Oceanwide Expeditions

About Oceanwide Expeditions

Founded in the Netherlands over 30 years ago, Oceanwide Expeditions grew from scientific research voyages to Svalbard into one of the most respected polar expedition operators in the industry. Their fleet of four vessels — the purpose-built Hondius, the ice-class powerhouse Ortelius, the expedition stalwart Plancius, and the intimate sailing vessel Rembrandt van Rijn — covers an impressive range of polar itineraries from standard Antarctic Peninsula runs to genuinely ambitious deep-south Weddell Sea explorations and Arctic circumnavigations of Spitsbergen.

What distinguishes Oceanwide from the growing crowd of expedition operators is their uncompromising focus on the destination rather than the ship. Cabins are functional rather than lavish, dining is good but not a headline act, and the daily programme revolves around maximising time on the ice and in Zodiacs rather than onboard lectures and cocktail hours. Their expedition teams include marine biologists, ornithologists, and glaciologists who lead landings with genuine expertise and infectious enthusiasm.

The value proposition is compelling. Oceanwide consistently offers some of the most competitive pricing in polar expedition cruising, particularly aboard Plancius and Ortelius, where quad-share and triple cabins bring Antarctica within reach for younger travellers and those who would rather spend their budget on the trip itself than on suite upgrades. Hondius, meanwhile, raises the comfort level with balcony cabins and more spacious public areas while retaining the expedition-first ethos that defines the brand.

For the 2025-26 Antarctic season, Oceanwide has introduced standout itineraries including a 27-night Remote Weddell Sea Explorer retracing Shackleton’s Endurance route — pushing farther south than any non-icebreaker passenger vessel. It is this kind of ambitious, destination-driven programming that keeps experienced polar travellers coming back to Oceanwide year after year.