by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:05 PM ET, Mon November 18, 2024
Travelers sailing to Antarctica with HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) can take a new online course about the White Continent—and earn an official certificate from the University of Tasmania in the process.
The free educational offering, which is slated to launch later this month amid HX’s 2024-25 Antarctica season, is the result of a collaboration between HX and the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS).
“We are breaking new ground in expedition travel, offering scientific educational opportunities that are truly transformative and based in ocean conservation,” says Tudor Morgan, HX’s vice president of sustainability, guest learning and industry relations. “This collaboration represents a bold step forward in bridging the worlds of exploration and academia, offering travelers and professionals alike an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the polar regions, while contributing to their academic and personal growth.”
Called the HX Pre-Departure Course, the four-hour course covers Antarctica’s history, governance, wildlife, ecology and more. Travelers and HX staff members can also learn about the Southern Ocean, ice core studies, climate change, citizen science and responsible tourism. Travelers will be able to access the online seminars, interviews and Q&A sessions before, during and after their HX journey.
“For HX guests, this collaboration offers a world first for our industry and a market-leading program that will enrich their travel experience with knowledge, scientific education, and inspiration,” says Verena Meraldi, HX’s chief scientist. “We have carefully curated the syllabus, optimized for curious travelers—who do not just want to explore but want to take that knowledge further and hopefully use that as a force for good for the future.”
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