Aurora Expeditions vs HX Expeditions
Choose Aurora for a small, 3-ship fleet capped near 130 guests and a B Corp sustainability record.
Choose HX for larger, all-inclusive ships with drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities built into the fare.
| Feature | Aurora Expeditions | HX Expeditions |
|---|---|---|
| Fleet size | 3 vessels | 5 vessels |
| Ships | Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle, Douglas Mawson | MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Roald Amundsen, MS Spitsbergen, MS Fram, MV Santa Cruz II |
| Capacity | Up to ~130 | Up to ~500 on largest ships |
| Founded | 1991 | As HX Expeditions since 2025 (rebrand); parent Hurtigruten's marketing traces to 1896* |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | London, UK |
| Inclusions | House-level drinks & Wi-Fi included; kayaking extra | Drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities all-inclusive |
* "Since 1896" is a marketing line tied to the parent Hurtigruten brand, not a founding date for HX Expeditions itself — treat with caution.
Fleet & Comfort
Aurora's three ships stay small and expedition-focused, built around Zodiac landings and onboard activities for up to roughly 130 guests at a time.
HX runs a larger, more varied fleet of five ships, from the modern MS Fridtjof Nansen (2020) and MS Roald Amundsen (2019) — both hybrid-powered — down to the older MS Spitsbergen (2009) and MS Fram (2007). Its largest ships carry up to roughly 500 passengers, with a Science Center on board.
Destinations & Access
Aurora sails the Arctic (Svalbard, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Northwest Passage) and Antarctica.
HX covers a broader range including the Arctic, Antarctica, and — via the smaller MV Santa Cruz II — the Galápagos, a region Aurora doesn't operate in.
Inclusions & Price
HX's all-inclusive model bundles drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities into the fare — a meaningful difference from operators that charge these separately. Aurora includes house-level drinks and Wi-Fi as standard too, though kayaking is a paid add-on for both.
Sustainability & Certification
Aurora Expeditions is B Corp certified and an AECO founding member and IAATO member. HX operates hybrid-powered vessels aimed at reducing emissions; its formal AECO/IAATO membership status is not independently verified.
Which Operator for Which Traveler?
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Wants smallest possible ship | Aurora (max ~130 passengers) |
| Wants all-inclusive fare (drinks/Wi-Fi/tips) | HX Expeditions |
| Interested in a Galápagos add-on | HX Expeditions (MV Santa Cruz II) |
| Prioritizes B Corp sustainability credentials | Aurora (B Corp certified) |
FAQs
Is HX Expeditions the same company as Hurtigruten Expeditions?
Yes — HX Expeditions is the current name, adopted in 2025. "Hurtigruten Expeditions" is the outdated name for the same company.
Which has more ships?
HX Expeditions, with 5 vessels, versus Aurora's 3.
Does HX include drinks and Wi-Fi in the fare?
Yes — HX advertises an all-inclusive fare covering drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. Aurora also includes house-level drinks and Wi-Fi as standard, though gratuities aren't confirmed as included.
Does HX visit the Galápagos?
Yes, via the smaller MV Santa Cruz II — the only ship in either fleet operating outside the Arctic/Antarctic. Aurora doesn't run Galápagos voyages.
Which operator has a more sustainable fleet?
Aurora is B Corp certified with confirmed AECO/IAATO membership. HX runs hybrid-powered ships aimed at cutting emissions, but its formal certification status isn't independently verified here.