Reviews

This was the best thing I have ever done. Everything, from the activities to the wildlife to the friends I met on board, exceeded my expectations. This could not have been possible without the wonderful guides and everyone else on the ship working hard to make this Basecamp Expedition so memorable. Thank you!!

From departure to return, every step of the way was brilliantly done by the expedition leader (George), expedition team, captain, and ship’s crew. In spite of extremely challenging weather, we were able to get out and experience the incredible landscapes, wildlife, and activities due to the experience and dedication of the Oceanwide team. Kayaking through a sea of icebergs, watching whales feeding while camping on the ice, listening to the glaciers calving while mountaineering… all incredible experiences. The lectures on board and the expertise of the zodiac guides on Antarctic wildlife, history, and other topics made this trip extra special. The passengers came from a wide variety of backgrounds, countries, and ages and made for excellent company on board and off. Even seasickness on the Drake was no match for such an incredible time.

Sitting in Ushuaia airport headed back to the states and feeling melancholy already. George and his staff were gracious , welcoming and so informative. We were so impressed with their knowledge and skills they all have . The reception desk was always so helpful regardless of the same question being asked numerous times. They were very kind even with the silly questions . The dining team always greeted all guests with a smile and so genuine . The entire staff works so hard and understand the importance of customer service and creating memories for so many . So many names to recognize because everyone was amazing . That said my husband and I enjoyed our chat with George at lunch one day and sharing his passions with us . So personable and appreciated him taking the time . Charlotte was delightful and enjoyed the chats with her. She made us feel so welcome and really created some memories and felt like we had made a new friend . Willmore in the dining room along with Joanne and Judele always made us smile . Johnny & Dave really set up a great day for us ice climbing ! Alexis and Nic were great guides during and the time they spent allowing us to embrace all we could during that activity. Thank you again Hondius staff for embracing each guest and the passion and professionalism or what you do for Antarctica. For those of us experiencing the wonders of this trip for the first time and sharing in our excitement.

As a solo traveler with only a little world travel experience, I had some trepidation about what to expect on my Antarctica base camp expedition cruise on the MV Hondius. However, my experience was far beyond my expectations and hopes. Everything was near perfection. The activities, lectures , crew, food, expedition crew team, my newly met roommates in my triple cabin, and all the other new friends and passengers I met were amazing. The activities were challenging and fulfilling. But the awesome beauty of Antarctica was overwhelming. No other trip will be like this. This may be the peak of any traveling I will ever do. At the end of our voyage, most passengers, including myself, were shedding or holding back tears because it was now over and we had to say good bye to our “new home.” As great as Oceanwide is, I doubt any future passengers could have the kind of trip we all had. Truly a once in a lifetime transformative experience.

It was a long time pending wish to visit Antarctica. It happened this November. The 13 day trip in MV Hondius from Ushuaia to Antarctic peninsula was a dream come true. The trip was made more entertaining and knowledgeable by the experienced and supporting team which accompanied us. The stay was made comfortable by the ever ready and pleasing support staff in the ship. We were a group from 28 countries who shared their experiences and knowledge during the trip. The lectures organised every day by qualified staff bonded us further towards wildlife.

An excellent early season journey. The staff were superb.

I am short of words to express my feelings about the trip: the places we visited were unique, guides were top level, food was realllly good, the ship is modern and very sea worthy, atmosfere was joyful; keep this direction of travel

This was a most amazing experience - landscape, glaciers, wildlife and tiny plants were awe inspiring. I loved the ice and seeing a polar bear on the ice was my highlight among many highlights. The silence and remoteness was life changing. We never wanted for anything - both crew and guides were marvelous; the former with comfort and wonderful food; the latter offering great activities, the sharing of their knowledge and care and concern for the environment. A superb team.

It was a wonderful trip on a wonderful ship with an even more wonderful crew! "Chapeau" to the whole crew! I've learned so much about Plancton and saw it's intricate beauty under the microscope (thanks Chloé! And sorry Andrew: birds from now on come 2nd...😉) Lots of landings and Zodiac cruises brought us close to the amazing nature. I can highly recommend this voyage on Hondius into Antarctica!

服务热情 氛围很好 探险队很专业

We sailed from Longyearbyen Svalbard to Akureyri Iceland from August 25 to September 7, 2024. Weather conditions were arctic as expected and an enjoyable recreation from the excessive summer heat at home. We had good visibility on most days so we could do most of the landings and zodiac cruises as planned. When changes were necessary the expedition team and crew always found great alternatives. The whole crew and expedition team did an outstanding job on making this an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone. Short, medium and long hikes through the beautiful landscape of Greenland were offered daily. We usually chose the medium hikes which took 3 to 4 hours at moderate peace leaving room to take lots of photos. The lectures offered on board of the ship were all really informative and inspiring. Last but not least the kitchen on board was really excellent and the service top notch. I highly recommend Oceanwide expetions for all seeking a bit more activity, fun and adventure compared to standard ship cruises.

First, we love this ship and the scenery was amazing. However, we weren’t aware that the only way to really have an opportunity to see any wildlife was to do the long hiking. (I did medium and a few shorts) We thought it would be more like Antarctica, where we had the option to hike/snowshoe or stroll the landing area and still see wildlife. My husband is not a walker, so this trip was quite frustrating for him (and therefore me as well). I don’t remember seeing anything in the write up advising of this fact. The only other issue we had was the passenger make-up. The ship had a majority of Chinese passengers. The cultural differences were hard and were discussed repeatedly among European & N. American passengers. Hearing lectures was difficult- loud chatting was constant in lecture room. Zodiac trips were painful- spending tons of time at each iceberg for multiple selfies to be taken. Lots of loud talking so hard to hear sounds of ice, birds, etc. None of this ruined the trip, but it was frustrating.

Wij hebben een cruise gedaan afgelopen juli naar Spitsbergen. Er was ons verteld dat er een grote groep Chinezen op het schip zouden zijn en of we daar problemen mee hadden. Nee dat hadden wij niet. Er was ons helaas niet verteld dat er ook kinderen aan boord zouden zijn in de leeftijd van ongeveer 7 - 14 jaar. Dit was niet leuk. Deze kinderen renden rond en schreeuwden naar elkaar in hun spel. Dit is allemaal heel begrijpelijk als je als kind vastzit op een expeditie schip. We konden niet genieten van de lounge met een kopje koffie en dan van het uitzicht genieten. De ouders werd gevraagd om beter op hun kinderen te letten, maar ook dit gebeurde niet. Het was zelfs zo dat op een gegeven moment een kind over de reling ging hangen. Gelukkig was de crew er snel bij. We zaten veel op de boot vanwege slechte weersomstandigheden waardoor we niet altijd met de zodiac weg konden. Hier kan de maatschappij uiteraard niets aan doen. Maar dan moet je het wel van de rust en het genieten in de lounge hebben. Gelukkig hebben we wel ijsberen gezien.

My main intention was to see the ice sea, but I've seen much more. Places like Alkefjellet It can not be imagined. The glaciers...oh my god. This is a one time in a Life travel

Gorgeous scenery, beloved expedition team and crew, just an all around amazing time for both lifelong learners and those just looking for an adventure. Halfway through our trip, the crew on board began to learn our names and vice versa. Just simply a wonderful experience.