Reviews

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!

Thanks for a memory for life. Truels and his friends together with Captain and crew made us feel very well and took us to places that we never will forget. A fantastic journey. Thanks for everything.

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.

Best Cruise, expedition, and excellent Staff.

We had dreamt about our Antarctica trip for so long and when we finally embarked on our expedition Oceanwide exceeded all our expectations. From the moment we stepped onto the ship we felt a warm, welcoming and friendly vibe from every crew and staff member that lasted throughout the entire trip. We chose the Plancius as we wanted to be part of a smaller group with around 100 passengers, the ship itself is well looked after, sparkling clean and all the equipment we were given to use was high quality and well maintained. The food was delicious, a good variety was available and we loved the home baked bread and afternoon cakes that were a treat to come back too after an expedition in the cold! The on shore landings and zodiac tours we did were interesting and varied, and though the weather was mixed, the expedition crew were efficient in changing plans and coming up with an activity for us to do at the last minute, which was very impressive. Daily talks were given helping us to understand more about Antarctica and the chance to try kayaking and camping was a highlight which made the trip feel like a real adventure, giving a unique view of Antarctica which we will remember forever!

Of the 25 voyages we have taken, this was the best. The ship's crew and staff were outstanding, friendly and caring. The food was the best we've had on a ship. Although every ship we've been on has provided for our vegan no/oil diet, this was the best food we've experienced on any ship. The chef went out of his way to prepare exceptional meals and at every dinner the other passengers had at least three choices for dinner. I heard nothing but compliments for the food. Every expedition leader was an expert in some aspect of Antarctica, from animals to icebergs to early explorers and their lectures we very interesting and informative. Each stop in Antarctica was interesting and fun. It was especially nice to be given a copy of the slide show the crew/staff produced of our expedition featuring stunning photos of this expedition and of the passengers on the expedition. Highly recommended.

It was the perfect holiday. I wanted to see the king pinguines ... and we saw a lot ... The crew was the best. The captainn did his best ... the kitchen was perfect and the guides did the best that we see everything. This trip was better than I expected !!!!

Our expedition to Antarctica exceeded our expectations more than we could ever imagine. The crew is very professional, the boat was perfect for the comfort we needed and the fresh food that is served was amazing. We would definitely recommend the company and destination. We were very lucky with the wildlife sightings. The landings at the islands and the continent were very well organized and so beautifull to see and to experience.

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

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.