National Audubon Society Selects HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) as Exclusive Travel Partner

Seattle, Washington (July 9, 2024) – National Audubon Society, a leader in bird conservation across the Americas, and HX (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 Audubon Voyages, selected from HX’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 Audubon.

"Audubon's conservation mission aligns well with the hands-on and science-enriched operations of HX," said Dr. Chad Wilsey, chief scientist for the National Audubon Society. "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."

HX’s Science & Education team partnered with Audubon to curate the inaugural Audubon Voyages from HX’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 Audubon 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, HX’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, Audubon members save an extra 10% on Audubon Voyages with HX and an extra 5% on all other cruises.

Audubon Voyages: Five Itineraries, Ten Sailing

Kicking off the partnership, HX has unveiled the first Audubon 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.

In-Depth Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition Southbound

• 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

Antarctica & Falkland Expedition

• 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

Galápagos Islands

Leveraging exclusive permits, HX offers optimal wildlife and birdwatching opportunities – with chances to see the iconic Galápagos Big 15 – in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Nine of the Best Isles (Western and Northern Route)

• 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, Galápagos Hawk, Galápagos Dove, Galápagos Mockingbird, Galápagos Penguin, Great Frigatebird, Magnificent Frigatebird, Red-footed Booby, Swallow-tailed Gull

In Darwin’s Footsteps (Eastern Route)

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

Alaska

HX offers the explorer’s Alaska, sailing where others don’t. Expeditions include opportunities to see McKay’s Bunting, one of the world’s rarest birds, breeding only on St. Matthew Island in the Bering Sea.

Alaska and British Columbia Inside Passage, Bears and Aleutian Islands (Southbound)

• Date(s): July 7, 2025 and Sept. 8, 2025
• Spotlight species: Black-footed Albatross, Crested Auklet, Laysan Albatross, McKay’s Bunting, Red-legged Kittiwake, Rhinoceros Auklet, Tufted Puffin, Varied Thrush, Whiskered Auklet, Kittlitz’s 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 Audubon Voyages for 2025, building on the initial launch. Additionally, HX will announce a series of Audubon-hosted sailings, guided by top ornithologists selected by Audubon. Looking ahead, HX and Audubon plan to collaborate on joint conservation initiatives aimed at creating thriving environments for bird populations worldwide.

Audubon Voyages can only be booked by phone at +1888-645-7424. 

To take advantage of this special offer, bird lovers can join or renew their Audubon membership for $20 or more. Every Audubon membership supports the National Audubon Society’s mission and vital conservation work to protect birds.

To learn more about Audubon Voyages, please visit. 

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 world’s 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 world’s 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 National Audubon Society
The National Audubon Society 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, Audubon is rising to meet the urgency of this moment. Like the birds we love, Audubon’s work spans the Americas – from Boreal Canada to coastal Chile. 

In communities across the hemisphere, Audubon 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: 
Audubon - media@audubon.org
HX - Becca Singelenberg, becca.singelenberg@hurtigruten.com