Reviews | Oceanwide Expeditions Antarctic & Arctic Cruise Reviews

A great expedition!

par David Myers

This expedition enabled us to visit places which really (really!) are off the beaten track with a very professional set of guides. The trip ran like clockwork, which implies that a great deal of preparation had gone into the planning behind the scenes. In addition, all the members of the expedition team, as well as the crew of the Plancius were friendly and interesting to talk to. To be clear, such a voyage is to be avoided by those who want to sit in the sun by a swimming pool, but for those who are sufficiently adventurous it is a an experience not to be missed.

Spitzbergen - Ostgrönland

par Josefine Irene Zortea

Es war perfekt organisiert. Tolle Teams (Expeditionen, Küche und Service). Nicht optimal war, dass die Landausflüge für alle gleich lang dauerten, egal ob medium oder leisure hikers. Alle mussten gleich lang auf die Zodiacs für die Rückfahrten warten.

Sehr zufriedener Kunde

par Eugen Hofmann

Meine Erwartungen wurden übertroffen! Da ich auf der Plancius letztes Jahr schon in der Antarktis war, war meine Ankunft auf dem Schiff wie ein "Nachhausekommen". Vom Küchenschef Kabir bis zur Barfrau Raquel, wurde ich wieder erkannt. Ali machte wieder die Expeditionsleitung und erfreute mich jden Morgen mit ihrem freundlichen Weckruf. Der Kapitän Evgeny ermöglichte uns wieder wunderschöne Anlandungen.

感觉很好

par ShaSha Ma

服务热情氛围很好探险队很专业

Along the Coast of Greenland

par Christoph Gerber

We sailed from Longyearbyen Svalbard to Akureyri Iceland from August 25 to September 7, 2024. Weather conditions were arctic as expected and an enjoyable recreation from the excessive summer heat at home. We had good visibility on most days so we could do most of the landings and zodiac cruises as planned. When changes were necessary the expedition team and crew always found great alternatives. The whole crew and expedition team did an outstanding job on making this an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone. Short, medium and long hikes through the beautiful landscape of Greenland were offered daily. We usually chose the medium hikes which took 3 to 4 hours at moderate peace leaving room to take lots of photos. The lectures offered on board of the ship were all really informative and inspiring. Last but not least the kitchen on board was really excellent and the service top notch. I highly recommend Oceanwide expetions for all seeking a bit more activity, fun and adventure compared to standard ship cruises.

Not much wildlife

par Denise Heffernan Stearns

First, we love this ship and the scenery was amazing. However, we weren’t aware that the only way to really have an opportunity to see any wildlife was to do the long hiking. (I did medium and a few shorts) We thought it would be more like Antarctica, where we had the option to hike/snowshoe or stroll the landing area and still see wildlife. My husband is not a walker, so this trip was quite frustrating for him (and therefore me as well). I don’t remember seeing anything in the write up advising of this fact. The only other issue we had was the passenger make-up. The ship had a majority of Chinese passengers. The cultural differences were hard and were discussed repeatedly among European & N. American passengers. Hearing lectures was difficult- loud chatting was constant in lecture room. Zodiac trips were painful- spending tons of time at each iceberg for multiple selfies to be taken. Lots of loud talking so hard to hear sounds of ice, birds, etc. None of this ruined the trip, but it was frustrating.

Svalbard - here and back again

par Florence & Thierry MATUSIAK

Our cruise was wonderful. It was our second time around Svalbard, both of them with Plancius. We deliberately chose the same vessel because we really enjoyed our first experience : crew, meals, expedition guides, rooms...We had a superior room, more expensive but the best choice if you can afford it. This year we had the surprise of 100% - different crew and expedition team, and they were perfect : a good sign that proves that Oceanwide is a great company. About the cruise itself : in August we had some kind of automnal weather, July may be a better fit for sunny conditions. The principle of daily landings and zodiac cruises corresponds to our expectations. In a nutshell we built additional unforgettable memories.

Jonge kinderen horen niet op een expeditie schip.

par T. van den Brandt

Wij hebben een cruise gedaan afgelopen juli naar Spitsbergen. Er was ons verteld dat er een grote groep Chinezen op het schip zouden zijn en of we daar problemen mee hadden. Nee dat hadden wij niet. Er was ons helaas niet verteld dat er ook kinderen aan boord zouden zijn in de leeftijd van ongeveer 7 - 14 jaar. Dit was niet leuk. Deze kinderen renden rond en schreeuwden naar elkaar in hun spel. Dit is allemaal heel begrijpelijk als je als kind vastzit op een expeditie schip. We konden niet genieten van de lounge met een kopje koffie en dan van het uitzicht genieten. De ouders werd gevraagd om beter op hun kinderen te letten, maar ook dit gebeurde niet. Het was zelfs zo dat op een gegeven moment een kind over de reling ging hangen. Gelukkig was de crew er snel bij. We zaten veel op de boot vanwege slechte weersomstandigheden waardoor we niet altijd met de zodiac weg konden. Hier kan de maatschappij uiteraard niets aan doen. Maar dan moet je het wel van de rust en het genieten in de lounge hebben. Gelukkig hebben we wel ijsberen gezien.

Amazing

par Robyn Dijksterhuis

Its was great, well organised and a wonderful experience

Sehr gut

par Beate Marlies Stupacher

Spitze

Magical Arctic cruise on Plancius

par Diane Bennett

8 days of excellent guides, food, wildlife and stunning scenery. Superbly organized by Ali and the rest of her team (plan C was frequently adopted at short notice but always brilliant)

Amazing Svalbard

par Jose Javier López Rodrigo

My main intention was to see the ice sea, but I've seen much more. Places like Alkefjellet It can not be imagined. The glaciers...oh my god. This is a one time in a Life travel

Once in a lifetime

par Corrina Chan

Gorgeous scenery, beloved expedition team and crew, just an all around amazing time for both lifelong learners and those just looking for an adventure. Halfway through our trip, the crew on board began to learn our names and vice versa. Just simply a wonderful experience.

10/10

par Dano T.

10 out of 10 for Oceanwide. ANYTIME again. No more words needed! A fantastic journey with HANS and entire crew.

Amazing Svalbard!

par Kate Campbell

I’ve just had the most amazing 9 day trip around Svalbard with Oceanwide. We had great weather with very little arctic fog and wall to wall sunshine and light winds. We saw 6 polar bears; 1 on the sea ice and 5 on land. We also saw a blue whale, lots of Svalbard reindeer, walrus, arctic fox and so many different seabirds. I especially loved the puffins and little auks, but the Brunnich guillemot cliffs were just awesome. Seeing 6 polar bears was just incredible.