A global expansion of HX Expeditions‘ pioneering education partnership with the University of Tasmania (UTAS) and its Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) has been confirmed, with new Arctic Introductory Courses to launch in 2026.

Launching in HX’s 130th anniversary year, the Arctic rollout will cover Alaska, Arctic Canada, Greenland, Iceland, the Northwest Passage and, importantly, Svalbard – where the company pioneered expedition cruising in 1896. The initiative builds on the award-winning HX-UTAS Antarctica Pre-Departure Course, the world’s first university-developed program designed to educate Antarctic passengers.

An expansion of the partnership to incorporate, potentially, the Arctic was first reported by LATTE 11 months ago, in our discussion with HX CEO Gebhard Rainer.

“The success of our Antarctica program showed how eager travellers are to understand the environments they explore,” HX Chief Scientist Dr Verena Meraldi said. “Expanding these learning opportunities across all HX destinations gives our guests a deeper, more meaningful connection to the world around them.”

First launched in 2024 with a free introductory course, the Antarctic program was expanded last month with Part 2: a deeper dive into Antarctic science and sustainability that also allows participants to earn university credit. To date, 933 guests have completed the program, reflecting strong engagement and growing interest in educational travel.

“This collaboration continues to transform expedition cruising. By combining exploration with structured, university-backed learning, we’re helping guests become informed ambassadors for the planet, and reaffirming HX’s leadership in mindful, science-based travel,” Iain McNeill, HX Chief Operating Officer, said.

The Arctic courses will offer flexible, online pre-departure learning experiences developed by leading UTAS and IMAS academics in collaboration with Meraldi. Topics will include Essential Overview, Ecosystem Primer, Iconic Species, and Responsible Tourism, providing immersive learning that can be accessed anywhere in the world. Participants will also receive an official University of Tasmania certificate upon completion, enhancing the educational dimension of their journeys.

“The global expansion of our partnership with HX reflects our shared commitment to education, sustainability, and science,” Professor Nicole Webster, Executive Director of IMAS, said. “Together with HX, we’re turning the world’s most remote destinations into living classrooms, where travellers can deepen their understanding and contribute to global sustainability awareness.”