Reviews

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

Oceanwide couldn't have done a better job. The ship was new and excellent, the crew was awesome, the food was terrific, especially considering that there was no way to retrovision the ship on a 21 day trip. I heard nothing but the highest praise for Oceanwide from other passengers.

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.

Everything was planned to the detail, the expedition team was fantastic and always willing to answer any question, nice and talkative. Even when plans changed due to weather conditions there was an equally good plan B awaiting for us

I especially appreciate expedition team leader Adam for his professional service and sincere kindness. He was truly listening to my requests and tried his best to let them happen. Alexis is a very smart and professional guide. Jochem is a very funny and kind person. Sara Jenner talks good lectures but she got big problem with her attitude. Zsuzsanna Varga is a bad hotel manager. She got obvious bias on me don't know why. In contrast, Ana Sirbu is a very nice person. I got good examples to support my viewpoint if need.

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.

I have been recommending Oceanwide MV Plancius to everyone. Wonderful interesting trip once i knew who the best guides were. So much to see and interesting talking to the locals or temporary residents. The contrast between Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula wildlife, small quiet friendly ship permitting everyone to go ashore at each stop made the trip. Much sympathy for passengers on the big cruise ships who were queuing forever. The hikes were very short but left plenty of time to study the seals and penguins. I look forward to going again earlier in their summer to see newborn seal pups. The teenagers were quite lively!

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

I've been traveling internationally for 50 years and this adventure was more amazing than I ever envisioned. The expedition leaders, crew, hotel staff; everyone worked hard 24/7 to ensure that we experienced Antarctica to the max. And, the Plancius! Two long excursions in zodiac boats each day. Continual wildlife sightings. The scientists not only lectured but were ready for any and all questions, and able to explain clearly no matter our backgrounds. And, truly an international experience; scientists, staff, crew, passengers. It was hard to see the trip end. When I planned this trip I thought it was a "once in a lifetime". By the end of the cruise I was planning when to come back. Phenomenal!

I sailed on the m/v Plancius for the Antarctica Polar Circle voyage, and absolutely loved my experience! We chose Oceanwide because it was about the only company we found that offered scuba diving in Antarctica, but I’m so glad we did. I feel like the website does not do them justice, and they far exceeded my expectations. The rooms are quite large for an expedition vessel, and the towel warmer in the bathroom will become your most loved amenity, when showering post-landing. Expedition staff was knowledgeable and friendly…quite different from my experiences with National Geographic, where the staff tends to be standoffish. They offered quite a few lectures each day, all of which I enjoyed…even the ones outside my usual areas of interest. Most amazing of all, was the quality of the meals. The chef was fabulous, and the fruits, vegetables and greens remained fresh, even after a week plus at sea! And finally, the expedition experience itself was extraordinary. Each day, our expedition leader (Ali) was looking at ice charts, emailing other ships, and conferring with the captain to get us the best possible landings each day. And she delivered!! Get thee on Oceanwide Expeditions!

I had a most enjoyable trip to Antarctica with Oceanwide Expeditions through a Linking Tourism & Conservation Study Tour. The crew, cuisine and itinerary was second to none and trips by zodiac and onshore were simply spectacular. I would seriously recommend anyone contemplating a trip to Antarctica to consider Oceanwide first.

My second voyage in the Antarctic and in the Artic with Plancius which remain a small expedition vessels with friendly and intimate atmosphere. it attracts the right people on board coupled with fantastic staff and knowledgeable professional guides on board. Quality excursion on shore and great Learning. The experiencing of the nature and wildlife in small groups with flexible itineraries make it each time a life time experience. I will definitely be looking to be back on the Placius next year and the Antarctica, especially South Georgia remains the best place for me to be. Oceanwide expéditions operate in responsibe vessel with a responsible approach to tourism in remote and sensible places. I love the Plancius and the philosophy in respecting Nature and Conservation.