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

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:

5350 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

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 mountains. We are in the heart of nature here, and the scenery is breathtaking. This destination offers...

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

12 Oct - 18 Oct, 2025

Berths start from:

3750 USD

Cruise page

We have a total of
17 cruises

All cruises

Reviews

Best Trip Ever

by Melissa R.

This was the best thing I have ever done. Everything, from the activities to the wildlife to the friends I met on board, exceeded my expectations. This could not have been possible without the wonderful guides and everyone else on the ship working hard to make this Basecamp Expedition so memorable. Thank you!!

10/10 Experience

by Katherine Patton

From departure to return, every step of the way was brilliantly done by the expedition leader (George), expedition team, captain, and ship’s crew. In spite of extremely challenging weather, we were able to get out and experience the incredible landscapes, wildlife, and activities due to the experience and dedication of the Oceanwide team. Kayaking through a sea of icebergs, watching whales feeding while camping on the ice, listening to the glaciers calving while mountaineering… all incredible experiences. The lectures on board and the expertise of the zodiac guides on Antarctic wildlife, history, and other topics made this trip extra special. The passengers came from a wide variety of backgrounds, countries, and ages and made for excellent company on board and off. Even seasickness on the Drake was no match for such an incredible time.

Highly recommended

by Ann Burgund

Sitting in Ushuaia airport headed back to the states and feeling melancholy already. George and his staff were gracious , welcoming and so informative. We were so impressed with their knowledge and skills they all have . The reception desk was always so helpful regardless of the same question being asked numerous times. They were very kind even with the silly questions . The dining team always greeted all guests with a smile and so genuine . The entire staff works so hard and understand the importance of customer service and creating memories for so many . So many names to recognize because everyone was amazing . That said my husband and I enjoyed our chat with George at lunch one day and sharing his passions with us . So personable and appreciated him taking the time . Charlotte was delightful and enjoyed the chats with her. She made us feel so welcome and really created some memories and felt like we had made a new friend . Willmore in the dining room along with Joanne and Judele always made us smile . Johnny & Dave really set up a great day for us ice climbing ! Alexis and Nic were great guides during and the time they spent allowing us to embrace all we could during that activity. Thank you again Hondius staff for embracing each guest and the passion and professionalism or what you do for Antarctica. For those of us experiencing the wonders of this trip for the first time and sharing in our excitement.

Das größte Abenteuer

by Alfred Rohrmoser

Wir waren vom 30.November - 10.Dezember 2024 mit der MS Ortelius auf der Tour "Antarktis - Entdeckungs- und Lernreise + Navigationsworkshop" unterwegs, und erlebten das Wohl größte Abenteuer das man erleben kann. Es erwartete uns eine tolle Crew an Bord, das Schiff begeisterte uns immer wieder als Homebase unserer Expeditions-Schiffsreise, das Essen an Bord war großartig und die Antarktis einfach unbeschreiblich. Wir hatten auch viel Glück mit traumhaften Wetter und konnten zahlreiche Aktivitäten unternehmen. Ich finde die Tour "Antarktis - Entdeckungs- und Lernreise" ist die perfekte Antarktisreise, weil man besonders viel von der antarktischen Halbinsel sieht und viel Zeit für Unternehmungen und Landgänge hat. Die Fahrt durch die Gerlache Strait und den Lemaire Channel war ein Traum, die zahlreichen Landgänge, Wanderungen und Bergtouren bei Cuverville & Danco Island sowie bei Necko + Paradise Harbour begeisterten. Highlight war auch der Eisberg-Friedhof mit Eisbergen so groß das es uns die Sprache verschlag. Dazu sahen wir unzählige Pinguinkolonien und Wale. Wir fühlten uns jeden Tag wie die ersten Entdecker in der Antarktis, sahen unberührte Landschaften und waren manchmal so sprachlos und den Tränen nahe. EIne Reise - sorry, falscher Begriff - es ist keine Reise, es ist eine wahre Expedition - ein Abenteuer - das ein Leben lang in Erinnerung bleibt. Das besondere an den Reisen von Oceanwide Expedition ist auch die überschaubare Größe der Schiffe, wir waren auf der Ortelius rund 100 Leute, somit sind Landgänge unbeschränkt möglich, wir hatten somit viel Zeit an Land und bei den Zodiacfahrten. Ich kann die Reisen uneingeschränkt empfehlen, ein Erlebnis! Großes Lob und Dank an das gesamte Oceanwide-Team, ihr seid SPITZE, es war für uns das größte Abenteuer das man erleben kann.

Transformative experience

by John Salisbury

As a solo traveler with only a little world travel experience, I had some trepidation about what to expect on my Antarctica base camp expedition cruise on the MV Hondius. However, my experience was far beyond my expectations and hopes. Everything was near perfection. The activities, lectures , crew, food, expedition crew team, my newly met roommates in my triple cabin, and all the other new friends and passengers I met were amazing. The activities were challenging and fulfilling. But the awesome beauty of Antarctica was overwhelming. No other trip will be like this. This may be the peak of any traveling I will ever do. At the end of our voyage, most passengers, including myself, were shedding or holding back tears because it was now over and we had to say good bye to our “new home.” As great as Oceanwide is, I doubt any future passengers could have the kind of trip we all had. Truly a once in a lifetime transformative experience.