In 1896, at the dawn of expedition cruising, intrepid travellers set out from Norway’s mainland to the far-flung archipelago of Svalbard, which sits closer to the North Pole than Oslo.Today, the company behind that early voyage is known as HX, an industry leader in Arctic and Antarctic expedition cruising. In 2026, to mark the 130th anniversary of that initial journey, guests aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen will have the chance to stay in the 1896 Cabin.
More than just a place to crash after a day of Zodiac rides amongst towering glaciers, spotting humpbacks in the wild or participating in a Citizen Science project, the 1896 Cabin is an experience in and of itself.Imagine the glow of oil lamps flickering across wood-panelled walls, a warm light radiating from the stove and the scent of timber mingling with salty air. Around you, you’ll discover the tales of courage, hardship and discovery of those who braved uncharted waters with little more than grit and a compass. Expect historically sourced props, including bed linen, robes and even a bathroom with rustic 19th-century touches.
To experience the cabin firsthand, book an expedition cruise on the MS Fridtjof Nansen from the 29th of January 2026 onwards. On embarkation day, the 1896 Cabin is open to all guests with a historian revealing its secrets, before being reserved for specific passengers’ sole use. Keep in mind that the cabin offers an immersive experience in addition to your standard accommodation, not in place of it. At the time of writing, it costs from €450 (single or double occupancy), with check-in at 14:00 and check-out at 11:00 the next day.Beyond paying homage to the past, a stay in the cabin also helps shape the future, with 50 per cent of all profits made by the cabin supporting the HX Foundation, funding conservation and community projects, with information on the selected charities to be announced in early 2026. It’s just one of the ways HX will work towards its goal of raising €130,000 per ship during the anniversary year.Places are limited, so it’s wise to book sooner rather than later. The best way to reserve your spot is to call +44 203 993 5947 (UK) or +353 1607 4420 (Ireland).Considering a polar cruise? What to read next:
Appeared first on: Worldofcruising.co.uk
