The 1896 Cabin on the FRIDTJOF NANSEN Expedition Cruise Ship

In celebration of its 130th anniversary, HX Expeditions has unveiled one of its most ambitious and atmospheric guest experiences to date: the “1896 Cabin,” an immersive overnight accommodation aboard the expedition ship MS Fridtjof Nansen. Designed as a tribute to the origins of expedition cruising, the cabin transports guests back to the late nineteenth century, recreating the world of the earliest Arctic explorers while blending historical storytelling with modern hospitality.
The project commemorates a defining moment in maritime history. In the summer of 1896, the vessel DS Lofoten departed from Hammerfest, Norway, for Svalbard on what is widely regarded as the world’s first expedition cruise. That pioneering voyage established a new form of travel centered on exploration, scientific curiosity, and adventure in remote regions. More than a century later, HX Expeditions — which describes itself as the world’s first and longest-running expedition cruise company — has sought to honor that legacy by creating a living, immersive experience rather than a traditional museum-style exhibit.
The 1896 Cabin officially opened to guests on 14 May 2026.
The cabin is available exclusively aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen and can be booked as a one-night add-on before departure or during a voyage. Rather than functioning as a permanent luxury suite, the space is designed as a limited and highly curated experience. Guests temporarily leave their standard cabin accommodations and spend one night inside a carefully recreated late nineteenth-century explorer’s quarters. The design intentionally evokes the atmosphere of early Arctic voyages, while discreetly maintaining enough contemporary comfort to remain practical for modern travelers.
The experience relies heavily on sensory immersion. Beyond visual authenticity, the room has been designed to feel textured, warm, and lived-in. Natural materials, layered lighting, handcrafted surfaces, and period-inspired furnishings create an environment intended to resemble the interior of an expedition vessel from the 1890s. One of the more unusual elements is the introduction of a custom “1896 scent,” developed specifically for the cabin. Inspired by salt air, aged timber, and historic ships, the scent is diffused into the room to deepen the illusion of stepping back in time.
Wood became a central material in achieving the cabin’s authenticity. More than 140 separate wooden components were used throughout the space. Designers incorporated reclaimed oak planks and recycled timber sourced from old European agricultural structures, including threshing barns and cabins in Germany. Rough-hewn wall planks, exposed ceiling beams, and aged flooring were selected specifically to resemble the interiors of expedition ships from the late 1800s. Even small details — such as an old-fashioned wooden toilet seat — were included to reinforce the historical atmosphere.
The 1896 Cabin is available on selected 2026 voyages only and can accommodate a maximum of three guests per booking. Each guest may stay in the cabin for only one night per sailing, reinforcing the exclusivity and novelty of the experience. The upgrade costs €100 per person per night in addition to a guest’s regular cabin booking.
Ultimately, the launch of the 1896 Cabin serves both as a celebration of HX Expeditions’ long history and as a reminder of how expedition travel began. What started in 1896 as a daring Arctic voyage from northern Norway to Svalbard has evolved into a modern global expedition cruise industry. Through this immersive onboard experience, HX invites guests not simply to learn about that history, but to spend a night inside it.

Cabin photos
credit HX Expeditions

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