Aurora Expeditions vs HX Expeditions

Why should we cruise with Aurora Expeditions?

We asked Aurora Expeditions why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Aurora Expeditions are best for active, curious travellers who want a true small-ship expedition experience — particularly in Antarctica and the Arctic — with strong guiding, science, sustainability and adventure credentials, rather than a traditional luxury cruise experience.

What destinations are Aurora Expeditions exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Aurora Expeditions from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Brand new to Global Journeys' portfolio of cruise lines, Aurora Expeditions combines 35 years of expedition heritage with modern, purpose-built small ships, expert guides, Zodiac exploration, citizen science and sustainability-led travel — giving you a more intimate, active and immersive way to explorethe Polar regions, along with Europe, Asia and the Bristish Isles.

Who cruises with Aurora Expeditions?

Curious, adventurous travellers drawn to remote destinations, wildlife, nature and active exploration. Voyages attract couples, friends and solo travellers, with a diverse international guest mix.

What are Aurora Expeditions known for?

Small-ship expedition cruising to Antarctica, the Arctic and other remote destinations, with expert expedition teams, extensive off-ship exploration and a strong program of active adventures.

Are Aurora's fares all-inclusive?

Semi-inclusive. Fares include accommodation, all meals and snacks, daily shore excursions and Zodiac cruises, expert lectures, WiFi, many onboard amenities and selected beverages.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Additional costs can include optional excursions and activity surcharges, alcoholic drinks outside included service, onboard crew gratuities, laundry, spa treatments, ship shop purchases and other personal expenses.

Are gratuities included?

Gratuities for local guides, drivers, venues and local sites during included excursions are covered. Onboard crew gratuities are not included, except as a benefit for selected suites.

Are shore excursions included?

Yes. Daily shore excursions, guided walks and Zodiac cruises are included. Some optional excursions and specialist activities cost extra.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary Starlink WiFi is included, although connectivity can be unreliable in remote regions.

Does Aurora Expeditions have a loyalty program?

Yes. Aurora Expeditions has a free loyalty program with Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. Membership begins after your first completed voyage and includes benefits such as discounts on future voyages and onboard credit.

Is Aurora Expeditions a family friendly cruise-line?

Suitable for adventurous families with children aged eight and over.

Are any onboard activities included?

Expert lectures, wildlife viewing, the gym, sauna, Jacuzzis and communal observation areas are complimentary. Sylvia Earle and Douglas Mawson also have heated outdoor pools.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

No.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Optional specialist activities and excursions can incur additional charges, as can spa treatments and other personal services.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Aurora's ships?

Yes. Ships offer a main dining venue plus additional reservation-required restaurants on selected vessels, including Tuscan Grill, Rockhopper and other specialty dining venues.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices are included, with tea, coffee and snacks available around the clock.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Beer and house wine are included with dinner, along with selected drinks at the Captain's Farewell reception.

Do Aurora Expeditions sell any beverage packages?

-

Do Aurora Expeditions offer room service?

-

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Wellness and spa treatments such as massages and facials are available on selected ships for an additional charge.

Are there gyms onboard Aurora's ships?

Yes. Complimentary fitness centres are available onboard Aurora's ships.

Are fitness classes available onboard Aurora's ships?

No.

Do Aurora Expeditions offer personal training?

No.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

No.

Do Aurora Expeditions offer a laundry service?

Yes. An onboard laundry service is available for an additional charge.

Why should we cruise with HX Expeditions?

We asked HX Expeditions why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

To travel with HX is to open yourself to a world of awe. From cultural encounters to wildlife wonders, what you see and learn on your trip will inspire and energise you. And when you come back home, you’ll have a deeper, richer love of the planet we all share.

What destinations are HX Expeditions exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on HX Expeditions from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

HX Expeditions is a good fit for travellers who want their cruise to be centred around exploration rather than the ship itself. Their focus is firmly on expedition destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic and remote islands, with daily landings, expedition activities and a strong emphasis on learning along the way.

We particularly like how much is included in the fare. Dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, expedition gear and most daily expedition activities are covered. HX also places a strong emphasis on science and education, including it's citizen science programs that give you the opportunity to take a more active interest in the regions read more you're visiting.

The ships are purpose-built for expedition cruising, while still offering a comfortable onboard experience, and HX has also invested in hybrid technology across parts of its fleet. If you're looking for a more immersive, expedition-first style of cruising without giving up modern comforts, HX is certainly worth considering.

Who cruises with HX Expeditions?

Travellers seeking authentic, immersive and educational experiences, including wildlife, nature and photography enthusiasts, active explorers, environmentally conscious travellers, solo travellers and couples.

What are HX Expeditions known for?

Polar and remote-region expedition cruising, science-led exploration, onboard Science Centres and sustainability-focused expedition travel.

Are HX's fares all-inclusive?

Not all-inclusive but close with meals, core expedition activities, Wi-Fi, gratuities, selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks all included.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Premium drinks, cocktails, champagne, optional excursions, spa treatments and selected onboard extras may incur additional charges.

Are gratuities included?

Yes.

Are shore excursions included?

A mix of included and optional shore excursions are offered. Daily expedition activities and landings vary by destination, conditions and itinerary; optional excursions may incur additional charges.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Speed and coverage can be limited in remote expedition regions, and MS Santa Cruz II has limited or intermittent Galápagos Wi-Fi.

Does HX Expeditions have a loyalty program?

HX Explorers benefits include HX discounts, an onboard welcome gift and drink and selected partner offers.

Is HX Expeditions a family friendly cruise-line?

Children are welcome, but HX is better suited to families with older children who are comfortable with expedition conditions.

Are any onboard activities included?

Lectures, workshops, wildlife viewing, Science Centre activities, destination briefings and expedition programming.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

No.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Optional excursions, some specialist activities, spa and wellness treatments, and selected onboard extras may incur additional charges.

Are there specialty restaurants on board HX's ships?

Yes, on selected ships. Lindstrøm is HX’s fine-dining restaurant; it is included for suite guests and available to other guests for a cover charge where offered.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Still and sparkling water, soft drinks, coffee and tea are included and are available throughout the day.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Wine, beer and spirits are included, but premium drinks such as cocktails and champagne will cost you extra.

Do HX Expeditions sell any beverage packages?

No.

Do HX Expeditions offer room service?

Limited. Free room service is available only in selected suites aboard MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, from the Lindstrøm menu during restaurant opening hours.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. All expedition ships have hot tubs and saunas; MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen also have wellness centres. Spa and salon treatments incur charges and are available on select ships.

Are there gyms onboard HX's ships?

Yes.

Are fitness classes available onboard HX's ships?

No, although some yoga and meditation classes may be held on select voyages.

Do HX Expeditions offer personal training?

No.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

No, except MS Santa Cruz II has washers and dryers for guest use.

Do HX Expeditions offer a laundry service?

Yes. Laundry is included for suite guests; charges apply to other guests.