HX Expeditions is pushing the boundaries of expedition cruising once again, unveiling two new online courses with the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to elevate Antarctic journeys into transformative learning experiences for guests.
The expansion follows HX’s recognition at Seatrade Europe in Hamburg, where the line received a finalist award in the Expedition Cruise Initiative of the Year category for its pioneering partnership with UTAS’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS). The collaboration has already set a new benchmark for how science and education can shape responsible expedition travel.
Launched last season, the world-first Antarctica education programme blended immersive travel with rigorous scientific insight. Since then, more than 2,250 travellers have registered, with surveys showing near-universal satisfaction: 99 per cent of participants rated the course experience highly, 99.5 per cent found it relevant to their voyage, and 98 per cent reported heightened awareness of their responsibilities as Antarctic visitors.
Guest feedback underscored the impact. One traveller shared: “I began to understand how complex Antarctica is. This is not just a holiday, but a life experience.” Another noted: “Very impressive course. Should or could be a mandatory tourist requirement in future.”
What’s changing for the 2025/26 season?
Building on that momentum, HX and UTAS are introducing a two-tiered learning structure:
- The Introductory Course – a flexible online primer on Antarctica, available free of charge to all HX guests before, during, or after their voyage.
- The Comprehensive Course – a deeper, accredited programme offered year-round through UTAS. Participants can explore Antarctic science and sustainability in greater detail and even earn credits towards future study. A course fee will apply, with pricing to be confirmed closer to launch.
The updated Introductory Course will roll out in October 2025, with the Comprehensive Course following soon after.
Why does this matter for agents?
For travel advisors, the expanded programme strengthens HX’s positioning as a leader in sustainable, education-driven expedition cruising. It gives sellers a powerful talking point when engaging clients who are seeking more than a standard bucket-list trip. Advisors can emphasise how HX offers not just an adventure, but a meaningful opportunity to engage with the science, stewardship, and future of Antarctica.
Iain McNeill, Chief Operating Officer of HX Expeditions, said the new structure “gives our HX guests the chance for an even richer level of education and immersion around Antarctica’s unique environment, so they can leave their journey not only transformed but also empowered to be stewards of the planet.”
How does UTAS view the collaboration?
Nicole Webster, Executive Director of IMAS, highlighted that the aim was to make “the world’s most remote classroom accessible to everyone.” She noted that the dual-tier system allows travellers to extend their learning beyond the voyage itself. “By offering both an introductory and an accredited comprehensive course, we’re ensuring that travellers can take their Antarctic experience beyond the voyage, building knowledge that can inspire lifelong impact.”
HX’s expansion underscores its strategy to fuse exploration with education and sustainability. With UTAS ranked as the world’s top university for climate action by the Times Higher Education index, the partnership adds credibility and weight to HX’s efforts.
For the expedition cruise sector, this signals a broader shift toward programmes that equip travellers with not just unforgettable experiences, but also the tools to understand and advocate for the fragile destinations they visit.
