Introduction to HX – MS Roald Amundsen
HX – MS Roald Amundsen Cruises stands as one of the most revolutionary expedition ships sailing to the world’s most remote and breathtaking destinations. Designed for explorers who want to witness untouched polar landscapes, unique wildlife, and the serene beauty of the Arctic and Antarctica, this hybrid-powered vessel sets new standards in sustainable travel. Named after the legendary Norwegian explorer, the first person to reach the South Pole, MS Roald Amundsen brings together comfort, advanced technology, and eco-friendly innovation to create the ultimate expedition experience for modern travelers. With its cutting-edge hybrid propulsion, reduced fuel consumption, and minimal environmental footprint, the ship allows travelers to explore responsibly while enjoying unmatched luxury.
The ship belongs to HX Expeditions (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), a brand known worldwide for its pioneering approach to sustainable adventure tourism. MS Roald Amundsen is specifically crafted to give guests an immersion into the raw intensity of nature while maintaining top-tier comfort through its Scandinavian design, spacious cabins, wellness areas, and exquisite dining experiences. This combination of sustainability and style makes the ship one of the most sought-after expedition vessels today. Whether you are dreaming of navigating icy fjords, witnessing penguin colonies, or kayaking through Arctic waters, MS Roald Amundsen promises a once-in-a-lifetime exploration experience unlike any other.
Eco-Friendly Innovation: Hybrid Technology & Sustainable Sailing
One of the most impressive features of MS Roald Amundsen is its groundbreaking hybrid propulsion system, which significantly reduces CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption. Traditional expedition ships rely entirely on diesel, but Amundsen uses a combination of electrical propulsion and low-emission engines, allowing it to cruise silently at times—perfect for wildlife observation and protecting fragile ecosystems. This innovation marks a milestone in expedition cruising and has earned the vessel recognition as the first hybrid-powered cruise ship specially designed for long-distance polar explorations. Sustainability doesn’t stop with the engines; the ship also incorporates advanced waste management systems, plastic-free operations, and eco-conscious interiors made from natural materials.
Guests onboard can feel proud to be part of an environmentally responsible voyage, especially when exploring pristine stretches of Antarctica and the Arctic. The silent sailing periods not only reduce pollution but also enrich the overall travel experience by allowing guests to listen to the natural world—calving glaciers, ocean waves, and distant wildlife calls. HX Expeditions also incorporates science-based learning programs, encouraging guests to take part in citizen science activities such as tracking sea birds, measuring water quality, or learning about climate change from leading experts. This deep connection to the environment makes MS Roald Amundsen a meaningful choice for eco-conscious travelers.
World-Class Expedition Itineraries: Antarctica, Arctic & Beyond
MS Roald Amundsen primarily sails to some of the most captivating and remote destinations on earth, including Antarctica, the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Iceland, Patagonia, and the Chilean Fjords. Every itinerary is carefully designed to immerse travelers in the wild beauty of nature—from towering glaciers to sweeping ice deserts. The Antarctica voyages are among the most popular, offering opportunities to witness vast penguin colonies, whales breaching icy waters, and dramatic icebergs drifting silently through crystal-blue seas. Each expedition is guided by experienced scientists, naturalists, historians, and wildlife experts who share deep knowledge and insights at every step of the journey.
In the Arctic, MS Roald Amundsen sails to equally stunning environments, including Svalbard and Greenland, where travelers may witness polar bears, walruses, and Arctic foxes in their natural habitats. Beyond the polar regions, the ship also explores warm-weather destinations such as South America’s rugged coastlines and the extraordinary Chilean Fjords. Every route offers daily activities like Zodiac landings, lectures, hiking, photography workshops, and kayaking adventures. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, nature photographer, or adventure seeker, the itineraries offered by HX Expeditions ensure an unforgettable journey into earth’s last true wilderness.
