Reviews

WOW! This voyage exceeded my expectation. When my husband booked the expedition ship, I was concerned about the comfort of the cabins and common area, and even more nervous about the meals. I had no reason to be nervous - the ship is very modern, the cabins and common area swell appointed. The lounge was were we spent most of our free time mingling with fellow travels. (When we weren’t on deck or in the bridge). The small ship environment really fostered mingling with both staff and other guests. The food was plentiful, varied and of excellent quality and taste. The cruise staff couldn’t do enough for us - they accommodated my dietary restriction beyond what I expected. There was a nice BBQ on deck one evening (in snow flurries….but there was mulled wine to warm us up). Another afternoon there was hot chocolate spiked with rum. Every afternoon there was nice snack brought up. The best part of the trip was the expedition team. Led by expedition team leader Pippa and assistant leader George, the entire team entertained us with great lectures when they were not taking us on outings. We saw plenty of wildlife daily. Weather prevented us from flying to the emperor penguin colony,, but the team took our safety seriously and we appreciated that. We got to visit other penguin colonies, sometimes viewing from the zodiac, and on most days landings and a walk on ice.The small ship size allowed us to to off ship daily, including 2 scenic helicopter flights. The staff paid attention to details even for this - each flight every passenger had a window seat. The helicopter pilots were very friendly and made the flights very memorable. If you are considering an Antarctic trip, I highly recommend doing it on a small ship like the Ortellius.

I don't think I can quite put into words how amazing this trip was! To start, the entire oceanwide team was excellent - dining services memorized everyone's needs/preferences (and names!) within the first day, the expedition team's excitement and expertise enhanced every moment off the ship, and all other staff were warm and friendly! I was so happy how much time we were able to spend off of the ship either on landings or Zodiac cruises. I was a little hesitant that Zodiac cruises would be "boring" but there were some of my favorite moments of the trip! Nothing can quite compare to circling icebergs, approaching seals napping on icebergs, or basking in the magnificence of breaching whales meters away from your Zodiac! If you want feel like you are on a true expedition and spend most of your time off the ship, I cannot recommend Oceanwide expeditions enough!

Best company, best trip and best wild life ever! We will book again with OceanWide!

i dream about this trip allmost 10 years, i save money for my lifetime experience and if you still dream and never give up it happends. it was 19 days of my greatest experience and i live any seconds with open heart.

One of the best cruise and trip I join so far. The expedition team really go way beyond, very passionate about their job. The activities very well organized. Even the lecture was very informative. I definitely will join this expedition again in future.

The Antarctica Discovery & Learning voyage aboard the MS Hondius in November was outstanding. The crew and expedition guides demonstrated excellent background knowledge, shared with clarity, enthusiasm, and professionalism. All activities — landings, Zodiac operations, and kayaking — were conducted confidently and safely, always leaving participants feeling well prepared and in expert hands. Cleanliness and hygiene on board were excellent, contributing to a very comfortable expedition environment. Beyond the superb organization, the voyage offered additional unforgettable natural impressions. In particular, entering the icy Antarctic waters at Stony Point was a truly fantastic and intense experience — a rare moment of immersion that created a deep and lasting connection with this extraordinary environment. A superbly executed expedition voyage that truly lives up to its promise of Discovery & Learning.

That was such a wonderful and inspiring expedition, with such a lot of wildlife sightings and beautiful, breathtaking scenery. The kayak outings had been great, sitting there outside with all the stillness around, beautiful views and maybe some animal noises around. The places we stopped were great, and gave us a good insight into Antarctica. The team was amazing, all as much as excited to go there as we have been, and they did all such a great job in making this an outstanding exoperience.

Thoroughly enjoyable and informative voyage into Antarctica. All our lectures were by knowledgeable and well informed personnel with a large amount of information to impart. In both directions The Drake Passage was calm so this added to the passengers enjoyment and enabled them to pass much time on deck and on the bridge. Our helicopter rides were exciting as we were able to view the icy surroundings from above and obtain some idea of the ever expanding snowy scene. On the domestic scene our cabins were warm, had ample space, and were kept tidy daily by the staff. The food served in the galley was plentiful and varied so nobody had the opportunity to go hungry. All crew members from the Captain down were very friendly and mixed happily with the passengers to answer questions and keep us up to date with progress. I think particular mention should be made of Pippa whose professional approach soon marshalled the 100 or so passengers into a cohesive unit and to George whose passion for the Antarctic and its environs proved infectious. I would happily travel with Oceanwide Expeditions again.

Expedition Crew from Oceanwide has tried their very best to bring everyone on board to Snow Hill and meet the Emperor Penguins twice! That was really a memorable and touching moment. Thanks for the great effort you have made!

The 33 day voyage certainly met expectations with external activities, most lectures and "hotel" services excellent. Passengers should understand that there is little opportunity for exercise on the Hondius. As suggestions for a 5-star rating: - organised guiding for bird watching on board - even if for set periods only - QA for some weak lectures, perhaps attended by other staff who could review content for future voyages

Thanks to a great expedition plan, luck in the weather, and an absolutely incredible expedition team, we had the experience of a lifetime. Every day was a unique experience, and every single day was absolutely fantastic. I saw a lot of amazing places, but this expedition surpassed them all.

The Atlantic Odyssey, from Ushuaia to Cape Verde, is, for birders, one of the 'must do' expeditions. It's just over a month long but seawatching between islands is often good, and when it isn't, the quality of on-board presentations is outstanding. We were able to access all.islands and see all key bird species with just one exception. Expedition leader was excellent, as was the entire expedition team, in maximising off-ship activities. Food, cabins and WiFi all very good. Overall, an excellent expedition which I thoroughly enjoyed. I can't wait to do Svalbard with Oceanwide soon!

I can't say, just how amazing this trip was. It was truly incredible. The ship, the captain, the expedion staff, the expedition leader, the crew, the restaurant staff, the locations, the ice bergs and all the penguins, seals, birds and whales. I loved every minute of this expedition and it never disappointed. Sending a bunch of ordinary passengers down south to experience an environment so unique and rare that many years ago cost many people their lives to get here, is wild. I feel so lucky and blessed to have had this adventure, within the comfort of a warm remarkable vessel. The highlight, was an area called red rock Ridge, a place swarming with manic Adelie penguins and a rough zodiac trip, this felt like proper adventure. Many thanks, and I advise anyone who's thinking about going with oceanwide, to do it 😀

We had a great trip which gave us all that we were hoping for. Incredible number of whales and pinguins and beautiful weather after a very stormy drake passage. Crew and guides were amazing with all the interesting lectures and wonderful food and service. Also the other guests on the boat were great. I truly recommend this trip.

Since this was my second visit to Antarctica, I thought I knew what to expect. However this expedition far succeeded every expectation I had before I boarded Ortelius. Crossing the polar circle, seeing the Southern lights, visiting the Wilkins ice shelf, spotting Emperor/Gentoo/Adélie/Chinstrap penguins, having the most amazing encounters with humpback whales next to (and under) the zodiac boat.. There are just too many highlights to only pick one. Antarctica, the wonderful crew, the great fellow passengers. This was something extremely special which I'll never forget. Highly recommended to anyone ready to explore the most magical place, in a way that can be considered a true polar expedition. I'll absolutely visit again, and I will surely choose Oceanwide for that next adventure.