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November 11, 2024

The guest experience has always been at the forefront of Oceanwide Expeditions’ product and onboard services evolution. While on an expedition cruise to the polar regions, the focus is, and always should be, firmly on the spectacular environments and the many ways guests can interact with and experience life in the extremes of our planet.

In years gone by, voyaging into the wilds of Antarctica or the far reaches of the Arctic meant going off-grid, waving goodbye to the world back home, and cutting yourself off from everyday life. However, this no longer has to be the case thanks to the increased availability and reliability of satellite coverage in the polar regions.

Free internet access in the polar world – for those who want it

Remaining connected has never been more critical, and for many guests, it’s an essential consideration that life back home continues, even when they find themselves at the edges of the map. Staying in touch with loved ones and friends is a valued capability, if only to share photos and videos of a Zodiac cruise among icebergs, long hikes into rolling tundra, or spectacular wildlife encounters.

Beyond making those back home jealous or inspiring a future traveling companion, having access to the internet while on board an expedition cruise opens the door for individuals balancing remote work with traveling to far-flung polar destinations. The modern world has reshaped how people work and travel, and now, voyaging across the southern ocean or venturing to the dramatic coastline of Greenland doesn’t have to be put on hold due to conflicting work schedules.

Of course, the ideal way to experience the polar regions with Oceanwide Expeditions is to leave the laptop at home, hit out-of-office, and fully immerse oneself in the polar world. But now, guests have even more flexibility when coming aboard.

Part of the appeal of an adventure into the extremes of our planet for many is to be off the grid and to feel that tangible separation from the ‘real world’. And that is still the case! While all guests on Oceanwide Expeditions‘ motor vessels have access to free internet vouchers, it is, of course, possible to opt-out and embrace the remoteness and beautiful isolation that a trip to Antarctica and the Arctic brings.

How does free internet work with Oceanwide Expeditions?

Starting with this Antarctic season, which kicked off in October, all guests joining one of Oceanwide Expeditions motor vessels will have access to free internet connectivity. Upon boarding, guests will receive an internet voucher, providing access to a daily allowance of 1.5 GB of free internet connectivity, which resets every 24 hours. As with everything Oceanwide, flexibility is promoted; supplementary internet vouchers will be available to purchase on board for anyone requiring additional internet availability.

On m/v Hondius, m/v Plancius, and m/v Ortelius, Oceanwide Expeditions’ three motor vessels, all of which are ice-rated and operate in both Antarctica and the Arctic, guests will now be able to enjoy free internet connectivity in all public areas of the ship, including cabins, restaurant and bar areas.

Connect with the polar regions with Oceanwide Expeditions!

This evolution of the onboard guest experience results from rigorous testing to ensure the reliability and feasibility of a stable service. For guests eager to venture beyond the edges of the map and their imagination, the time has never been more perfect for joining one of Oceanwide Expeditions’ upcoming expedition trips to the Arctic and Antarctica.

For the remainder of 2024, some trips to Antarctica have last-minute availability. The 2025 and 2026 Arctic seasons are also available to book, as is the 25-26 Antarctic season. With Oceanwide Expeditions, get ready to hike, kayak, camp, and pioneer across some of the planet’s most spectacular locations. The best news? Now, you can show off your adventures as they happen!

Don’t miss more updates, news and reviews about Oceanwide Expeditions on Cruising Journal.

George Janes

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