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).

Photo gallery

35 photos of the ship
in the gallery »

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 alpine terrain. A typical day involves ski climbs on mountaintops averaging heights of 700—850 meters (2,300—2,800...

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

8 May - 15 May, 2025

Berths start from:

4700 USD

Cruise page

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 whaling remains, glaciers, a variety of Arctic birds including the Little Auk, and polar bears.

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

8 Jun - 18 Jun, 2025

Berths start from:

5350 USD

Cruise page

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 whaling remains, glaciers, a variety of Arctic birds including the Little Auk, and polar bears.

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

18 Jun - 28 Jun, 2025

Berths start from:

5700 USD

Cruise page

North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer

Watch for wildlife in iconic Arctic terrain

RVR08-25 The North Spitsbergen cruise sails to some of the remotest locations of northern Europe. The expedition gives you the opportunity to spot historic whaling remains, glaciers, a variety of Arctic birds including the Little Auk, and polar bears.

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

28 Jun - 8 Jul, 2025

Berths start from:

5700 USD

Cruise page

East Greenland - Scoresby Sund - Iceland, Aurora Borealis, Fly & Sail

Experience the northern lights on Earth’s largest fjord

RVR15-25 Sail through Earth’s largest fjord system on a historic three-masted vessel, getting the chance to encounter exotic Arctic wildlife like musk oxen and Arctic hares under the enchanting aurora borealis. Greenland whales may also appear between landing...

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

1 Oct - 12 Oct, 2025

Berths start from:

5900 USD

Cruise page

We have a total of
15 cruises

All cruises

Reviews

Eine Reise ans Ende der Welt

by V. Lagler

Die Reise ans "Ende der Welt" war eine tolle Erfahrung und hat meine Erwartungen erfüllt, z.T. übertroffen. Schade, dass wir an der Antarktischen Halbinsel nicht anlanden konnten wegen des vielen Eises. Ich würde allen Leuten empfehlen, die Reise zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt zu planen. Die Guides waren alle top. Sie haben unglaublich viel geleistet und viel zum Erfolg beigetragen (Anlandungen, Vorträge!). Überhaupt war die gesamte Schiffscrew grossartig - von der Kabine bis zur Küche, von der Brücke bis zum Restaurant Service. Alle freundlich, aufgestellt und hilfsbereit. Ein besonderes Lob verdient die Küche. Das Essen war ausgezeichnet, vielfältig und frisch. Ganz toll finde ich die Filmzusammenfassung und die wunderbaren Bilder von Yves, die wir an Ende der Reise entgegennehmen durften. Vielen herzlichen Dank für diese tolle Erinnerung. Ich sehe sie mir jeden Tag mind. einmal an.

Magnificent Antarctic Adventure

by Garie Williams

My expedition cruise to the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica was phenomenal! The expedition guides, crew, and ship staff were first class - always happy to answer questions, chat about nature, and help when needed. Very professional, knowledgeable, kind, and glad to help in any way. The ship was clean, well stocked, and comfortable. The food was amazing and plentiful! You do not go long without food on this ship - the variety was mind blowing. Great options and so delicious! The Captain and Expedition Leader really took the time to make well thought out decisions based on the current conditions and got us off the ship as much as possible. We had so many landings and zodiak cruises and spent a lot of time exploring. The ports were absolutely gorgeous and filled with history and remarkable wildlife! My favorite landing was Gold Harbor in South Georgia - I have never seen so many incredible species everywhere! We were surrounded by wildlife and it was like being on another planet. This adventure far exceeded my expectations and I am so grateful for this journey! I completely understand why people keep coming back! Hoping to do the Arctic with Oceanwide soon!

Around Spitsbergen, In the Realm of the Polar Bear and ice

by Anna Weatherstone

This was a most amazing experience - landscape, glaciers, wildlife and tiny plants were awe inspiring. I loved the ice and seeing a polar bear on the ice was my highlight among many highlights. The silence and remoteness was life changing. We never wanted for anything - both crew and guides were marvelous; the former with comfort and wonderful food; the latter offering great activities, the sharing of their knowledge and care and concern for the environment. A superb team.

Arctic Adventure

by Pam Hollis

Fabulous trip. Expedition is the way to enjoy the out of doors

Arctic adventure

by Susan Larsen

What an amazing trip. The sights were stunning. The hikes had variety. The pace of the trip was perfect. The food was great/varied. The staff was so helpful, educated and engaging. Highly recommend as a first timer to Greenland.

Greenland lifestyle

by Ronald Hijmans

This year I had been injured in an accident and hospitalized during March this year. It took a lot of time and effort to start walking again and be able to do some serious hiking. I had been on previous Oceanwide Expeditions trips and decided to book the Greenland trip to Scoresbysund in september. It turned out to be my best trip ever. To start with the ship itself and the crew. You might think this is an old and battered ship. It is not. All cabins are neat and nicely outfitted. The ship itself is sturdy and very suitable to navigate the Polar regions. Not too small, not too big. The captain and officers are very experienced. The deckhands do an excellent professional job. They are approachable and friendly. The expedition staff was amazing. Very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The hotel management and stewards trying to do their utmost to serve you as best they can. We were lucky to have very nice weather with blue skies offering fine photo and video opportunities. We saw a lot of wildlife, four polar bears, several polar fixed, whales, seals, musk oxen, arctic hares, and various birds. On various nights we had fabulous Northern Light sightings. I can still hear the crackling of the ice, the calving of ice sheets from the glacier, the tumbling of the small icebergs, the looming big icebergs while we were driving by in our zodiacs. The landscapes were amazing, red mountains, stark black mountains covered with snow and ice, immense tundra plains with scattered skeletons of musk oxen. We also visited Ittoqqortoormiit, an Inuit settlement. School was out and all the children waving at you. No harbour so the landing was with the zodiacs. But the thing that stroke me the most was the absolute serenity of the long hikes and the kayaking. Being in touch with the landscape. That was the lifestyle experience I was looking for. I will be back. Thank you Oceanwide for a memorable experience.