HX Expeditions Health & Safety Protocols

HX Expeditions enforces robust health, safety, and biosecurity protocols designed for extreme environments like Antarctica, the Arctic, and remote coastal regions. Their operational framework centers around pre-expedition medical clearances, onboard emergency readiness, biosecurity controls to protect fragile ecosystems, and comprehensive sanitation practices.

• Mandatory Medical Screening: Travelers on remote expedition routes (such as Antarctica, Northwest Passage, and Greenland) must submit a comprehensive Medical Screening Form reviewed by maritime medical specialists between 12 and 6 weeks prior to departure to ensure fitness for remote travel.
• Onboard Hospital and Medical Staffing: Expedition ships carry an English-speaking medical team featuring a doctor and at least one nurse, supported 24/7 by shoreside medical advisors. Facilities are equipped to manage minor emergencies and stabilize acute conditions at sea.
• Mandatory Emergency Insurance: Due to the high operational costs and logistics of remote rescues, all passengers must show proof of comprehensive travel and health insurance that includes medical evacuation and repatriation coverage.
• Polar Biosecurity and Wildlife Protection: To prevent the introduction of invasive species or diseases like Avian Influenza (HPAI) into fragile polar environments, strict boot-washing, gear-disinfection, and wildlife distance guidelines are enforced prior to every shore landing.
• Shipboard Sanitation and Isolation Protocols: Common areas, expedition gear, and dining venues undergo regular medical-grade disinfection. If a communicable illness occurs onboard, standard evaluation, targeted isolation, and masking protocols are administered by the ship doctor.
• Pregnancy and Mobility Restrictions: Passengers who will enter or exceed their 24th week of pregnancy at any point during the cruise cannot be accommodated due to the absence of specialized neonatal care. Guests requiring mobility assistance or medical devices must be pre-approved to confirm ship suitability.

*Health and safety protocols change often. Contact us if you have any questions.