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. As a general guideline, we suggest an amount of 10 to 15 euros or US dollars per cruise day per person. 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

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

1 Oct - 12 Oct, 2026

Tripcode: RVR19-26

  • 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, 2026

Tripcode: RVR20-26

Last berths Iceland

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...

North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer - Summer Solstice

14 Jun - 24 Jun, 2027

Tripcode: RVR10-27

  • 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

24 Jun - 4 Jul, 2027

Tripcode: RVR11-27

  • 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

4 Jul - 14 Jul, 2027

Tripcode: RVR12-27

  • 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.

Reviews

Dear Expedition Leaders, Guides, and the Entire Crew,As our epic arctic voyage draws to a safe and triumphant close, we are writing to express our deepest, most heartfelt gratitude to every single one of you. No words can truly capture the immense respect and appreciation we hold for your incredible team.What touches our souls the most is that you are not only brilliant scientists and elite guides who shower us with profound knowledge and handle complex expedition logistics, but you are also the most humble, hardworking laborers. We saw you standing on the stage lecturing on polar history, and then we saw you kneeling on the cold, muddy deck, washing and scrubbing the rubber boots for every guest to prepare for the next landing. We watched you guiding our zodiacs safely through raging storms, and then we saw you carrying heavy luggage and waving an emotional goodbye on the pier under the freezing rain.You switch between elite experts and selfless workers effortlessly, showing absolute humility with no hierarchy or boundaries between you and the guests. This noble spirit of equality is the most beautiful scenery on this ship.Thank you for your sleepless nights, your warm smiles in the cold, and your unbreakable dedication. Sharing this voyage with you has been the absolute privilege of our lives. May your future sails always meet calm seas, and your long journeys always bring you back home safely. Fair winds and following seas!With the highest respect and warmest admiration,Your Deeply Grateful Chinese Adventurers!(. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)

by Igwe Divine

Antarctica

Very amazing

by Alessandro Scipio Stenico

The Arctic

A journey into the Arctic to the pack ice is a unique experience. The landscapes are truly extraordinary, offering the chance to see Arctic wildlife. It is not just a trip, but an experience that fosters a love for nature. Thanks to Oceanwide Expeditions for the excellent organization and the engaging, informal atmosphere. The presence of a knowledgeable, professional staff—combined with their kindness and helpfulness—ensures that nothing is left to chance, whether during shore excursions or on board. Excellent cuisine. They deserve 5 stars!

by Michael Sven Stenico

The Arctic

Fantastic trip, exceeded all expectations. Extraordinary landscapes with splendid galciers and Artic desert. We sailed along the Artic ice pack and saw polar bears, whales, walruses, seals, Artic foxes and birds. The staff was extraordinary, competent and attentive to safety. Very friendly onboard staff, excellent cuisine! A five stars experience.

by Marie Ann Daloia

Antarctica

I traveled to the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica on the Hondius in early January 2024. I chose Oceanwide because they are an excellent, low key, and deeply safety conscious operator. Their crew is incredibly professional and caring, and they always put the well being of their passengers above everything else. The wildlife and landscapes one sees on this itinerary are incredible. I saw seven penguin species, penguin chicks of four species, Antarctic fur seals and pups, Elephant seals and pups, Weddell seals, Orca, Humpback whales and numerous species of other birds. I hope to travel with Oceanwide Expeditions again -- South Georgia is one of the most beautiful places on the planet and I want to see more of it in a different season.

We spent 8 wonderful days (20–27 June 26) on the Hondius … Unfortunately, our luggage got stuck at Oslo Airport, which was all the more unfortunate as it could only be delivered to Longyearbyen a day later. We contacted Oceanwide straight away and were informed very quickly that we should enjoy our day in Longyearbyen, that they would collect the luggage from the airport themselves, and that the ship would not leave the harbour until the luggage was on board. We did buy a few warm items just to be on the safe side …, but in the end everything worked out perfectly and with such discretion that none of the passengers noticed a thing … The trip was perfect from start to finish and everything was organised very professionally … nothing to complain about. As well as seeing plenty of other wildlife, we were also lucky enough to observe a pair of polar bears relatively closely for quite some time from the safety of the ship … Wonderful memories …

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