09 April 2026 – HX Expeditions has reported its most successful Antarctica season on record, saying the 2025 to 2026 programme brought more travellers to the continent than any other operator while also delivering its highest-ever guest satisfaction and suite bookings. The company said the result reinforces its position as a leading expedition cruise operator in Antarctica and highlights continued demand for science-led and responsible travel.
HX said the season ran from October 2025 to March 2026 and included 34 sailings. The company also said its guests left 272 TripAdvisor reviews, with 252 five-star ratings and a 93% five-star score, while global suite bookings rose 5% compared with 2025 and increased by up to 80% in selected regions.
Guest demand and onboard results
The cruise line said it expanded its pre- and post-expedition guest journey during the season, introducing new experiences designed to improve comfort, connectivity and destination immersion. It also said it increased activity capacity, allowing more guests to kayak and camp than any other operator, with kayaking capacity up 188% and camping places doubled, while operating within IAATO guidelines.
HX framed those results as evidence that expedition cruising can scale without, in its view, weakening the protection of the destination. The company said every voyage complied with IAATO requirements, including limited shore landings, wildlife-distancing protocols, strict biosecurity measures, small-group operations and capped daily visitor numbers.
Science and education
HX also highlighted what it described as a science-first season. The company said it donated 1,801 Guest Scientist cruise nights to global research, recorded 27,869 Green Stay nights in which guests opted out of cabin servicing, and generated 1,111 Happywhale submissions and 2,250 eBird checklists.
Guests aboard HX ships also helped raise €124,882 for the HX Foundation, which the company said will support conservation, plastic pollution initiatives and community projects in the destinations it visits, including Antarctica. HX added that 2,307 guests completed the University of Tasmania’s Antarctica Introduction to Antarctica learning module, contributing more than 4,614 hours of study, and said the award-winning programme is now available in English and German, with Mandarin due to launch soon.
Verena Meraldi, HX Chief Scientist, said: ““As we close the 2025–2026 Antarctic season, I’m proud of how our Science & Education programme this season again enabled scientists to access remote environments while engaging guests directly in the process. A highlight for me was our work with Dr Manuel Novillo, documenting rare spawning behaviour of Antarctic blackfin icefish near Danco Island using our underwater drones. Capturing these moments in situ provides valuable insight into critical habitats that are still largely unknown. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when expedition travel actively supports science in a rapidly changing Antarctic environment.”
Guest journey upgrades
HX said it introduced a series of changes aimed at making travel to and from Antarctica more seamless. Before the expedition, guests were offered later departures from Buenos Aires, to-go breakfasts for smoother transfers and upgraded charter flights with JetSMART’s new A321 aircraft.
The cruise line said the onboard and in-flight experience was also improved with locally made alfajores, commemorative canned water and upgraded service touches. After the voyage, later return flights gave guests more time in Ushuaia, along with a self-guided map pointing to local businesses offering complimentary items and a takeaway lunch featuring regional products.
For suite guests, HX said the experience was further enhanced with rooftop welcome drinks in Buenos Aires, private access to Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, including check-in, dining and wellness facilities, and VIP lounge access at Ushuaia Airport.
Industry significance
The season matters because Antarctica remains one of the most tightly managed cruise destinations, where demand, visitor limits and environmental controls must be balanced closely. HX’s report points to a business model in which higher guest volumes are presented alongside science participation, guest education and regulated access, all of which remain central themes in expedition cruising.
The company said its growth in Antarctica is driven by the view that access must be paired with responsibility.
CEO Gebhard Rainer said: “This has been an extraordinary season – not only in terms of guest numbers and satisfaction, but in the depth of scientific engagement and responsible travel practices. As the largest operator, we recognise the responsibility that comes with our scale. Our focus is, and always will be, ensuring that Antarctica remains protected for future generations. HX’s record-breaking season underscores a clear message: high‑quality expedition travel and rigorous environmental stewardship can, and must, go hand in hand.”
Source: Official HX Expeditions Press Release, 09 April 2026
