Reviews

The trip of a lifetime. The ship and it's crew were wonderful and we all became one big happy family on a joyous adventure. This trip was worth the wait and all the extra testing and paperwork due to Covid-19 restrictions. The ship was the perfect size and well appointed. Excursions and lectures were well orchestrated and fun. The meals were well prepared and there was always plenty of choices for even the pickiest of diners. Getting to know the other intrepid travelers on this journey really helped to make this a truly unforgettable experience. The only question now is .. where to next?

Great trip, the best landscape I have ever seen and kayaking was really amazing!

We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to visit the Antarctic Peninsula on the Hondius and most importantly with the Oceanwide team. Our group consisted of 7 travellers aged 7 to 70 years old and we all had an amazing time thanks to the incredible expedition team led by Sara, as well as ALL the staff who worked on the ship who were always smiling, friendly and upbeat! The expedition team was a unique bunch with extremely varied experiences & areas of expertise - it was a perfect combo! As I know that perhaps it is not as common to bring children, please know that our children aged 7 to 11 LOVED the trip - the landings & hikes were all easily done (one of ours even tried the polar plunge activity!) and they loved hearing the varied talks about Antarctica and the wildlife by the expedition staff. A truly extraordinary experience for them. They are asking us to book the next trip ASAP, but they want us to make sure that it will be with Sara and her expedition team, as well as the same restaurant & boat team. I think that says it all! We booked this as a "trip of a lifetime" but after this experience, we won't be able to leave it at that! Thank you to the whole Hondius team!

The Hondius staff and crew really know how to deliver! Flawless Zodiak to land transfers with incredible views. Instant flexibility when a pod of ~40 humpback whales surrounded the Hondius while feeding and spy hopping to watch us watching them! Antartic camping (without a tent) is not for the faint of heart but was too cool (no pun intended) not to try! With our intrepid expedition leader Sara Jenner and Scottish expedition guide and artist "Super Jim" Smith, we all got the fullest of experiences possible. Excellent educational sessions on the wildlife and habitat. Please go and SEE! This is an absolute must do before 2048 when the Antarctic Treaty expires, Countries may then start to mine and decimate it. Help to preserve this global treasure.

We had an amazing experience in the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the Hondius. The Expedition Team, led by the wonderful Sara, worked to make sure that we encountered wildlife up close as much as possible. The team was comprised of friendly people with varied backgrounds and knowledge and a passion for their work. They're enthusiasm and professionalism really made the trip extra special. The ship was beautiful, spacious, clean, and the crew was very attentive. The food was wonderful and plentiful, even for vegetarians. I highly recommend Oceanwide Expediitions and we plan to take future trips to the Arctic and Alaska.

Incredibly well organized... so much to learn about and wonderful experts to share it all with accompanying slide shows. Highly recommend this trip. Just one recommendation... please add some map books to the library collection that will show ALL of the Antarctic continent AND peninsular and maybe a full map displayed somewhere in a public hallway. All of the locations where we stopped need to well marked on the map.

Thanks for everything! It was amazing...

Das war eine sehr schöne Kreuzfahrt mit vielen tollen Tierbeobachtungen und Begegnungen. Leider war das Highlight der Tour, die Sonnenfinsternis, den Wolken zum Opfer gefallen. Das Essen war überaus gut und die Mitarbeiter sehr zuvorkommend und hilfsbereit. Die «Ausflüge» waren gut organisiert und es blieb meistens genügend Zeit für Tierbeobachtungen.

We loved everything about this trip. The scenery, the animals, everything we saw was nearly indescribable, so magnificent and awe-inspiring. Even though bad weather made some of the planned destinations unavailable, the crew made up for it with extended visits to others. The expedition crew were amazing. So professional and informative, yet personable and available. We got to know several of the crew as they dined with us many times during the trip. The ship and staff were great. The dining staff were so great, so proficient under adverse conditions. The kitchen staff consistently provided some truly spectacular meals. For anyone on the fence about taking a trip like this: GO! You won't regret it!

This trip was a miracle. The pandemic was still looming and Omicron was hitting many countries. I can't believe we even made it to Argentina. When everyone tested negative on the antigen test before boarding the ship I thought ok we made it! We made it through drakes passage and it was time for another antigen test. To our surprise, there were 2 positive cases. We all were devastated. If a total of 5 people tested positive we would have to turn the ship around and see what the Argentinian government wanted to do. I thought we would only have 1 day in Antarctica and then we wouldl have to go back and possibly quarantine with the ship. Everyone had the same thought. The staff and crew were absolutely amazing. They told everyone to do their part and hand sanitize, stay separated, and wear the mask at all times. We split up into our color groups and each day we experienced the beauty of antarctica and each night we tested and hoped for another day. Each day we were surprised that everyone including staff and crew tested negative. We had our 4 days in antarctica and came back with the same 2 cases. It was all because of the expedition staff and crew, especially sara. Thanks!

Trip was great for me but could been better for other passengers who wanted to kayak and couldn't. Kayaking had 4 day option frankly more days than I wanted. At first meeting their werea equal number of waiting list passengers there who were told sorry, during gear assignment few passengers waiting to see if they could go but no. I spoke to the guide tell him they could go on days I was not and was told they got it handled. Spoke to passengers later who said they were told they could go. You have far more happy passengers if you lessen the price and gave 2 groups 2 day slots. Furthermore at the beginning no advance information given. I told kayak guide I'd be kayaking the next day not knowing camping was the night before. Got back from camping about the time kayaking group was leaving (no way) when told told guide he was bit passed at me because he had already had kayak in the water for me. Recommendation 1. place handled sanitizer station just I side diningroom not just outside 1 of 2 doors. 2. Extra hooks in cabin to dry things. 3. On crossing I standed in my cabin a lot. It would had been great if lecture in lounge was broadcast on cabin TV.

My suggestion is more brown bread, put cinnamon out, maybe coffee machines in dining room and tell people in advance that WiFi is crazy expensive, download books and everything beforehand.

Most beautiful trip I have ever done, beautiful wildlife and an enthousiastic and amazing crew + expedition team ! Thanks a lot !

My partner and I had a great time on our expedition to Antarctica on the m/v Hondius. The expedition team was amazing. Despite having to deal with some challenging circumstances due to covid, they made sure that we were safe and had a wonderful time with many incredible landings and zodiac cruises. We saw lots of wildlife and learned so much. Thank you!!

From start to end, this adventure of a lifetime surpassed my already high expectations. Expedition leaders/naturalists were top notch and helpful, with informative presentations from their varied experiences throughout. Their enthusiasm and camaraderie was genuine, heightened by their own long hiatus due to the pandemic. Adam set the tone - a terrific mix of professional and personable, and he always had backup plans for contingencies of weather. Bill's sideways energy added enormously. From servers and cabin maintenance to Sigi's dulcet wake-up calls, the hotel group was excellent. Food was varied, copious and always excellent. We marveled at fresh lettuce 10 days into the trip. The captain and his team were excellent, but unfortunately we barely got to know them due to closed bridge. Thank you.