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

North Spitsbergen - Arctic Summer

25 Jun - 5 Jul, 2026

Tripcode: RVR11-26

  • 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

5 Jul - 15 Jul, 2026

Tripcode: RVR12-26

  • 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.

Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland, Fly & Sail

12 Aug - 31 Aug, 2026

Tripcode: RVR15-26

  • EN

The Spitsbergen and Northeast Greenland cruise sails waters filled with breath-taking scenery. The expedition passes through areas that are home to seals, seabirds, whales, and polar bears.

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

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...

Reviews

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

by Muriel de Kok

Antarctica

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.

by Alex AVI Zavitan

Antarctica

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 ...

by Rudo van Leeuwaarden

The Arctic

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