Recensies

The expedition team really tried its best to enable us to do and see as much as possible, the hotel team was excellent, and the ship crew staff were also welcome and supportive. and lucky me, the other passengers were open, interesting, and fun to be around. It's a wonderful experience ~ thank you all for making it happen.

Antarctic is extremely beautiful with shades of blue and white:) It’s an 11 days trip with 5 days of activities with the other remaining days travelling to & fro from Ushuaia. However, if u are planning to do all activities such as camping, Kayaking and mountaineering, I would advise u to book at least 2 years in advance or not book at all. I booked my trip in May/June 2019 and was assigned Group D (note: there are 6 groups A B C D E F total). Those in group A have e choice to book their activites first and when an activity get cancelled, Group A has the priority to go on another date. For me, I didn’t get to go camping and Kayaking and it was disappointing as the weather conditions were good in general. About 100 persons signed up for camping and only 30 persons can camp each night. Guides also said that its impossible to have 5 days of good weather in Antarctica which means some people were nvr meant to camp. There were many landings on Antarctic. If landings alone is good enough for u, probably this is the right company to choose then!

From the moment I first contacted Oceanwide to receiving photos and a trip log after disembarkation was so well organized, informative, and personal. The attention to detail and personal interactions are what made this already incredible experience even more incredible. The base camp expedition to Antartica was a dream come true. The sense of adventure and awe was infused into each day. We were able to not just see Antartica but to experience her majesty. The icing on this already enormous cake are the life long friendships, both with fellow passengers and with crew, created in these too short two weeks.

I have been recommending Oceanwide MV Plancius to everyone. Wonderful interesting trip once i knew who the best guides were. So much to see and interesting talking to the locals or temporary residents. The contrast between Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula wildlife, small quiet friendly ship permitting everyone to go ashore at each stop made the trip. Much sympathy for passengers on the big cruise ships who were queuing forever. The hikes were very short but left plenty of time to study the seals and penguins. I look forward to going again earlier in their summer to see newborn seal pups. The teenagers were quite lively!

With apologies to penguins, seals and whales, the voyage itself aboard MV Ortelius was the attraction for me; unsailed seas, spectacular geography and experience of Antarctic weather. Being aboard was déjà vu for this ex merchant seaman. My intention was to achieve the crossing of both Polar Circles and Oceanwide on its particularly well-run little ship, with its multinational crew, completed the task. The 'open bridge' policy was, to me, a huge attraction and the crew, from master, Captain Appel to the Filipino seamen were friendly and informative. Of particular mention is Expedition Leader Mika and his knowledgeable tour guides who went out of their way to give passengers a voyage to remember. But of course, a ship is never a 'happy ship' unless it is a 'good feeder' and the galley and mess room crew of Ortelius supplied a menu far exceeding any major hotel I've stayed in thirty years as an international pilot. Oceanwide have got it right for voyages of this nature, the passage through the Gullet was alone worth the trip, and I wish the Ortelius and her crew/s many more safe voyages. I have only one suggestion; a rounding of Cape Horn would make it perfect

I've been traveling internationally for 50 years and this adventure was more amazing than I ever envisioned. The expedition leaders, crew, hotel staff; everyone worked hard 24/7 to ensure that we experienced Antarctica to the max. And, the Plancius! Two long excursions in zodiac boats each day. Continual wildlife sightings. The scientists not only lectured but were ready for any and all questions, and able to explain clearly no matter our backgrounds. And, truly an international experience; scientists, staff, crew, passengers. It was hard to see the trip end. When I planned this trip I thought it was a "once in a lifetime". By the end of the cruise I was planning when to come back. Phenomenal!

