"Oceanwide Expeditions is one of the few polar operators that owns and operates its entire fleet, allowing maximum flexibility in the field. With small expedition ships, extended shore landings and one of the industry's most comprehensive activity programmes, Oceanwide delivers a true expedition experience rather than a traditional cruise."
Oceanwide Expeditions is one of the most experienced operators specialising in expedition cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica. Founded in the Netherlands, the company has been exploring the polar regions since the early 1990s and remains focused on authentic expedition travel with small ships, experienced guides and maximum time spent ashore.
A key characteristic of Oceanwide is that the company owns and operates its entire fleet. This provides greater operational flexibility and allows itineraries to be adapted to changing weather and ice conditions whenever possible.
The fleet consists of four expedition vessels. Hondius, the world's first registered Polar Class 6 expedition cruise ship built specifically for polar operations, is the company's flagship. She is joined by Ortelius, an ice-strengthened vessel equipped for specialised expeditions, including selected helicopter-supported voyages, Plancius, a proven expedition ship renowned for classic Arctic and Antarctic itineraries, and the three-masted schooner Rembrandt van Rijn, offering intimate sailing expeditions in Svalbard and Greenland.
Oceanwide's expedition programme covers nearly every major polar destination. Arctic voyages explore Svalbard, East and West Greenland, Iceland and remote areas of the High Arctic. Antarctic itineraries range from the Antarctic Peninsula to South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and the Weddell Sea, with selected departures venturing into some of the most remote regions accessible to expedition ships.
The company is particularly well known for its extensive range of optional adventure activities. Depending on the voyage, guests can join kayaking, mountaineering, camping, snowshoeing, scuba diving, photography workshops or dedicated hiking programmes. Rather than focusing on luxury, Oceanwide emphasises exploration, flexibility and meaningful experiences in nature.
With its self-owned fleet, highly experienced expedition teams and strong emphasis on active exploration, Oceanwide Expeditions has established itself as one of the leading specialists for immersive polar expeditions in both the Arctic and Antarctica.
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