This week HX Expeditions hosted more than 350 travel advisors aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen for what the line is calling the largest fam trip in expedition cruise history

The ‘mega fam’ saw agents from the UK and Europe board MS Fridtjof Nansen in Hamburg before embarking on a two-day sailing to Helgoland in the North Sea, giving the trade a taste of the line’s polar expedition experience.

Speaking to Cruise Trade News, Mark Walter, sales director UK & Northern Europe, said hosting so many agents on board emphasises the line’s commitment to the wider trade community.

“This mega fam sends a really clear message to the trade that we are committed to supporting them. I’ve been talking to travel agents for ten years about expedition cruising and a lot of them say they really love [the product] but they don’t feel confident enough to sell it.

“We know that if agents see the product, it leads to those ‘penny drop’ moments where they find answers to the questions that some of their clients often stall on.

“We work really hard to engage the trade by offering lots of touchpoints, because without them, HX Expeditions doesn’t achieve its goals.”

Attendees, who were made up of top sellers, new-to-brand agents and incentive winners, were invited to experience the full onboard offering, from the sauna and hot tubs to the science and education programme, as well as the ship’s three restaurants. In the evening, guests were treated to a traditional sea shanty performance by a local Helgoland choir.

“Our goal was not only to provide our sales partners with information about HX Expeditions, but to create real experiences they can confidently share with their clients,” added Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX Expeditions.

Podcast: Inside the expedition evolution

History in the making

The ‘mega fam’ coincided with HX Expeditions’ 130-year anniversary, which the line will be marking with a special offer, featuring either savings of up to 25 per cent or complimentary suite upgrades on select bookings made between 1 May and 31 August 2026.

Meanwhile, agents will receive a £130 gift card for every new, fully deposited booking made between 1 May and 31 July 2026.

The sailing was also an opportunity for the line to unveil its newly launched 1896 Cabin, with one of MS Fridtjof Nansen staterooms refitted to resemble a 19th century expedition cabin.

The experience is priced at €100 per person for up to three guests, with 50 per cent of profits going to the HX Foundation.

“My preconceptions have been blown away”

Cruise Trade News caught up with several agents on board to see whether the trip had changed their perception of HX Expeditions and polar cruising in general. Here’s what they had to say…

Julie Brooker, commercial partnerships senior manager, Kuoni

“I’ve only ever ocean cruised before – the smallest ship I’ve ever been on carried 4,000 guests – so I didn’t really know what to expect. There was a little bit of apprehension about whether a smaller ship would suit my clients.

“I quite like having things to do and on a small ship I was concerned that there wouldn’t be enough things to keep me entertained. If I’m crossing the Drake’s Passage for two days, how would I fill that time?

“Now I’ve been on board, my preconceptions have been blown away. There’s enough room to find your own space and there’s plenty to keep me entertained.

“I think the science centre and staff are second to none. You don’t get their knowledge and expertise on any other ship.

“From Kuoni’s perspective, we have seen an increase in requests and bookings for expedition cruise over the last 12-18 months. And for us, the product has a close synergy with the tailormade Africa safaris we offer. Expedition is a natural progression for our customers who like to explore.”

Martin Johnson, director and co-founder of Cruise Routes

“HX Expeditions is a key partner for us, we’ve placed clients on its main expedition ships. We consistently get great feedback, which means we can put people into HX’s care with good confidence that they’re going to get what they’ve been promised.

“The line has two different styles of ship and I wanted to understand how the 490-guest MS Fridtjof Nansen differs to one of its smaller 200 or 150-guest vessels.

“I’d say this ship offers a softer expedition. You’re still going to get on land and experience a lot of activities, but the ship has more to it and offers a more rounded expedition experience.

“This ship is for someone who wants to set foot on the ice but perhaps doesn’t need to be out two landings per day. They can get a greater understanding of Antarctica via the onboard lectures before having a nice drink at the bar.”

Both Walter and HX Expedition’s chief scientist Dr. Verena Meraldi appeared on the Cruise Corner Podcast to discuss why expedition cruising is appealing to younger travellers. You can listen to the episode here or watch along on YouTube.