HX GREENLAND CRUISE ECLIPSE RECAP:
MS SPITSBERGEN
DISCLAIMER - EXPEDITION CRUISING IS NOT FOR EVERYONE
SORRY THIS BOUNCES A ROUND A GOOD BIT.
This Journey found us sailing with HX Expeditions on the MS Spitsbergen. It is one of the smaller HX ships and we found it to be wonderful. With HX Expeditions you will receive a wind and waterproof shell jacket and a very nice thermal water bottle. I recommend getting the jacket a couple sizes larger so one can layer underneath. The water bottle is a commitment to cut down on one use plastic bottles. As we have the jacket from previous sailings we can either get another or receive an onboard credit.
What an amazing journey we have had. Starting in Svalbard, a northern most city and sailing to Eastern Greenland, experiencing the wilds of the largest National Park in the world. Enthralled by the majestic fjords, Musk Ox and Ice Bears along with many birds.
Then there was the total solar eclipse, where the Captain and expedition team placed the ship in a prime viewing location. All in all, an amazing experience, as Greenland is amazing, we did book a future trip to experience West Green land. We are now crossing the Denmark Strait, headed to Reykjavik where we will have a few days before heading home.
YES I AM HOOKED ON EXPEDITION CRUISING!
Why Expedition Cruising?
For me, there are many reasons and it is very difficult to name one as to the primary reason. So, in no particular order as the thoughts pop into my mind. There is the love of the natural world of which I have always been fascinated. These wonders never cease to amaze me and the learning process never ends. There is the thrill of exploration. What is over that hill, what will we find, It is unknown till we get there and experience first hand. There is the history and stories of those who have come before. So probably the synergy of all the above is a driving factor for me to choose an Expedition Voyage.
SHIP SIZE AND FEATURES:
Most, if not all, expedition ships have a capacity of 500 or less. Currently we are on the HX MS Spitsbergen with 125 passengers. The smaller ship allows us to visit locations where larger ships can not. This makes for unique and special experiences. One does not feel like a number in any way shape or form. You also do not feel like you need to leave a trail bread crumbs to find you cabin. The ships are very well appointed and there is a comfortable luxury about the ship. ( My Opinion)
There is no dress code, no formal events, no stage shows (well there is usually a crew band or talent show performing one night).
You will find your fellow passengers well educated and well traveled. All are very interested in the discovery experiences an Expedition Cruise offers. Wth HX, there is a diverse demographic, with people from around the globe. For me, this adds to the experience. Usually the number of US citizens is low, however on this sailing there were a good number of US folks. As I said, there are no stage shows, as they are not necessary when you have the natural world as your entertainment stage. Yes, at times raw nature can dazzle you, as I dare say there is no stage show that can equal the Northern Lights. Your day will be filled with Wildlife Watches, to see what you may encounter while sailing along. Then there are Discovery Sessions where you will have hands on experiences on a myriad of topics, such as weather, navigation, birds, whales, etc etc etc. Then there are lectures covering so many topics to enhance your experience.
The Expedition Team is usually about 12-15 people all with a particular expertise. They are all very eager to share their knowledge at any time of the day. There is usually an expedition photographer who chronicles your expedition and provides a photo log of the voyage. They also provide hands on photo workshops to help you improve your photography. I believe had I learned of these positions earlier in my life my life would have been very different.
The Expedition Team is responsible for the landings we made. They are first on the landing site preparing for our arrival. Polar Bear spotters are sent out and a trail and landing area are marked off.
Your are loaned Muck Boots for your time on board to be used for wet landings. A wet landing is basically where your feet will get wet as you exit the zodiac. Landing usually included a hikes of various levels and the Expedition Team is there to answer question and provide information about the landing area.
The crew onboard is very very friendly and accommodating and most attentive to ones needs and desires. They are simply Excellent in so many ways. They are selected by referrals from current crew members. It needs to be said they are top notch. I find the food onboard to be a notch above standard cruise fare. Maybe because it is prepared in smaller quantities. HX makes an effort to use local sustainable sources for the meals on board. They do an amazing job and work so hard.
The cabins are well appointed. The beds are very comfortable. There is ample storage and power outlets for charging your electronics. One feature I really love is the heated bathroom floors. There is always plenty of hot water for a nice shower. Bath products are provided and are really nice.
Robes and slippers are available. I should mention the window shades are great for keeping out the midnight sun. Basic drinks, wine, beer, and select cocktails are included and there is a 24/7 coffee tea station.
Reception is manned 24/7 and there is a ships shop. The shop offers fine expedition Helly Hansen clothing, binoculars, bags, gloves hats, sweaters and jackets and basic toiletry goods one may need. They also have some souvenir type items.
This ship has a gym and two hot tubs, sadly we did not use either like I thought we would. OK NEXT TIME. Always busy with something going on.
Having sailed with HX enough, we have reached the Platinum Explorer Level. One of the perks we have availed ourselves of is the laundry service. Lynn and I each get two bags of complementary laundry a week. This saves us from doing our own laundry in the room.
There is a theme on many social media sites that tells readers not to use a travel agent. I know some will not understand this and these comments may only apply to HX or Hurtigruten. It seems communication is smoother with individuals over travel agents. I agree with this for personal reasons. My main reason is an expedition cruise is expensive and you have a great financial investment. With this I want control and not have to go through an intermediary should a question arise. When I have contacted HX or Hurtigruten with a question I have gotten a timely answer. Also I strongly feel the more one studies their trip the better ones experience.
One other aspect of an Expedition Cruise is there is a plan A as published. This can change at a moments notice due to weather, sea conditions, wildlife etc etc. This is where the Ships Crew and Expedition Team shine, as they are adept at quickly adapting the schedule and maybe the route to make a great experience happen.
One thing I really like about HX is their Foundation.
HX FOUNDATION:
The HX Foundation is the charitable arm of HX Expeditions, created to fund environmental conservation, wildlife protection, and community support in the regions HX Expeditions visit. Operating costs are fully covered by HX, ensuring 100% of donations go directly to project grants.
Core Focus Areas
Protecting Wildlife: Saving endangered species and funding polar marine research (such as work with the California Ocean Alliance).
Fighting Plastic Waste: Removing marine litter and funding coastal cleanups through groups like Surfers Against Sewage.
Community Support: Investing in youth and educational programs, including initiatives with the Association of Greenlandic Children and the OSM-AD Foundation. [1, 2]
How It is Funded
Green Stay Program: Guests can skip daily cabin servicing, and HX donates money to the foundation for each night skipped.
Onboard Fundraising: Charity auctions, special cabin experiences, and direct donations from travelers.
Rapid Response Fund: Allows ship crews to distribute quick on-site micro-grants to local communities in need.
I will again end with this DISCLAIMER - EXPEDITION CRUISING IS NOT FOR EVERYONE but it sure works for me.
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