Reviews

Overall rating based on 1,281 votes
Overall rating based on 1,281 votes

Region

Destination

Ship

Outdoor activities

Experiences

Wildlife

Year

My August 2025 Arctic adventure was my second trip with Oceanwide Expeditions. The first was aboard the Plancius, this trip aboard the Hondius. It was no surprise that this trip far exceeded all expectations for comfort, delicious meals, and exciting adventures ashore. The top notch expedition staff is knowledgable and professional citing detailed information about wildlife, terrain, and other aspects of the environment. Daily lectures were informative and captivating. Additionally, interactions with all other crew, dining, and staff members were friendly and professional delivering a first class experience. All are true professionals. When the voyage ended, disembarking the ship included lots of hugs and a few tears amongst staff and passengers. It was indeed a very fine adventure. In my estimation there is no finer fleet of ships that are staffed with friendly, professional personnel. I hope to travel with Oceanwide expeditions again. John Zingrich

We recently joined an Arctic cruise with Oceanwide Expeditions and were disappointed by several aspects of the experience. The ship lacked basic amenities, including an elevator. Most of our group were seniors aged 70+, and the constant need to climb multiple flights of stairs for drinking water, meals, and excursions was exhausting. There were no accommodations offered for older guests or those with mobility challenges. Meal service was poorly managed, with only one-hour windows and all passengers eating at the same time. This led to long lines and, on several occasions, the buffet was cleared before we reached the front. Staff were often unaccommodating and unresponsive to concerns. For an expedition of this caliber, the lack of accessibility, organization, and guest care was disappointing. We hope Oceanwide makes meaningful improvements for future guests. We did enjoy the expeditions and the guides leading those activities.

Thank you Oceanwide Expeditions for a truly unbelievable and memorable experience on board the Hondius. What an amazing crew, expedition team and ship to explore the Arctic region. When I booked this adventure, my travel agent told me that an expedition on Oceanwide was the only way to visit Svalbard, and they certainly delivered on that promise. This voyage will be remembered as one of our top expedition adventures. A special thanks to the expedition team for giving every one of us on board a lifetime of memories and for making every day a new experience. The team went out of their way to give us all that experience. I will recommend Oceanwide Expeditions to anyone interested in visiting the polar regions. They are definitely the best in the business! My goal was to witness a polar bear in the wild, and while I know viewing wildlife can be hit or miss, the Oceanwide Expedition team delivered us a once in a lifetime experience, thanks to the skillful eyes and the team's determination. How anyone could spot a polar bear in a somewhat foggy ice packed landscape is beyond anyone's imagination, but once spotted, the captain did the impossible to make viewing the King of the Arctic a reality. It was truly the highlight of the trip. Thank you Oceanwide Expeditions!
The trip exceeded all of my expectations, from start to finish. Julian was a fantastic kayak guide with excellent support from Paulo and Alexis. I would especially like to compliment Rose and Damien who were our dining room stewards, and Victor who minded our cabin 322, we especially loved the towel animals! And the polar bears, what can I say......... a Nat Geo moment
The 18 days off this journey were all fantastic. I've seen a lot off birds and animals in there own environment, the beautyfull, sometimes dramatical landscapes. And we where able to walk (dance) on the Pack Ice. Thanks to Captain Jan and his team to bring us there. And of course many thamks to Expeditie leader Chris and his team for all the times to bring us on land or make a zodiac cruise with us. They all are experts in guiding this trip and telling us every thing we wanted to know. I had a great time with a lot to do and to see. And verry good food, served by a ferry friendly crew.
5
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
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!
The team at Oceanwide offered an incredible experience visiting Antarctica. Every single staff member - the Expedition Leader, Captain, hospitality team and technicians were all genuinely helpful, joyful and expert in their field. I appreciate the company's dedication to sustainability, and the intention to inspire tourists to become conservation advocates. The experiential education part of this expedition was what set it apart and I believe will help Oceanwide have a net positive impact rather than adding to the negative footprint of tourists.
We have been on Plancius to the Arctic, so we knew Oceanwide. But the trip to Antarctica still managed to exceed all expectations! Landscapes, wildlife, guides and crew were magnificent!
Our trip was well organized and for me it was a life-changing experience. No pictures or video from Antarctica can do justice to actually be there. The glacier scenery was mind-boggling and the animal encounters really unique. Strongly recommended to anyone who can afford the trip.
Wonderful trip. Perfect weather. Clean rooms and the entire ship was clean. Good food. Friendly staff. Nice landings and zodiac ride.

Solo travel on Hondius Feb 2025 to Falkland, South Georgia and Antarctica. Saw 7 different Penguin species. Rockhopper, Gentoo, Magellanic, Macaroni, Adelie, Chinstrap & King Penguin. Saw different Whales as well. Minke Whale, Killer Whale / Orcas, Humpback Whales. Saw different birds. Saw different Seals. Fur Seals, Crab Eater Seals, Leopard Seals, Weddell Seals. Beautiful Landscape. Expedition Team great. Crew and Staff great. Love everything about my trip. Worth the money spent. Thanks for the trip log & slideshow. Food is great. Activities great. Love the zodiac cruise and landings.

A fantastic journey. Great Expedition Team. We saw more than ever expected. We will come back. Best choise to travel with Ocianwide.
My wife and I had such a good time aboard Hondius. Pippa and her team were great. We were well taken care of and fed by the hotel team and always felt safe aboard. We got so lucky with the weather and wildlife, which are always big variables in these types of trips. South Georgia is definitely one of the top places I've ever visited and we'll have memories of this trip for the rest of our lives! Thanks for everything!!!
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