Life Onboard: Luxury & Scandinavian Comfort in the Middle of Wilderness
Life onboard MS Roald Amundsen is designed to provide comfort, relaxation, and enrichment even as you sail through the world’s most extreme environments. The ship features spacious, modern cabins with large windows—many with private balconies—allowing guests to enjoy panoramic views of snow-covered mountains, glaciers, and ocean wildlife without leaving their room. Scandinavian design influences give the interiors a warm and elegant feel, using natural wood, soft tones, and sustainable materials to create a cozy atmosphere amid the cold outside world. Additionally, the science center onboard serves as the heart of the educational experience, offering a fully equipped area where guests can interact with experts, analyze samples, and attend engaging lectures.
For relaxation, the ship’s wellness center includes a sauna with views of the sea, a heated outdoor infinity pool, hot tubs, and a modern fitness center. The observation decks are strategically designed for wildlife spotting, and the lounges offer comfortable seating where guests can unwind with a book or enjoy conversations with fellow travelers. Regardless of the destination or weather, the ship ensures a sense of comfort and connection with nature at all times. The combination of luxury amenities and scientific exploration creates a truly unique expedition environment worthy of its explorer namesake.
Dining Experience: A Taste of Global Flavors with Local Ingredients
Dining aboard MS Roald Amundsen is another highlight of the expedition, offering a refined culinary experience inspired by Nordic traditions and global flavors. The ship features multiple dining venues, including the main restaurant Aune, the premium restaurant Lindstrøm, and the relaxed Fredheim. Each venue provides a different style of dining, from gourmet multi-course meals to comfort food with an international twist. Ingredients are often sourced from local and sustainable suppliers, ensuring freshness and supporting the regions visited by the ship. This focus on quality and authenticity makes every meal a delightful addition to the journey.
The menus are designed to balance health, creativity, and taste, offering plenty of choices for vegetarians, vegans, and those with dietary preferences. Guests can expect everything from fresh seafood to hearty soups, artisanal bread, and delicious desserts inspired by Nordic traditions. The culinary team also organizes special dining events, tasting sessions, and themed dinners that add variety and depth to the onboard dining experience. As you sail through remote destinations like Antarctica or Greenland, enjoying world-class cuisine in the middle of such vast wilderness makes the overall journey truly unforgettable.
Why Travel on MS Roald Amundsen? Key Reasons to Choose This Expedition
Choosing MS Roald Amundsen means choosing a combination of sustainability, comfort, and raw adventure that few expedition ships can match. The vessel offers unparalleled access to remote destinations with minimal environmental impact, making it ideal for travelers who wish to explore responsibly. Its hybrid engine system, silent sailing capabilities, and eco-conscious operations represent the future of cruising and reflect HX Expeditions’ commitment to preserving the planet’s most fragile ecosystems. This alone makes the ship stand out among competitors in the expedition cruise industry.
Beyond sustainability, the ship offers a premium onboard experience with luxurious cabins, exceptional dining, knowledgeable expedition teams, and world-class educational programs. Whether it’s watching wildlife from an observation deck, taking part in a citizen science project, or relaxing in a hot tub surrounded by polar scenery, MS Roald Amundsen ensures every moment of the journey is enriching. For travelers seeking meaningful adventure rather than typical tourism, this ship delivers unmatched value. It’s not just a cruise—it’s an exploration of the world’s last untouched frontiers, offering unforgettable memories and deep personal transformation.
The Science Center: A Learning Hub in the Middle of the Ocean
One of the most unique features of MS Roald Amundsen is its fully equipped onboard Science Center, which serves as the learning heart of every expedition. This space is designed for guests who want to go beyond sightseeing and truly understand the geography, wildlife, climate, and ecosystems they are exploring. The Science Center includes interactive exhibits, microscopes, high-tech research tools, charts, maps, and a library filled with scientific literature. Here, travelers can participate in hands-on experiments, analyze samples collected during landings, and engage in deep learning sessions with professional scientists and researchers. These experts come from fields such as marine biology, glaciology, geology, and ornithology—ensuring that every lecture or workshop adds meaningful depth to the traveler’s experience.
