s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn was originally built as a herring lugger in 1947, then rebuilt as a three-mast passenger schooner in the Netherlands in 1994

​History

S/V Rembrandt Van Rijn was originally built as a herring lugger in 1947. The vessel was then rebuilt as a three-mast passenger sailing schooner in he Netherlands in 1994, sailing in Spitsbergen (1994 – 1996) and the Galápagos (1998 - 2001). The vessel later underwent a complete rebuilding and refurbishment program until 2011. The communication and navigation equipment has been completely renewed according to the latest SOLAS regulations.

Specifications

Passengers: 33 in 16 cabins
Staff & crew: Crew 10 | Guides 2
Length: 49,50 meters
Breadth: 6,65 meters (22,9 ft)
Draft: 2,8 meters (8 ft)
Ice class: Suitable to sail in the Svalbard and Greenlandic waters.
Displacement: 435 tonnes
Propulsion: 2 cummins engines together 550 KW
Speed: 6,5 knots average cruising speed

Deck plans and downloads

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn cabins


Perfect for expedition cruising among small islands

The ship is well suited for expedition cruising among small islands and offer good open deck viewing areas, also when under sail. The two inflatable rubber crafts (Zodiacs) enable landing and wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise inaccessible areas. 

Comfort and Character

Rembrandt van Rijn measures 49,50 meters in length, 7 meters in width, and has a draft of 2,8 meters. The average cruising speed on engines is 6,5 knots. It has an experienced crew of 12 persons on board including 2 tour guides. The ship can accommodate a maximum of 33 passengers in 16 cabins. It has one Triple Private cabin (with shower and toilet and porthole), six Twin Private Inside cabins (with shower and toilet, no porthole), and nine Twin Private cabins (with shower and toilet and porthole).

Age range & Nationality onboard

Passengers on a typical voyage range from their 30s to their 80s - with a majority usually from 45 - 65, but a little younger on the Rembrandt van Rijn, between 30 - 55. Our expeditions attract independent-minded travellers from around the world. They are characterised by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie and spirit that develops aboard is an important part of the expedition experience. Many departures have several nationalities on board.

Catering

Three simple but good meals of international cuisine per day are served buffet style in the restaurant and is prepared by our cook.

Dress code

In keeping with our expeditions atmosphere, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities. Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery can be appreciated from deck, which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles and make sure the parka is never far away in case of the call "Whales!" comes over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside. Wear layers since it is comfortably warm aboard the ship - and often cold on deck.

Electric Current

The electrical supply aboard the ship is 220 volt 50hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins. U.S. passengers may need a 220v/110v converter.

Excursions & Landings

Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting. The landings will take three to six hours per day over untracked area. According to circumstances (the weather, the ice-situation or the passengers´ wishes) the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history.

Gratuities

The customary gratuity to the ship's crew and expedition leader is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage. Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give is at your discretion. We suggest to give cash in Euros, US Dollars or Danish kroner.

Non-smoking policy

On board our vessels we have a non-smoking policy. It is prohibited to smoke inside the ship. You can smoke in designated ares. Please respect the wishes of non-smokers.

The crew

The crew of the ´Rembrandt van Rijn´ consists of  9 experienced crew and 2 expedition guides and a cook. The sailors are in charge during sailing and will bring us ashore. 

Your physical condition

You must be in good general health and you should be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join most excursions, you must be able to get up and down the ladder from the ship to the water level to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats. This will become progressively easier with practice. Ashore it can be slippery and rocky. You are travelling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.

