by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:20 PM ET, Tue September 24, 2024
HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) hosted its largest-ever FAM trip last week, with more than 300 travel advisors sailing from Vancouver to Seattle aboard the MS Fridtjof Nansen.?
The two-day trip, which wrapped up on September 20, marked the first time HX dedicated an entire vessel to hosting travel advisors.?
Travel advisors from the United States and Canada sailed through Gulf Island National Park Reserve to get a first-hand understanding of HXs expedition cruises.?
Travel advisors participated in lectures, discussions and excursions, and they got to learn more about the future of expedition cruising. They also took tours of the ship and tried all three of its dining venues, Lindstr?m, Aune and Fredheim.
Several of the companys executives joined the trip to share insights about the brand, including Alex McNeil, chief expedition officer, and Gebhard Rainer, the newly appointed chief executive officer.?
Travel advisors got to participate in excursions, lectures and discussions (Photo Credit: HX)
This FAM was the perfect way to highlight the HX perfect balanceour seamless blend of sustainability, comfort and adventure, says Rainer. While others may excel in one area, HX stands out by delivering all three in one unforgettable experience.
Verena Meraldi, the companys chief scientist, and Tudor Morgan, the lines vice president of sustainability, also joined the sailing. Along with researchers Allison Cusack from FjordPhyto and Ari Friedlaender from the California Ocean Alliance, they showed off HXs science and education program. Advisors also got to participate in hands-on citizen science activities during the journey.
Travel advisors also heard from members of HXs sales team on the companys voyages to more than 250 destinations, with an emphasis on the Galpagos Islands, Antarctica, Svalbard, and Alaska.?
In addition, travel advisors experienced HXs new all-inclusive offerings, which debuted in October. For guests, this package means that daily excursions, meals, drinks, gratuities, professional photos, WiFi and other amenities are included under one price.
This trip was a chance to show our commitment to the trade and highlight the future of the fast-growing expedition cruise segment, says Rainer.
Travel advisors also learned more about the new HX Foundation, which launched last week and supports local communities and environmental initiatives where the brand operates. During the sailing, HX donated $10,000 to the foundationtravel advisors used QR codes to vote for which project they wanted their portion of the funds to support. They chose between three projects: Oceans Initiative, a project to protect endangered Southern Resident killer whales; the Galapagos Conservancy WISE Program, an initiative to empower women entrepreneurs; and the Blue Corridors Project, an effort to map whale migration routes.
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