Published on
November 30, 2025
In the world of cruising and exploration, the name Hurtigruten is iconic. The company, which is among the oldest and most well-known in the maritime industry, has faced many difficulties, including the catastrophic effects of the pandemic. But recent ownership changes have brought the brand back to life, revitalising both its expedition cruising division and its coastal operations. With its founding in 1881, Hurtigruten has a long history that is widely regarded as the beginning of the modern cruise industry.
The company will commemorate its historic 130th anniversary in 2026, demonstrating its enduring impact on the shipping sector and the adventure travel industry as a whole. Under the direction of shipmaster Richard With, Hurtigruten started offering passenger services along Norway’s untamed coast in 1896. This year, HX Expeditions, a different company from Hurtigruten, will honour the company’s pioneering spirit by providing travellers with a special chance to travel back in time.
The 1896 Cabin Experience: A Step Back in Time
As part of its anniversary celebrations, HX Expeditions will launch a truly immersive experience aboard its expedition ship, Fridtjof Nansen. Starting January 29, 2026, one cabin aboard the ship will be transformed into a replica of a late 19th-century expedition cabin, giving guests a chance to experience the conditions early explorers faced during their voyages. This unique cabin, aptly named the 1896 Cabin, offers a glimpse into the ruggedness and authenticity of the early days of polar exploration.
While the experience itself promises to be fascinating, it’s important to note that the modern Fridtjof Nansen ship will provide comforts and amenities that explorers in 1896 could only dream of. The cabin will feature handcrafted period furnishings, and visitors can expect to encounter “authentic scents and curated touches” designed to capture the spirit of early Antarctic expeditions. According to the ship’s design team, AROS Marine, this project was carried out with meticulous research to ensure authenticity. The 1896 Cabin is expected to provide a moving experience, allowing travelers to reflect on the hardships endured by the likes of Roald Amundsen and Frederick Cook, whose journeys in Antarctica paved the way for modern exploration.
Antarctic Adventures: A Modern Twist on Early Explorations
Although guests will be able to experience the atmosphere of early 19th-century expeditions, they will also enjoy the luxuries of modern travel. The 1896 Cabin experience is priced at $795 (€450) per night, with both single and double occupancy options available. The cabin will be available for overnight stays, but when not in use, other passengers will have the opportunity to tour the room and learn more about the history behind it.
To add to the allure, half of all profits from the cabin experience will be donated to the HX Foundation, which supports eco-focused projects aimed at preserving the natural environments guests will visit on their travels. This philanthropic aspect ties into HX’s broader commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, making the 1896 Cabin experience not just a journey through time but also a contribution to future conservation efforts.
The Role of Education and Partnerships in Modern Expeditions
HX Expeditions has long been at the forefront of blending adventure with education. In 2024, the company partnered with the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to launch the HX-UTAS Antarctica Pre-Departure Course, an online educational programme designed to prepare passengers for their Antarctic journeys. The course has been incredibly popular, and HX is now expanding its collaboration with UTAS to offer new programmes for upcoming Arctic expeditions to regions like Alaska, Arctic Canada, Greenland, Iceland, the Northwest Passage, and Svalbard.
The collaboration with UTAS is especially meaningful due to the university’s proximity to Antarctica and its longstanding expertise in marine and polar studies through the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS). The HX-UTAS course, a 20-hour comprehensive programme, provides participants with in-depth knowledge of the Antarctic ecosystem, history, and exploration. It has been so successful that HX is now working with UTAS to offer similar courses worldwide, preparing travelers for future expeditions to some of the most remote and fascinating regions on Earth.
In addition to academic offerings, HX is deeply committed to supporting ongoing research and sustainability initiatives. The company frequently hosts researchers and scientists from IMAS and UTAS aboard its ships, fostering collaboration between the worlds of academia and adventure tourism. This partnership has played a key role in making HX Expeditions a leader in ecotourism and educational travel.
A Unique Experience on the High Seas
As HX Expeditions enters its 130th year of business, it is evident that the company’s development is firmly anchored in its history while welcoming fresh chances for expansion and innovation. HX’s dedication to providing unmatched travel experiences while maintaining the spirit of exploration that has been its hallmark for more than a century is demonstrated by the 1896 Cabin and the expanded educational partnerships.
Conscious travel is becoming more and more important in the travel industry, which is reflected in the company’s ongoing emphasis on sustainability, education, and giving back to local communities. HX Expeditions provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance to engage with the rich legacy of Hurtigruten while enjoying the comforts and innovations of contemporary cruising for tourists seeking to explore the polar regions in a way that blends adventure, education, and history.
The 1896 Cabin promises to be one of the most distinctive and unforgettable experiences in the world of expedition cruising, so travellers wishing to participate in the festivities shouldn’t think twice as 2026 draws near.
