Guests aboard HX expedition cruises can now gain an even deeper understanding of the polar regions they are exploring through a pioneering collaboration with the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS).
Four years in the making, the HX Pre-Departure Course will be rolled out to HX guests and staff starting in the late 2024 season.
Blending immersive learning with real-world experiences, the university-developed online education program comprises around four hours of content and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. It includes online seminars, interviews and live Q&A sessions that are available before, during or after the physical HX journeys.
Upon completion, participants will receive a University of Tasmania certificate.
By completing the certification prior to departing on an HX voyage, travellers will benefit from an enhanced experience in the destination, according to HX Chief Scientist Dr Verena Meraldi.
“For HX guests, this collaboration offers a world first for our industry and a market-leading program that will enrich their travel experience with knowledge, scientific education, and inspiration,” she said.
“We have carefully curated the syllabus, optimised for curious travellers – who do not just want to explore but want to take that knowledge further and hopefully use that as a force for good for the future.”
The partnership is testament to HX’s commitment to delivering unique and enriching experiences for its clients, according to HX VP Sustainability, Guest Learning and Industry Relations Tudor Morgan. “Together with the University of Tasmania, we are breaking new ground in expedition travel, offering scientific educational opportunities that are truly transformative and based in ocean conservation,” he said. “This collaboration represents a bold step forward in bridging the worlds of exploration and academia, offering travellers and professionals alike an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the polar regions, while contributing to their academic and personal growth.” Meanwhile, University of Tasmania Acting Executive Dean of the College of Sciences and Engineering Dr Angela Castles described the initiative as a “natural extension” of the institution’s focus on sustainability, climate and marine science. “This collaboration highlights the University of Tasmania’s commitment to connecting research with real-world experiences,” she said. Topics covered by the course include: the human history of Antarctica; the Antarctic Treaty System; the Southern Ocean; ice core studies; wildlife and ecological communities; climate change; citizen science; and how to live, work and travel responsibly in Antarctica.
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The partnership is testament to HX’s commitment to delivering unique and enriching experiences for its clients, according to HX VP Sustainability, Guest Learning and Industry Relations Tudor Morgan. “Together with the University of Tasmania, we are breaking new ground in expedition travel, offering scientific educational opportunities that are truly transformative and based in ocean conservation,” he said. “This collaboration represents a bold step forward in bridging the worlds of exploration and academia, offering travellers and professionals alike an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the polar regions, while contributing to their academic and personal growth.” Meanwhile, University of Tasmania Acting Executive Dean of the College of Sciences and Engineering Dr Angela Castles described the initiative as a “natural extension” of the institution’s focus on sustainability, climate and marine science. “This collaboration highlights the University of Tasmania’s commitment to connecting research with real-world experiences,” she said. Topics covered by the course include: the human history of Antarctica; the Antarctic Treaty System; the Southern Ocean; ice core studies; wildlife and ecological communities; climate change; citizen science; and how to live, work and travel responsibly in Antarctica.
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