勛圖窪蹋 Selects HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) as Exclusive Travel Partner

Unveiling ten initial 勛圖窪蹋 Voyages in the Gal獺pagos Islands, Antarctica, and Alaska.
People in a raft float by penguins atop a glacier.
Neko Harbour, Antarctica. Photo: Yuri Matisse Choufour

Seattle, Washington (July 9, 2024) 勛圖窪蹋, a leader in bird conservation across the Americas, and (Hurtigruten Expeditions), renowned for its commitment to sustainable expedition cruising, are proud to announce an exclusive partnership that offers unparalleled travel experiences aligned with both entities conservation goals. The collaboration launches with ten , selected from 晨喘s extensive global offerings, to enrich the understanding and appreciation of the places birds need today and tomorrow. With a history of leading mindful expeditions to the most awe-inspiring places on earth since 1896, HX is now the sole cruise travel provider partnered with 勛圖窪蹋.

"勛圖窪蹋's conservation mission aligns well with the hands-on and science-enriched operations of HX," said Dr. Chad Wilsey, chief scientist for the 勛圖窪蹋. "HX employs industry-leading efforts in ecofriendly practices and a commitment to conservation across all their itineraries, including important support for community science activities onboard. Through our partnership, we hope to engage more people in the urgent fight to protect birds and the places they need."

晨喘s team partnered with 勛圖窪蹋 to curate the inaugural 勛圖窪蹋 Voyages from 晨喘s portfolio of expeditions in more than 30 countries, all of which take place on small, custom-built ships. While all HX adventures emphasize protecting the places they explore, all 勛圖窪蹋 Voyages meet the following criteria:

  • Expert Guidance: Each trip hosts a trained ornithologist or a team of local naturalist guides, ensuring that travelers gain unmatched insights into bird species and their behaviors.
  • Diverse Habitats: The routes explore a variety of ecosystems, maximizing bird-watching opportunities of numerous species.
  • Opportunities to Encounter Rare Species: The itineraries offer unique chances to observe rare or endemic bird species.

"At HX, we are deeply committed to making a positive impact on the environment," said Dr. Verena Meraldi, 晨喘s Chief Scientist. "This partnership expands on our dedication to protecting the wildlife and habitats we explore, utilizing science, advocacy, education, and hands-on conservation."

As part of the agreement, 勛圖窪蹋 members save an extra 10% on 勛圖窪蹋 Voyages with HX and an extra 5% on all other cruises.

勛圖窪蹋 Voyages: Five Itineraries, Ten Sailing

Additional sailings since launch now visible here.

Kicking off the partnership, HX has unveiled the first 勛圖窪蹋 Voyages:

Antarctica

HX has led sustainable tourism in Antarctica since 2002. With its award-winning Science & Education program, HX forges partnerships with the scientific community. For the 2024/2025 season, HX plans to donate over 1,100 cabin nights to scientists and support over 30 third-party research projects.

  • Date: Oct. 20, 2024
  • Spotlight species: Andean Condor, Austral Pygmy Owl, Black-browed Albatross, Humboldt Penguin, Flying Steamer-Duck, Magellanic Penguin, Magellanic Diving-Petrel, Magellanic Woodpecker, Southern Giant-Petrel

  • Date(s): Nov. 6 and Dec. 14, 2024
  • Spotlight species: Black-browed Albatross, Dolphin Gull, Falkland Steamer-Duck, Kelp Goose, King Penguin, Southern Rockhopper Penguin, Striated Caracara (Johnny Rook), Variable Hawk
Gal獺pagos Islands

Leveraging exclusive permits, HX offers optimal wildlife and birdwatching opportunities with chances to see the iconic Gal獺pagos in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Date(s): Oct. 15 and Dec. 10, 2024
  • Spotlight species: American Flamingo, Blue-footed Booby, Red-footed Booby, Nazca Booby, Brujo Flycatcher, Finch species (various), Flightless Cormorant, Gal獺pagos Hawk, Gal獺pagos Dove, Gal獺pagos Mockingbird, Gal獺pagos Penguin, Great Frigatebird, Magnificent Frigatebird, Red-footed Booby, Swallow-tailed Gull

  • Date: Nov. 6, 2024, Jan. 15 2025 and Feb. 12, 2025
  • Spotlight species: Blue-footed Booby, Brujo Flycatcher, Great Frigatebird, Finch species (various), Gal獺pagos Hawk, Gal獺pagos Dove, Gal獺pagos Mockingbird, Magnificent Frigatebird, Red-footed Booby, Swallow-tailed Gull, Waved Albatross
Alaska

HX offers the explorers Alaska, sailing where others dont. Expeditions include opportunities to see McKays Bunting, one of the worlds rarest birds, breeding only on St. Matthew Island in the Bering Sea.

  • Date(s): July 7, 2025 and Sept. 8, 2025
  • Spotlight species: Black-footed Albatross, Crested Auklet, Laysan Albatross, McKays Bunting, Red-legged Kittiwake, Rhinoceros Auklet, Tufted Puffin, Varied Thrush, Whiskered Auklet, Kittlitzs Murrelet, Short-tailed Albatross (rare). If in Nome for long enough: Aleutian Tern, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Rufous Hummingbird (Inside Passage portion/Glacier Bay).

HX will unveil additional 勛圖窪蹋 Voyages for 2025, building on the initial launch. Additionally, HX will announce a series of 勛圖窪蹋-hosted sailings, guided by top ornithologists selected by 勛圖窪蹋. Looking ahead, HX and 勛圖窪蹋 plan to collaborate on joint conservation initiatives aimed at creating thriving environments for bird populations worldwide.

勛圖窪蹋 Voyages can only be booked by phone at +1888-645-7424. 

To take advantage of this special offer, bird lovers can or their 勛圖窪蹋 membership for $20 or more. Every 勛圖窪蹋 membership supports the 勛圖窪蹋s mission and vital conservation work to protect birds.

To learn more about 勛圖窪蹋 Voyages, . 

About HX
In 1896, HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) set out on a journey of exploration from its homeland in Norway. Driven by a passion to discover what lies beyond the horizon, they sailed in the wake of the pioneering seafarers who were redrawing the worlds boundaries.

Today, HX is the leading expedition cruise company, taking guests to over 250 destinations in more than 30 countries worldwide. With onboard lectures and science centers, HX is committed to ensuring guests return home with a deep understanding and love of the places they explore.

HX is on a mission to be the worlds most sustainable expedition company. They led the industry by being the first to ban heavy fuel oil and single-use plastics. In 2019, HX unveiled the world's first battery hybrid-powered cruise ship.

About 勛圖窪蹋
The 勛圖窪蹋 is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need today and tomorrow.

Birds act as early warning systems about the health of our environment, and they are telling us that our planet is in trouble. As a long-time leader in the conservation movement, 勛圖窪蹋 is rising to meet the urgency of this moment. Like the birds we love, 勛圖窪蹋s work spans the Americas from Boreal Canada to coastal Chile. 

In communities across the hemisphere, 勛圖窪蹋 is tackling climate change, protecting and restoring important places for birds and people, and fostering a community where the joy of birds sparks action for our planet.

Media Contacts: 
勛圖窪蹋 - media@audubon.org
HX - Becca Singelenberg, becca.singelenberg@hurtigruten.com