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Antarctica cruises & Arctic cruises

St. Helena to Cape Verde

15 Apr - 25 Apr, 2025

Tripcode: HDS32-25

Can be booked in combination only Cape Verde Ascension Island St. Helena
  • EN

During the days at sea the chances of meeting whales are high. Witness the northbound spring migration of northern birds like Arctic Terns and Long-tailed Skuas who join us in crossing the Equator (“the Line”).

Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen, Ski & Sail

8 May - 15 May, 2025

Tripcode: RVR02-25

Last berths Svalbard

This program is designed for experienced ski mountaineers who have mastered ski techniques both for ascent and descent in challenging snow-covered alpine terrain. A typical day involves ski climbs on mountaintops averaging heights of 700—850 meters (2,300—2,800...

Vlissingen to Aberdeen

29 May - 31 May, 2025

Tripcode: HDS01-25

Can be booked in combination only Svalbard
  • EN

Search for whales, seals, and seabirds on a scenic voyage from our home port of Vlissingen to culturally rich Aberdeen, the "Granite City" of northeast Scotland. White-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales, orcas, and various species of seabird...

19 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean - North Spitsbergen Explorer
Up to $2700 OFF

19 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean - North Spitsbergen Explorer

29 May - 16 Jun, 2025

Tripcode: HDS01c25

  • EN

Sailing between our home port of Vlissingen and our most cherished Arctic archipelago, Svalbard, this expedition adventure visits the Scottish port of Aberdeen, the islands of Fair Isle and Jan Mayen, and the amazing Spitsbergen ice edge, giving you...

Arctic Ocean - Aberdeen, Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding

29 May - 9 Jun, 2025

Tripcode: HDS01a25

  • EN

Search for whales, and other Arctic wildlife of the land, sea, and air on an adventurous voyage from our home port of Vlissingen to our favorite Arctic island group.

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Latest blog and customer story

News & blogs

Historic building at Whalers Bay successfully restored after graffiti incident

In partnership with the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT), Oceanwide Expeditions has successfully restored a historic aircraft hangar at Whalers Bay on Deception Island - just one month after an incident of graffiti.

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Customer story

Around Spitsbergen, in the Realm of the Polar Bear & Ice

There are journeys and there are journeys. This trip is one that falls in the latter category. I look back on a fantastic experience, during which the awareness of human behavior on this vulnerable planet (and especially the Arctic) became very clear to me.

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Antarctica & Arctic cruise reviews

by Kathleen Quick
We have been on Plancius to the Arctic, so we knew Oceanwide. But the trip to Antarctica still managed to exceed all expectations! Landscapes, wildlife, guides and crew were magnificent!
by Barbara Nave
Sono ritornata in Antartide dopo 6 anni..il mio paradiso personale a cui si accede dopo l' inferno del passaggio di Drake..sempre sulla Plancius perché e' la nave perfetta, piccola, organizzatissima e green..non pensavo che avrei uguagliato le emozioni di 6 anni fa..invece il viaggio e' stato ancora più fantastico e spettacolare..quante balene, quante orche, centinaia di pinguini, le foche, all'atmosfera e cormorani..non potevo chiedere di più.. e' stato indimenticabile! Grazie di cuore e sono cetta che tra qualche anno, non troppi, ci sara' pure la terza volta!!
by Maja Volk
Adventure that totally changed my view of life and this planet. I,'ve learned so much about ice, wild life, Antarctica history, past and future. As an artist I can not stop painting and going back to my life on the ship, and all the sights I Ve seen. I felt very humble as a witness to allmighty nature that can crush us in a second. Peace, silence , realizing how insignificant our goals are compared to the big picture of life in this universe....all that made this expedition unique and overwhelming experience....
by Michael Karpusas
Our trip was well organized and for me it was a life-changing experience. No pictures or video from Antarctica can do justice to actually be there. The glacier scenery was mind-boggling and the animal encounters really unique. Strongly recommended to anyone who can afford the trip.
by Ilaria Ulivi
I started this trip with no idea about what to expect as you never know 'til the end what the weather will allow you to do. The forecast predicted a Drake's shake (waves up to 6 mt), a real adventurous start! After that we got luckier and luckier everyday more: during our sail and also during our zodiac cruises we were surrounded by whales, orcas, seals literally everywhere. It's something i will never forget and all the members of the crew were excited as well. The whole crew was amazing, they took care of us even in "shaking" moments. The wildlife and the scenery is just breathtaking and unbelievable. Also, it's amazing to see how much passionate they all are doing their job, Captain included. You share so many emotions with the other passengers that you feel like part of a family. This is my second cruise on the vessel Plancius. I love it because it has a good size with not too many passengers so every activity runs smoothly. High recommended!
by Chris Oakes
My main objective was to see antarctic wildlife. We had ample time to observe interactions between animals. Historical site visits were nice too!
by Wendy Kane
This was the trip of a lifetime. Every detail from the staff, to the food, accommodation and tours was perfect.
by Ruth Pinion
Felt like a real explorer, travelling in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton! We were lucky enough to reach Vahsel Bay and Berkner Island which was incredible and further south then Shackleton went! Saw wonderful wildlife and ice. Spent time just watching beautiful emperor penguins on ice and a humpback whale logging close to our zodiac. Crew were incredibly hard working and cheerful. My dietary intolerance was catered for by the Chef with cheerfulness and respect and I enjoyed fantastic meals for 4 weeks with no problems. Expedition staff were very knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects. The prime aim seemed to be to make the trip as interesting and special for every guest as possible. They succeeded!
by WEIHAO Wu
It was a life time experience to go to Antarctica. It’s a pity we didn’t stay long after crossing polar circle due to bad weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

