For many travellers, Antarctica sits at the very top of the bucket list. It is a destination defined by towering icebergs, vast wilderness, breaching whales and charismatic penguin colonies. Yet for travel advisors, selling Antarctica often prompts one crucial client question: what will we actually be doing once we get there?
According to HX Expeditions, the answer lies in its Basecamp at Sea philosophy, a distinctive expedition model designed to maximise time in Antarctica’s most spectacular locations while balancing exploration, education and onboard comfort.
At its core, Basecamp at Sea means operating Antarctica like a true expedition base. Rather than moving quickly from place to place, HX focuses on spending longer in the areas that deliver the best wildlife encounters and most memorable moments. From that base, multiple experiences operate simultaneously and on rotation across land, sea and ship.
One of the most persistent misconceptions advisors encounter is that smaller ships automatically deliver a better expedition experience. With IAATO regulations limiting only 100 guests ashore at any one time, some travellers fear that larger vessels mean more waiting and less exploration.
HX’s 490‑guest hybrid‑electric expedition ships MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen are purpose-built to overcome exactly that concern. Guests typically enjoy one to two landings and one to two Zodiac cruises per day, alongside kayaking, Citizen Science activities or onboard enrichment. Rather than waiting their turn, guests rotate through experiences, so everyone remains active, immersed and engaged.
While one group may be ashore hiking, snowshoeing or observing penguin colonies, others may be cruising silently past towering icebergs by Zodiac, paddling between floes by kayak, joining scientists on the dedicated science boat, or attending expert-led talks onboard. The result is a fluid, flexible expedition day where exploration never stops.
This rotational model also allows guests to tailor each day to their interests and energy levels. Some may prioritise physically demanding hikes or kayaking, while others focus on wildlife photography, Zodiac cruising or educational activities, all without compromising the overall expedition experience.
The heart of expedition
Science and education sit at the heart of the Basecamp at Sea philosophy. Antarctica is one of the most scientifically significant regions on Earth, and HX integrates that importance deeply into every voyage. Guests have access to the largest and most well‑equipped Science Centres in the expedition cruise industry, supported by visiting Guest Scientists, daily lectures and hands‑on Citizen Science programs.
Science on board the MS Fridtjof Nansen, Northwest passage. August 2025. Photo by Greg Funnell.
For advisors, this embedded science program provides a powerful selling narrative for increasingly experience‑driven travellers. It resonates particularly well with retirees, educators and multi‑generational groups seeking meaningful, purpose‑led travel rather than passive sightseeing.
Premium onboard comfort
Modern expedition cruising is also about balance. After a day spent in Antarctica’s icy wilderness, guests return to warm, Nordic‑inspired interiors and generous public spaces designed for rest and recovery. Three dining venues range from casual to fine dining, while wellness facilities include hot tubs, a spa, gym, pool areas and a panoramic sauna overlooking the Southern Ocean.
The ships’ custom‑built 140‑metre hulls are engineered for enhanced stability in challenging conditions such as the Drake Passage, a feature many advisors know can be a deciding factor for nervous first‑time Antarctica travellers.
Sustainability underpins every aspect of the Basecamp at Sea model. HX operates some of the world’s first hybrid‑electric expedition ships, reducing fuel consumption and emissions while delivering a quieter, more immersive experience. Without constant engine or helicopter noise, guests can hear glaciers calving, seabirds overhead and whales surfacing nearby, creating a deeper connection to the environment.
As demand for expedition cruising continues to grow, Antarctica remains one of the most aspirational destinations advisors can sell. For clients seeking immersive exploration without sacrificing comfort, flexibility or education, HX’s Basecamp at Sea philosophy offers a clearly differentiated way to experience the White Continent.
To celebrate HX’s 130th anniversary, travel advisors can earn a $130 Prezzee e‑voucher for every new, fully deposited HX booking made between 1 May and 31 July 2026.
For more information, advisors can register bookings via the HX incentive form, contact HX’s Melbourne‑based GX Team on 1300 159 127 (AU) or 03 288 2085 (NZ), email [email protected], or visit the HX agent portal.
