HX Expeditions is launching the Vintage Cabin experience for its 130th anniversary

Back in 1896, when the time travel craze was in its infancy, its HX outing took passengers from mainland Norway to Svalbard on a pioneering, pioneering journey. 2006 will mark its 130th anniversary, so the long-running travel company helps passengers feel as if they have returned to a time when this type of travel was just beginning.

A trip back to 1896: How the Hx’s output honors its origins

From 1896 it was when HX launched the first Expedition and made history by enabling passengers to feel as if they were discovering the most beautiful places they visited, becoming bigger with their festive plans. Now guests will be able to spend the night in a cabin that looks and feels like the one the test subjects stayed in on that first HX Expeditions trip.

As of January 29, 2026, and in the anniversary year (2026), 1896 cabins are available only Aboard MS FRIDTJOF Nansen. Here’s how it works. For most of their trip, guests will stay in a modern cabin that they sponsor, but they get the chance to spend one night on their boat in the kitchen of the late 19th century.

“Cabin 1896 is an opportunity for our guests to not only see history, but to live and sleep in it,” Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX, said in a press release. “As we celebrate 130 years of pioneering travel, we wanted to create an experience that focuses on space, and spirit, to connect our guests to our incredible heritage while helping to support the future of exploration and conservation through the HX Foundation.”

Inside vintage cabinets: Classic country design meets modern comfort

Excited to share this heritage with visitors, HX’s output is limited by the cost of retrieving the Polar Explorer cabin from 1896. Handcrafted furniture from as far back as 130 years ago. There are also authentic Christi experiences for a more intimate experience, and small touches and décor help set the tone of history. Even the bathroom is designed as it would have been in 1896.

Imagine yourself sitting in a chair like the one guests revived just before the 20th century. The oil lamps spread a warm light throughout the room and the old scents help you feel like you are a time traveller. The beds are more comfortable than explorers found long ago, but they have the style of 1896.

HX Outings worked with Aros Marine to bring this idea to life. Known for its innovative, striking designs, Aros Marine created this vintage cabin that’s comfortable yet reminiscent of the past that cruisers are sure to return to in time. The designers of Aros Marine have done a lot of deep research to bring this diving system to life..

HX’s output has been at the forefront of cruise exploration since 1896, and it still takes luxury travelers on cruises to destinations around the world. Its Arctic and Antarctic tours are very popular. Many of their returning guests have a real appreciation for history and its importance in everything we do, so they are sure to love this one-of-a-kind heritage experience.

A limited journey with lasting impact

You’re doing more than just a fun, treasured experience when you book an 1896 cabin aboard the MS Fridtjof Nansen in 2026. The HX Foundation supports projects around the world that involve everything from supporting local communities to protecting endangered species.

Booking Travel: How to Sleep Like 1896

Cabin 1896 is now available by reservation. Guests sailing on any cruise from MS Fridtjof Nansen throughout 2026 can book a night in the 1896 cabin. However, availability is very limited, so it is best to book as soon as possible.

The cabin is offered as an extra for €450 per night (single or double occupancy). One reservation is allowed per guest, and you can book this value program when you book your standard cabin. Reserve your stay on the HX Expeditions booking page.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About HX Expeditions’ 130 Expeditions

HX Outings is planning a special heritage experience for guests to commemorate 130 years on the high seas. Here are important answers to common questions about the 1896 cabin and more.

What are the ways for HX to come out for 130h Anniversaries?

The highlight of HX’s 130th Celebration outing is a heritage experience. For one night, guests can stay in a fun cabin for the entertainment of those who explore sleeping back in 1896. The goal is to help the cruisers meet definitely. The cabin was designed with period furniture, and the changing scents help guests feel more involved in the historical experience.

Where will the vintage cabin experience take place?

Beginning January 29, 2026, the 1896 cabin experience will be available to Cruise guests on any MS FRIDTJOF NANIN cruise. Can be booked in 2026. Available only in the anniversary year (2026).

When can travelers book a trip inspired by 1896?

Room reservations for 1896 aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen are now available. Stats don’t start until January 29, 2026, but you can book 1896 when you book your regular cabin. It is available at an additional cost (€ 450per Night) which is the same cost whether the room has one or two people in it. Room availability extends to Hx Expeditions’ 130th Anniversary Celebrations. You can book a cabin today on the HX Expeditions booking page.

Is the vintage cabin application historically accurate?

Although MS FRIDTJOF NANANEN’s 1896 Cruise Cab is entirely history, it’s getting close. Its Décor, furniture, rugs, accents in the room, and menus are designed directly after careful research of 19th century designs and exits. Even the caterers will greet guests and help set the tone for a trip that seems to step back in time. However, there are also modern luxuries so cruisers can enjoy their time in the cabin.

Mantas Laetitis, head of Design at Aros Marine, shared in a press statement, “designing the HX 1896 Cabin in life has been a journey that will come down to the end of this lighting system.”

He added, “Working closely with the VP, hotel operations Stefan Englit Hx, we aim to take guests back in time when the guests and the art meet the standards of today’s tourists who know today’s Hx.”

Which HX tour includes 130-annivils cabins?

All Miss Fridtjof Nansen Cruises that take place from January 29, 2026, through the end of the year (2026) have 1896 Cabin information. Available to book now and will only be available until all Heritage Experienced Chibins are stocked.