Oceanwide Expeditions: Pioneers of Polar Exploration
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with Oceanwide Expeditions—the true pioneers of polar exploration. For over 25 years, Oceanwide has been taking adventurous travelers on small ship expedition cruises through the world’s most breathtaking and untouched wildernesses: the Arctic and Antarctica. Here is an overview of 46 Oceanwide expedition cruises.
Oceanwide’s expert-led voyages offer unparalleled, intimate access to these remote frontiers. Travel aboard the specialized, ice-strengthened vessels, join deeply guided wildlife encounters, and experience nature in its purest, most authentic form. Oceanwide specializes in intimate experiences; imagine witnessing the raw beauty of the Arctic or navigating the icy fjords of Antarctica with a small group, allowing for a profound immersion that larger ships cannot offer. For those who crave discovery beyond the ordinary, the polar regions await.The Oceanwide Expedition Fleet
The fleet is comprised of purpose-built and uniquely adapted vessels, each designed to safely and comfortably explore the high-latitude regions.
Description: The world’s first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel, Hondius was built from the ground up specifically for state-of-the-art expedition cruising, setting a new standard for polar safety and comfort.
Description: A powerful, ice-strengthened vessel that is thoroughly outfitted for rugged polar exploration, capable of navigating challenging ice conditions and, when necessary, supporting helicopter operations.
Description: Our most longstanding and classic vessel, Plancius is a reliable and popular choice for many of our most sought-after polar voyages.
Description: A beautiful three-mast schooner, Rembrandt van Rijn is well suited for intimate, focused expedition cruising among the fjords of Greenland and Spitsbergen.
Polar Destinations & Unique HighlightsWe take you to the most remote and captivating locations on Earth, offering a variety of unique activities to enhance your discovery.
Antarctica
Explore the vast Southern Ocean and its surrounding islands:
Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctic Circle
Weddell Sea
Ross Sea
Falkland Islands
South Georgia
South Sandwich Islands
South Shetland Islands
South Orkney Islands
Cape Verde
The Arctic
Discover the majesty of the far North:
Svalbard
Greenland
Iceland
Jan Mayen
Adventure Highlights
Tailored activities for the active explorer:
Antarctic Camping
Kayaking
Snowshoeing
Polar Diving
Mountaineering & Ski Mountaineering
Ski Trekking South Georgia
Photo Workshop
Helicopter Tours (available on select voyages)
Cleaning up Svalbard (citizen science/environmental stewardship)

OCEANWIDE EXPEDITIONS • ANTARCTICA SALE
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctic Peninsula - Photography special
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctic Peninsula
Weddell Sea – Basecamp
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctic Peninsula – Birding
Antarctica - Discovery and learning + Long hikes
Remote Weddell Sea Explorer - incl. Helicopters
Step aboard the majestic Sail Ship Rembrandt van Rijn, a three-masted tall ship that offers a truly unique blend of maritime tradition and modern adventure. Built in 1958 and beautifully refurbished, this Dutch sailing vessel combines classic craftsmanship with contemporary comfort. With its ICE class 1A hull, Rembrandt van Rijn can navigate northern waters—including the Baltic and Arctic—offering unforgettable voyages through pristine, remote regions. Unlike larger cruise ships, this vessel provides an intimate, personalized experience with a low guest-to-crew ratio, perfect for adventurers, sailing enthusiasts, or private groups. Ideal for luxury charters, team-building retreats, or hands-on training, the ship delivers elegance, history, and performance in equal measure. Guests enjoy cozy cabins, fine onboard service, and the thrill of traditional sailing under towering canvas. Whether for exploration or relaxation, a journey aboard Rembrandt van Rijn is more than a cruise—it’s a timeless adventure on the high seas.
Venture Deeper into the Polar Wilds Aboard MS Ortelius
For those craving authentic exploration, MS Ortelius offers a true expedition experience into the world’s most untouched polar frontiers. With capacity for just 108 passengers, this ice-strengthened vessel was originally built as a research ship and has been expertly refitted for adventure seekers—bringing you closer to the raw beauty of Antarctica, the Arctic, and beyond.
Unlike traditional cruises, Ortelius is built for access and agility, navigating icy waters and remote coastlines where wildlife thrives and few ships can go. Step ashore with top-tier expedition guides, cruise through narrow fjords by zodiac, and immerse yourself in polar history, geology, and ecology.
Expect close-up encounters with whales, penguins, polar bears, and seabirds in their natural habitats, plus insightful onboard lectures and warm, comfortable accommodations. For travelers looking for more than sightseeing—those seeking real exploration—MS Ortelius delivers a bold, intimate journey through Earth’s most extreme wildernesses. MS Ortelius use helicopters to achieve this! Cruise Norway with 27 years of experience can assist with expert polar advice.
Polar Journey with MS Hondius
Discover the ultimate in polar exploration aboard MS Hondius, the world’s first-registered Polar Class 6 passenger vessel. Built for adventure, this cutting-edge ship is one of the most structurally fortified and technologically advanced in the polar regions. Designed for safe and eco-conscious travel, Hondius meets the highest environmental standards, featuring sustainable technologies like LED lighting, biodegradable paints, and fuel-efficient systems that reduce CO₂ emissions.
With a capacity of just 170 guests, Hondius offers intimate yet luxurious accommodations, from grand suites with balconies to cozy cabins with stunning views. Her small size and agile design allow for swift, nimble exploration in the Arctic and Antarctic, ensuring close-up wildlife encounters and unforgettable experiences.
Equipped with Zodiacs, multiple gangways, and specialized indoor boarding areas, Hondius is your gateway to seamless shore landings and immersive outdoor activities, including kayaking. Whether you’re exploring icy landscapes, engaging in multi-language lectures, or enjoying personalized service from 70 crew members, Hondius delivers an unparalleled, sustainable polar adventure.
Explore the Ends of the Earth Aboard MS Plancius
Designed for true explorers, MS Plancius is your gateway to the planet’s most remote and awe-inspiring destinations—Antarctica, the Arctic, South Georgia, and beyond. Built for polar expeditions with an ice-strengthened hull and a capacity of just 116 passengers, Plancius offers an intimate, authentic adventure far from the crowds. Get closer to nature with expert-led zodiac landings, wildlife encounters, and hands-on activities like kayaking and photography. Whether you're spotting polar bears in Svalbard, walking among penguins in Antarctica, or sailing past colossal icebergs, every day delivers unforgettable moments. Sustainable and comfortable, Plancius blends raw exploration with cozy cabins and welcoming public spaces. This isn’t a typical cruise—it’s a true expedition crafted for discovery, guided by passionate experts who bring the polar regions to life. If you're seeking wildlife, wilderness, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, MS Plancius is your vessel to adventure.
DISCLAIMER: Rates are per person, subject to availability and can change at any time
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Cruise Norway International
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