HX Expeditions has officially opened the doors of its Cabin 1896, which is already welcoming guests aboard the MS Fridtjof Nansen.
Created to celebrate HX's 130 years of exploration, this limited-edition cabin invites travelers to step back to the summer of 1896, when the DS Lofoten set sail from Hammerfest, Norway, bound for Svalbard on the first expedition cruise in history. That pioneering Arctic voyage gave rise to the spirit of exploration that HX keeps alive to this day.
After an unexpected setback during its construction in January of this year — when essential elements such as walls, roof and floor were lost during transport to Buenos Aires — the project was finally redesigned and perfected, resulting in an even more impactful experience than initially planned.
Today, the 1896 Cabin stands as a tribute to HX's perseverance, craftsmanship, and commitment to excellence.
“This cabin was always intended to pay homage to our origins, and sometimes the process of creating something meaningful reflects the very voyages we take at sea,” explained Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX Expeditions. “What our teams and partners have achieved is extraordinary. Cabin 1896 has not only met our expectations but exceeded them. After all, history is best remembered when it is lived.”.
Available exclusively to guests of the MS Fridtjof Nansen, the cabin can be booked as an additional one-night experience, either before the trip or directly on board.
Cabin 1896 recreates the atmosphere of a late 19th-century expedition ship, discreetly maintaining modern comforts. Every detail has been designed to transport guests to the world of HX's early explorers, those who ventured into the Arctic driven by curiosity and a spirit of discovery.
The space stands out for its natural materials, ambient lighting, and handcrafted finishes. It even features an exclusive fragrance called "scent of 1896," created specifically to recreate the aroma of salty air and aged wood.
The cabin was designed and built by AROS Marine, one of Europe's leading specialists in marine interiors, in collaboration with HX's hotel team.
For the project, AROS Marine carried out in-depth historical research and acquired vintage furniture, maritime objects and decor at antique markets and fairs throughout Europe.
“This project perfectly reflects our approach based on research, precision, and comprehensive execution,” said Mantas Lataitis, design director at AROS Marine. “The Cabin 1896 draws inspiration from late 19th-century expeditionary life and combines historical authenticity with contemporary shipbuilding expertise.”.
The cabin combines historical authenticity and modern functionality through carefully selected elements:
- More than 20 different pieces of furniture, including bunk beds, a single bed, wooden chests, antique desks and a bar hidden inside a barrel.
- Handcrafted wooden interiors, with walls, beams and floors inspired by 19th century expedition ships.
- Use of over 140 pieces of recycled wood, including antique oak and planks reclaimed from old European barns.
- More than 309 hours of work dedicated to the construction of the space.
- Beds and decorative elements made with wood recovered from an old cabin in Germany.
- Decorative fireplace inspired by the wood-burning stoves of early expedition ships.
- Vintage maritime objects, paintings and carefully selected historical pieces.
- Historic style bathroom with warm lighting and period details.
- Customized fragrance to intensify the immersive experience.
Cabin 1896 is now available on select MS Fridtjof Nansen voyages during 2026 as an optional upgrade for €100 per person per night. The experience is limited to one night per guest, with a maximum of three people per booking.
Furthermore, in line with HX Expeditions' sustainable commitment, 50% of the profits generated by Cabin 1896 will be donated to the HX Foundation, supporting conservation, science and cultural heritage projects.
Passengers on the MS Fridtjof Nansen can book Cabin 1896 along with their usual cabin or directly on board via reception or the HX app.
The cabin will also be open for tours during each voyage, allowing all guests to experience this immersive space and attend talks given by historians about HX Expeditions' early years of exploration.
HX Expeditions is the world's oldest expedition cruise company and the largest operator of expeditions to Antarctica. Since 1896, it has guided curious travelers on responsible adventures around the globe.
Based in London, the company operates a fleet of five modern ships sailing to more than 250 destinations in over 30 countries, combining sustainability, science and education into transformative travel experiences.
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