Client Confidential: HX Expedition Cruise to Norway and the Northern Lights

I recently had clients return from an unforgettable expedition cruise through Norway with HX Expeditions—and their experience offers some great insight for anyone considering this type of adventure, especially if seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list.

I thought our readers may enjoy reading a first-hand perspective from their experiences.

What did you think of the cruise overall?

We absolutely loved it. The ship was beautiful, with a clean Scandinavian aesthetic and a thoughtful layout. With only about 110 passengers onboard, it delivered a true small-ship experience—intimate, relaxed, and never crowded.

Were the cabins comfortable?

Yes—surprisingly spacious for an expedition ship. The room itself was quite large, and the bathroom was a great size as well. We stayed on Deck 6, which made it very easy to step outside and access outdoor viewing areas quickly—something that really enhances the experience in a destination like Norway.

How was the food?

The food exceeded expectations. While dining was primarily buffet-style, the selection was extensive and high quality. The overall vibe was casual, which they really appreciated—no need to dress up for dinner after a day of exploring.

What were the landings and excursions like?

This was a highlight. We loved the zodiac landings and had the opportunity to go kayaking and even complete a 3-mile hike.

That said, I should note that the “excursions” were not particularly strenuous. As experienced travelers used to active trips (like Backroads-style itineraries), it’s fair to say we found these activities to be more moderate.

In addition, there were some opportunities that we would have enjoyed but we missed them due to a lack of clarity when it came to landing/excursion timing. 

How was the educational aspect onboard?

A mixed bag—which is fairly typical. Some lectures were excellent and engaging, while others were just okay. It really came down to personal interest in the topic being presented.

How was the service?

Service overall was very good—attentive without being overbearing, and consistent throughout the trip.

What was the age range of passengers?

There was a wide range of ages onboard. It skewed slightly younger than traditional cruises, with:

• Families traveling with college-age kids

• Couples in their 30s and 40s

• Many active travelers in their early to mid-60s

The common thread: everyone was relatively active and interested in exploration.

What was the highlight of the trip?

Two things stood out:

1. The scenery:
The fjords were absolutely stunning. Because of the ship’s small size, they were able to access areas larger ships simply can’t reach. The waters were also very calm—no rough seas.

2. The Northern Lights:
We saw the Northern Lights on three separate nights, with the final night being the most spectacular. In hindsight, I’d encourage travelers to consider travelling slightly earlier in the season, which may provide more opportunities to see the lights.

Additional Insights & Tips

• Stay in Tromsø:
  Our pre/post hotel was perfectly located—connected directly to the cruise terminal. Tromsø itself is a charming town that caters well to cruise travelers and is worth exploring.

• Flexible exploration:
  Norway doesn’t always have defined trails, which allows for a more free-form exploration style during landings.

• Minimal entertainment (on purpose):
  There’s very little onboard entertainment compared to large cruise ships—which they considered a plus. The focus is entirely on the destination.

• All-inclusive ease:
  Once onboard, everything is taken care of—meals, drinks, gear—making for a very seamless experience.

• Gear provided:
  Guests receive an Arctic suit and boots to use during the trip, and a waterproof shell to keep.

• Professional photography:
  A photographer captures moments throughout the journey, including Northern Lights photos, which are shared with guests afterward at no cost—a great added value.

This type of expedition cruise is ideal for travelers who prioritize destination over onboard entertainment, appreciate small-group experiences, and want immersive access to nature.

It’s not about formal nights or big productions—it’s about standing under the Northern Lights, cruising through dramatic fjords, and experiencing places that few travelers ever reach.

If that sounds like your kind of travel, this is absolutely worth considering.