The programme follows the success of the line's inaugural mega-fam in May – a two-night sailing from Hamburg to Heligoland for around 400 guests, the majority of whom were travel agents.
Speaking at an event marking HX's 130th anniversary, Nathaniel Sherborne, HX Expeditions Senior Vice-President EMEA, ANZ and Global Sales Enablement, said further mega-fams were already being planned over the next couple of years, alongside shorter, intensive expedition experiences designed to give more agents first-hand knowledge of the product.
"I was delighted to see the success of our mega-fam back in May," Sherborne said. "I know there were some thoughts around the industry – is there a place for mega-fams? Is it too much of a diluted version of a product? But I firmly believe in the benefit of giving people a taste of what we do."
More than 400 people – mainly Europe and UK agents – attended the mega-fam in May (Credit: Timo Heinz)
The investment forms part of a broader push to strengthen relationships with the trade, which HX described as "more important than ever" for expedition cruising. "Trade is extremely important to us and I think trade is even more important than before," Sherborne said.
"When you do expedition – a more complex product from an experiential point of view – most people want to have somebody who can actually bring the story across to them, who can convince them emotionally that this is the right thing to do."
To support agents, HX Expeditions also confirmed it will increase the size of its UK trade team to expand face-to-face training and agency support.
A new online training platform will also launch later this year, aimed at making expedition cruising easier to understand and sell, while enabling agents to stay up to date with the latest news and access useful resources.
"We want everyone in the travel trade to take that first step, and this will remove some of that fear, get them excited and get them more involved in selling expedition," Sherborne said.
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HX is also exploring the introduction of charter flights directly to the Falkland Islands, which it claims would be an "industry first" and provide a "more seamless journey" for guests travelling to the destination.
The company outlined a series of product developments designed to make expedition cruising more accessible, including expanded South Georgia deployments and a brand-new Scandinavian programme.
Further details are expected to be announced as part of a full 2028/29 season launch on 15 September.
