HX Expeditions achieved its most successful year yet for the 2025-26 Antarctic season with impressive bookings growth while remaining aligned to its citizen science roots and the overall passenger experience.
From October 2025 to March 2026, the most recent Antarctic season was the expedition company’s most successful, including its highest-ever suite bookings and guest satisfaction ratings.
It reported a global five per cent year-on-year hike in bookings, bringing more travellers to the region than any other operator, as well as a 95 per cent 5-star TripAdvisor rating, staking its claim as a premium polar expedition cruising leader.
The record 2025-26 season included 34 sailings, introducing new experiences and expanding its kayaking and camping capacity by 188 per cent.
HX also added other passenger enhancements, such as later Buenos Aires departures pre- and post-expedition, upgraded charter flights and exclusive access to Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa for suite guests.
This season also marked scientific milestones, reinforcing its commitment to science-led exploration with 1,801 guest nights devoted to global research and more than AUD$207,000 raised by travellers for community projects.
In addition, passengers supported citizen science projects through wildlife experiences, including 1,111 Happywhale submissions and 2,250 eBird checklists completed on board.
More than 2,300 guests also took the University of Tasmania’s ‘Introduction to Antarctica’ learning module, contributing to over 4,614 hours of study.
Chief Scientist Verena Meraldi said this season proves that travellers are no longer just looking to see Antarctica – they want to study it.
“I’m proud of how our Science & Education program this season again enabled scientists to access remote environments while engaging guests directly in the process,” she said.
“A highlight for me was our work with Dr Manuel Novillo, documenting rare spawning behaviour of Antarctic blackfin icefish near Danco Island using our underwater drones.
“Capturing these moments in situ provides valuable insight into critical habitats that are still largely unknown. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when expedition travel actively supports science in a rapidly changing Antarctic environment,” she said.
CEO Gebhard Rainer said that as the largest operator in the region, the company recognises the responsibility that comes with scale.
“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,” he said.
“Our focus is, and always will be, ensuring that Antarctica remains protected for future generations. Our record-breaking season underscores a clear message: high‑quality expedition travel and rigorous environmental stewardship can, and must, go hand in hand.”
KARRYON UNPACKS: For travel advisors, HX Expeditions’ Antarctic growth highlights how scale and sustainability are no longer competing priorities, but complementary drivers of value in the premium expedition sector.
