HX Expeditions Hosts Expedition Industry’s Largest FAM Trip Aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen, Welcoming More Than 350 Travel Advisors
HX Expeditions this week welcomed more than 350 travel advisors aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen for one of the largest FAM trips ever held in the expedition cruise industry.
The mega FAM sailing showcased HX Expeditions’ immersive approach to exploration, offering advisors first-hand experience of the brand’s signature expedition model.
The itinerary included visits to the German North Sea destination of Helgoland, with shore landings on the main island and the offshore islet of Düne, wildlife encounters, and expert-led activities designed to demonstrate the depth of learning and destination engagement guests experience on every voyage.
Guests were also able to experience the full onboard offering, from relaxing in the panoramic sauna, hot tubs and pool, to enjoying freshly made waffles on the top deck while taking in North Sea views.
A key highlight was HX’s industry-leading science and education programme. In the onboard science centre, guests engaged directly with scientists and the HX Expedition Team, gaining insight into the citizen science initiatives available to guests. Workshops during the sailing included plankton analysis, ocean soundscape exploration, and meteorology and cloud observation sessions delivered in cooperation with the NASA GLOBE Observer initiative.
In the evening, guests were treated to a traditional sea shanty performance by a local Helgoland choir, adding an authentic cultural dimension to the experience. The trip finished with a lively performance from the ship’s crew band, The Rolling Waves, giving guests a final taste of HX’s onboard atmosphere and community spirit.
“Our goal was not only to provide our sales partners with information about HX Expeditions, but to create real experiences they can confidently share with their clients,” said Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX Expeditions.
New 1896 Expedition Cabin Experience Unveiled
During the sailing, HX Expeditions revealed the launch of its new 1896 Cabin, now open for guests to book and visit when travelling aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen in 2026. Inspired by a 19th-century expedition cabin, the experience celebrates the company’s founding year and pioneering legacy.
The exclusive experience is priced at €100 per person (for up to three guests). In keeping with HX’s commitment to responsible travel, 50% of profits from the experience will support the HX Foundation, helping fund environmental, scientific, and community initiatives in destinations visited by the fleet.
Also New from HX Expeditions
HX Expeditions has also unveiled details of its wider “Summer of Celebrations” campaign, marking 130 years since the company pioneered expedition cruising, alongside a series of limited-time guest and trade incentives for 2026–2028 sailings.
Travel Advisor Appreciation Incentive: £130 per Booking
From May 1st to July 31st, 2026, travel advisors will receive a £130 gift card per booking for every new, fully deposited booking, applicable to individual and named group bookings across HX’s global destination portfolio, with rewards issued per booking. To register a booking, visit the agentportal.travelhx.com or email hxtradesupport@travelhx.com.
£1,000 Antarctica Air Credit
HX Expeditions is offering a limited-time air credit for Antarctica bookings. From May 11th to June 30th, 2026, guests can receive up to £1,000 per person in air credit on round-trip Premium Economy and Business Class flights, and up to £500 for Economy Class flights for select Antarctica 2026/27 departures. The offer applies to new bookings and is valid on round-trip cabin flights.
All HX Expeditions air-inclusive packages are fully ATOL protected, providing financial protection and peace of mind for travellers booking cruise and flight components as part of their expedition journey.
130th Anniversary Offer: Up to 25% Off or Free Suite Upgrade
As part of its milestone anniversary year, HX is also introducing a special 130th Anniversary Offer featuring either savings of up to 25% or complimentary suite upgrades on select sailings.
Available on new bookings made between May 1st and August 31st, 2026, the campaign applies to select departures from 2026 through early 2028 across Alaska, Antarctica, Galápagos, Greenland, Iceland, the Northwest Passage and Arctic Canada, Norway, and Svalbard (discounts vary by destination).
Mark Walter, Sales Director UK & Northern Europe, said: “This week’s mega FAM sailing aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen was a brilliant opportunity to show our travel partners first-hand what HX Expeditions is all about. By experiencing a mini expedition to Helgoland, advisors were able to fully immerse themselves in our expedition model, from landings and science led activities to the onboard atmosphere that defines an HX voyage. We are incredibly proud of our teams whose passion and expertise brought the experience to life, and grateful to our trade partners for their continued support. As we celebrate 130 years of pioneering expedition cruising in 2026, the trade campaigns we are running over the coming months give partners another way to engage with the brand, drive bookings and share the HX experience with their customers.”
(HX Expeditions Hosts Expedition Industry’s Largest FAM Trip Aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen, Welcoming More Than 350 Travel Advisors)
