Reviews

Overall rating based on 1,028 votes
Overall rating based on 1,028 votes

Region

Destination

Ship

Wildlife

Outdoor activities

Experiences

Year

We travelled to Antarctica aboard the MV Ortelius in December 2023 on the Basecamp Expedition. We cannot speak highly enough of the entire voyage and both the vessel crew under Captain Per and the Expedition crew under Team Leader Chris. Chris told us we weren’t on a cruise but an expedition and this was exactly the experience that we wanted and had. Chris did an incredible job given that this was his first time in the expedition leader role, we all enjoyed his early morning wake up call of “Good morning Ortelius, Good morning”. We travelled with our 12 and 14 year old children and all the crew were incredibly helpful in looking after them. A special mention to Maria for watching out for her “babies”, Damian for bringing the hot chocolate, Mary for always smiling and Captain Per for his funny and interesting talks. The Expedition team were all very friendly and worked extremely hard to adapt to changing weather conditions to make sure that we all got to experience all the the Basecamp tour had to offer. The kayaking, mountaineering, camping out, zodiac and snowshoeing were all activities that we will never forget in a truly amazing environment in Antarctica.
by Manfred Eiberweiser
Einfach nur ein Traum
An exceptional privilege to experience this unique landscape and observe the wildlife. The guides were experienced and knowledgeable. The ship facilities and staff were of the highest standard. This is a trip for people with a spirit of adventure and respect for the natural world.
by Amy Ergle
I miss this trip so much already. I would not only 100% recommend this ship, I would be so happy to do it right all over again. The expedition leader (Pippa) was a dream and her team was fantastic, same for the crew of the Oceanwide crew on the ship. The whole trip really was a dream, I can't say enough good things. Time of our lives.
by Karin Dhadamus
Don't know where to start. This was such an unforgettable experience. Superbly organized up to perfection, all the lectures making me want to go back to school.
by Tricia Athey
My husband and I have just finished the Basecamp trip on Plancius. We are not into cruises but as this was the only way to get to Antarctica we did it and have no regrets. Apart from Antactic scenery, wildlife and the remoteness being stunningly beautiful, the staff on Plancius really topped the trip off ... every one of them. The guides went out of their way to make each day full of land activities and interesting lectures .... even piling us back onto the zodiacs 10 minutes after we'd got back on the ship as a lone Emperor Penguin had been spotted. The cabin was spacious and comfortable (the photos photos don't do it justice) and the food was of a high standard. It was a fantastic trip and I really can't think of one negative about it.
My Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica trip with Oceanwide was an unforgettable experience, not only on a wildlife/nature level, but the ship, its staff and the expedition team all contributed to making it the best experience possible. I can only recommend. No hesitation: book, go and make sure you respect nature and its wildlife when you do!
Just came back from an awe inspiring trip to Antarctica. Jaw dropping nature and wildlife, fantastic landings and zodiac cruises. Huge compliment to the fantastic crew and guides who clearly love what they do and went above and beyond to get the absolute most out of this trip. Definitely one to remember forever and can't wait to join a next expedition. Can't recommend Oceanwide enough!
by Iching Yu
The expedition team and weather work together to give us a once a lifetime trip to see a lot of Antarctica wild life and the largest iceberg in the world! I credit to the exception expedition team goes above and beyond to make my trip memorable.
by Margaret Colwell
This was an amazing trip. We had so many fantastic experiences - seeing the Emporer perguins was particularly special, but we enjoyed all our expeditions. The expedition staff could not have been more friendly and helpful, but all the staff were great. I am reluctant to name names beacause everyone was so fantastic, but Gary was a willing source of information all the time, Sara did a wonderful job of organising us all and had a particular enthusiasm that added a lot to our trip, Chloe introduced us to the love of plankton and took us on a wild zodiac ride, Werner did a fantastic job of the powerpoint that we got to keep- and show to all our friends. We had lots of interesting lectures. The bridge crew were so helpful, and it was a real bonus to be able to go on the bridge. If it should happen that this is the only Antarctic trip we ever get to do, I will always be glad we chose this one.
by William O'Mullane
Once you get there the days are packed - its har dot be on deck enough to catch all the whale sightings but then you get one in the zodiac or kayak! Apart from the pre departure information the trip was perfect - the packing list is not tailored to antartica at all so ankle hiking boots - useless, gaiters useless etc ...
The adventure of a lifetime, spending time in the outdoors, getting up close to nature, in the experienced hands of an expert team.
We were in Antarctica with the MS Plancius over Christmas and New Year. We slept through the Drake Passage crossing very well with the help of the medication and managed to jump off thanks to the advice from the board doctor. Luckily we had very good weather throughout the entire trip, so we were able to experience and see a lot of wildlife. The entire board crew (service, guides, reception, housekeeping and captain) were coordinated so that short-term changes to plans worked smoothly. The specialist lectures were professional and worth knowing, the support was exceptional and the program was very varied! In all a wonderful, extraordinary experience. We are already planning our next tour to the Arctic to see the polar bears ;-)
by Adriana Iordan
This was the perfect trip. Very professional, friendly and helpful staff. Amazing landscapes and many opportunities to see wild life. All the optional activities very well organised. Fortunately, we had perfect weather, so no activity has been cancelled. Highly recommended!
by Sharon Li
From the crew to the experience itself, the trip was absolutely amazing! I was so well taken care of during the entire trip all I had to do was enjoy as much as I can! The food and activity options are so abundant you are for sure going to get what you prefer. I never wanted to tip a trip so badly until this one.
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