s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn was originally built as a herring lugger in 1947, then rebuilt as a three-mast passenger schooner in the Netherlands in 1994

​History

S/V Rembrandt Van Rijn was originally built as a herring lugger in 1947. The vessel was then rebuilt as a three-mast passenger sailing schooner in he Netherlands in 1994, sailing in Spitsbergen (1994 – 1996) and the Galápagos (1998 - 2001). The vessel later underwent a complete rebuilding and refurbishment program until 2011. The communication and navigation equipment has been completely renewed according to the latest SOLAS regulations.

Specifications

Passengers: 33 in 16 cabins
Staff & crew: Crew 10 | Guides 2
Length: 49,50 meters
Breadth: 6,65 meters (22,9 ft)
Draft: 2,8 meters (8 ft)
Ice class: Suitable to sail in the Svalbard and Greenlandic waters.
Displacement: 435 tonnes
Propulsion: 2 cummins engines together 550 KW
Speed: 6,5 knots average cruising speed

Deck plans and downloads

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn cabins


Perfect for expedition cruising among small islands

The ship is well suited for expedition cruising among small islands and offer good open deck viewing areas, also when under sail. The two inflatable rubber crafts (Zodiacs) enable landing and wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise inaccessible areas. 

Comfort and Character

Rembrandt van Rijn measures 49,50 meters in length, 7 meters in width, and has a draft of 2,8 meters. The average cruising speed on engines is 6,5 knots. It has an experienced crew of 12 persons on board including 2 tour guides. The ship can accommodate a maximum of 33 passengers in 16 cabins. It has one Triple Private cabin (with shower and toilet and porthole), six Twin Private Inside cabins (with shower and toilet, no porthole), and nine Twin Private cabins (with shower and toilet and porthole).

Age range & Nationality onboard

Passengers on a typical voyage range from their 30s to their 80s - with a majority usually from 45 - 65, but a little younger on the Rembrandt van Rijn, between 30 - 55. Our expeditions attract independent-minded travellers from around the world. They are characterised by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie and spirit that develops aboard is an important part of the expedition experience. Many departures have several nationalities on board.

Catering

Three simple but good meals of international cuisine per day are served buffet style in the restaurant and is prepared by our cook.

Dress code

In keeping with our expeditions atmosphere, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities. Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery can be appreciated from deck, which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles and make sure the parka is never far away in case of the call "Whales!" comes over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside. Wear layers since it is comfortably warm aboard the ship - and often cold on deck.

Electric Current

The electrical supply aboard the ship is 220 volt 50hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins. U.S. passengers may need a 220v/110v converter.

Excursions & Landings

Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting. The landings will take three to six hours per day over untracked area. According to circumstances (the weather, the ice-situation or the passengers´ wishes) the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history.

Gratuities

The customary gratuity to the ship's crew and expedition leader is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage. Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give is at your discretion. We suggest to give cash in Euros, US Dollars or Danish kroner.

Non-smoking policy

On board our vessels we have a non-smoking policy. It is prohibited to smoke inside the ship. You can smoke in designated ares. Please respect the wishes of non-smokers.

The crew

The crew of the ´Rembrandt van Rijn´ consists of  9 experienced crew and 2 expedition guides and a cook. The sailors are in charge during sailing and will bring us ashore. 

Your physical condition

You must be in good general health and you should be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join most excursions, you must be able to get up and down the ladder from the ship to the water level to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats. This will become progressively easier with practice. Ashore it can be slippery and rocky. You are travelling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.

Our cruises

Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen, Ski & Sail

Climb snow covered alpine mountains and ski downhill

RVR02-25 This program is designed for experienced ski mountaineers who have mastered ski techniques both for ascent and descent in challenging snow-covered alp

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

8 May - 15 May, 2025

Price:

4000 USD

North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer

Watch for wildlife in iconic Arctic terrain

RVR06-25 The North Spitsbergen cruise sails to some of the remotest locations of northern Europe. The expedition gives you the opportunity to spot historic wha

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

8 Jun - 18 Jun, 2025

Price:

5350 USD

North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer - Summer Solstice

Watch for wildlife in iconic Arctic terrain

RVR07-25 The North Spitsbergen cruise sails to some of the remotest locations of northern Europe. The expedition gives you the opportunity to spot historic wha

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

18 Jun - 28 Jun, 2025

Price:

6650 USD

Northeast Iceland Explorer, Aurora Borealis, Hike & Sail - Incl. bus back up

Experience Iceland’s remote and breathtaking fjords, harbors, and inlands at an exceptional time of year

RVR16-25 Northern and eastern Iceland are characterized by small villages, dramatic coastlines, narrow fjords, waterfalls, geothermal areas, volcanoes, and mou

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

12 Oct - 18 Oct, 2025

Price:

3750 USD

North Spitsbergen - Arctic Spring , Hike & Sail

Explore the shores and seas of an amazing Arctic island

RVR08-26 At the end of a long Arctic winter, spring is starting to awaken. The climate, however, still clings to the cold: snow-covered mountains, snow-swept s

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

29 May - 5 Jun, 2026

Price:

4200 USD

Reviews

Overall rating based on 17 votes

Exceeded expectations!
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!

Read full review »
Seconda volta ancora meglio della prima!!
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..no

Read full review »
Inspiration for life
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

Read full review »
An awesome 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 encounter

Read full review »
Lucky and Breathtaking Adventure
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! A

Read full review »
Wildlife Abundace
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!

Read full review »