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October 29, 2024

Oceanwide Expeditions, a 30-year veteran of polar expedition cruises, offers a unique combination of small, intimate vessel experiences with ship and land-based activities that get guests closer to the heart of nature and closer to the pioneering spirit of adventure that defines adventure travel in the polar regions.

Aboard Oceanwide Expeditions’ self-owned and operated fleet of four expedition vessels, s/v Rembrandt van Rijn and the ice-strengthened vessels m/v Hondius, m/v Ortelius, and m/v Plancius, guests can explore the edges of the world.

They get you closer to the heart of nature

With Oceanwide Expeditions, the guest experience is at the forefront of every decision and itinerary. At their core, Oceanwide Expedition polar trips aim to get guests closer to the heart of nature through intimate, unforgettable wildlife encounters on land and at sea, along with excursions into some of Earth’s most beautiful and untouched regions.

Guests will experience multiple Zodiac excursions daily, cruising between icebergs, before glaciers, and through narrow channels and inlets. These excursions offer landing opportunities at remote locations where they can enjoy hiking, polar camping, snowshoeing activities, and more. Led by expert guides, guests will learn about the flora and fauna of the environments in which they find themselves and experience firsthand the beauty and drama of life in the polar regions.

Iconic wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, and Arctic foxes in the Arctic, and the diverse species of penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds of Antarctica are a daily fixture in an Oceanwide Expeditions trip, with fantastic photographic opportunities both from the deck of the ship, Zodiac craft and during shore-based excursions.

They value maximum flexibility

Oceanwide Expeditions‘ cruises are, by definition, an expedition. Their vessels are expedition vessels capable of navigating into ice. Their small size makes them perfect for reacting swiftly to emerging wildlife encounters and to change plans depending on local weather and ice conditions. This means that the guest experience is always prioritized regardless of the weather. They aren’t luxury cruise ships but robust but comfortable, offering a four-star hotel experience in the wildest, most beautiful areas on Earth. Along with the vessels’ flexibility, Oceanwide’s experienced crew and expedition staff can change plans on the fly, following the scent of adventure in the air and going beyond the standard cruise itinerary experience.

They offer a 360-degree polar experience

The design of Oceanwide Expedition’s self-owned and operated fleet of three ice-rated vessels provides guests with a 360-degree experience of the polar regions. Wildlife opportunities or environmental changes can occur at any time, and on other cruise vessels, the viewing possibilities are often limited. Aboard Oceanwide Expeditions’ vessels, this is different; guests can utilize all areas of the deck, with broad viewing opportunities running the entire length of the vessel and not restricted to certain areas of the ship.

Their teams give the warmest welcome in the polar regions

The polar regions may be cold and harsh, but Oceanwide Expeditions’ welcome is always warm! The onboard expedition team prides itself on providing an intimate, impactful polar experience. Expedition guides are experts in various fields, from geology and glaciology to ornithology and astronomy and everything in between.
Alongside guided excursions, guests can participate in lectures and presentations on board, which go deeper into the science, history, and significance of the polar world. The atmosphere aboard an Oceanwide Expeditions cruise is relaxed, informal, and friendly. Devoted hotel staff create a welcoming and comfortable environment. Expect to dine together, learn together, and experience together!

They have a varied activity program

Oceanwide Expeditions allows you to explore the ends of the Earth through some of the industry’s most extensive and wide-ranging activity programs. From polar kayaking and diving to hiking, mountaineering, and even polar camping, the range of possibilities on an Oceanwide Expedition cruise is staggering. Their Basecamp trips, particularly Basecamp Antarctica, are especially beloved by guests. The entire trip is planned to maximize the number of activities guests can partake in. Activities are entirely optional, so joining an Oceanwide Expeditions trip isn’t a commitment to demanding activities—guests are entirely in control of their own expedition experience.

Pioneering polar expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic

Oceanwide Expeditions has pioneered Antarctic and Arctic cruises for over 30 years, inspired by and following in the wake of the polar explorers of the past. Their Arctic program takes in numerous locations throughout the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, focusing on Svalbard, Greenland, and Iceland. Their sailing vessel, s/v Rembrandt van Rijn, operates solely in the Arctic, offering the tantalizing chance to experience Greenland’s fjords and Svalbard’s icy expanses under sail.

In Antarctica, Oceanwide Expeditions visits some of the most remote regions in the world, including iconic Antarctic locations such as the Weddell Sea, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula. On expansive voyages, experience life on the dramatic southern seas and explore the very edges of the world.

Oceanwide Expeditions’ Arctic 2025 & 2026 and Antarctic 25/26 seasons are now available to book online. To learn more about their wide range of destinations, trip experiences, and itineraries, visit their program overview for the Arctic and Antarctica. You can also reach out to them directly.

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