Reviews

Could not have imagined a better experience visiting Antarctica. We were very fortunate to be blessed with good weather but even more fortunate to have such a great Oceanwide crew that was professional and passionate. The boat/hotel staff clearly communicated every step of the way and went above and beyond to make sure each guest maximized their experience to the fullest extent. The expedition staff's expertise on all things relating to Antarctica (penguins, icebergs, whales, birds, etc.) was evident and their respect and admiration for the environment was contagious. I would highly recommend Oceanwide Expeditions to anyone considering a trip to Antarctica--or to anyone not considering Antarctica for that matter.

The ship, the food, THE CREW, the expertise, the activities, the polar plunge, THE ENVIRONMENT, all together made me right sized and humble. Left with a great respect and awareness of our wondrous planet and the need to protect it.

Everything about this trip was top-notch, from the accommodations to the staff (expedition, hotel, crew), I have nothing but praise for the entire experience.

I chose this trip, because I was looking for a very active trip. It did not disappoint. Activities from camping, kayaking, and mountaineering were fantastic. Even regular landings had a great hike to a viewpoint. Not only were the activities and sights remarkable, but the staff and expedition leaders were extremely knowledgeable, accommodating, and helpful. They really were the ones who made the trip incredible!

I and my family's three ladies, my wife and two daughters, joined the Ortelius Nov 3-14, 2019 expedition. The trip was a life-time experience, not just the rough Drake Passage that kept me on bed for almost one full day, but also the lovely penguins, sea birds and seals that accompanied us throughout the trip. While we missed our camping night due to bad weather, we were so lucky to have Captain Yury, Expedition Leader Claudia and their dedicated team to lead us through the rough seas and exciting excursions, from mountaineering, kayaking, to zodiac cruising and walking on sea-ice. The only regret is we lost our photo memory card somewhere on our way, which has many of our lovely memories. If anyone happens to find it (a 32G SD card with Amelia's trip photo downloaded in it) somewhere (we stayed in cabin 337, the room next to the lecture hall) and let's know, it would make our trip perfect.

The expedition team, captain and his crew, and the hotel staff were all incredible, warm, and made the experience life changing. Really appreciated the good weather so we were able to have 4 days of landing.

a terrific trip all the crew were fantastic Claudia chief guide was amazing and organized all very well. The food was worthy of a 5 star restaurant thanks to Mr Khabir. The lectures all were interesting and informative, Cabins were clean and comfortable and having access to the open bridge to watch icebergs in comfort was a real plus and a captain who knew ice and worked late hours so we could see the emperor penguins all I can say is thank you

a trip of a lifetime! we were very lucky with weather but it is also because our expedition team and captain was v flexible and adventurous that we got to do so many activities that we were all tired, but never too tired to see more penguins! the passionate and experienced expedition team and captain made the trip and it was good to see everyone including crew seeming to have a good time (except for the drake shake). only recommendation is to systemize/ set expectations of activities even more so everyone could have a chance to have one activity (especially if weather is bad) and wonder if there is a chance to see Magellan penguins near the islands in the beagle channel.

I cannot be happier that I chose Oceanwide for my Antarctica expedition. They surpassed my expectations at all levels, starting from the commitment of the expedition leader, Claudia Holgate and her team, who left no stone unturned to ensure that we have as many landings and do as many activities, inspite of inclement weather. The ship doctor, Dr. Rob Johnson for taking such good care of us during our sea sickness bout while crossing the drake passage, and even otherwise. Hats off to the chief chef, Khabir Moraes for his culinary ingeniousness. The food served was better, in taste and variety than even the 5 star cruise liners/ restaurants. Each staff (whether housekeeping/steward/reception manager) made us feel very comfortable and at home. While the incredible beauty of Antarctica is hard to describe in words and cannot be attributed to any human factor, it was the team and staff on-board who made our experience so much more enriching. I will return to Oceanwide for my future expeditions/cruises and also highly recommend it to all my friends and family.

The expedition team really tried its best to enable us to do and see as much as possible, the hotel team was excellent, and the ship crew staff were also welcome and supportive. and lucky me, the other passengers were open, interesting, and fun to be around. It's a wonderful experience ~ thank you all for making it happen.

Antarctic is extremely beautiful with shades of blue and white:) It’s an 11 days trip with 5 days of activities with the other remaining days travelling to & fro from Ushuaia. However, if u are planning to do all activities such as camping, Kayaking and mountaineering, I would advise u to book at least 2 years in advance or not book at all. I booked my trip in May/June 2019 and was assigned Group D (note: there are 6 groups A B C D E F total). Those in group A have e choice to book their activites first and when an activity get cancelled, Group A has the priority to go on another date. For me, I didn’t get to go camping and Kayaking and it was disappointing as the weather conditions were good in general. About 100 persons signed up for camping and only 30 persons can camp each night. Guides also said that its impossible to have 5 days of good weather in Antarctica which means some people were nvr meant to camp. There were many landings on Antarctic. If landings alone is good enough for u, probably this is the right company to choose then!

From the moment I first contacted Oceanwide to receiving photos and a trip log after disembarkation was so well organized, informative, and personal. The attention to detail and personal interactions are what made this already incredible experience even more incredible. The base camp expedition to Antartica was a dream come true. The sense of adventure and awe was infused into each day. We were able to not just see Antartica but to experience her majesty. The icing on this already enormous cake are the life long friendships, both with fellow passengers and with crew, created in these too short two weeks.

With apologies to penguins, seals and whales, the voyage itself aboard MV Ortelius was the attraction for me; unsailed seas, spectacular geography and experience of Antarctic weather. Being aboard was déjà vu for this ex merchant seaman. My intention was to achieve the crossing of both Polar Circles and Oceanwide on its particularly well-run little ship, with its multinational crew, completed the task. The 'open bridge' policy was, to me, a huge attraction and the crew, from master, Captain Appel to the Filipino seamen were friendly and informative. Of particular mention is Expedition Leader Mika and his knowledgeable tour guides who went out of their way to give passengers a voyage to remember. But of course, a ship is never a 'happy ship' unless it is a 'good feeder' and the galley and mess room crew of Ortelius supplied a menu far exceeding any major hotel I've stayed in thirty years as an international pilot. Oceanwide have got it right for voyages of this nature, the passage through the Gullet was alone worth the trip, and I wish the Ortelius and her crew/s many more safe voyages. I have only one suggestion; a rounding of Cape Horn would make it perfect

The ship, staff, and food were exceptionally good. I did not actually comprehend what the Basecamp designation meant or entailed.The knowledgable and dedicated staff were able to involve the full complement of guests in the activities the desired despite the changing conditions weather, ice jams,etc that the environment brings. some how I always felt safe and comfortable.

This trip was everything as advertised and more. The first morning we arrived in Antarctica we had Humpback Whales breaching next to the ship, and the 2 landings that day I had penguins coming right up to me, curious as to who I was and what I was doing there. If after that first day they would have told us we had to go back, I would not have had any complaints at all. But we had 8 more days of activities and adventures beyond that! I had pleasure overload the whole time. Will recommend to anyone.