Hurtigruten as apposed to what has been advertised.

Absolutely using these fine folks for expedition experience

Der Traum -Antarktis- wurde unerwartet zur Realität im Januar 2025 mit der MS Roald Amundsen. Jahrelang hab ich auf diese Art zu reisen gewartet --- ☆Ausflug im Schlauchboot statt Stadtrundfahrt im Reisebus ☆Anorak statt Abendkleid ☆die Route im Vordergrund statt Kletterwand und pausenlosem Entertainment ☆Experten-Vorträge statt Musical- Aufführungen Der 66°Breitengrad jenseits der Magischen Grenze hat mich in Bann gezogen und die nächste Expeditionsreise in die Welt aus Eis & Gletscher ist gebucht.