Cruise Line Introduces Hybrid Itineraries Focused on Sustainable Excursions
MIAMI, Nov. 28, 2025 – HX Hurtigruten Expeditions announced Thursday the expansion of its hybrid-powered cruise program featuring sustainable shore excursions developed in partnership with indigenous communities across Greenland and the Arctic, marking a significant milestone in the cruise industry’s decarbonization efforts.
The company will operate four new Greenland itineraries aboard the MS Fridtjof Nansen, a 500-passenger hybrid-electric vessel that reduces carbon emissions by 20 percent compared to conventional expedition ships through advanced battery systems and heat recovery technology. The expansion comes as the sustainable cruise tourism market accelerates at a compound annual growth rate of 12.8 percent, with industry analysts projecting $29.76 billion in growth between 2025 and 2029, according to recent market research from Technavio.
The 12- to 26-day expeditions, launching June 2025, embed sustainability principles directly into shore excursion programming. Passengers will participate in citizen science projects collecting data for NASA climate studies and biologists tracking seabird populations, while engaging with local guides like Aleqatsiaq Peary, an Inuk storyteller and descendant of Arctic explorer Robert Peary. These excursions prioritize wildlife viewing protocols that maintain minimum distances to protect natural behaviors and habitats. The company’s onboard expedition teams include researchers, scientists, and lecturers who provide daily education on biodiversity, geography, and climate change impacts.
“Greenland is at a pivotal moment in its tourism journey, on the brink of mindfully expanding its offerings while maintaining its cultural roots,” said Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX Hurtigruten Expeditions. “Our hybrid technology is only part of the solution. True sustainability means ensuring tourism grows in harmony with both the land and its people, led by locals who understand the delicate balance of these ecosystems.”
The cruise line’s commitment extends beyond emissions reduction. HX has integrated several industry-first initiatives into its operations, including the elimination of single-use plastics fleet-wide, advanced wastewater treatment systems on all vessels, and shore power capabilities in select ports. The company also publishes annual sustainability reports with quantifiable impact metrics, a practice adopted by fewer than 15 percent of cruise operators globally. Menu planning focuses on plant-based options and smaller-batch preparation to reduce food waste by at least 30 percent.
Market data indicates strong consumer demand for such offerings. Cruise Lines International Association reports that 60 percent of ships now utilize exhaust gas cleaning systems, while more than 85 percent of vessels on order through 2030 will feature shore power connectivity. HX’s hybrid fleet currently operates at the forefront of this transition, with battery packs providing four hours of emissions-free sailing in sensitive marine environments like the UNESCO-designated Ilulissat Icefjord. The company’s “Sail & Sustain” approach mirrors broader industry goals to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The expanded itinerary portfolio includes the 12-day “Icy Giants of Disko Bay” expedition starting at $13,823 per person, featuring community-developed excursions in Inuit settlements along Greenland’s west coast. The 26-day “Northwest Passage — Through the Arctic Labyrinth” represents the company’s most ambitious sustainable routing, traversing from Nuuk to Nome, Alaska, with all shore activities coordinated through Greenlandic community councils to ensure economic benefits remain local. Passengers who decline daily cabin cleaning trigger a €0.50 daily donation to environmental and social projects in the regions visited.
Each expedition includes intensive pre-voyage education on culturally sensitive behaviors and environmental awareness. HX supports 41 environmental, cultural and social initiatives across 11 countries, reinforcing its position as a founding member of both the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO).
About HX Hurtigruten Expeditions
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions is a world leader in sustainable expedition cruising, operating a fleet of hybrid-powered vessels designed for environmentally sensitive polar exploration. The company integrates scientific research, community partnerships, and education into every voyage, serving as a founding member of AECO and IAATO. HX has eliminated single-use plastics, banned heavy fuel oils fleet-wide, and committed to transparent sustainability reporting across all operations while maintaining its leadership in small-ship expedition travel.
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