I sailed on the m/v Plancius for the Antarctica Polar Circle voyage, and absolutely loved my experience! We chose Oceanwide because it was about the only company we found that offered scuba diving in Antarctica, but I’m so glad we did. I feel like the website does not do them justice, and they far exceeded my expectations. The rooms are quite large for an expedition vessel, and the towel warmer in the bathroom will become your most loved amenity, when showering post-landing. Expedition staff was knowledgeable and friendly…quite different from my experiences with National Geographic, where the staff tends to be standoffish. They offered quite a few lectures each day, all of which I enjoyed…even the ones outside my usual areas of interest. Most amazing of all, was the quality of the meals. The chef was fabulous, and the fruits, vegetables and greens remained fresh, even after a week plus at sea! And finally, the expedition experience itself was extraordinary. Each day, our expedition leader (Ali) was looking at ice charts, emailing other ships, and conferring with the captain to get us the best possible landings each day. And she delivered!! Get thee on Oceanwide Expeditions!

I had a most enjoyable trip to Antarctica with Oceanwide Expeditions through a Linking Tourism & Conservation Study Tour. The crew, cuisine and itinerary was second to none and trips by zodiac and onshore were simply spectacular. I would seriously recommend anyone contemplating a trip to Antarctica to consider Oceanwide first.

My second voyage in the Antarctic and in the Artic with Plancius which remain a small expedition vessels with friendly and intimate atmosphere. it attracts the right people on board coupled with fantastic staff and knowledgeable professional guides on board. Quality excursion on shore and great Learning. The experiencing of the nature and wildlife in small groups with flexible itineraries make it each time a life time experience. I will definitely be looking to be back on the Placius next year and the Antarctica, especially South Georgia remains the best place for me to be. Oceanwide expéditions operate in responsibe vessel with a responsible approach to tourism in remote and sensible places. I love the Plancius and the philosophy in respecting Nature and Conservation.

Antarctica is a destination that seems unable to disappoint, so whilst I'm sure every trip is spectacular, I am very grateful to have experienced my trip on the Plancius and its crew. The expedition guides were extremely knowledgeable in their respective fields and had a genuine passion for the region. It made every day and experience so much more interesting. I would highly recommend this expedition to anyone who is keen to explore this spectacular continent!

I planned for my holiday of a lifetime and it certainly was! My compliments to Oceanwide for providing an excellent trip which was organised to the highest degree. All members of the ship's staff and expedition staff were superb, nothing was too much trouble. The care and assistance provided both on and off ship were of the highest standard I can recommend Oceanwide and look forward to a time when I can travel with them again, Thanks for an amazing holiday.

Excellent guides, amazing scenery and wildlife, comfortable cabins and ship, very good food, a nice family feel. Expedition leader did an amazing job reorganizing our itinerary as the wind and sea ice blocked our original itinerary into the Weddell Sea. She kept careful watch with weather and sea ice updates and was able to get us into the Weddell Sea for a couple glorious days. She also did a great job maximizing our time on land and enjoying the gorgeous evening/sunset light and scenery after we arrived on the ship, changing our daily schedule (of meetings or meals) somewhat to give us more time to enjoy it. The orcas were amazing. All of the guides are experts who have conducted research in a particular polar field of science and shared their expertise with us regularly in our meetings in the lounge.

The ship, staff, and food were exceptionally good. I did not actually comprehend what the Basecamp designation meant or entailed.The knowledgable and dedicated staff were able to involve the full complement of guests in the activities the desired despite the changing conditions weather, ice jams,etc that the environment brings. some how I always felt safe and comfortable.

The expedition leaders and ship staff made this an exceptional experience to an extraordinary place. Each day the staff gave us informative talks about what we were seeing as we sailed around the Antarctic peninsula -- the birds, seals, whales, penguins, geology and climate. They were friendly and eager to share their expertise with the travelers. The zodiac cruises and shore landings on the pristine continent were awe-inspiring. The food was delicious-- the soups were my favorite-- and I really enjoyed that the expedition leaders joined us at meals and in the lounge. I made fabulous memories and I would highly recommend this trip on the Plancius.

The team and the trip was magnificent. The expedition leader and guides were experts in their fields while also being good communicators. The programme for each day was carefully thought out, with excellent outings interspersed with fascinating lectures. The viewings of whales, seals, birds and penguins was spectacular. The crew were relaxed and professional while the food was entirely scrumptious. In all, a magnificent experience.