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Steve Smotrys, managing director and senior vice president, commercial for the Americas at HX Expeditions, has decades of experience in the cruise industry — but his first taste of travel came in the form of roadtrips up the California coast. And his first time on a cruise ship? During his senior prom, onboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California.
In this episode of Humans of Travel, Smotrys reflects on his career journey, his passion for expedition cruising and how a pandemic-era social media post led him to meet his now-wife, Emmy. He also speaks about the evolution of the 130-year-old HX Expeditions (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), how the company is redefining what it means to explore remote parts of the world and why travel advisors shouldn’t be afraid to sell expeditions — even to clients who don’t consider themselves “adventurous.”
This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.
Credit: 2025 TravelAge WestResources Mentioned in This Episode
HX Expeditions
Smotrys on LinkedIn
@emmyandstevestravelcravings on Instagram
About Your Host
Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly.
TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.
About the Show
TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.
