HX Expeditions is extending its groundbreaking partnership with the University of Tasmania (UTAS) and its Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), taking its university-developed education program beyond Antarctica and into the Arctic from 2026.
The global rollout of the HX–UTAS Pre-Departure Program marks the next phase of a collaboration that began with the world’s first university-designed course for Antarctic passengers. The new Arctic Introductory Courses will cover destinations including Alaska, Arctic Canada, Greenland, Iceland, the Northwest Passage, and Svalbard—where HX pioneered expedition cruising nearly 130 years ago.
A Global Learning Expansion
Building on the success of the award-winning Antarctica Pre-Departure Course, the program now aims to offer a series of destination-specific online learning modules that enrich the travel experience with scientific insight and sustainability education.
More than 900 guests have already completed the Antarctic course, which was recognised at this year’s Seatrade Europe Awards for redefining responsible expedition cruising. The program combines academic learning with HX’s onboard Science and Education Program, designed to deepen travellers’ understanding of the fragile environments they visit.
Planned Arctic courses will include modules on ecosystems, iconic species, responsible tourism, and the environmental challenges facing the region. Developed by UTAS and IMAS academics in collaboration with HX Chief Scientist Dr Verena Meraldi, the courses will feature interactive content and live sessions accessible to participants anywhere in the world. Graduates will receive a University of Tasmania certificate upon completion.
Connecting Travel with Purpose
HX Chief Scientist Dr Verena Meraldi said the expansion reinforces the company’s mission to link travel with meaningful learning.
“The success of our Antarctica program showed how eager travellers are to understand the environments they explore,” said Dr Meraldi. “Expanding these learning opportunities across all HX destinations gives our guests a deeper, more meaningful connection to the world around them.”
HX Chief Operating Officer Iain McNeill described the program as “transformative for expedition cruising”.
“By combining exploration with structured, university-backed learning, we’re helping guests become informed ambassadors for the planet,” he said. “It reaffirms HX’s leadership in mindful, science-based travel.”
IMAS Executive Director Professor Nicole Webster echoed that sentiment, saying the expansion reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and global awareness.
“Together with HX, we’re turning the world’s most remote destinations into living classrooms,” she said. “These programs help travellers deepen their understanding of marine and polar ecosystems while contributing to global sustainability education.”
A Legacy of Responsible Exploration
Founded in 1896, HX Expeditions is the world’s first and longest-running expedition cruise company. Based in London, HX operates five ships across more than 250 destinations in 30 countries, combining exploration with sustainability and scientific research.
The company was the first in the cruise industry to ban heavy fuel oil and single-use plastics and has introduced hybrid-powered ships to reduce emissions. Through its HX Foundation, it provides grants to marine conservation and education projects and donates cruise nights to onboard scientists.
For more information, visit travelhx.com or follow @hxexpeditions on Instagram.
