HX Expeditions Launches Inuit-Led Arctic Excursions
HX Expeditions is launching a groundbreaking series of community-led excursions in Arctic Canada in summer 2025, marking a major milestone in polar tourism. Developed in close partnership with Inuit Elders, local residents, and community-born staff, the initiative represents the first large-scale program of its kind introduced by a global cruise company in the region. The new excursions will be featured on HX’s 25-day Northwest Passage voyages, westbound aboard the hybrid-powered MS Fridtjof Nansen and eastbound on MS Roald Amundsen, the world’s first battery hybrid-powered cruise ship.
Mariah Erkloo, an Inuk and HX Product Planner from Pond Inlet, played a central role in developing the experience, helping to bridge relationships between HX and Arctic communities. Erkloo emphasized that centering Inuit voices in Arctic tourism is essential and that this collaboration could bring long-term benefits for both locals and travelers. The program aims to connect visitors with Inuit daily life, culture, and traditions through a model built on mutual respect and cultural exchange.
The excursions will debut in Gjøa Haven, Pond Inlet, and Cambridge Bay—remote communities only accessible during the short Arctic summer. These curated experiences include guided storytelling hikes, traditional fishing using Inuit weir methods, small-group discussions with residents, collaborative art sessions, and cultural demonstrations led by Elders. HX will limit group sizes to 10 to 12 guests per activity to ensure authenticity and personal interaction.
Chief Expedition Officer Alex McNeil described the project as a redefinition of Arctic travel. He highlighted HX’s commitment to economic empowerment and cultural sustainability, noting that the company will take no revenue margin from the excursions in their initial phase. All income will go directly to local hosts, artists, and small businesses in Nunavut. Pricing for the experiences will range from $50 CAD for events like community bingo to $425 CAD for small-group fishing tours.
By introducing this inclusive model, HX seeks to create a new standard in expedition cruising—one that respects local knowledge and promotes long-term cultural and economic partnerships. The initiative is inspired by early Norwegian polar explorers Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen, both of whom recognized and benefited from Inuit expertise. This new chapter in HX’s Northwest Passage journeys embodies a commitment to honoring that legacy while shaping the future of sustainable Arctic exploration.
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