Expedition cruise line HX Expeditions has partnered with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to support its presence in the Australian and New Zealand markets.
HX has joined as a regional expedition/ocean cruise line member in Australasia.
The partnership brings HX into CLIA’s wider Australasian cruise community, made up of worldwide cruise lines, as well as travel agents, ports, destinations, suppliers and other industry stakeholders.
HX will now be a part of CLIA’s extensive travel agent training and events programme in Australia and New Zealand and will be represented in CLIA’s advocacy initiatives across government and industry throughout the region.
CLIA Managing Director in Australasia, Joel Katz, said he was delighted to welcome HX to CLIA’s membership amid surging demand for expedition cruises.
“HX is an important operator in one of the most dynamic areas of cruising worldwide, catering to explorers who are looking for incredible encounters with remote cultures, landscapes and wildlife,” he said.
“Expedition cruising is an area of remarkable innovation right now – especially in areas like conservation and sustainability – and so we’re delighted to have HX join our community at such an inspiring time.”
HX Sales Director for Australia/New Zealand, Amber Wilson, added: “HX has embarked on an exciting new phase in its 130-year history, and we are pleased to share that journey with CLIA and its 6,000-strong travel agent membership in Australia and New Zealand.
“There’s a real passion for exploration in this region — among both travel advisors and travellers — and we’re proud to support that momentum through the CLIA community. We look forward to sharing more of the HX story and the extraordinary adventures we create for our guests,” he said.
HX pioneered the expedition cruise sector with its first voyage in 1896 under the Hurtigruten banner.
Headquartered in London, and supported by a global team of just under 1,000 people, HX operates a fleet of five modern ships, sailing to more than 250 destinations across 30 countries.
The company donates over 1,900 cruise nights annually to on board scientists and supports local communities through the HX Foundation, which provides grants for wildlife protection, marine pollution, and community development.
HX has also joined CLIA in Europe under a similar partnership.
A couple of weeks earlier, luxury and expedition cruise operator, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises had also joined CLIA as a regional member in Australasia.
Katz said Hapag-Lloyd Cruises had joined at a time of surging interest in luxury travel and expedition cruises.
“Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ operations span some of the most dynamic areas of cruising right now, meeting a growing demand for luxury cruises and expedition voyages,” he said.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Hapag-Lloyd Cruises to the CLIA community, particularly as increasing numbers of Australians and New Zealanders look to explore extraordinary destinations in comfort.”
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Director Sales, Elvir Johic said the cruise line had set a course for the Australian and New Zealand markets, returning with renewed strength and ambition.
“CLIA membership offers an excellent platform to connect with the region’s travel trade and CLIA community,” he said.
“It allows us to showcase our unique blend of luxury and expedition cruising, and we look forward to inspiring more guests to discover the world with us – off the beaten track and in high-class comfort.”
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises operates luxury ships ‘Europa’ and ‘Europa 2’, which are complemented by the new expedition class consisting of ‘HANSEATIC nature’, ‘HANSEATIC inspiration’ and ‘HANSEATIC spirit’.
The brand has entered 2025 with a comprehensively revised identity focused on the individual guest experience.
Since 2020, the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises brand has been part of TUI Cruises, a CLIA global cruise line member.
