HX Expeditions has concluded a landmark Arctic cruise season that carried special significance in HX’s 130th-anniversary year.

The season included:

• 31 Arctic sailings
• HX’s highest-ever suite bookings, signaling strong demand for premium expedition travel
• 26,491 citizen science submissions across nine research programs
• 363 science boat sessions, connecting guests directly with research in the field
• A world-first Arctic AI whale-detection trial aboard the Fram, advancing real-time monitoring in polar waters, and
• 44 kg of waste collected through beach clean-ups by guests and staff.

The company said in a press release that HX engages guests in at least two citizen science projects on every voyage, helping researchers gather observations from remote places while giving travelers a closer understanding of the environments they explore.

Another science milestone for HX came through the AI WAVE (Whales and Arctic Vessels) project, a collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and marine monitoring specialist Seiche.

The partners deployed a Smart Visual Detection System aboard the Fram in a world-first Arctic trial of thermal imaging and artificial intelligence for real-time whale detection.

Designed to identify whale blows and surface activity, the system combines thermal cameras, high-definition imagery, machine learning and continuous monitoring.

The data collected will help train future AI-assisted species identification and automated alert systems, potentially giving bridge teams earlier warning of whales and reducing disturbance and collision risk for Arctic species including narwhal, beluga and bowhead whales.

The project also brought live science into the guest experience, using wildlife observation and onboard research to deepen understanding of Arctic biodiversity.

According to the press release, the season also extended learning beyond the ship.

HX’s new free Svalbard course, developed with the University of Tasmania, uses expert-led modules to introduce guests to the archipelago’s wildlife, ecosystems, history and the principles of responsible exploration before they travel.

The course follows HX’s Alaska course and award-winning Antarctica program with further learning planned for Arctic Canada, Greenland, Iceland and the Northwest Passage in 2027.

The company added that alongside its Arctic season results, HX has announced that the HX Greenland Promise will be extended through the end of the 2028 season.

Guests can either transfer to another HX expedition and receive an additional 20% Future Cruise Credit or choose a full refund.