HX Expeditions hosts first ‘mega fam’ with 120 UK and Ireland agents

HX Expeditions has hosted its first ‘mega fam’ with more than 350 agents from across Europe on MS Fridtjof Nansen.

Within that number, 120 trade partners from the UK and Ireland joined the two-night sailing from Hamburg to the island of Helgoland for “a taste” of an expedition. 

Agents had the chance to embark on a tour of the island, including its red sandstone cliffs and grey seal and wild bird colonies, while a smaller number had a guide take them around a World War II bunker.

On board, expedition leaders gave lectures on different destinations and specialisms from geology to zoology, in addition to interactive sessions on plankton in the lab and clouds on the top deck.

In the evening, a group from Helgoland came on board to sing traditional local sea shanties. 

Speaking on board, chief executive Gebhard Rainer thanked agents for taking the time to attend, adding: “This is a very exciting and compressed expedition.

“There is nothing better than feeling and touching a product yourself and we wanted to give you that feeling of being on an expedition with HX.”

Rainer said key selling points for the operator were its 130-year history, how the experience is designed for “curious travellers” and its core ethos of providing “a meaningful and sustainable adventure”.  

Mark Walters, sales director for the UK and Northern Europe, urged agents on the trip to “become ambassadors” for the brand, both in their businesses and wider network of family and friends upon returning home. 

At the same time, Walters revealed a new global booking incentive to commemorate its 130th anniversary which will offer a £130 voucher to every agent making a fully deposited booking between May 1 and July 31.

The operator also unveiled two further trade-friendly initiatives; an air credit offer for selected Antarctica departures and a 130th anniversary offer. 

Agents booking selected 2026-27 Antarctica departures can secure a £1,000 per person in air credit on round-trip Premium Economy and Business Class Flights or up to £500 for Economy Class flights for their clients when booked between May 11 and June 30.

Meanwhile, new bookings made by August 31 for selected departures between 2026 through to early 2028 are eligible for 25% off or a free suite upgrade.