October 27, 2025

Antarctica for All 5 Senses

Picture of Shianne Motter
Shianne Motter

Everything is silent except the sound of falling ice...everything about Antarctica and HX Expeditions defies expectation

For those craving both profound solitude and connection, the polar regions reveal a humbling truth: humanity’s scale is fleeting, nature’s resilience and its cry to preserve what remains.

The Seventh Continent is unlike anywhere else on Earth. A land of extremes shaped by ice, silence, and staggering scale. HX Expeditions is leading the way in the region by expanding it's largest kayaking and camping program in Antartica Yes, you spend a night under the stars & camp in Antarctica. 

No permanent human settlements. No roads. Just wind-sculpted snow, mighty glaciers, and seas rich with life. Evoke all 5 senses in unexpected ways on your Antarctica expedition cruise with HX, and book with an MVT advisor for VIP amenities and special offers –like 90 EUR onboard credit per person–you cannot find anywhere else. 

What’s New for the 2025/26 Antarctica Season?

  • 188% increase in kayaking capacity across the HX fleet
  • Camping capacity doubled- up to 60 guests per night
  • Solo traveller access expanded, no partner required for kayaking or camping
  • New ‘Discovery Kayaks’ – solo, inflatable, self-guided paddling with no language requirement. The HX ‘Discovery Kayaks’ are an industry first—custom-designed in partnership with two of the world’s leading water sports equipment specialists: NRS (Northwest River Supplies) in the US and Escape Watersports in the UK—bringing together cutting-edge design and performance on a global scale.
  • New ‘Bivvy Bag’ camping – are a lightweight, low-impact overnight experience beneath the stars and the closest you can get to being the ultimate explorer! The new HX Bivvy is a custom-built, top-tier set-up sourced from Scandinavia; the industry-first combination has been rigorously tested by the HX experts (Price: EUR 350 pp ‘Bivvy Bags’ and EUR 429 pp for two-person Tent )

Sound: Silence

Antarctica is an otherworldly destination where even silence awakens the senes. In October 2025, HX announced the launch of two new ‘silent science boats’ powered by electricity and designed to minimise underwater noise pollution. These will be used predominately for the ships’ science team, for guest science boats trips and for guest scientist conducting research.

As part of HX’s commitment to scientific integrity, environmental stewardship, and lower-impact exploration, the introduction of electric Zodiacs marks a major step toward phasing out traditional petroleum-based engines. These vessels enable silent discovery in remote destinations such as Antarctica, giving guest scientists, expedition teams, and travelling guests the rare opportunity to observe and study marine life with minimal disturbance.

Hear the beautiful 'symphony of the ice' as you glide silently past nature's frozen works of art in a sea kayak. Designed for close-up polar exploration, there's no better way to encounter the wildlife of Antarctica and to enjoy its soul-stirring scenery.

Two Ways to Kayak in Antarctica

  • Discovery Kayaks (Inflatable): Inflatable, self-guided kayaks with a lightweight yet robust and ultra-modern design that allows for a closer-to-the-water experience; ideal for calm conditions and intimate exploration. Guests paddle independently at their own pace in a dedicated space, with safety boats monitoring at all times. Solo travellers are able to paddle on their own; no English required. 
  • Sea Explorer Kayaks (Hard Shell): Hard-shell Sea kayaks guided by two expedition guides, built for longer-range paddling and greater control in dynamic Antarctic conditions. Built for range, stability, and slicing through the Antarctic silence, these sleek expedition-grade kayaks are perfect for more technical outings. Kayaks come in pairs for the ultimate experience with a friend or companion. 

Sight: the Wildlife

When you spot any whale species in Antarctica, you know they’ve had to migrate from afar, usually swimming thousands of miles. The Southern Ocean is the world’s largest feeding ground for marine mammals, which explains why ten different species of whale visit every year. On your voyage, you’ll have the opportunity to spot Humpback, Orca, and Minke Whales and could even see the largest animal ever known to have lived on Earth: the Blue Whale.

Guided by your Expedition Team, join activities and excursions that bring you deeper and closer to Antarctica’s beauty. Observe and photograph iconic animals, join natural history talks with wildlife experts, and deepen your knowledge in the onboard Science Centre, where you can contribute to vital research.

Smell: Salt & fresh air

Step out onto the deck at dawn, and the air feels stripped of everything artificial. You inhale a purity you didn’t realize you’d been missing — a scentless silence that smells of nothing and everything. Start planning your trip with an MVT advisor today.

Taste: Theme Menus, Highlighting Crew Heritage

On every voyage aboard MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, guests can enjoy a rotation of international menus at Restaurant Fredheim, the casual dining venue on HX’s two newest ships. HX’s Filipino menu was inspired by the company’s chefs, who drew on their own heritage and family recipes to bring authentic flavours to guests. 

  • Kinilaw na Isda: A tuna ceviche with coconut cream and fish roe, prepared by Chef Ryan Sibayan.
  • Hipon Sinigang Bisque: Chef Eugene Fusio’s refined take on the traditional tamarind soup with king prawns and okra.
  • Lechon Kawali and Adobo Duet: Crispy pork belly with adobo sauce, Jasmine rice, and a soft-poached egg.
  • Kare-Kare Risotto: A vegetarian reinvention of the beloved peanut stew by Chefs Edwin Raquim and Darius Bensoy.
  • Turon Mille-Feuille: Chef Mike Unabia’s elevated version of the Filipino classic, layered with banana custard and salted caramel ice cream.

Feel: In awe & deep relaxation

After hours of trekking over ice and sailing frozen seas, thawing out in our sauna or relaxing in our spa are two perfect ways to celebrate a day well spent. All ships include an outdoor hot tub and have a pool, while others offer massages and beauty treatments. All well-deserved and welcome before the next day’s adventures.

Sail in style with an expedition suite. After a day of exploring, return to an ocean oasis – complete with a private balcony, lounge area, and walk-in wardrobes. Enjoy priority boarding, fine dining, premium drinks, laundry, and much more, all included as standard for suite guests.

Expeditions with HX are driven by exploration, science, and discovery. Every journey you take with us is led by knowledgeable naturalists, scientists, and historians who bring the landscapes and natural habitats to life through guided shore excursions and onboard lectures. This is travel with purpose, perspective, and a deep respect for the planet – experiences that have the power to change the way you see the world.     

A wild realm beyond the horizon & commitment to sustainability

Experiencing Antarctica must come with responsibility

Since 1896, HX Expeditions has taken the curious on mindful expeditions to the most remote and awe-inspiring places on the planet. An expedition with HX offers the best of both worlds – expedition expertise and luxurious comfort, with the opportunity to change the way you see the world forever.

Renowned for its pole-to-pole expeditions, HX combines sustainability, science, and education to create transformative travel experiences. Pioneering in sustainability, HX was the first cruise company to eliminate heavy fuel oils, ban single-use unnecessary plastics in its operations, and launch hybrid cruise ships. The company also supports scientific research, donating over 1,900 free cruise nights to onboard scientists, and runs the HX Foundation, providing grants to community projects focused on education and marine conservation.

An HX trip includes everything from daily excursions and activities to our onboard Science Centre, meals, gratuities, drinks* and more. ​ All designed to give you the expedition experience of a lifetime. Your next adventure can be more than just a getaway — it can be a force for good.

By booking HX Expeditions with MVT, guests enjoy the best of both worlds– expedition expertise and luxurious comfort, with the opportunity to change the way you see the world forever.

 

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