m/v Hondius

Our newest, most advanced vessel is the world’s first-registered Polar Class 6 cruise ship, exceeding all the latest green requirements of the Polar Code


m/v Hondius

Hondius is the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world, meeting the latest and highest Lloyd’s Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships. Surpassing the requirements of the Polar Code adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Hondius represents the most flexible, advanced, innovative touring vessel in the polar regions, thoroughly optimized for exploratory voyages that provide you the utmost first-hand contact with the Arctic and Antarctica.

Specifications
Passengers: 170 in 80 cabins
Staff & crew: Crew 57 | Guides 13 | Doctor 1
Length: 107.6 meters
Breadth: 17.6 meters
Draft: 5.30 meters
Ice class: Polar Class 6 (equivalent 1A-Super)
Displacement: 5,590 tonnes
Propulsion: 2 x ABC main engines; total 4,200 kW
Speed: 15 knots
Deck plans and downloads Show m/v Hondius cabins


Happier polar passengers, healthier polar environment 

Not only will the numerous amenities and on-board entertainments help make your Hondius voyage truly memorable, this ship also gives you the peace of mind that comes with choosing one of the most environmentally friendly vessel on the polar seas. Hondius uses LED lighting, steam heating, bio-degradable paints and lubricants, and state-of-the-art power management systems that keep fuel consumption and CO2 levels minimal. This means that when you sail aboard Hondius, you get to enjoy the exotic landscapes and wildlife as much as possible while impacting them as little as possible.

 

Hotel comfort, expedition class

Please be aware that a small number of cabins may have a partially obstructed view due to the size of the windows and the design requirements of the ship. For example, some windows may be partly obstructed in the lower half by a gangway. The best view is always on the outer deck or the bridge. Hondius offers high-quality accommodation for 170 passengers in six grand suites with balconies (27 square meters, 291 square feet), eight junior suites (19 to 20 square meters, 205 to 215 square feet), eight superior cabins (20 to 21 square meters, 215 to 226 square feet), 11 twin deluxe cabins, (19 to 21 square meters, 205 to 226 square feet), 14 twin window cabins (12 to 14 square meters, 129 to 151 square feet) as well as 27 twin porthole cabins, two triple porthole cabins, and four quadruple porthole cabins that vary in size from 12 to 18 square meters, or 129 to 194 square feet. One deck consists of a large observation lounge and separate lecture room, which are reserved for a wide variety of interactive workshops, exhibitions, and performances particular to Hondius. Though elegantly designed in stylish mid-century modern décor, this vessel holds true to Oceanwide’s distinctive cozy and informal atmosphere.

Swift & safe ship-to-shore operations

It is our philosophy to keep sea time short so that we can focus instead on fast, effective access to shore and near-shore activities. To give you the maximum contact with the nature and wildlife you traveled so far to see, we employ a tough fleet of rigid-hull inflatable Zodiac boats that guarantee swift and safe landing operations for the passengers. Hondius has two separate gangways and a sheltered indoor Zodiac boarding are that can also be used for special outdoor activities, such as kayaking.

The fast, flexible, friendly heart of the polar regions

Our top priority is taking advantage of every wildlife and terrain opportunity as it occurs. To keep our itineraries flexible itineraries and our response time rapid, Hondius is equipped with advanced stabilizers and two main engines capable of powering the vessel up to 15 knots. But Hondius sacrifices no warmth to achieve its keen polar edge: You will have 70 crew and staff members (including expedition and hotel staff) at your service while on board, ensuring that what little time you do spend on the ship you will spend comfortably entertained.

Age and nationality

Passengers on a typical voyage range from in their 30s to their 80s, with the majority usually between 45 ― 65. Our expeditions attract independent travelers from around the globe who are characterized by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie that develops on board is an important part of the Oceanwide experience, and many passenger groups include several nationalities.

What to wear

In keeping with the spirit of expedition, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities, and keep in mind that much of the scenery can be appreciated from deck ― which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles, and make sure your parka is never far away in case one of our crew shouts “Whales!” over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside in a moment’s notice. Opt for layers, as it is comfortably warm aboard the ship though often cold on deck.

How to pay

Refreshments and souvenirs will be charged to your cabin. The day before departure you can settle your bill with the hotel manager, paying by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or cash (euro, or in some cases dollar). We cannot, however, accept checks. Though the prices and standard currency on board is in the euro, other currencies may be accepted at the discretion of the hotel manager, at prevailing rates.

Electric current

The electrical supply aboard ship is 220v, 60Hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins, so some passengers may need a 220v/110v converter.

