WHY I LIKE HX and Hurtigruten:
Having made several trips to Iceland to see and photograph the Aurora I decided there may be a higher success rate if we tried a boat. In early 2022 I noticed adds for Hurtigruten and their Search for the Northern Lights Cruises. I knew nothing about Hurtigruten but was caught up with their Northern Lights Guarantee. Basically if you don’t see the Aurora you get a return cruise. I noted the ship would be small and it seemed like a good idea at the time. This turned into a great idea for us. After this first cruise we were hooked on Hurtigruten. Here is why….. In no particular order.
Recently Hurtigruten has split into two divisions. Hurtigruten is a coastal ferry operator and HX is the expedition sailing branch.
Currently we have made 5 sailing with Hurtigruten and HX. One had been with HX and one with Hurtigruten as a ferry route, the other three were with Hurtigruten as an expedition before the division. This a little back ground for the basis of my thoughts. So, first up is SMALL SHIPS. The capacity of the ships we have been on have a listed capacity of 250-500. It seems like most of the sailings we have been on thus far has sailed with typically about 1/2 or a bit more the capacity. This is a plus for me and even if they were at capacity the ships would not be crowded. I know our future sailing for the Eclipse in 2026 will be sold-out.
I personally can not even think or consider sailing on a ship with a gazillion people. The Viking ships are nice and enjoyable and they are sorta my limit in size. I find the expedition style more to my liking.
While the ships are older they are very well maintained and have a freshness about them. This recent sailing was on the MS Fram fresh out of a short dry dock. She was very fresh.
We have experienced a mini suite and it was spacious and well appointed. Most sailing we opt for a Polar Outside Cabin with a restricted view. We try for a location near an exit so when the call goes out for a special sighting our access to a viewing area is fast and easy. The polar outside restricted views seem to be larger and we feel they are very spacious as they have a table and a desk. All we have been in have had coffee service, a mini fridge, robes and slippers. I do believe most if not all cabins have heated floors in the bathrooms. These are GREAT! Morning, Noon or Night.
Here is another thought on getting a restricted view or even an inside cabin. The ships have an excellent lounge for viewing the wonders of nature as you cruise along. The outdoor decks are open and spacious.
If you plan a Hurtigruten or HX sailing, do you research on the cabins to see what will work for you. The people at the reservation center can tell you many details about the cabins not evident on the deck plans. Speaking of the reservation center these people are knowledgeable and very very helpful. I recommend one book direct with HX or Hurtigruten to cut out the middle man. Then you can go direct to the reservation center with questions, make payments etc etc.
The demographic I have found on these trips are drawn to the small ships, the remote itineraries, have a great interest in the natural world, and are eager to learn and experience the world.
This last trip there were a good number of Brits and Germans, a few French, Faroe Islanders, Australia was also represented and a few Canadians and very few folks from the USA. Presentations and announcements were made in all necessary languages.
As a past NPS Interpreter and a Environmental Educator, I find the Expedition Staff EXCELLENT!!. They have passion for their areas of expertise and a willingness to share their knowledge.
A great ceremony for crossing the Arctic Circle
The crew is also EXCELLENT!! Warm and friendly and oh so hard working to make the sailing enjoyable. I understand they work 30 days on and 30 off. The crew is hired via recommendations from the current crew. Making a poor recommendation can reflect on the crew member making the recommendation. All the crew members I chatted with very much enjoy working for Hurtigruten. They are a hard working dedicated crew.
I found the food to be very very good. Breakfast and lunch were usually a buffet and dinner is served a la carte. There seemed to always be a fish, meat or veg choice. The breads, cakes and pastries were always good and the ice cream was rather good. One will not go hungry and can always find something to their liking.
We like the Itineraries they offer. Granted we have only sailed the Arctic, Norway and the British isles with them we enjoyed all of them. They do offer Alaska, Galapagos, and more.
Two things we like about their ships are they are designed for expeditions with great outdoor observation deck space. The ships that sail to the Arctic and Antarctic are Ice Hull rated.
They are committed to environmentally friendly sailing. Many of the ships are being up graded to lessen their impact.
When you take an HX Expedition Sailing you get a KEWL Jacket. This is a wind and waterproof shell that makes a great outer layer. HX is transitioning to a new style blue color.
Some cruises come with included select drinks, this is where you need to read what is included. I believe most ferry routes do not include beverages beyond meal times.
There is a no tipping policy. Yet, you can tip either individuals or tip to a general crew fund. Personally we tip via the general crew fund. My understand is the crew fund buys things like bicycles for the crew to use in ports.
All the above is why HX Hurtigruten is our go to cruise line. We have 3 sailing booked for 25/26.
Further, the price point I feel is very reasonable for the product. This one must judge for themselves.
These are my thoughts and opinions. I know this style of cruising is not for everyone, but it works for me.
