| HX’s Antarctica victory

HX has announced its most successful Antarctica season on record, with the line seeing exceptional guest satisfaction and its highest-ever suite bookings.

The cruise line operated 34 sailings to the White Continent between Oct 2025 and Mar 2026, earning a 93% five-star score across 272 TripAdvisor reviews.

It also recorded a global 5% increase in suite bookings compared to the 2025 season, and up to 80% in select regions.

The season was characterised by expanded activity capacity, with a 188% increase in kayaking capacity and double the camping spots, all while operating fully within the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators guidelines.

A series of enhancements were also introduced to improve the experience before and after embarkation, making travel to and from the expedition seamless and comfortable.

Before the voyage, guests benefited from later departures from Buenos Aires, with charter flights upgraded to JetSMART’s new A321 aircraft, while after the expedition, later return flights provided additional time to explore Ushuaia.

Guests also received a curated self-guided map highlighting local businesses offering complimentary items, alongside a takeaway lunch featuring regional products for their onward journey.

Additionally, the season saw HX mark a series of scientific milestones, including 1,801 Guest Scientist cruise nights donated to global research and 27,869 Green Stay nights, where travellers opted out of cabin servicing to raise funds for its philanthropic arm, the HX Foundation.

Meanwhile, cruise passengers helped raise 124,882 (approx. A$207,341) for the organisation, supporting conservation, plastic pollution initiatives, and community projects in destinations such as Antarctica and Svalbard.

HX also revealed that 2,307 guests completed the University of Tasmania’s ‘Introduction to Antarctica’ learning module, contributing to more than 4,614 hours of study.

“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,” chief executive officer Gebhard Rainer said.

“HX’s record-breaking season underscores a clear message: highquality expedition travel and rigorous environmental stewardship can, and must, go hand in hand.” JM