Reviews

I could say a lot about this fantastic trip ! Firstly the expedition staff were an amazing bunch of people with varied interests and knowledge covering all aspects of what you see in Antarctica. They drove us about in the Zodiacs to view wildlife, icebergs, interesting geology and tell us about it all too. Additionally there were lectures most days on a variety of topics so there was always something to be doing or learning. The Expedition Leader and Captain worked well together to avoid dodgy weather and find good locations to explore. Although the plan was fluid there was something to visit most days (some sea-only-days being inevitable on this voyage). The crew looked after us very well - a superb galley staff provided three meals a day with various choices for each - no chance of going hungry on this ship! And if you had a special request the galley will accommodate - which I thought very special. Our cabin was very comfortable and spacious with a large window to view the passing scenery - although the ship does have a lot of outside deck space all round the ship.

Thank you to everyone at Oceanwide Expeditions for a fantastic trip. Our trip seemed to get better and better every day as the unique wildlife and exceptional scenery was revealed to us. It was a very nice feeling to know that the team of experts that guided us were making the best decisions for us to ensure that we had the best possible experience every day whilst we ate and drank heartily, told stories of the wonders we had seen during the day and slept soundly in our beds at night looking forward to the next wonderful day. We cannot thank the crew and expedition team of the Hondius enough but in particular we have to pick out Adam, Sara and Martin who did a fantastic job even during the difficult final days of our trip when the Coronavirus situation started to become apparent to us all. In these difficult circumstances they did their best to keep us informed as the situation rapidly changed around us. We have to thank them and everyone behind the scenes who enabled us to get off the Hondius and safely home as soon as possible. We look forward to joining Oceanwide Expeditions again in the future to explore the polar regions.

This is a relatively easy review since EVERYTHING was excellent. The expedition team did a great job, doing the maximum to enable as to visit as many places as possible without conceding in terms of safety. They were always ready to share their knowledge and answer our questions. The lectures and presentations were well prepared and presented. The photography and videography workshops were great, Massimo and Myriam are not only great photographers, they are good teachers as well. Not less important for such a long trip is the Hotel Staff. All the crew, including the receptionists, the galley people (also those beyond the scenes that made extraordinary food), at the bar, those in charge of the cleaning, and of course at the bridge were extremely nice to us. And of course the sites themselves, incredible places and animals, everyday and every scene were worth a special trip to see them.

The title is trite for sure. But, it's true. Words alone cannot adequately describe the experience. Scenery, penguins, scenery, seals, scenery, whales, and scenery. The ship, crew, and expedition staff were all amazing. Special kudos to Mal for his patience leadership and excellent presentations; and to Iain for keeping everything running like clockwork.

I have traveled the world (this was my final continent), and this was the most amazing trip ever. It far exceeded any of my expectations. We were active all the time. Two 2 1/2 hour outings a day minimum with kayaking, landings at penguin colonies (three species), research stations old and new, hikes, glaciers, zodiac cruising to see seals on ice bergs or shipwrecks. Giant whale bones. The wildlife was especially amazing. Up close and personal with whales of three species, seals of 5 species, and flying birds of many. The guides were wonderful: excited, knowledgeable and so overqualified. We also had lectures, a photography expert, fabulous food and a cookout on deck. I loved the fact that it was a small ship with only 130 passengers, and all about the nature. Nothing extraneous like gambling or a disco or things giant cruises waste my money on. Just amazing experiences that you could only have in Antarctica. And all the staff was so nice and positive. They seemed as excited to do things as we were. Several times we left for trips 15 minutes early so as to have even more time. I never felt rushed, but had hours to look at wildlife or ramble. It was the best.

I want to thank the crew of the Rembrant van Rijn, 2/22 to 2/29 2020, for giving me a trip of a life time. My taking this trip caused reservations by many as I am 86 years of age. My son, William, and his wife, Justina accompanied me so I wasn't traveling alone, but still such a small ship, going above the Arctic Circle in February was not something many senior citizens would undertake. The crew were always near by to give me a hand or help me in any way I needed. They even lined me up with a snowmobile for one evening adventure as I wasn't comfortable walking to it. They made me feel secure so that I could fully enjoy the trip and when it came to an end lined us up with a taxi to the airport. I can't think of anything more they could have done. The trip was amazing, the scenery breathtaking, and they even put the sails up to give us the joy of actually sailing. Please let them know how much I appreciated all they did and how much the trip meant to me. Thank you all

If I could I would have awarded this 10 stars. I booked this expedition to achieve my lifetime ambition which I had held since I was 12, of visiting Antarctia. At the age of 68 I finally achieved it. My expectations were pretty high due to this long build up, but this expedition far exceeded my wildest dreams and will never be forgotten. The expedition team were amazing and the sights of the wild landscape and the variety of animal life were unbelievable. The highlight had to be our 1 1/2 hour visit by 2 Humpback Whales alongside our Zodiac, where we could have touched these huge but gentle creatures will never be forgotten or surpassed. I can only say a big THANK YOU to all the crew and staff who made this a truly unforgettable experience, with expert guiding, fantastic food and the care shown at all times.

My name is Gary Dillon-I traveled to the Antarctica Peninsula in November 2019. I have traveled extensively but this without a doubt was my most memorable. Every Day in every direction I was awestruck by the beauty. The Ortelius and its Crew were outstanding. Before leaving I found out I was going to be a Grand Dad for the first time-At age 71 I was beginning to wonder if I would ever experience that. My Daughter said it was going to be a little Girl, so I decided to do a Gender Reveal while on my trip. I carried a little stuffed pink Penguin from WV-USA. the little Pink Penguin went every where with me. We made a video which was featured on our local news. The little Pink Penguin now sets in my Little Grand Daughters Nursery. Thanks Oceanwide

The commitment of the crew, the quality of the Hondius in all aspects, the variety of lectures on board and the Antarctic scenery was all beyond expectations. It has opened up my awareness of this very special continent which belongs to nobody. Keep it that way and conserve it well!

the expedition and the team was very good but we regret that we did not get any special attention as we were ,what J call ,high -yeld passengers(grand suite cabin)! We didnot get any priority for boarding and at the dining room;we had to queue up for everything,therefore we wonder why we paid so much!

It was a fantastic journey, lots of activities with always a plan B or C. Very nice guides on board with good qualifications to answer questions and informative talks. It was my second time on the Plancius and I would always go again.

The enthusiastic crew, the comfortable ship and of course the beautiful surroundings made this trip for us a fantastic experience. The quality of the food, the luxury cabin, the interesting lectures and of course the excursions with the zodiac, it was all perfect. We are very grateful that we have been part of this trip. we heartily recommend this trip! Eric en Sylvia de Maertelaere

Believe the superlatives! This trip was an amazing expedition. The whales, the penguins, the sea lion pups, the ice, the scenery! To top it off, the expedition leaders were so interesting and interested and knowledgeable and lovely. Our cabin was spotless and comfortable. I could not fault this experience and hope one day I can experience it again.

My expectation were exceeded by a large margin. It was the best holiday of my life and worth every penny! The trip across the Drake Passage was quite smooth and we arrived in Antartica on a glorious sunny day. It was spectacular. The staff was professional and very friendly. There was never a boring moment and we were on the go all the time. The wildlife was amasing to see ; penguins, seals, whales and birds and the scenery breathtakingly beautiful. Being able to go on to the bridge of this very modern vessel was a real thrill. The food was excellent - my compliments to the maitre de and kitchen staff. I cannot think of anything to complain about. Super ... thank you!

Wonderful excursion. Clean boat, rooms, wonderful staff and good food.