Gratuities

The customary gratuity to the ship’s service personnel is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage and is divided among the crew. Tipping is a personal matter, and the amount you wish to give is at your sole discretion. As a generally accepted guideline, we suggest 8 ― 10 euros per passenger per day. It is better for the crew if you give cash.

Non-smoking policy

We have a non-smoking policy inside all our vessels, though you can smoke in certain designated areas. We ask that you please respect the wishes of non-smokers.

Your physical condition

You must be in good overall health and be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding, but we spend as much time as possible on shore. You are, however, welcome to remain aboard the ship if you prefer. To join most excursions you must be able to get up and down the steep gangway ― from the ship to the water level ― to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats, and boarding will become progressively easier with practice, but conditions on shore can be slippery and rocky. Remember, you will be traveling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition or need daily medical treatment. 

Our cruises

Arctic Ocean Expedition, Aberdeen - Fair Isle - Jan Mayen - Ice edge - Spitsbergen - Birding

Sail the East Greenland ice edge north of Spitsbergen in search for whales, and other Arctic wildlife

HDS01a23 Search for whales, and other Arctic wildlife of the land, sea, and air on an adventurous voyage from our home port of Vlissingen to our favorite Arctic island group.

m/v Hondius

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

3 Jun - 14 Jun, 2023

Price:

on request

Arctic Ocean Expedition, Fair Isle - Jan Mayen - Ice Edge - Spitsbergen - Birding

Sail the East Greenland ice edge north of Spitsbergen in search for whales, and other Arctic wildlife

HDS01b23 Search for whales, and other Arctic wildlife of the land, sea, and air on an adventurous voyage from the Scottish port of Aberdeen to our favorite Arctic island group.

m/v Hondius

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

5 Jun - 14 Jun, 2023

Price:

2750 USD

North Spitsbergen, In search of Polar Bear & Pack Ice - Summer Solstice
$2250 OFF

North Spitsbergen, In search of Polar Bear & Pack Ice - Summer Solstice

The best opportunity to spot the King of the Arctic

HDS04-23 Start your North Spitsbergen cruise with a trek around historic Longyearbyen, then join our expedition to the north of the island to take in the fantastically beautiful landscapes, the thousands of seabirds, and of course the star of the show, the polar...

m/v Hondius

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

14 Jun - 21 Jun, 2023

Price:

3000 USD

East Spitsbergen - Summer Solstice
$2250 OFF

East Spitsbergen - Summer Solstice

Discover the highest peaks, largest seabird colonies, and best places to spot polar bears along the eastern shores of Spitsbergen

HDS05-23 Experience the high Arctic summer solstice with an expedition that visits some of the top sites of eastern Spitsbergen. Our goal is to take you to amazing glaciers, fascinating historical sites, bountiful seabird colonies, and sprawling fjord systems...

m/v Hondius

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

21 Jun - 28 Jun, 2023

Price:

3000 USD

Around Spitsbergen - In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice
$3100 OFF

Around Spitsbergen - In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

Full Spitsbergen Circumnavigation

HDS06-23 Take a cruise around Spitsbergen and explore the icy waters of the North Atlantic. This special expedition offers you the chance to catch site of whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and the star attraction, the polar bear.

m/v Hondius

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

28 Jun - 7 Jul, 2023

Price:

4050 USD

Reviews

Overall rating based on 212 votes

Sue Crowe
Amazing Antarctica
by Sue Crowe

I cannot fault the professionalism of the Plancius crew - the ship was terrific, the service five star, the staff were welcoming, friendly, helpful and knowledgeable - no question went unanswered and nothing wa

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Ellen Tanger
Super once in a life time experience
by Ellen Tanger

This was my best trip ever.

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Atlantic Odessey
by Simon Byron

Friendly & knowledgable staff. Interesting talks particularly from the US Army Commander of Ascension during the Falklands conflict and the UK Manager from Cable & Wireless in the 1960s. I would have liked to s

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Atlantic Odyssey
by Bradley Bergman
pretour Antarctica
by Dick Groenendijk

Het was een bijzondere ervaring en een prachtige reis met heel veel mooie herinneringen en waarnemingen. Een aanrader voor iedereen die houdt van onhergbergzame landschappen en gebieden met unieke soorten.

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The prettiest place on Earth
by Laura Winzenread

Antarctica is the most gorgeous and pristine place I’ve ever seen. Taking the voyage on the Plancius, with the expert staff and warm crew, made the trip all the more memorable. I would absolutely recommend this

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