HX Hosts Largest-Ever FAM Trip for Travel Advisors
HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) recently hosted its largest FAM trip, with over 300 travel advisors sailing aboard the MS Fridtjof Nansen from Vancouver to Seattle. The two-day voyage, which concluded on September 20, 2024, was the first time HX dedicated an entire vessel to hosting travel advisors, offering them a hands-on experience of the company’s expedition cruises.
The trip provided travel advisors from the U.S. and Canada with a unique opportunity to explore HX’s offerings by sailing through Gulf Island National Park Reserve. During the voyage, advisors attended lectures, participated in discussions, and went on excursions to learn more about expedition cruising and HX’s future plans. The event also included ship tours and the chance to dine at all three onboard restaurants—Lindstrøm, Aune, and Fredheim.
Several senior executives from HX joined the trip to share insights, including Chief Expedition Officer Alex McNeil and newly appointed CEO Gebhard Rainer. Rainer emphasized the company’s focus on sustainability, comfort, and adventure, stating, “This FAM was the perfect way to highlight the ‘HX perfect balance’—our seamless blend of sustainability, comfort, and adventure.”
The FAM trip also featured presentations from Verena Meraldi, HX’s Chief Scientist, and Tudor Morgan, Vice President of Sustainability. They were joined by researchers Allison Cusack from FjordPhyto and Ari Friedlaender from the California Ocean Alliance, who showcased the brand’s science and education programs. Travel advisors had the chance to participate in hands-on citizen science activities, furthering their understanding of the scientific work done on HX expeditions.
Throughout the trip, HX’s sales team highlighted the company’s voyages to over 250 global destinations, with a focus on key locations like the Galápagos Islands, Antarctica, Svalbard, and Alaska. The advisors also experienced HX’s new all-inclusive offerings, launched in October. This package includes daily excursions, meals, drinks, gratuities, professional photos, WiFi, and more under one comprehensive price, which enhances the appeal of HX’s expeditions.
Rainer expressed that the event was an excellent opportunity to strengthen relationships with the travel trade. “This trip was a chance to show our commitment to the trade and highlight the future of the fast-growing expedition cruise segment,” he said.
In addition to exploring HX’s offerings, travel advisors learned about the new HX Foundation, which supports local communities and environmental initiatives in the regions where the company operates. During the trip, HX donated $10,000 to the foundation, allowing advisors to vote on which projects would receive funding. Using QR codes, they chose between three initiatives: Oceans Initiative, aimed at protecting endangered Southern Resident killer whales; the Galapagos Conservancy WISE Program, which empowers women entrepreneurs; and the Blue Corridors Project, focused on mapping whale migration routes.
This FAM trip not only showcased HX’s commitment to sustainability, adventure, and comfort but also solidified its role as a leader in the expedition cruise industry, providing travel advisors with the tools and knowledge to promote these unique experiences to their clients.