by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 10:50 AM ET, Tue October 6, 2026
HX Expeditions is celebrating the conclusion of another successful Arctic season after welcoming thousands of guests on 31 expedition sailings and collecting nearly 26,500 citizen science submissions across the region.
The season carried particular significance for HX, which is marking its 130th anniversary this year. The company’s first Svalbard voyage in 1896 brought guests, scientists and biologists together to study the Arctic. In 2026, HX continued that legacy on a larger scale, combining expedition travel with citizen science, university-backed education and environmental initiatives.
Across its 31 Arctic sailings, HX recorded an average Tripadvisor rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 167 reviews and its highest-ever number of suite bookings, which the company said signals continued demand for premium expedition travel.
Science remained a central part of the expedition experience. HX engages guests in at least two citizen science projects on every voyage, allowing travelers to contribute observations from remote areas while learning more about the environments they visit.
During the 2026 Arctic season, guests and expedition teams made 26,491 submissions across nine research programs. Those included 23,518 iNaturalist observations, 1,286 ORCA records, 1,183 eBird submissions, 203 NASA GLOBE Cloud Observer reports, 181 Secchi Disk readings, 73 Happywhale contributions, 38 harmful algal bloom observations, eight Aurorasaurus reports and one Marine Debris Tracker entry.
Guests also took part in 363 science boat sessions, which brought them into the field alongside expedition and research teams to observe wildlife and collect data on ocean clarity, cloud cover and aurora activity.
AI Takes Aim at Whale Detection
HX also participated in a world-first Arctic trial exploring how artificial intelligence and thermal imaging could improve whale detection around vessels.
The AI WAVE (Whales and Arctic Vessels) project is a collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and marine monitoring specialist Seiche. The partners deployed a Smart Visual Detection System aboard MS Fram, beginning during the ship’s voyage from Dover to Svalbard and continuing throughout the Arctic summer around the archipelago.
The system combines thermal cameras, high-definition imagery, machine learning and continuous monitoring to identify whale blows and surface activity. Data collected during the trial will help researchers train future AI-assisted species identification and automated alert systems.
The technology could eventually give bridge teams earlier warnings when whales are nearby, potentially reducing disturbance and collision risks for species including narwhal, beluga and bowhead whales.
The project also gave HX guests an opportunity to see research in action, linking wildlife observation and onboard science with the broader expedition experience. HX said the trial could serve as a model for developing scalable marine mammal monitoring and environmental safety tools across the maritime industry.
“Science is one of the most powerful ways to turn an Arctic journey into something that matters long after guests return home,” says Verena Meraldi, HX’s chief scientist. “From 26,491 citizen science submissions to a world-first Arctic trial using AI and thermal imaging to detect whales, this season shows what becomes possible when operators, research and educational bodies, technology partners and guests truly work together.”
Learning Beyond the Ship
HX also expanded its educational offerings this season with a new free Svalbard course developed in partnership with the University of Tasmania.
The course uses expert-led modules to introduce guests to Svalbard’s wildlife, ecosystems, history and principles of responsible exploration before they travel. It follows similar HX courses focused on Alaska and Antarctica, with additional programs planned for Arctic Canada, Greenland, Iceland and the Northwest Passage in 2027.
Guests also contributed to conservation efforts during the season, collecting 308.44 kilograms of waste during beach cleanups organized by HX.
“As the region’s largest expedition cruise operator, we have a responsibility to pair our scale and years of experience with meaningful participation to create a deeper understanding of how we can protect the Arctic of the future,” Meraldi says.
HX Extends Greenland Promise
As it wrapped up the Arctic season, HX also announced an extension of its HX Greenland Promise through the end of the 2028 season.
The program is designed to provide additional flexibility for qualifying Greenland expeditions if HX cancels a sailing or a guest’s government advises against travel. Guests can transfer to another HX expedition and receive an additional 20 percent Future Cruise Credit or opt for a full refund.
The extension builds on protections already available for 2026 and 2027 Greenland voyages and will now cover qualifying expeditions through 2028. HX said additional terms and conditions will be posted on TravelHX.com in the coming weeks.
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