HX to Launch University of Tasmania-Backed Arctic Courses in 2026

HX Expeditions plans to begin rolling out new Arctic Introductory Courses in 2026 as it expands its education partnership with the University of Tasmania (UTAS) and the university’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS). The initiative builds on the HX-UTAS Antarctica Pre-Departure Course, which HX described as the world’s first university-developed pre-departure program for Antarctic travelers.

University partnership expands “from pole to pole”

HX said the next phase of the UTAS and IMAS collaboration will broaden destination-focused learning programs across its itineraries, starting with the Arctic. The company said the 2026 launches remain subject to final planning, and it has not provided a full schedule beyond the initial Arctic-focused rollout.

Iain McNeill, Chief Operating Officer of HX, said the collaboration combines expedition travel with “structured, university-backed learning” to help guests become “informed ambassadors for the planet.”

HX’s Chief Scientist, Dr Verena Meraldi, said the existing Antarctica course showed strong passenger interest in learning about the environments they visit. “Expanding these learning opportunities across all HX destinations gives our guests a deeper, more meaningful connection to the world around them,” she said.

What the 2026 Arctic Introductory Courses are expected to cover

HX said the initial wave of new courses is focused on the Arctic and is designed to support guests sailing northern itineraries, including the Northwest Passage. The company also linked the rollout to its history in the region, noting that the program extends to Svalbard, where HX said it pioneered expedition cruising in 1896.

• Alaska: Named by HX as part of the initial Arctic Introductory Courses rollout planned for 2026, aimed at preparing guests before they travel.
• Arctic Canada: Included in HX’s first Arctic course plan, which the company said is designed to connect pre-trip education with on-location experiences during an expedition voyage.
• Greenland: Listed among the initial destinations for the 2026 rollout, as HX develops destination-focused learning to accompany its itineraries.
• Iceland: Identified by HX as part of the Arctic Introductory Courses plan expected to start in 2026, subject to final planning.
• Northwest Passage: Included in HX’s named destinations for the Arctic rollout, aligning with the company’s focus on northern expedition regions.
• Svalbard: Part of the planned Arctic course coverage, with HX pointing to its long history in the region dating back to 1896.

How the pre-departure learning is expected to work

HX said the courses are being developed by UTAS and IMAS academics in collaboration with Dr Meraldi. The company described a flexible, online format combining prepared course content with live sessions and specialist insights, and said guests who complete the program will receive an official certificate from the University of Tasmania.

Professor Nicole Webster, Executive Director of the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, said the global expansion reflects a shared focus on “education, sustainability and science,” adding that the partnership aims to turn remote destinations into “living classrooms.”

Season plans add “slow travel” focus across remote regions

The education expansion comes alongside HX Expeditions’ broader 2027-28 season plans, which the company said will emphasize mindful, immersive travel across remote destinations including Greenland, Patagonia, Arctic Canada and the Outer Hebrides. Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX Expeditions, described the season as the next evolution in slow travel focused on deeper connections with local people and cultures.

“Whether it’s exploring Greenland with local chefs or collaborating with Inuit Elders in Arctic Canada, our aim is to offer guests the opportunity to engage deeply with the destinations they visit,” Rainer said.

Local collaborations in Greenland and Arctic Canada

HX said its Greenland itineraries in 2027 will increase collaboration with local Greenlandic chefs, building on the company’s hosting of Greenlandic culinary experts during the 2025-26 season. The company said the goal is to expand gastronomic experiences that pair traditional dishes with insights into the region’s history and culture.

In Arctic Canada, HX said it will continue partnerships with Inuit Elders and local communities, including exclusive excursions co-designed to provide insights into Inuit heritage. HX described the community-led initiatives as designed to create experiences for travelers while directly benefiting local communities.

On-water adventure capacity and onboard engagement

HX said it has launched what it describes as the industry’s largest kayaking and camping program, with increased guest capacity to meet growing demand. The company said the program is already in operation and will be expanded in coming years, alongside a continued emphasis on extended stays and wider activity offerings in destinations including Alaska, Svalbard, the Northwest Passage and Iceland.

HX also outlined changes to guest engagement through its loyalty offering. The HX Explorers Program is shifting to a points-based system with four tiers, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, with points awarded for sailing nights as well as selected activities and experiences.

With planning continuing through 2026, HX said the next milestone is the first release of the Arctic Introductory Courses, followed by additional destination-specific programs as development is completed and integrated with itineraries.

Image credit: Espen Mills

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When are the new Arctic Introductory Courses expected to launch?

HX said the first launches are expected in 2026, subject to final planning.

Which destinations are included in the initial Arctic rollout?

HX named Alaska, Arctic Canada, Greenland, Iceland, the Northwest Passage and Svalbard as part of the initial Arctic Introductory Courses plan.

Who is developing the course content, and what do guests receive?

HX said UTAS and IMAS academics are developing the content with HX Chief Scientist Dr Verena Meraldi. Participants who complete the program are expected to receive an official certificate from the University of Tasmania.

What regions are highlighted in HX Expeditions’ 2027-28 season plans?

HX highlighted remote destinations including Greenland, Patagonia, Arctic Canada and the Outer Hebrides, alongside ongoing focus areas such as Alaska, Svalbard, the Northwest Passage and Iceland.

What is changing in the HX Explorers Program?

HX said the loyalty program is moving to a points-based structure with four tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum), rewarding guests for sailing nights and selected activities and experiences.