For travellers who dream of venturing into the raw, icy majesty of Antarctica, HX’s newly expanded kayaking and camping program is a thrilling invitation. Set for the 2025–2026 season, this update marks a major leap in adventure access and flexibility for guests—especially for solo travellers and first-timers. With increased availability, new activity options, and thoughtful operational changes, HX is setting a new benchmark in immersive polar travel.
Let’s explore the game-changing updates to HX’s expedition experiences in Antarctica, and how they make this once-in-a-lifetime journey more accessible and more unforgettable than ever before.
HX Is Reimagining What Antarctic Adventure Means
The coming season brings not just more options—but smarter, more inclusive ones. HX’s expansion is more than a numbers game; it’s a philosophical shift in how adventure is offered, and who it’s made for.
Solo Travellers Now Have Their Moment
One of the most meaningful changes in HX’s approach is its increased accessibility for solo travellers. Previously, kayaking and camping activities often required a partner, making it difficult for individual adventurers to participate without pre-arranged pairings. Now, HX has removed this requirement, allowing solo travellers the freedom to join both kayaking and camping activities without the need for a buddy. This change significantly broadens participation and reflects the growing trend of solo exploration in luxury expedition cruising.
Kayaking Capacity Nearly Quadruples
For those eager to paddle through pristine polar waters, HX is nearly quadrupling its kayaking capacity—a bold step that addresses rising demand. In addition to its existing fleet of guided, hard-shell Sea Explorer Kayaks, HX is launching the new Discovery Kayaks, a fleet of solo, inflatable crafts that allow guests to explore at their own pace. These self-guided kayaks are particularly ideal for non-native English speakers, as they come with no language prerequisites, further democratising adventure access on board.
New Bivvy Bag Camping: Under the Stars in Antarctica
Camping in Antarctica has always been an elite thrill—but HX’s introduction of the Bivvy Bag experience takes it to an entirely new level. This lightweight, minimalist overnight adventure allows guests to sleep out under the open sky—no tent walls between them and the ethereal glow of the polar night. It’s raw, intimate, and designed for those who want to deepen their connection to the environment without the bulk of traditional gear.
Activities Designed for Depth, Discovery, and Flexibility
This isn’t just about new gear—it’s about new ways to connect with the environment. HX has developed a suite of options that allow guests to tailor their own adventure, supported by responsive expedition leaders and systems that prioritise guest preference and weather conditions.
Say Goodbye to the Lottery System
In past seasons, guests hoping to score a spot for kayaking or camping had to rely on a lottery system. But HX is turning the tide on that. Starting with the 2025/2026 season, all activity bookings will be made onboard, on a first-come, first-served basis. This gives the expedition team more control to schedule based on weather windows and group dynamics, while giving guests a fairer and more flexible way to engage in activities.
Expanded Expedition Experiences On and Off the Water
Beyond kayaking and camping, guests can also enjoy a variety of other expedition offerings including snowshoeing, polar plunges, and extended hiking excursions (where terrain permits). These programs are designed to be low-impact yet immersive, allowing guests to appreciate the Antarctic wilderness in deeply personal and environmentally responsible ways.
Guided or Self-Guided: Choose Your Own Path
HX’s expedition design ensures that both self-guided explorers and guided adventurers feel at home. Whether you prefer the structure of an expert-led paddle or the silence of solo navigation, HX offers the freedom to customise your journey with the comfort of top-tier equipment and the safety net of world-class expedition leadership.
With spots for both solo and group travellers expanding, there’s never been a better time to plan your own polar journey. HX’s new offerings represent a shift toward more inclusive and immersive Antarctica cruising, where every traveller—no matter their background or experience level—can tap into the power and serenity of the White Continent.
Browse through S.W. Black Travel’s Cruise Finder to discover the best HX itineraries that offer these new activities. Whether you’re after a minimalist night on the ice or an adrenaline-filled paddle alongside icebergs, there’s a curated expedition waiting for you. Let our travel specialists help you navigate ship choices, seasons, and on-board opportunities. A single conversation can open the door to the ultimate polar experience—tailored entirely to your pace, curiosity, and comfort level.
Set Your Sights on Antarctica’s New Frontier
HX’s reinvention of its Antarctic programs proves that even the world’s most remote destinations can evolve in guest-centred, sustainable, and surprising ways. With more activity slots, enhanced kayaking and camping options, and the elimination of barriers for solo travellers, the 2025–2026 season is shaping up to be HX’s most dynamic yet.
To secure your place in one of these coveted experiences, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at S.W. Black Travel and let us help you craft your polar escape—from stateroom to snowshoe.
Comments