HX is celebrating the 130th anniversary of its first expedition voyage on July 8, 2026.
On that date in 1896, steamship DS Lofoten sailed from Hammerfest to Svalbard. It was a time when the Arctic North was barely mapped and guests landed on the icefields of Bjørnøya.
To mark the occasion, CEO Gebhard Rainer thanked the cruise line’s guests in an anniversary video message, wishing the company another 130 years of successful exploration.
“From those beginnings to today’s purpose-built expedition ships, one thing has remained constant: a passion for real exploration, led by those who know these places best,” the company said in a statement.
“This anniversary celebrates 130 years of changing the way people see the world. And while we’re proud of where we’ve been, our greatest discoveries still lie ahead.”
130 years later, the company is still sailing polar waters, bringing guests to the same glaciers that captivated the first explorers in a more sustainable manner – using Roald Amundsen, the world’s first hybrid battery-powered expedition ship.
In celebration of the anniversary, guests can select one of two offers: up to 25 percent off all-inclusive expeditions, with discounts varying by destination, or a free suite upgrade.
Balmoral Back in Newcastle for Four-Month Sailing Program
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral has started a four-month sailing program from Newcastle’s Port of Tyne.
Between February and September 2026,17 cruises will be departing from the city, with durations ranging from one‑night sailings to 14‑night explorations.
The program includes Northern Lights voyages in Arctic Norway, cruising through Norway’ s fjords, and sailings to the Baltic, Scandinavia and Iceland.
“We’re delighted to welcome our guests from the North East back on board Balmoral as she begins her programme of sailings from Newcastle,” said Doug Glenwright, guest experience director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
“This programme offers an inspiring collection of sailings – from the chance to seek out the Northern Lights in Arctic Norway to exploring Europe’s riverside cities.”
According to the company, the first cruise of the season departed Newcastle on February 21, taking guests on a 10-night “In Search of the Northern Lights” voyage.
The Balmoral has been updated and now eatures a new rotating Colors & Tastes menu and an exclusive Chef’s Table experience.
Additionally, a refreshed entertainment program, delivered in partnership with RWS, will be rolled out from February, featuring updated daytime activities and new evening theater productions launching from mid-2026.
Sailings from Newcastle include:
In Search of the Northern Lights
This 10-night cruise departs from Newcastle on March 23, 2026, with prices starting from £1,599 per person.
Guests can experience the Arctic winter, seek out the Northern Lights in Arctic Norway, and discover Arctic culture and landscapes, from fjords to Sami traditions.
European Cities & Scenic Rivers
This 14-night cruise departs from Newcastle on April 2, 2026. Prices start from £2,099 per person.
Travelers can explore riverside cities and European waterways, including France and Portugal’s rivers and historic cities, such as Bordeaux and Lisbon, and enjoy local culture, fine wine regions and landscapes.
Exploring Iceland in Nine Nights
This nine-night cruise departs from Newcastle on May 5, 2026. Prices start from £1,699 per person.
Iceland’s mountains, geysers, and waterfalls can be discovered by going hiking and bathing in hot springs, paired with whale watching.
Norwegian Fjords in Five Nights
This five‑night cruise departs from Newcastle on August 28, 2026, with prices starting from £999 per person.
Guests can take in Norway’s landscapes from the ship, or go kayaking, or hiking in Briksdal National Park. They can also discover the geology and the Ice Age legacy at Kjenndalen glacier.
Depending on the sailing, guests who book before March 11, 2026, can get onboard spend in the amounts ranging from £25 to £150.
Majestic Princess Kicks Off Repositioning Cruise to Boston
The Majestic Princess recently sailed from Southampton to kick off a repositioning cruise to Canada and New England.
After sailing from the British port on July 18, the Princess Cruises vessel is now offering a 15-night voyage that will end in Boston.
The trans-Atlantic cruise features visits to destinations in Iceland and Canada, including Reykjavik, Isafjord and Grundarfjordur, as well as Charlottetown, Sydney and Halifax.
After arriving at its new homeport in North America, the Majestic Princess is set to kick off its first-ever fall foliage season in Canada and New England.
Sailing round-trip from Boston, the vessel offers seven-night cruises around the region that include visits to Portland, Halifax, Sydney, Eastport and Saint John.
In September, the Majestic Princess is also scheduled to offer open-jaw itineraries that sail between Quebec City and Boston.
Upon completing the deployment on the East Coast, the 141,000-ton ship is set to reposition to Fort Lauderdale for itineraries in the Caribbean.
Before arriving in Florida, the vessel offers a 14-night “Canada and Colonial America” itinerary that sails between Quebec City and Port Everglades.
The open-jaw itinerary includes visits to Saguenay, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Boston, New York City, Newport and Norfolk.
As part of its 2025-26 winter season, the Royal-class ship offers six- to eight-night cruises from Fort Lauderdale to destinations in the Western, Southern and Eastern Caribbean.
Originally designed for service in China and Asia, the Majestic Princess was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in 2017.
As part of the modernisation project, the vessel debuted new venues, reimagined spaces and refined touches, including the addition of O’Malley’s Irish Pub and Bellini’s Cocktail Bar.
The Majestic Princess also got new dining options, such as the Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar, Alfredo’s Slice and The Salty Dog Grill.
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