HX Expeditions celebrates its most successful Antarctic season ever, from October 2025 to March 2026. During the season, HX achieved:
- 34 voyages, welcoming thousands of guests on transformative journeys to the white continent
- An exceptional level of customer satisfaction
- The highest number of suite bookings to date, with an overall increase of 5% compared to 2025 and up to 80% in some regions
- An enhanced experience before and after the expedition, with new offerings designed to increase comfort, connectivity, and immersion in the destination
- Greater activity capacity, allowing more guests to kayak and camp than with any other operator, with a 188% increase in kayak capacity and double the camping spaces, all while fully complying with IAATO guidelines
A season focused on science
This season has also been marked by significant scientific milestones, with 1,801 cruise nights donated to visiting scientists, reinforcing HX's commitment to science-based exploration; 27,869 "Green Stay" nights, in which guests forgo cabin service to raise funds for the company's foundation, the HX Foundation, reflecting its leadership in sustainability; 1,111 Happywhale registrations, offering unforgettable wildlife viewing experiences; 2,250 checklists submitted to eBird, contributing to global citizen science projects. Guests on board helped raise €124,882 for the HX Foundation, supporting conservation initiatives, combating plastic pollution, and community projects in destinations, including Antarctica; and 2,307 guests completed the University of Tasmania's "Introduction to Antarctica" educational module, accumulating more than 4,614 hours of study. This award-winning program is already available in English and German, and coming soon to Mandarin
Verena Meraldi, HX's chief scientist, added: “As we close the 2025–2026 Antarctic season, I am proud of how our Science and Education program has enabled researchers to access remote environments while directly engaging our guests in the process. A highlight was our work with Dr. Manuel Novillo, documenting the rare spawning behavior of the Antarctic icefish near Danco Island using underwater drones. Capturing these moments in situ provides valuable insights into critical, yet still poorly understood, habitats. It is a reminder of the potential of expedition travel when it actively supports science in a constantly changing Antarctic environment.”
HX also introduced improvements for the 2025–2026 season focused on optimizing the pre-boarding and post-disembarkation experience, making the journey smoother, more comfortable and connected to the destination:
- Before the expedition, guests enjoy later departures from Buenos Aires, grab-and-go breakfasts, and upgraded charter flights with JetSMART's new A321 aircraft, offering more space and comfort, plus onboard touches like local alfajores and commemorative canned water
- After the expedition, later return flights allow more time to explore Ushuaia. Guests also receive a self-guided map of local businesses offering complimentary products and a packed lunch featuring regional ingredients
- For guests staying in suites, the experience is elevated even further with rooftop welcome cocktails in Buenos Aires, exclusive access to the Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa (including private check-in, dining and wellness) and access to VIP lounges at Ushuaia Airport
As the largest operator in the region, HX operates under the strictest environmental and visitor management regulations in the world, ensuring that its scale does not compromise the protection of fragile Antarctic ecosystems. Every voyage adheres to IAATO guidelines, which include limitations on landings, wildlife distancing protocols, strict biosecurity measures, small group operations, and daily visitor limits.
CEO Gebhard Rainer concluded: “It has been an extraordinary season, not only in terms of guest numbers and satisfaction, but also in the depth of scientific commitment and responsible travel practices. As the largest operator, we are aware of the responsibility that comes with our scale. Our goal is, and will remain, to ensure that Antarctica remains protected for future generations. This record-breaking season sends a clear message: high-quality expedition travel and rigorous environmental protection can, and must, go hand in hand.”
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
