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. 

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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).

Photo gallery

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.

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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.

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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. 

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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

8 Jun - 18 Jun, 2025

Tripcode: RVR06-25

Last berths Svalbard
  • EN

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.

North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer - Summer Solstice

18 Jun - 28 Jun, 2025

Tripcode: RVR07-25

Last berths Svalbard
  • EN

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.

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

1 Oct - 12 Oct, 2025

Tripcode: RVR15-25

  • EN

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...

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

12 Oct - 18 Oct, 2025

Tripcode: RVR16-25

  • EN

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...

Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen, Ski & Sail

1 May - 8 May, 2026

Tripcode: RVR05-26

Last berths Svalbard

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...

Reviews

by Marjolein Moens
Now a few weeks back home and I still look back on this fantastic trip with a big smile on my face. The entire crew from below the waterline to above....thank you for the wonderful experience. With passion and love for the area, you have sought a balance between tourism and respect for the vulnerability of nature. Thank you.
by Ellen de Jonge
A fantastic trip! A wake up to the beauty of Antartica. The rawness to get there, the serenity when you arrive. It showed me how important the present moment is and how beauty can be overwhelming and unable to catch by a camera. The love, knowledge and respect the leaders are equipped with is fantastic to see.
by Michael Ortiz
Breathtaking beauty, unreal experience, attentive crew, knowledgeable staff, well-planned, well-fed, all on a journey like no other
by Youngchan Moon
Everyone was really nice and kind most of all professional! Thanks to all the staffs and I could make happy experience.
by Bernadette Elliott
Absolutely awesome holiday and journey! Inspiring staff, incredible people, lifelong friends, and empowering experiences ❤️ sadly came to an end although I feel these experiences and bonds formed will last forever and this educational hands on expedition has enriched me in appreciating our amazing earth even more for which we are caretakers for 🥰❤️
by Monica Collins
We had an exceptional Basecamp expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula with the Oceanwide team of experienced guides. The whole trip, from the activities, to the lectures, to the food and fellow travelers was a highlight. Continuously changing weather meant the daily plans and schedules had to be fluid and flexible, which the team did with grace and ease under the expert leadership of Sara and Captain Per. Expedition leaders were knowledgeable experts in their fields and were always happy to share and impart their knowledge. The food was outstanding, and the staff were just incredible - nothing was too much trouble and everything was done with a smile. I would unreservedly recommend this trip - it was a great balance between being on the boat, Zodiac cruising looking for wildlife, activities on land and sea, and loads of fun and laughs. Truly the experience of a lifetime.
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