Summary
John Werner, President & COO, MAST Travel Network and Michael Weldon, Director, National, Key & Strategic Accounts, HX | Hurtigruten Expeditions discuss expedition cruising, highlighting unique experiences, educational opportunities, and diverse destinations.
Highlights
- 🌍 HX specializes in unique expedition cruises to remote destinations.
- 🚢 The company has over 60 years of experience in Antarctic expeditions.
- 🧑🔬 Onboard scientists enhance guest experience through education and hands-on activities.
- 🏕️ Unique experiences like camping on ice provide adventurous options for travelers.
- 🍽️ Culinary offerings focus on local provisioning for fresh, diverse dining experiences.
- 🧑🤝🧑 HX supports solo travelers with no single supplement on select sailings.
- 🌱 Commitment to sustainability and environmental initiatives sets HX apart.
Key Insights
- 🌊 Expedition vs. Ocean Cruising: Many potential travelers mistakenly associate expedition cruising with strenuous physical demands. HX focuses on exploration, ensuring all guests can enjoy the experience regardless of fitness level. This inclusivity broadens the market appeal.
- 🐾 Wildlife Viewing: HX emphasizes responsible wildlife viewing, particularly in sensitive areas like Spitsbergen, where regulations ensure ethical practices. This commitment enhances guest experiences and supports conservation efforts.
- 📚 Educational Focus: The presence of diverse experts on board facilitates immersive learning experiences, differentiating HX from traditional cruise lines. Guests can engage directly with specialists, enriching their understanding of each destination.
- 🌌 Sustainability Commitment: HX prioritizes sustainability, opting for sailing over flying to minimize their carbon footprint in sensitive environments like Antarctica. This approach resonates with eco-conscious travelers.
- 🍴 Culinary Experience: HX’s focus on locally sourced ingredients for onboard dining enhances the culinary experience, elevating the cruise from a mere travel experience to a gastronomic adventure.
- 👥 Solo Traveler Benefits: The absence of single supplements on select sailings caters to solo travelers, tapping into a growing segment of the market that seeks adventure without the burden of extra costs.
- 🌅 Diverse Itineraries: HX offers a wide range of itineraries, including lesser-known destinations. This variety attracts adventurous travelers eager to explore unique locations while enjoying the comforts of a cruise.
If you are interested in cruising with HX | Hurtigruten Expeditions, please visit www.mvptravel.com to connect with a travel advisor near you.
Listen and learn on this week’s episode!
