Reviews

Oceanwide and their staff provided the best adventure that we have experienced in our 60 years. The snowcapped mountains, whales, penguins, seals, zodiac rides, kayaks, staff friendliness/knowledge and the quality of the food was above & beyond our expectations. The Drake Passage was not a 'lake' but it also was not the 'shake' we were expecting so this made most passengers very happy. Well done Oceanwide.

This was my husband and my 7th continent. Our only requirement was to plant our feet on the continent. Job done!! But wait, there is SO MUCH MORE... From the staff and ship mates to the scenery and wildlife we could not have experienced more awe. The diversity of our shipmates was heartwarming with our shared love for adventure, friendship, interest in preserving nature and having fun! A wonderful time of nations, gender, interests and age coming together. I was blown away by how close we were to nature. Even with exercising the utmost care to not disturb them in their natural habitat. Zoom lenses were not really necessary. And then there is the Drake Passage. Though I would never consider crossing it without some sort of seasick medication, it actually was fun. You just have to roll with it!!

Basecamp is a great way to experience and see Antarctica. This was a great trip - very grateful to the expedition team, boat crew and staff - each of these people made the trip outstanding. We were fortunate with weather. The boat (including access to the bridge), accommodations and food were outstanding. We did have very good weather. Activities included Kayak, Polar plunge, Mountaineering, Camping, Zodiacs, Trekking/walking. Pippa and expedition leadership maximized opportunities for all of us to get off the boat each day (mostly 2x/day). The rest of the expedition team were great, and especially want to mention Ursula (minkes/Zodiac), Kiran and Erin (Kayaks), tall David (Mountaineering), Saskia (camping), Jakub (iceman), Georgina and Koen (Zodiacs, photo), Andrew (birds / Peterman Island and Drake). This should not take away from any of the other guides - all were outstanding.

Everything in this trip is excepcionnal. I loved everything about it. All the staff was professional, kind and fun. Our ship, the Plancius, has the perfect size. She was cosy, a “real” ship, not one of these giant cruise boats. I loved it!! All the gear for the activities was in good conditions and has great quality. Security for the passengers and the wildlife was always the major issue. I have no words to describe the beauty and purity of the Antarctic Peninsula. It was like a dream. It touched something in my very soul. Every day in Antarctica brought new wonders and priceless treasures. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life!

Typically, I am in command of a sizeable vocabulary. However, this trip was beyond anything I can describe to family and friends at home. The nearly instant cohesiveness of crew, guides and we adventurers was like nothing I have ever before experienced. Everyday was not just an adventure but a deepening understanding of our human connections with one another as well as our place in the fabric of life on this planet. Yes, it was immeasurably fun but it was a profoundly rewarding personal experience.

Vielen Dank an die gesamte Crew, vielen Dank seid flexibel und habt sicher auch allen anderen Gästen auf dieser besonderen Reise unvergessliche Momente beschert. Ihr seid Top :) VIELEN DANK

Everything was well organised, food was excellent, trips were amazing. I enjoyed every day and everything. They tried to let you experience everything, if plan A wasn’t an option plan b, c or d were available. Every staff member was nice and helped you at any time. It was a great experience!

The Crew & Activities could not have been better. Outdoor activities perfect & staff knowledgable , helpful & friendly. Food & Cabins top class ( & we had 2 single beds but so much room ). I my only suggestion to improve things & this is really insignificant compared to the great things provided & that is Beanies & Antartic T Shirts & popular sizes of other clothing momento's were not available. Advised was end of season but not really as this had been the case since start of Feb. I would love to have taken home some beanies & T Shirts as small omentoes but alas zero. You need to carry stock for each trip as clothing momento's keep the memory going & advertise the trip. Sorry i know it's minor but annoying when no need to have occurred. For everything relating to the trip itself you could not have done better perhaps just improve merchandising operations. I miss that damn Beany LOL. Thanks guys Geoff

A real expedition with a very nice and very competent Expedition Crew. Overwhelming experiences with nature and wild live. Great helicopter flights and extreme tasty food that made possible, that I got two kilos of weight more (Danke Heinz). Thank you all!

Celebrating my 7th continent in MV Ortelius with a very experienced and knowledgeable staff and crew made this 33-day expedition one of the top vacations of a lifetime!

Amazing expedition with a first class team!

Terrillyn and I have each reviewed our trip video separately and together numerous times since coming home. It is if we do not want the trip to be over. To say that it exceeded our expectations is an understatement. The care that the expedition crew took helping me boarding and deboarding the Zodiacs on uneven surfaces with an unstable knee in need of a replacement was over and above my expectation. The hotel, bar, and restaurant crews on board were also attentive, professional, and there at every opportunity to help you. The Expedition Crew were very knowledgeable and eager to share their education with you with every question that you had. This was a World Class Expedition and I am glad that we were able to take part. Thank you again.

This was the most fabulous trip on MV Hondius. The Expedition Leaders were terrific, the on-board lectures great. I learned so much about all things wildlife and ice. Thanks for an amazing educational program. The food was outstanding and so varied. All the staff were so friendly and nothing asked about or for was too much trouble. Cabin very comfortable on Level 4 and so well designed with heaps more storage than I expected and not at the expense of the bathroom which was great. To be able to access the Bridge frequently to look for wildlife or just enjoy the view was wonderful. The landings and Zodiac cruises were spectacular with whales, seals and penguins to marvel at and just great fun, even when it was cold and windy. Being one of the small number of people this year to cross the Antarctic Circle was an unexpected bonus and total thrill! The icing on an already beautiful cake! 10 out of 10 for me and I would love to do it all again! Thank you all for an outstanding adventure.

I have seen pictures and clips on youtube before I went to Antarctica, but it does not compare closely to really being there. The experience of being there in person is so overwhelming and satisfying, its truly indiscribable. I even had a moment that the tears came up for I was truly happy, being in such a beautifull place. The crew and staff of the Hondius make you feel welcome and do everything possible to make the trip a trip of a lifetime. So friendly and helpfull and with a good feeling of humor. I am very thankfull. Also the catering gets a 10+ for food and staff. Good food and friendly fast service. I really do not know what could be done to make the trip better, it was perfectly organised.

There is so much to say, but the best word I can use is "amazing". The food was amazing, the guides were amazing, the guests were amazing, the nature was amazing! And may I also add - very dedicated guides! It was absolutely great. I had a blast.