# Polar expedition cruise expansion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/polar-cruise-tourism-expansion
> Updated: 2026-07-31T14:00:00.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 7.

Mid‑2026 cruise operators broadened high‑latitude itineraries with hybrid vessels and upgraded ports. HX Expeditions introduced a “Greenland Promise” refund scheme for its 2026‑27 sailings, while Ponant resumed calls to Iceland’s Akranes, the first Arctic berth since 2021. Princess Cruises and HX Expeditions launched 21‑day Antarctic voyages from Ushuaia, and Associated British Ports reported a surge in expedition calls at Plymouth, Swansea and other UK terminals. Heritage Expeditions added a 21‑day Antarctic cruise on its new ship Heritage Discoverer, and later the refurbished Heritage Adventurer—formerly RSGS Resolute—returned to service in the sub‑Antarctic waters of New Zealand and Australia. The vessel’s capacity was reduced to 140 passengers with an 80‑member crew and 20 expedition staff, and itineraries now include remote sites in Indonesia and the Kimberley as well as New Zealand‑Australia routes. July saw HX Expeditions publish Drake Passage sailing tips, noting that about 90 % of crossings are smooth and that its ice‑strengthened ships use stabilisers and route‑optimisation software to reduce roll. Poseidon Expeditions launched limited‑capacity Antarctic photography experiences, and Atlas Ocean Voyages expanded its “Fly the Drake” program for 2027‑28 with Drake Express and Drake Fly & Sail packages that combine sea crossings, private charter flights, Zodiac safaris, kayaking, overnight camping, cultural events and Polar Plunge activities on Polar Category C ice‑class vessels. In late July, HX Expeditions’ 12‑day “Highlights of Antarctica” cruise aboard MS Roald Amundsen crossed the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula. Guests enjoyed double‑sea kayak trips, Zodiac rides and landings amid towering icebergs, reporting vivid wildlife such as a brief “dust‑up” between gentoo penguins, humpback whales and Weddell seals. Psychologists noted the extreme environment and successful navigation produced strong dopamine‑driven emotional uplift among travelers.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-31: HX Expeditions Antarctica Cruise Delivers Spectacular Wildlife and Scenic Moments

HX Expeditions' 12‑day Antarctica cruise aboard MS Roald Amundsen featured kayak trips, a gentoo penguin clash, whale sightings and heightened passenger excitement across the Drake Passage.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hx-expeditions-antarctica-cruise-delivers-spectacular-wildlife-and-scenic-moments

### 2026-07-12: Heritage Adventurer cruise ship resumes service in New Zealand‑Australia region

Heritage Adventurer, the former RSGS Resolute, has been refurbished and relaunched for expedition cruises in New Zealand and Australia, with capacity reduced to 140 passengers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/heritage-adventurer-cruise-ship-resumes-service-in-new-zealandaustralia-region

### 2026-07-09: Antarctica cruise lines unveil new expedition and photography offerings

Poseidon Expeditions offers discounted Antarctic photography cruises for late 2026, while Atlas Ocean Voyages adds six Fly‑the‑Drake expeditions for 2027‑28 with charter flights that cut the Drake Passage.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antarctica-cruise-lines-unveil-new-expedition-and-photography-offerings

### 2026-07-03: HX Expeditions offers tips for crossing the Drake Passage to Antarctica

HX Expeditions' captain and doctor advise travelers on Drake Passage crossings, noting most trips are smooth, recommending travel Dec‑Feb, stabilised ships and seasickness remedies.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hx-expeditions-offers-tips-for-crossing-the-drake-passage-to-antarctica

### 2026-06-25: Heritage Expeditions launches Antarctic cruise as UK ports report rising expedition cruise demand

Heritage Expeditions launches a 21‑day Antarctic cruise on Heritage Discoverer, while UK ports report rising demand for short‑haul and expedition cruise calls, citing recent visits by Douglas Mawson, Star Label

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cruise-industry-expands-with-new-uk-port-calls-and-asian-leadership-restructure

### 2026-06-21: Antarctic Cruises Launch New Expedition Voyages from Ushuaia

Princess Cruises and HX Expeditions are marketing new Antarctic cruises from Ushuaia, with Princess offering a 21‑day tour priced from €4,299 and HX running hybrid‑propulsion voyages with wildlife and zodiac‑s

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antarctic-cruises-launch-new-expedition-voyages-from-ushuaia

### 2026-06-18: Arctic cruise expansion: HX Expeditions' Greenland guarantee and Iceland's Akranes port revival

HX Expeditions extends its Greenland cruise guarantee for 2026‑27, while Iceland's Akranes port welcomes its first cruise since 2021.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arctic-cruise-expansion-hx-expeditions-greenland-guarantee-and-icelands-akranes-port-revival

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Cite as: Polar expedition cruise expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/polar-cruise-tourism-expansion