Oceanwide Expedition
Oceanwide Expeditions has over 24 years experience in Arctic and Antarctic expedition cruises. In particular, the many different activities such as mountaineering, camping, polar diving, hiking, ski mountaineering, photo workshops, helicopter trips, kayaking, snowshoeing and base camping make traveling with Oceanwide unique .
Expeditions to the Emperor Penguins
An expedition to see the emperor penguins is one of the greatest adventures. Oceanwide Expedition is one of the few expedition cruise lines daring this adventure.
Weddell Sea and Ross Sea
The emperor penguin colonies are located in southern Antarctica, in areas blocked by ice most of the year.
The Expedition
The expedition ship m/v Ortelius has a very high ice class and is suitable for use in the ice of the Weddell and Ross Seas. Although we cannot reach the emperor penguin colony on Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea (less than 50% chance), we have a good chance of spotting individual emperor penguins at the edge of the pack ice. We have two helicopters on board and are trying to track down individual emperor penguins drifting north on the ice floes.
In search of the emperor penguin
Our Ross Sea voyage is a very beautiful voyage, but also a long and expensive voyage. That's why we also offer short trips by helicopter to provide scenic flights and visit fantastic sites that are otherwise inaccessible so early in the season. Individual emperor penguins have been spotted on all of our previous Weddell Sea Travel spotted and the helicopters give us the best opportunity to see these beautiful animals. And if ice conditions are favorable (but based on our previous trips over the last three seasons, the chances are less than 50%), we will head to Snow Hill Island to offer helicopter transfers to the 4,000 breeding pair emperor penguin colony.
Antarctica Base Camp Expedition
Rarely do we see so many articulate people who lack the words as on oursBasecamp Antarctica Travel. These expedition cruises emphasize a variety of outdoor activities that will fully immerse you in the surreal polar environment, giving you a more active and exciting Antarctic experience than you can find anywhere else.
This video gives you a brief insight into ourBasecamp Antarctic Traveland shows you some of the exotic animals, epic landscapes, and exciting activities for you to enjoy. Highlighted are the most important excursions that make up the Basecamp Antarctica program:
-Hiking and snowshoeing, two invigorating activities that allow you to experience the Antarctic coasts and interior up close
-Kayak and Zodiac excursionsfor safe and peaceful exploration of icebergs, bays and waterways too small for the ship
-Rockclimbing, where you can gently climb the nearby mountain ranges and enjoy breathtaking views of the polar environment
-photo workshopsfor on-site hands-on training, led by professional nature photographers, so you can take home the best possible pictures
-Overnight in tent, where you can sleep under the open polar skies and experience Antarctica in a way no other activity can
MS Ortelius
Ship category: 5*
Anz. Cabins: 50
Anz. Passengers: 108
Number of crew members: 52
On-board language: English
Construction year:
Anz. Decks:
Number of restaurants:
Barrier-free:
Children:
History MS Ortelius
The MS Ortelius was built in 1989 in Gdynia, Poland under the name “Marina Svetaeva” and served as a special ship of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The ship was renamed Ortelius in Oceanwide Expeditions and has been flying the Dutch flag ever since. The MS Ortelius is certified by the Lloyd's Register in London. Like Plancius, Ortelius was a Dutch/Flemish cartographer (Abraham Ortelius, 1527-1598) who published the first modern world atlas Orbis Terrarum "Theatre of the World" in 1570. It was the most expensive book ever printed.
Perfect for any expedition
The ship has the highest ice class (UL1 equivalent to 1A), making it perfect for navigating solid sea ice and multi-year pack ice. The Ortelius is a magnificent 108-passenger expedition ship with plenty of open deck space. On board are 20 highly experienced international nautical crew members, 19 international hotel staff (including ship stewards), 7 Antarctic expedition staff (1 expedition leader and 6 guides/lecturers), 8 Arctic expedition staff (1 expedition leader and 7 guides/lecturers), respectively /lecturer), as well as a doctor.
MS Plancius
ship category.
Anz. Cabins: 50
Anz. Passengers: 108
Number of crew members: 46
On-board language: English
Construction year:
Decks:
Restaurants:
Barrier-free:
Children:
History of the MS Plancius
The MS Plancius was built in 1976 as a marine research ship for the Dutch Royal Navy and was named “Hr. Ms Tydeman”. The ship was in service with the Dutch Navy until June 2004 and was eventually purchased by Oceanwide Expeditions. In 2009 it was converted into a passenger ship and complies with the latest SOLAS (Safety of Live at Sea) regulations from 1974. The MS Plancius is certified by Lloyd's Register and sails under the Dutch flag.
