Reviews

I have traveled the world (this was my final continent), and this was the most amazing trip ever. It far exceeded any of my expectations. We were active all the time. Two 2 1/2 hour outings a day minimum with kayaking, landings at penguin colonies (three species), research stations old and new, hikes, glaciers, zodiac cruising to see seals on ice bergs or shipwrecks. Giant whale bones. The wildlife was especially amazing. Up close and personal with whales of three species, seals of 5 species, and flying birds of many. The guides were wonderful: excited, knowledgeable and so overqualified. We also had lectures, a photography expert, fabulous food and a cookout on deck. I loved the fact that it was a small ship with only 130 passengers, and all about the nature. Nothing extraneous like gambling or a disco or things giant cruises waste my money on. Just amazing experiences that you could only have in Antarctica. And all the staff was so nice and positive. They seemed as excited to do things as we were. Several times we left for trips 15 minutes early so as to have even more time. I never felt rushed, but had hours to look at wildlife or ramble. It was the best.

I want to thank the crew of the Rembrant van Rijn, 2/22 to 2/29 2020, for giving me a trip of a life time. My taking this trip caused reservations by many as I am 86 years of age. My son, William, and his wife, Justina accompanied me so I wasn't traveling alone, but still such a small ship, going above the Arctic Circle in February was not something many senior citizens would undertake. The crew were always near by to give me a hand or help me in any way I needed. They even lined me up with a snowmobile for one evening adventure as I wasn't comfortable walking to it. They made me feel secure so that I could fully enjoy the trip and when it came to an end lined us up with a taxi to the airport. I can't think of anything more they could have done. The trip was amazing, the scenery breathtaking, and they even put the sails up to give us the joy of actually sailing. Please let them know how much I appreciated all they did and how much the trip meant to me. Thank you all

If I could I would have awarded this 10 stars. I booked this expedition to achieve my lifetime ambition which I had held since I was 12, of visiting Antarctia. At the age of 68 I finally achieved it. My expectations were pretty high due to this long build up, but this expedition far exceeded my wildest dreams and will never be forgotten. The expedition team were amazing and the sights of the wild landscape and the variety of animal life were unbelievable. The highlight had to be our 1 1/2 hour visit by 2 Humpback Whales alongside our Zodiac, where we could have touched these huge but gentle creatures will never be forgotten or surpassed. I can only say a big THANK YOU to all the crew and staff who made this a truly unforgettable experience, with expert guiding, fantastic food and the care shown at all times.

My name is Gary Dillon-I traveled to the Antarctica Peninsula in November 2019. I have traveled extensively but this without a doubt was my most memorable. Every Day in every direction I was awestruck by the beauty. The Ortelius and its Crew were outstanding. Before leaving I found out I was going to be a Grand Dad for the first time-At age 71 I was beginning to wonder if I would ever experience that. My Daughter said it was going to be a little Girl, so I decided to do a Gender Reveal while on my trip. I carried a little stuffed pink Penguin from WV-USA. the little Pink Penguin went every where with me. We made a video which was featured on our local news. The little Pink Penguin now sets in my Little Grand Daughters Nursery. Thanks Oceanwide

The commitment of the crew, the quality of the Hondius in all aspects, the variety of lectures on board and the Antarctic scenery was all beyond expectations. It has opened up my awareness of this very special continent which belongs to nobody. Keep it that way and conserve it well!

the expedition and the team was very good but we regret that we did not get any special attention as we were ,what J call ,high -yeld passengers(grand suite cabin)! We didnot get any priority for boarding and at the dining room;we had to queue up for everything,therefore we wonder why we paid so much!

It was a fantastic journey, lots of activities with always a plan B or C. Very nice guides on board with good qualifications to answer questions and informative talks. It was my second time on the Plancius and I would always go again.

The enthusiastic crew, the comfortable ship and of course the beautiful surroundings made this trip for us a fantastic experience. The quality of the food, the luxury cabin, the interesting lectures and of course the excursions with the zodiac, it was all perfect. We are very grateful that we have been part of this trip. we heartily recommend this trip! Eric en Sylvia de Maertelaere

Believe the superlatives! This trip was an amazing expedition. The whales, the penguins, the sea lion pups, the ice, the scenery! To top it off, the expedition leaders were so interesting and interested and knowledgeable and lovely. Our cabin was spotless and comfortable. I could not fault this experience and hope one day I can experience it again.

My expectation were exceeded by a large margin. It was the best holiday of my life and worth every penny! The trip across the Drake Passage was quite smooth and we arrived in Antartica on a glorious sunny day. It was spectacular. The staff was professional and very friendly. There was never a boring moment and we were on the go all the time. The wildlife was amasing to see ; penguins, seals, whales and birds and the scenery breathtakingly beautiful. Being able to go on to the bridge of this very modern vessel was a real thrill. The food was excellent - my compliments to the maitre de and kitchen staff. I cannot think of anything to complain about. Super ... thank you!

Wonderful excursion. Clean boat, rooms, wonderful staff and good food.

We knew the trip would be good but it exceeded all expectations. The intimate environment with only 100 passengers meant that the expedition team could get to know me and me them. This made for a much more connected cruise. The Antarctic ice, icebergs, birdlife, penguins, seals and whales were amazing and abundant. We had fortunate weather and experiences. While there was some luck, our leader Ali made itineraray changes in consultation with the captain, crew and weather info that made the trip comfortable and experiences amazing. An outdoor dinner in Paradise Bay was truly paradise and memorable. Hats off to Ali as a great leader and calm reassuring voice for passengers to hear on a daily basis. She was amazing. We maxed out zodiac opportiunities and donned snow boots for hill climbs and saw steam on a volcanic beach arising from the shore. Whale time was up close and personal with two very curious humpbacks as amused by us as we were by them. The trip was my wife's idea and she was over the moon with the experience as I was. Many thanks. See you on Plancius in the Arctic with luck.

My trip to Antarctica was a truly incredible experience, everything was amazing and Ali as Expedition leader and her team did everything to make it happen and get the most out of it! Thank you guys very much for this adventure of my lifetime :-)

I just arrived back home yesterday from Ushuaia and can't stop thinking about the amazing trip to Antarctica. Everything has been great, of course the place, but also very happy with the crew and all the people in the vessel. Thanks a lot to all of you for making this the travel of my life!

It was the most awesome experience ever! Oceanwide exceeded our expectations and more! We came into the cruise thinking it would be a boring 4 days at the Drake Passage but they have kept us alive and interested in their workshops. The guides were all polar experts and we learned so much about wildlife, nature and our beautiful planet. It was such an educational honeymoon for us! We were so cared for from food and safety and also the fact that they were wanting us out of the ship and doing activities as much as they can. We will be booking another Polar Adventure with you guys soon! Keep up the fantastic work!