Alex McNeil, chief expedition officer of HX Expeditions, shares his take on the Arctic Circle’s most fascinating adventures, and what goes into shaping the HX Experience.
By Robert Liwanag
Range: What surprises people most about expedition cruising?
Alex McNeil: On most cruises, your interactions with others are quite limited, but on an expedition cruise, you make really meaningful connections, because it takes a special, curious person to choose these trips. People also often think that an expedition cruising is super intense, so they need to be very fit. While we do cater to people who are the most active, there’s a place for everyone.
Range: What is your favorite Arctic destination?
Alex McNeil: Greenland has these unparalleled ice formations cascading down the coastlines, along with beautiful icebergs and glaciers. Greenlandic culture in incredibly rich, and there’s an amazing blend of alpine and maritime landscapes. It’s very rare to see towering snowcapped mountains while an ocean surrounds you, usually, it’s one or the other.
Range: Do you have any tips for viewing the northern lights on an expedition cruise?
Alex McNeil: Be patient. The intensity of the lights fluctuates, so if you see them becoming less brilliant, don’t write them off. Go inside to warm up a bit, then came back out. I’ve seen in situations where people see the lights, go back to bed and then the lights suddenly turn absolute epic, full streams across the sky.
Range: How does HX’s Science & Education program enhance the guest experience?
Alex McNeil: Local knowledge, and activities with local residents, are irreplaceable, while academic and scientific expertise offers unique perspectives as well. For instance, you might be interested in seeing how a glacier changes over the course of a day, but the onboard glaciologist can show you how it’s evolved over the past 100 years.