The Science Center also acts as the base for HX Expeditions’ Citizen Science Program, which allows passengers to assist researchers in collecting real data that contributes to global research efforts. Guests can help with bird observation, cloud reporting, phytoplankton sampling, and more. This immersive approach transforms every expedition into a collaborative exploration where travelers become active participants in environmental conservation. Being part of scientific discovery in such remote locations gives guests a sense of purpose and fosters a deeper appreciation of the natural world. It’s not just an educational experience—it’s a rare opportunity to contribute to ongoing global research while exploring the planet’s most majestic destinations.
Wildlife Encounters: From Penguins to Polar Bears
A major highlight of any MS Roald Amundsen expedition is the incredible opportunity to witness wildlife in some of the most untouched ecosystems on earth. In Antarctica, travelers often find themselves surrounded by penguin colonies, seals resting on ice floes, and whales breaching the surface of frigid waters. These encounters happen organically and respectfully, guided by the ship’s strict environmental protocols that ensure wildlife remains undisturbed. The expedition team provides constant guidance, helping guests understand animal behaviors, migration patterns, and the unique challenges these species face due to climate change. These spontaneous wildlife moments often become the most emotional parts of the entire journey.
In the Arctic, the experience shifts to spotting polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer, and vast seabird populations that thrive in the region’s cold and rugged environment. Guests may also witness the spectacular movements of whales, including humpbacks, belugas, and orcas. Every wildlife encounter is viewed from a safe distance, either through binoculars on the observation decks or during guided Zodiac excursions. The expedition team’s expertise ensures guests learn fascinating insights about every species they encounter, transforming simple sightings into profound, educational experiences. These wildlife moments are not only thrilling but also deeply humbling, reminding travelers of the importance of protecting the fragile habitats that these species call home.
Adventure Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Zodiac Landings
For travelers seeking active exploration, MS Roald Amundsen offers a wide range of adventure activities designed to bring guests closer to nature. Zodiac landings are among the most popular, allowing passengers to step off the ship and explore rugged coastlines, icy beaches, hidden coves, and historical sites. These landings provide the chance to walk on Antarctic terrain, visit research stations, observe wildlife up close, and take photographs of landscapes that few people ever experience firsthand. Every landing is planned carefully to ensure safety and minimize environmental impact, with expert guides leading each group and sharing insights throughout the excursion.
For an even more immersive adventure, kayaking is available in both polar regions and offers a unique perspective of the icy waters. Guests paddle silently through fjords, past glaciers, and alongside icebergs, experiencing nature from water level. Hiking opportunities are also plentiful, ranging from gentle walks across snow-covered terrain to more challenging climbs on rocky hillsides in places like Greenland or Patagonia. These activities allow guests to engage physically with the landscape, making the expedition feel more personal and adventurous. Whether calmly kayaking along mirror-like waters or hiking rugged trails, the combination of physical adventure and breathtaking scenery makes every moment memorable.
Final Thoughts: A Journey Beyond Ordinary Travel
The HX – MS Roald Amundsen expedition cruise offers far more than just a vacation—it delivers a profound and immersive exploration of the planet’s most fascinating destinations. Whether you dream of standing in the presence of towering glaciers, observing penguins and polar bears in their natural habitats, or sailing through icy fjords surrounded by silence, this ship provides the perfect gateway to extraordinary experiences. Its hybrid-powered, environmentally responsible design ensures that travelers can enjoy Earth’s beauty without contributing to its degradation, making it a visionary choice for modern explorers who want both comfort and conscience.
From luxurious Scandinavian interiors to world-class itineraries across Antarctica, the Arctic, and beyond, MS Roald Amundsen sets a new benchmark for expedition cruising. Every journey is enriched by scientific discovery, sustainable travel practices, and premium amenities designed for relaxation and adventure. As the world continues to change rapidly, opportunities to witness such untouched beauty become even more precious. MS Roald Amundsen invites travelers to step out of the ordinary and embrace the wild—safely, responsibly, and in style. It truly is a voyage like no other.