An ice-strengthened ship is a ship made of steel. These ships are built to navigate the Antarctic and Arctic ice. Today, most ships that cruise to Antarctica and the Arctic are ice-strengthened vessels. Hondius, Ortelius, and Plancius are all ice-strengthened ships. Both Ortelius and Hondius have the highest ice-class notation (UL1, equivalent to 1A-Super for Ortelius, and Polar Class 6, equivalent to 1A-Super for Hondius), making them suitable for navigation in medium first-year ice, which may include old ice inclusions. Plancius has an ice-class notation of 1D.

Icebreakers are needed if there is a trade route to keep ice-free, if there are military reasons for patrolling in areas with heavy sea ice, or if you need to work in heavy ice conditions, particularly in winter. Icebreakers are expensive to build and fuel-intensive to run (sometimes powered by gas turbines or a nuclear generator). These ships, constructed for function, are uncomfortable to travel in on the open sea.

All guests are required to wear a waterproof jacket and trousers (the clothing must be fully waterproof – water resistant or repellant is not suitable sufficient) while in our Zodiacs. This is for safety reasons owing to the increased risk of exposure related illness if you get wet. In Norwegian waters this is also a legal requirement – any person not properly dressed will not be permitted to leave the vessel.

Apart from that, our advice is to take warm, windproof clothes that you can easily add or remove in layers. Multiple layers of medium-warmth clothing provide more insulation than single heavier articles. This is due to warm air getting trapped between the layers and acting as further insulation. Look for clothing made of wool, silk, and new synthetic fibers, all of which retain heat better than other materials.

Layers give you the flexibility to control your temperature. The most important layer is the outer waterproof and windproof shell. More information about this can be found in our expedition manual, which you will receive at time of booking.

Our trips can best be described as expedition-style cruises. The emphasis is on viewing wildlife, visiting interesting locations, and participating in activities. For example, we may go to places where there is a good chance of seeing penguins or polar bears, or we may visit culturally significant sites or research stations, or we might embark on a kayaking trip or shoreline snowshoeing hike.

The aim is always to give you the utmost firsthand contact with the polar world. This is why we keep our program flexible, so that we can take the best possible advantage of local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions as they occur. No two voyages are the same. There is always an element of the unexpected in our trips.

When packing for an expedition cruise, avoid weighing yourself down with too much gear. Select informal, practical attire that can be worn in layers. Please ask for our expedition manual with detailed information on clothing lists, what to pack, and what to expect on our voyages.

Yes, we provide all passengers lightweight life jackets that inflate automatically on contact with the water. It is mandatory to wear these life jackets at all times while cruising in the Zodiac boats.

All promoted Arctic and Antarctica cruise itineraries are for general guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. The expedition leader and captain make these decisions in order to provide you the safest and most exploratory experience. Landings may also change due to site availabilities and environmental regulations per IAATO or AECO.

We follow the protocol advised by IAATO. Before leaving for your voyage, please make sure anything you bring that may come into contact with the environment (clothes, equipment, etc.) is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. We ask that you do not sit, kneel, or lay down during our landings. Please also do not place anything on the ground. You will receive a document with further information after booking.

On this page you find all information you need to know about the avian influenza outbreaks, including biosecurity protocols.

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About Oceanwide Expeditions

Passionate

Taking you closer to the heart of the polar regions has been our driving passion at Oceanwide Expeditions for over twenty years. Our knowledgeable cruise leaders, committed staff, and thoroughly outfitted vessels are our way of expressing what we care about most: making your cruise to the Arctic and Antarctic truly unforgettable. When you sail with us, you experience a part of the world that is unlike any other. Mountainous glaciers, snow-swept shores, whales and polar bears and vast colonies of penguins make up this world, and they are all part of the surreal ecosystem you can watch unfold before you on your future Oceanwide expedition.

Adventurous

Providing you a travel experience that inspires (and is inspired by) you, that’s what taking you closer to the heart of the polar regions means to us. We get you away from the vessel and into the action as fast as possible: up to two landings per day in the morning and afternoon, with a fleet of inflatable Zodiacs ready to shuttle you past the ice floes and onto the shore. We keep our programs flexible so that you get the most out of whatever surprises nature has in mind. When you sail with us, the cruise is just the tip of the iceberg. 

Pioneering

So what exactly is beneath the tip of that iceberg? The pioneering spirit, which all travelers to the polar regions (regardless of age and background) have in common. Guiding our expeditions with passion, tapping into the desire for inspiration and beauty, and always taking you closer to the heart of the Arctic and Antarctic – at Oceanwide Expeditions, that is our promise to you.

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