HX Expeditions Finalizes 2026 Alaska Program with New Itineraries, Inaugural Port Calls

HX Expeditions has finalized its 2026 Alaska program with the addition of two new itineraries, more shore excursions, and inaugural port calls to Klawock and Valdez.

Designed to provide deeper access to Alaska’s wilderness, coastal communities, and rarely visited regions, the all-new nine-night Fjords of the Great Land voyage (Vancouver to Whittier) and the 12-night Where the Mountains Meet the Sea (Whittier to Vancouver) itineraries feature expanded shore experiences developed in collaboration with local partners. All new HX Alaska sailings operate aboard MS Roald Amundsen.

“While most Alaska cruises show travelers the coastline, HX goes deeper, reaching rarely visited regions, working directly with Alaska Native corporations, and designing experiences with communities rather than around them,” said Sam Imes, Alaska product planner for HX Expeditions. “That approach is at the heart of our 2026 Alaska season, which includes two new itineraries and first-time visits to new ports.”

The newly released excursion portfolio offers advisors and guests a complete view of the 2026 Alaska product ahead of the summer’s sailings. Among the portfolio are 11 new excursions centered around two new ports of call: Klawock and Valdez.

Located on Prince of Wales Island, Klawock is a newly developed Indigenous-owned cruise port offering an intimate introduction to Łingit culture and Southeast Alaska’s coastal ecosystems. Excursions include:

• Klawock Highlights: A living Łingít cultural experience featuring master carvers, apprentice artists, and Alaska’s largest authentic totem park.
• Coastal Flavors of Klawock: A chef-led tasting of locally sourced oysters, salmon, halibut, roe, kelp, and wild berries, paired with wines that reflect the island’s character.
• Forest Walk and Pub Stop: A two-mile hike through Tongass National Forest concluding with locally brewed Alaskan beer overlooking the bay.
• Prince of Wales Marine Wildlife Tour: Guided exploration across multiple marine ecosystems known for abundant wildlife.
• Klawock River Hatchery & Lake Kayak: A scenic kayaking experience on Klawock Lake highlighting the ecological and cultural importance of its nutrient-rich waters.

Surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, Valdez combines dramatic alpine scenery with layered history. Once defined by the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, the community today is recognized as a symbol of environmental recovery and resilience. Excursions include:

• Thompson Pass Hike: High-alpine hiking with views of glaciers, tarns, and the Chugach Mountains.
• Valdez Glacier Lake Kayaking: Inflatable kayaking among floating ice while learning about the 1898 gold-rush All-American Route.
• Taste of Valdez: A guided trolley experience featuring fresh-baked scones, craft beer tastings, and local culinary stops.
• John Hunter Memorial Trail: A forested hike offering panoramic views of Valdez, Port Valdez, and the Trans Alaska Pipeline.
• Museums of Valdez: Visits to the Valdez, Old Town, and Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museums highlighting Gold Rush, Alaska Native heritage, and regional seismic history.
• Scenic Valdez Tour: A guided exploration of the area’s coastal and mountain landscapes.