Expedition cruise company HX has partnered with a renowned Greenlandic chef to develop a culinary programme showcasing traditional cuisine during its Arctic voyages. Olivia Palamountain reports

HX Hurtigruten Expeditions new culinary programme, which launched on May 24 aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen, aims to being the flavours of the Arctic to the high seas.

Now available on select cruises, the initiative features specially curated menus, collaborative recipes and culinary lectures led by celebrated Greenlandic chef, Inunnguaq Hegelund. A rotating roster of Greenlandic chefs is set to join Hegelund throughout the May to September season.

"It's an honour to collaborate with HX on this new culinary programme and to share the flavours of Greenland with travellers from around the world," says Hegelund. "Greenlandic cuisine is deeply connected to nature, tradition, and sustainability, and this initiative allows us to tell these stories through food."The programme will feature three specialist chefs working across HX's fleet. Award-winning chef Laasi Biilmann, recipient of Greenland's Chef of the Year and Innovator Award, will join MS Fridtjof Nansen from May 31 to August 15, bringing his modern interpretation of traditional Greenlandic cuisine.

Eli Nuka Johansson will showcase creative fusion dishes aboard MS Fram from August 31 to September 27, whilst Jørgine Tobiassen will focus on sustainable and ethical sourcing during her stint on MS Spitsbergen from July 29 to August 11.
Stefan Engl, VP of hotel operations at HX, says: "This partnership is not just about food; it's about sharing Greenland's deep cultural heritage through its flavours. By sourcing ingredients locally and collaborating with community suppliers, we're creating a truly authentic culinary experience."

HX has committed to sourcing 30% of food products from local and regional suppliers, including meats, seafood, fish, microgreens and beer from Greenland. The company has also partnered with QAJAQ Brewery, founded in 2015, to include locally crafted beers in its all-inclusive drinks selection.Celebrated in Intrepid Travel's Not Hot List 2025 (Disko Island or Qeqertarsuaq specifically), the huge island of Greenland (the world's largest at more than two million square kilometres) with a tiny population of fewer than 57,000, is quietly establishing itself as one of this year's hottest destinations.

As reported by the BBC, a new Nuuk International Airport officially opened on November 2024. There'll be direct flights from Copenhagen, and, by June, twice weekly connections from New York. It's the first of three airport projects  – costing more than $800m (£615m) – intended to fling this Arctic territory wide open to travellers.