For some, cruising is about relaxing by the pool while taking full advantage of their drinks package. For others, it’s more about the excellent food served on board. For others still, a cruise is about what you see along the way: scenery and wildlife. And if you’re one of those cruisers, there are brand new sailings that should be right up your alley. Expedition cruise line HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) is partnering with the National Audubon Society to offer bird-watching cruises known as Audubon Voyages.
Photo: HX
Bird Lovers Can Now Go on Cruises Organized by the National Audubon Society
HX and Audubon are a match made in heaven
Photo: HX
HX is the world’s largest and leading expedition cruise line, sailing to 250 destinations in more than 30 countries from pole to pole. It is also a leader in sustainable cruising. For example, in 2018, HX banned non-essential single-use plastic (including plastic water bottles). Perhaps more significantly, HX operates two hybrid-powered expedition ships, the MS Roald Amundsen and the MS Fridtjof Nansen, both of which emit 20 percent less carbon dioxide than other cruise ships of the same size.
The National Audubon Society is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to conservation of birds and their habitats since 1905.
“Audubon’s conservation mission aligns well with the hands-on and science-enriched operations of HX,” says Dr. Chad Wilsey, chief scientist for the National Audubon Society in a press release. “HX employs industry-leading efforts in ecofriendly practices and a commitment to conservation across all their itineraries, including important support for community science activities onboard. Through our partnership, we hope to engage more people in the urgent fight to protect birds and the places they need.”
Audubon Voyages
Audubon Voyages will consist of 10 sailings and five different itineraries, including to Alaska, Antarctica, and the Galapagos Islands.
Audubon Voyages currently available for booking include:
- Galápagos Islands Cruise | Nine of the Best Isles, starting at $9,149
- In-depth Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition, starting at $14,973
- In Darwin’s Footsteps, starting at $7,476
- Antarctica & Falkland Expedition, starting at $9,547
- Alaska & British Columbia | Inside Passage, Bears and Aleutian Islands, starting at $8,648
Photo: HX
All Audubon Voyages will have a trained ornithologist or a team of local naturalist guides on board that will take guests through a variety of ecosystems to see diverse and rare bird species.
Audubon Voyages are not reserved for ornithologists or serious birders, amateur twitchers and those who simply take joy in seeing animals in their natural habitats are most welcome. That said, if you’re a Audubon members, it might help. Members save 10 percent on Audubon Voyages with HX. Becoming an Audubon member costs as little as a $50 one-time donation of a $20 monthly gift. 