Perfect for any expedition
MS Plancius offers enough space for 108 passengers with private shower and toilet [4 four-person porthole cabins, 2 three-person porthole cabins, 9 double porthole cabins, 25 double cabins with window, 2 deluxe double cabins (about 12 .5 sqm) and 10 superior double cabins (about 21 sqm)]. Almost all cabins have lower berths (one double bed in the superior cabins and two single beds in the double cabins). An exception are the four-person cabins (4 people in two upper and two lower beds).
MS Hondius
Ship category:
Anz. Cabins: 80
Anz. Passengers: 170
Number of crew members: 72
On-board language: English
Year of construction: 2019
Anz. Decks:
Number of restaurants:
Barrier-free:
Children:
Hondius is the world's first registered Polar Class 6 vessel to meet the latest and highest Lloyd's Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships. Exceeding the requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Polar Code, Hondius is the most flexible, advanced and innovative cruise ship in the polar regions. Carefully optimized for exploration, it gives you first-hand exposure to the Arctic and Antarctic.
Deluxe hotel cabins
Please note that a small number of cabins have a partially obstructed view due to the size of the windows and the ship's design requirements. For example, the view from some windows may be partially obstructed by the gangway. The best view is always on the outside deck or bridge. MS Hondius offers deluxe hotel cabins and advanced equipment for expedition voyages with up to 170 passengers. The spacious cabins vary from luxurious suites with private balconies, suites, superior cabins, twin window and porthole cabins, as well as triple and quad cabins with portholes.
A deck is fully dedicated to (multilingual) lectures and presentations, a large panoramic lounge and a separate auditorium are available for this purpose. The ship offers a special deluxe standard and at the same time a distinctive casual, cozy and informal atmosphere.
MS Janssonius
Ship category:
Anz. Cabins: 80
Anz. Passengers: 170
Number of crew members: 72
On-board language: English
Year of construction: 2021
Anz. Decks:
Number of restaurants:
Barrier-free:
Children:
Janssonius, our newest registered Polar Class 6 vessel, meeting the latest and highest Lloyd's Register standards for ice strengthened cruise ships. Exceeding the requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Polar Code, Janssonius is the most flexible, advanced and innovative cruise ship in the polar regions. Carefully optimized for exploration, it gives you first-hand exposure to the Arctic and Antarctic.
Deluxe hotel cabins
Please note that a small number of cabins have a partially obstructed view due to the size of the windows and the ship's design requirements. For example, the view from some windows may be partially obstructed by the gangway. The best view is always on the outside deck or bridge. MS Janssonius offers deluxe hotel cabins and advanced equipment for expedition cruises with up to 170 passengers. The spacious cabins vary from luxurious suites with private balconies, suites, superior cabins, twin window and porthole cabins, as well as triple and quad cabins with portholes.
A deck is fully dedicated to (multilingual) lectures and presentations, a large panoramic lounge and a separate auditorium are available for this purpose. The ship offers a special deluxe standard and at the same time a distinctive casual, cozy and informal atmosphere.
ship details
SV Rembrandt van Rijn
Ship category:
Anz. Cabins: 16
Anz. Passengers: 33
Number of crew members: 12
On-board language: English
Year of construction/ last renovation: 1994 / 2012
Anz. Decks:
Number of restaurants:
Barrier-free:
Children:
The SV Rembrandt Van Rijn was built in the early 20th century as a herring trawler. The ship was converted into a three-masted passenger sailing schooner in the Netherlands in 1994 and has already visited Svalbard (1994-1996) and the Galápagos Islands (1998-2001). Before 2011 the ship was completely rebuilt and renovated. The communication and navigation equipment has been completely renewed in accordance with the latest SOLAS regulations (Safety of Live at Sea, dt. "International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea" from 1974).
Perfect for expedition cruises in the Greenland fjords
The ship is very well suited for expedition trips between small islands and has good views from the outside deck - even with the sails set. The two inflatable dinghies (zodiacs) allow you to go ashore and observe animals in otherwise inaccessible areas.
comfort and character
The Rembrandt van Rijn is 49.50 meters long, 7 meters wide and has a draft of 2.8 meters. The average speed is 6.5 knots. The ship's crew consists of 12 experienced members, including 2 tour guides. The ship offers enough space for a maximum of 33 passengers in 16 double cabins: 1 private triple cabin (with shower, toilet & porthole); 6 private double inside cabins (with shower & toilet, no porthole); 9 private double cabins (with shower & toilet, with porthole).
Here is Oceanwide's website for dates & prices.
Bookings and advice directly from us, your CruiseLounge.
You book with us at original prices, receive competent advice, we organize your arrival and return journey as well as pre- and post-event programs. And of course you enjoy the protection of the Swiss travel guarantee and comprehensive support from us.
ULTRA COLLECTION is a recognized member of the international Luxury Travel Advisors Community
and is regularly invited to the following exclusive by Invitation only Luxury Events:
ULTRA COLLECTION is a member of the following associations:
Affiliate Sites
cruiselounge.ch