HX Hurtigruten Expeditions celebrates 130 years of exploration

From the “1896 Cabin” to electric zodiacs

To mark its 130th anniversary in 2026, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions invites guests to experience both history and innovation.
At the heart of the celebration is the “1896 Cabin”, a meticulously recreated expedition cabin inspired by HX’s early voyages to Svalbard. Designed in collaboration with AROS Marine, it features handcrafted furniture, period materials, and even custom scents to evoke the spirit of 19th-century Arctic exploration.

Available exclusively during 2026, the cabin can be booked for €450 per night (single or double use). Each guest may stay one night per voyage, and 50 percent of the revenue supports the HX Foundation, funding global research and conservation projects.

To accompany the anniversary, HX is also taking a specially filled cask of “Fortified Zweigelt” from Austria’s Regele Winery on a world tour across its fleet. The matured wine will be released as a limited edition in May 2027 – a tribute to 130 years of exploration and craftsmanship.

Innovation in silence

In addition to its anniversary celebration, HX is expanding its hybrid fleet with two fully electric Zodiacs. The new “Silent Science Boats”, equipped with RAD 40 electric propulsion systems from RAD Propulsion, enable nearly silent operations in polar regions and will be used on the MS Fram and MS Fridtjof Nansen.

“Noise pollution is one of the most underestimated environmental challenges in the polar regions,” says Dr. Verena Meraldi, HX’s Chief Scientist. “By reducing underwater noise, we not only improve guest experience but also minimize our ecological impact where it matters most.”

Marine biologist Dr. Ari Friedlaender, long-time research collaborator in the Antarctic, agrees: “These boats let us observe whales and marine wildlife with far less disturbance – a true breakthrough for science and sustainability.”

With both the “1896 Cabin” and its electric Zodiacs, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions once again proves its position as a leader in sustainable, science-based travel – honouring its legacy while charting a cleaner course for the future.

More on HX Hurtigruten Expeditions 1986 cabin / Zodiacs.

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