09/05/2026
Yesterday I had the incredible opportunity to step aboard the expedition ship HX Fram — and it completely reignited my passion for adventure travel. Even more special, this is the first time she’s docked in UK waters for many years as she journeys from southern polar regions to the Arctic.
This is not your typical cruise. Expedition cruising is all about what happens off the ship — getting out into nature, exploring remote landscapes, and experiencing places most people only ever see in documentaries. Think Antarctica and the Arctic, where you are immersed in the ice, wildlife and raw beauty of the planet.
Purpose-built for polar exploration, HX Fram is ice-strengthened and small enough to access places larger ships simply can’t. One day you could be watching penguins in Antarctica, the next scanning the pack ice for polar bears in the High Arctic.
On board, it’s the perfect balance of comfort and exploration:
✨ Stylish lounges and panoramic viewing areas
✨ Incredible expedition teams and expert guides
✨ Fantastic food inspired by the regions visited
✨ A strong focus on science, sustainability and discovery
And the experiences? Zodiac landings, guided hikes, kayaking, wildlife encounters, even camping on the ice on some voyages.
What really struck me is how popular this style of travel is becoming with all ages — especially multi-generational families wanting unforgettable shared experiences rather than a traditional fly-and-flop holiday.
If standing on the ice watching penguins waddle past or spotting polar bears from the deck of a specialist expedition ship sounds like your kind of adventure, I’d love to help you plan it.
