Some of the earliest Arctic explorers braved perilous journeys in small wooden cabins with little more than courage and a compass. Now, a cruise line is inviting guests to spend a night in the past after recreating a cabin from 1896.
Historical Cabin Experience
HX Expeditions is marking almost 130 years of sailing with an immersive cabin experience aboard its ship MS Fridtjof Nansen. Stepping inside the room transports you back in time to an era of early exploration, complete with Victorian bunk beds, a feature fireplace, and even a hidden bar in a barrel. Instead of high-tech gadgets and luxurious showers, guests will enjoy vintage maritime décor such as horns, framed artwork, and expedition-era objects designed to evoke the atmosphere of 19th-century travel at sea.
CEO's Vision
‘This cabin was always meant to honour our origins, and what our teams and partners have delivered is extraordinary,’ said Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX Expeditions. ‘The 1896 Cabin has surpassed everything we first envisioned. We hope it gives guests a real sense of what life at sea was like 130 years ago. History, after all, is best remembered when lived.’
Cabin Details and Construction
The cabin, which took 309 hours to build, includes a bunk bed plus a single bed, wooden chests, chairs, stools, wardrobes, and an old-fashioned desk. It comprises 140 pieces of wood, sourced from a cabin in Germany to add to the sense of authenticity, and there is even an old-fashioned wooden toilet seat.
‘The 1896 Cabin is more than a place to sleep,’ HX said. ‘It offers a glimpse into the early days of expedition travel, immersing you in what life was like on these journeys 130 years ago. Imagine the glow of oil lamps flickering across wood-panelled walls, a warm light radiating from the stove, and the scent of timber mingling with the salty air. Around you, stories of courage, hardship, and discovery come alive – of those who braved uncharted waters with little more than grit and a compass.’
Availability and Pricing
The experience is available on top of the cruise fare for £87 per night per person. All guests aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen will also have the opportunity to visit the cabin during the day on their voyages, with scheduled access alongside onboard talks from historians. Half of all profits will be donated to the HX Foundation charity, which works to battle plastic waste and protect endangered wildlife.
Historical Context
HX Expeditions traces its origins to what is widely considered the world’s first organized expedition cruise in 1896 — a voyage from northern Norway to the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard aboard the steamship DS Lofoten. Now, it takes guests to some of the most remote regions on Earth including the Arctic, Antarctic, and the Galápagos Islands.
‘The 1896 Cabin offers a glimpse into how late 19th-century explorers lived – before hybrid propulsion, satellite navigation, and stabilised decks,’ HX said. ‘Guests can spend a night surrounded by period furnishings and recreated atmospheric details, bringing this heroic age of exploration to life.’
