Hurtigruten vs HX Expeditions

Why should we cruise with Hurtigruten?

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

Hurtigruten Group is the world’s leading adventure travel group, offering unique small-ship and land-based adventures from pole to pole – and anywhere in between. We take our guests to the most spectacular areas on the planet, offering a mix of pristine wilderness and visits to genuine local communities.

What destinations are Hurtigruten exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

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

Hurtigruten is not a typical cruise line. On its iconic Norway Coastal Express, Hurtigruten runs a voyage calling at 34 ports between Bergen and Kirkenes, offering an authentic, small-ship way to experience Norway’s fjords, coastal towns, and daily life - rather than a “floating resort” itinerary built around onboard entertainment. For travellers comparing Hurtigruten vs other cruise lines, the key differences are route authenticity, smaller ships, a quieter onboard atmosphere, and ambitious sustainability initiatives (including the Sea Zero zero-emissions ship concept for the Coastal Express).

If you’re considering expedition cruising, note read more that the group’s global expedition brand is now HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), positioned around exploration and science-focused experiences such as citizen science participation.

Who cruises with Hurtigruten?

Destination-focused travellers drawn to Norway’s scenery, coastal communities, wildlife and culture, including couples, solo travellers and families. The experience generally appeals more to explorers than travellers seeking traditional resort-style cruising.

What are Hurtigruten known for?

Norwegian coastal cruising, operating the historic Coastal Express since 1893, with frequent port calls, locally sourced Norwegian cuisine and onboard Expedition Teams providing destination-focused lectures and activities.

Are Hurtigruten's fares all-inclusive?

Original voyages are generally full board with breakfast, lunch and dinner, while drinks and excursions cost extra. Signature voyages are all-inclusive with meals, selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, gratuities and an enhanced onboard programme included.

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

On Original voyages, expect to pay extra for alcoholic and most non-alcoholic drinks, shore excursions, specialty dining upgrades and transfers. Signature fares include substantially more, although shore excursions and selected premium dining or experiences still cost extra.

Are gratuities included?

Signature voyages include gratuities. On Original voyages, tipping is not customary and there is no compulsory gratuity charge.

Are shore excursions included?

Generally not - excursions on Original voyages are purchased separately from a choice of more than 70 experiences along the Coastal Express route. Signature voyages also offer optional paid excursions, although selected departures may include some excursions.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is included on Signature voyages and with eligible Original fare types and cabins. Availability and speed can be limited while sailing through remote areas.

Does Hurtigruten have a loyalty program?

Yes. The 1893 Ambassador loyalty programme offers member benefits including discounts on Hurtigruten voyages and excursions, with additional benefits after completing a qualifying voyage.

Is Hurtigruten a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Children of all ages are welcome, with discounted fares and excursions available for children.

Are any onboard activities included?

Included activities vary by ship and voyage but commonly include Expedition Team lectures, presentations and on-deck talks, wildlife and scenery viewing, photography and cultural activities. Most ships also offer a fitness room, sauna, panoramic lounges and outdoor hot tubs, while selected ships have pools and enhanced wellness facilities.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

No.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Optional activities and experiences can incur charges, including selected hikes, wellness treatments and other voyage-specific activities.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Hurtigruten's ships?

Yes. Original ships generally offer the main Torget restaurant plus venues such as Kysten fine dining, Brygga bistro and Multe bakery, depending on the ship. Signature ships offer Flora, Brasserie Árran and Røst fine dining, with inclusions depending on fare and cabin category.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes. Dining upgrades and food packages can be purchased on eligible voyages, including access to fine-dining restaurants that are not included with the booked fare or cabin category.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Original fares include limited beverages such as water, tea and coffee depending on fare type, while most other drinks cost extra. Signature voyages include a wider selection of soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Alcohol is generally not included on Original voyages, while Signature voyages include selected beer, wine and spirits.

Do Hurtigruten sell any beverage packages?

Yes. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks packages are available for Original voyages. Signature voyages already include a generous selection of beverages.

Do Hurtigruten offer room service?

Room service is not a standard fleet-wide feature, although selected Signature suite guests can receive benefits such as breakfast in their suite.

Are spa and salon services available?

Facilities vary by ship. Saunas are available on most ships, while selected ships such as MS Finnmarken also have wellness areas with treatment rooms offering services such as massage and aromatherapy.

Are there gyms onboard Hurtigruten's ships?

Yes. Most Hurtigruten ships have a fitness room, although facilities vary and MS Vesterålen is an exception.

Are fitness classes available onboard Hurtigruten's ships?

No.

Do Hurtigruten offer personal training?

No.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Every ship has a self-service laundry with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. A small charge applies per wash.

Do Hurtigruten offer a laundry service?

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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.