Our cruises

North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer

Watch for wildlife in iconic Arctic terrain

RVR09-24 The North Spitsbergen cruise sails to some of the remotest locations of northern Europe. The expedition gives you the opportunity to spot historic whaling remains, glaciers, a variety of Arctic birds including the Little Auk, and polar bears.

s/v Rembrandt Van Rijn

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

8 Jul - 18 Jul, 2024

Berths start from:

on request

Around Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer

Full Spitsbergen Circumnavigation

RVR10-24 Sail around Spitsbergen taking in the wildlife, whaling history, and stunning landscapes. Visit historic whaling stations and search for walruses and reindeer. Head to Hornsund to explore the glaciers and the hunting grounds of the Polar Bear.

s/v Rembrandt Van Rijn

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

18 Jul - 1 Aug, 2024

Berths start from:

8350 USD

East Greenland - Scoresby Sund - Iceland, Aurora Borealis, Fly & Sail

Experience the northern lights on Earth’s largest fjord

RVR15-24 Sail through Earth’s largest fjord system on a historic three-masted vessel, getting the chance to encounter exotic Arctic wildlife like musk oxen and Arctic hares under the enchanting aurora borealis. Greenland whales may also appear between landing...

s/v Rembrandt Van Rijn

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

28 Sep - 9 Oct, 2024

Berths start from:

5750 USD

Northeast Iceland Explorer, Aurora Borealis, Hike & Sail - Incl. bus back up
Up to $250 OFF Free transfer

Northeast Iceland Explorer, Aurora Borealis, Hike & Sail - Incl. bus back up

Experience Iceland’s remote and breathtaking fjords, harbors, and inlands at an exceptional time of year

RVR16-24 Northern and eastern Iceland are characterized by small villages, dramatic coastlines, narrow fjords, waterfalls, geothermal areas, volcanoes, and mountains. We are in the heart of nature here, and the scenery is breathtaking. This destination offers...

s/v Rembrandt Van Rijn

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

9 Oct - 15 Oct, 2024

Berths start from:

3250 USD

Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen, Ski & Sail

Climb snow covered alpine mountains and ski downhill

RVR02-25 This program is designed for experienced ski mountaineers who have mastered ski techniques both for ascent and descent in challenging snow-covered alpine terrain. A typical day involves ski climbs on mountaintops averaging heights of 700—850 meters (2,300—2,800...

s/v Rembrandt Van Rijn

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

8 May - 15 May, 2025

Berths start from:

4700 USD

Reviews

by Jana Vollebregt
Great trip Read full review
by Daniela Weber
Everything was nearly perfect! I wanted to see Polarbears in their real habitat - we saw 1 mom with 2 cups, 1 thin male (hope he will survive!) and 1 male in very good constitution! And a lot of wildlife by sea and land! Many thanks to Sarah and her great team of guides. Special thanks to Misha for his wunderful recap of this week! Also thanks to the crew of Ortelius, which have been made this trip so comfortable and sure! Read full review
by Esther Officier

Wat een geweldige trip hebben gemaakt met dit keer de Hondius, alles wat we gezien hebben en de ontzettend vriendelijke en gastvrije bemanning maken het tot een onvergetelijke trip. De enige opmerking die ik heb, dat ik verbaast was dat er een aantal zeer jonge kinderen aan boord waren. Ik vind dit namelijk geen reis voor jonge kinderen en de mede reizigers die ik er over sprak vonden dit ook vreemd.

Read full review
by Lonneke en Pim Goedhart
It was an amazing cruise/expedetion with great staff, well trained guides and amazing wild life spotting
Read full review
by Jeff Hambleton
Birding is my passion but the Arctic scenery , Polar Bears and Walrus stole the show. Read full review
by Lara Morgan
An absolutely amazing trip with a super friendly and expert team of guides who are passionate about the wildlife and landscape they are immersing you in from the start to the end of the trip. I had a wonderful week aboard the Ortelius; everyone from the captain right the way through the team were so welcoming, the hospitality and food was great, the ship is spotless and modern, and the excursions were so well thought-out to allow me to experience as much variety of wildlife (fauna and flora as well) as could humanly be possible - never a dull moment!! There were Zodic cruises and land hikes where you can choose a level to suit you - when the conditions changed one day, the expedition leader Sara and her team altered the itinerary seamlessly and we had a brilliant day on the alternative plan - plan B doesn't mean second best on this ship! The team strike just the right balance of getting guests close to nature without bothering animals, and it's evident that conservation awareness is at the core of their expertise, both of which are important for me. This is the best trip I have ever taken in my entire life and I would 100% recommend it to anyone who wants to explore the Svalbard region. Read full review
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