Reviews
Overall rating based on 1,188 votes
Overall rating based on 1,188 votes
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I have been to many amazing places, quite a few in the 'trip of a lifetime' category. But this one tops all of them. This truely was a trip of a lifetime. Pippa and her team did an amazing job taking us to remote places to see extraordinary wildlife. At one point we were the southern most ship on the planet! That is hard to beat, more than 71 Deg south on the Wiklins Ice Shelf.
I knew it would be a good trip, but I was not expecting it to be THIS good.
It was also full of landings, zodiac trips and lectures. The food was excellent and service could not be faulted. I have already put down to do another trip on Hondius in 2026.
Thanks to Oceanwide and its fantastic crew. We were able to do numerous dives and landings due to the experience of the leadership on board.
Our trip exceeded any expectations we could have imagined. The ship and all crew onboard were superb, the food was great and we had so many zodiac cruises and landings which enabled us to spend time with the wildlife in the natural environment.
This trip exceeded all expectations in generous amounts. While not under our direct control, the choices made by the Expedition Leader Pippa and the Bridge worked out 110% well. No events were cancelled as we enjoyed calm waters and clear skies. All the expected wildlife were seen by us in ample opportunities. Food on board Hondius surpassed our needs. Talks were also informative and helpful. The team deserves a great applause and appreciation.
Safety, food, lectures and wine prices were outstanding.
The staff members were amazing. They were friendly, knowledgeable and seemed to really care about their jobs and the people they work with. The food was ok, but that s because the spices and herbs used were not my personal preference. The people working in the food service area were very nice, cheerful and helpful. I know you heard this, but people need to be advised a little more sternly that hiking in the tussocks can be very difficult. People tend to over estimate their abilities. Great trip!
The expedition team and entire crew were diligent to optimize opportunities around the weather so that not one Zodiac experience was cancelled, not only in spite of the fall weather but also with a medieval.
The 23 day trip on the Hondius was better than I ever could have imagined. Every day was filled with views, wildlife and wonderful presentations. The team (guides, crew, service, etc) were all friendly, knowledgeable and professional. The ship was extremely comfortable, the food delicious and plentiful and the excursions were fun and informative. The lead guide, Pippa, checked weather daily and made educated decisions with the captain on where we should head. Everyday we were not at sea we had an excursion! The guides were all well educated and gave presentation on history, animals, geology and more. It was great learning about what we were seeing. I highly recommend this trip, Oceanwide and The Hondius !
This trip was beyond out expectations - from crew to guides to activities and itinerary
De reis met de Hondius van Oceanwide is een echte aanrader. Het personeel en de staff doen er alles aan om het naar je zin te maken. Het was een onvergetelijke reis. Als je van plan bent om deze reis te maken is Oceanwide wel een van de beste.
Embarking on an Oceanwide Expeditions journey to the Antarctic Circle is nothing short of a transformative experience. The pristine beauty of the icy realm is matched only by the warmth and expertise of the Oceanwide crew, who ensure every moment is filled with awe and education. From the majestic icebergs rising like sculptures to the playful wildlife that greets you at every turn, the expedition feels like a true exploration into the last great wilderness on Earth.
The ship, a comfortable and sturdy vessel, becomes a home away from home, where every meal is a delight and every cabin a cozy retreat after days filled with adventure. The guides are not just knowledgeable; they are passionate storytellers who bring the history and science of this remote place to life. Whether it’s witnessing a humpback whale breaching beside the ship or hiking to a vantage point for a breathtaking panorama, the memories made here are indelible.
Oceanwide Expeditions doesn’t just take you to Antarctica; they immerse you in it, offering a once-in-a-lifetime trip that’s as educational as it is exhilarating. It’s a journey that changes you forever.
I took a Deep South (Antarctic Circle) Expedition with Oceanwide earlier this year and the experience could not have been better!
Not only did we have a dream trip in terms of weather, activities and wildlife spotting - making numerous stops and zodiac trips every day and meeting all of our trip objectives thanks to the amazing work of the Captain and Expedition Team, who continually altered our plans to make sure the ship was in the best position to take advantage of the conditions - but the entire atmosphere and energy on the boat was amazingly welcoming and fun.
I just have to highlight how incredible the entire Oceanwide staff/crew is. Not only are they super knowledgeable, they are incredibly friendly. Everyone, from the guides to the bridge team to the housekeeping and galley staff, is happy to welcome you on board and into the Plancius/Oceanwide family. The kitchen staff knew all of our names by day 2! And they were amazing at dealing with dietary restrictions and preferences. The guides and bridge staff were likewise happy to mingle, chat and answer any questions (even ones for which they had to look up the answers)!
A wonderful experience overall!
My 11-day Antarctic expedition was outstanding from start to finish. The staff were knowledgeable, friendly, enthusiastic, and professional. The food was delicious. The M/V Plancius was quiet, well-appointed, and just the right size. The crew did an amazing job making sure we experienced as much as possible whenever possible, and I would absolutely take this trip again and again. My only regret is that I'm not an expert in Antarctic/Arctic wildlife or climate so I can't get a job with Oceanwide as an expedition staff member ;)
This sums everything up: on the last day, I went to take a picture with the captain. He then asked me how much I liked the trip and out of nowhere I started crying!! That was all the answer I could give him... tears of joy! it was absolutely amazing!!!
I wasn't sure what the experience would be like, but I'm so glad I booked with Oceanwide. The trip felt like a real exploration of the scenery and wildlife in Antarctica, and the crew helped make it an exciting and informative adventure. An incredible trip of a lifetime!
