HX All-Inclusive Policy Explained: What’s Included With HX Expeditions

If you’ve been scrolling through HX Insiders on Facebook, chances are you’ve seen the same questions pop up again and again:

• What does all-inclusive actually cover?
• Are drinks really included?
• Is this the same as before, or something new?

In this guide, we explain exactly how the HX all-inclusive model works and what is included in your cruise fare. Think of it as a clear, shareable reference you can come back to, or drop into a comment when someone asks, “Can someone explain this all-inclusive thing for me?”

If you are comparing routes, pricing tiers, and expedition styles across the region, start with our Norway Arctic Cruises: Complete Planning Guide (2026) for a full overview.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Included in HX All-Inclusive?

From late 2024 onward, the HX all-inclusive policy applies across the entire fleet, creating a more seamless and transparent expedition experience.

For travelers, this signals a shift away from fragmented pricing and optional extras, toward a more seamless, transparent, and immersive experience—one where the focus stays firmly on discovery.

The all-inclusive concept is about simplifying the expedition experience. Instead of paying separately for core parts of the journey, most of what guests actually use day to day is now bundled into one upfront price.

In short: once you’re onboard, you don’t need to keep checking what costs extra. That’s the core idea behind HX all-inclusive — fewer surprise charges and more focus on the expedition itself. You can focus on exploring, learning, and enjoying the experience.

For travelers booking regular-grade cabins, the following is included in the fare:

• Expert-led daily expeditions and activities (hikes, visits, talks)
• Full board dining (breakfast, lunch, dinner with house wine & beer)
• Alcoholic drinks (wine, beer, spirits, cocktails) and non-alcoholic drinks (coffee, tea, soft drinks)
• Free Wi-Fi
• Gratuities included
• Interactive science programme & activities onboard and ashore
• Access to wellness facilities (sauna, hot tubs, fitness room)
• Professional photos from the onboard photographer
• Opportunities to support local communities and environmental projects through the HX Foundation
• Expedition gear and a reusable water bottle to take home

HX All-Inclusive at a Glance

Now let’s go through the most common questions one by one.

Are All Excursions Included?

Yes — but with an important clarification.

All daily, expert-led expedition activities are included in your fare. This covers the core expedition program, such as:

• Zodiac landings
• Guided hikes and walks
• Wildlife viewing opportunities
• Shore visits and cultural experiences marked with an excursion code starting with INCL (which literally means Included)

There is no “basic vs. premium landing” structure. If an activity is part of the official expedition program and marked as INCL, you’re already covered. However, you’ll still need to book or reserve your spot—included means there’s no extra cost, not that a place is automatically guaranteed.

That said, some shore visits and special experiences may come with an additional cost. These are clearly labeled and are optional—designed for guests who want something extra beyond the daily expedition schedule.

In short:
👉 The heart of the expedition is included.
👉 Optional add-ons are clearly identified, so there are no surprises.

What About the Expedition Team and Lectures?

Also included—and essential to the HX experience.

Guests have full access to:

• The onboard expedition team
• Daily lectures and briefings
• Science talks, workshops, and recap sessions
• Educational activities both onboard and ashore

For many travelers, this is the heart of expedition cruising. The all-inclusive model ensures that learning and interpretation are not optional add-ons, but a core part of the journey.

Are Drinks Really Included?

Yes—this is another common question, especially from people new to HX.

The all-inclusive concept covers:

• Wine and beer during lunch and dinner
• Spirits and cocktails
• Soft drinks
• Coffee and tea

You’re not limited to certain times or constantly signing for drinks. For most guests, this removes a lot of friction and makes the onboard experience feel more relaxed. For more information, this is what they promote onboard:

This is a major difference compared to most mainstream cruise lines, where alcohol is charged per drink or bundled into daily beverage packages. If you’re comparing how drinks work across cruise brands, see our guide to Alcohol on Cruise Ships: Packages, Costs & Bring-Onboard Rules.

Is Wi-Fi Included?

Yes.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is included for all guests. While connectivity may vary depending on location (especially in polar regions), you won’t be charged extra for access. This is especially helpful for those who want to stay lightly connected, upload photos, or keep family updated while traveling.

Are Tips and Gratuities Included?

They are!

Gratuities are fully included in the fare, meaning:

• No awkward end-of-trip tipping questions
• No daily service charges added to your account

Towards the end of the voyage, you may notice a gratuity box at Reception. This is optional and completely at your discretion. What HX communicates onboard is:

Tipping is not expected on HX ships, but if you’d like to show appreciation to the service crew, you can do so by adding a tip to your cruise account at Reception (credit card or onboard credit), or by leaving a tip in the box at Reception towards the end of the voyage.
All tips are shared equally among crew members, excluding Officers and the Expedition Team. Please do not tip individuals to ensure that those behind the scenes are also included.

What About Food?

All meals are included for all guests in all onboard restaurants, including:

• Aune (all ships)
• Fredheim (MS Roald Amundsen & MS Fridtjof Nansen only)
• Brygga Bistro (MS Spitsbergen only)

Lindstrøm, the fine-dining restaurant onboard MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fridtjof Nansen, and MS Fram, is included for suite guests only. Non-suite guests may still dine there for a cover charge.

Side note: there is no dress code at Lindstrøm.

Are There Any Wellness or Relaxation Facilities Included?

Yes.

Guests have access to:

• Saunas
• Hot tubs
• Fitness room
• Swimming pool (MS Roald Amundsen & MS Fridtjof Nansen)

Professional spa treatments are available for an additional charge. These range from 25- to 70-minute sessions and include options like hot stone and facial treatments.

Insider tip: book early—especially on sea days. The spa fills up fast.

Do I Get Anything to Take Home?

You do.

HX provides:

• Expedition jacket in cool blue color (excluding Galápagos voyages on MS Santa Cruz II)
• A reusable water bottle to keep

Suite guests also receive a carabiner watch.

Professional photos and expedition video taken by the onboard photographer are also included, so you don’t have to rely solely on your phone or camera to capture the journey.

Comparing HX With Traditional Norway Coastal Voyages

If you’re considering a Norway sailing and wondering how HX compares to the classic coastal route, it’s important to understand the difference in experience style.

HX focuses on expedition-style exploration with included landings, wildlife encounters, and science-led programming. Traditional Norwegian coastal voyages follow a more structured port-to-port route with frequent town visits.

For a detailed side-by-side comparison, read our full Hurtigruten vs HX Norway voyages guide.

HX All-Inclusive FAQs