Cruceros a la Antártida

This trip was superb from beginning to end. We were told it wasn't a cruise but an "Expedition" and how right they were. The Hondius is a fantastic ship with all the comforts a great crew, hospitality and expedition leaders team that were so helpful, educated and made it a fantastic trip. After crossing the Drakes passage which was relatively smooth we visited Wihemina Bay & Neko Harbour. We were soon out in the Zodiac boats exploring the Bays seeing Humpback Whales & Killers Whales. The ice conditions allowed us to cross the "Antarctic Circle" with Petrals, Albatrosses & Fulmars following us. We had a spectacular ship cruise through the "Gunnel" towards Marguerite Bay a place I had heard alot about and it was fantastic with incredible icebergs and Peninsular beauty in the background. We visited Stonington Island and with old USA and British Antarctic Bases, what a piece of history, very interesting. Moving back up the west coast of the Peninsular we also visited Salpetiere Bay and Peterman Island. Back in the Zodiacs again to explore and most days we were out in them morning and afternoon. Back for lunch in-between and superb dining. More Whales spotted at Foyn Harbour & Cievra Cove and visited the Guvernoren Shipwreckand old Whaling Ship. We also saw the old Argentinian Primavera Base on a rocky outcrop. We then visted eEephant Point and walked along the beach by the massive Elephant Seals, what a sight. At Whalers Bay and Deception Island we went on land again and joined the "Antarctic Swimming Club" Wow ! what an experience. This was a great end to the Antarctic Peninsular and then out run a hurricane to cross the Drakes Passage again back to Ushuaia and through the famous Beagle Channel. Incredible trip balanced with very knowledgeable lectures on the Ship and light entertainment it truly was a trip of a life time and good value for money; highly recommend. Thank you OceanWide, the crew, the expedition leaders (circa 20 of them) and the ship's hospitality team.

I was so lucky to join the amazing tour for two weeks and it was just a wonderful experience in total! We got such a warm welcome on board from the whole team. We felt very quick kind of home and enjoyed it so much, that it's hard to explain in words. I can just recommend to join a tour of these company! We had a fantastic time outside in the Antartica with such experienced and high knowledged guides, such a joy to listen to them. I made a great choice with Oceanwide and would always go again! We have been blesses with a lot of beautiful wildlife and enjoyed every single moment together! I was sad to leave, but I'll come again! Biggest thanks to the whole team for such a perfect time together! Best wishes for the whole team and always great tours in this special regions of this world! Best, Kathrin

We saw so many beautifull animals and surroundings! It feels unreal when you are there. Very happy we also did the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Great expeditionteam and hospitalityteam on the ship.

Most of the time it was enjoyable, there were a few instances where I was hurt or it was really unpleasant.

Wonderful experience .. I wonder why I didn't do it before !!!! Expecially in nov-dec you can find many nesting species and chicks . Great treatment on the ship : you will learn so many things ...

WOW! This voyage exceeded my expectation. When my husband booked the expedition ship, I was concerned about the comfort of the cabins and common area, and even more nervous about the meals. I had no reason to be nervous - the ship is very modern, the cabins and common area swell appointed. The lounge was were we spent most of our free time mingling with fellow travels. (When we weren’t on deck or in the bridge). The small ship environment really fostered mingling with both staff and other guests. The food was plentiful, varied and of excellent quality and taste. The cruise staff couldn’t do enough for us - they accommodated my dietary restriction beyond what I expected. There was a nice BBQ on deck one evening (in snow flurries….but there was mulled wine to warm us up). Another afternoon there was hot chocolate spiked with rum. Every afternoon there was nice snack brought up. The best part of the trip was the expedition team. Led by expedition team leader Pippa and assistant leader George, the entire team entertained us with great lectures when they were not taking us on outings. We saw plenty of wildlife daily. Weather prevented us from flying to the emperor penguin colony,, but the team took our safety seriously and we appreciated that. We got to visit other penguin colonies, sometimes viewing from the zodiac, and on most days landings and a walk on ice.The small ship size allowed us to to off ship daily, including 2 scenic helicopter flights. The staff paid attention to details even for this - each flight every passenger had a window seat. The helicopter pilots were very friendly and made the flights very memorable. If you are considering an Antarctic trip, I highly recommend doing it on a small ship like the Ortellius.