Hondius

MV Hondius is Oceanwide Expeditions’ Polar Class 6 flagship and the world’s first new-build passenger ship to meet the latest IMO Polar Code. Carrying just 170 guests, the ice-strengthened vessel combines rugged engineering with an expedition ethos that prioritizes time ashore: quick-load Zodiac platforms, a wrap-around Observation Lounge, and tier-one lecture spaces keep wildlife front-and-center from dawn to midnight sun.

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Ship Statistics

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2010

Launch Year

10944

Gross Tonnes

142

Length

18

Width

EUR

Currency

14

Max Speed (Knots)

264

Capacity

145

Crew

132

Cabins

Facilities

Accommodation

All 80 ocean-view cabins feature private bathrooms, climate control, writing desks, and daily housekeeping. Light woods, clean lines, and expedition photography lend a Scandinavian warmth that contrasts beautifully with the polar scenery outside.

Stateroom & Suite Categories

  • Grand Suite with Balcony (≈ 27 m² / 291 ft²): Located forward on the upper deck with a step-out balcony; includes a sofa lounge, double bed, espresso machine, complimentary laundry, and minibar.
  • Junior Suite (≈ 19–20 m² / 205–215 ft²): Offers wide views through corner windows; features a sitting area, ample wardrobe space, and HDTV.
  • Superior Cabin (≈ 20–21 m² / 215–226 ft²): Includes two large windows, a work desk, queen or twin beds, and a coffee/tea setup.
  • Twin Deluxe (≈ 19–21 m² / 205–226 ft²): Situated on the upper deck with a picture window; features generous storage and reading lights.
  • Twin Window (≈ 12–14 m² / 129–151 ft²): Offers mid-ship stability and a large window; includes an ensuite bathroom and writing desk.
  • Twin / Triple / Quad Porthole (≈ 12–14 m² / 129–151 ft²): Configured for two to four guests with round portholes; ideal for friends, families, or value-minded travelers.

Dining

Culinary Philosophy

Chefs follow a “taste-of-place” approach: Arctic char in Svalbard, South Georgia lamb in the Southern Ocean, and fresh-baked breads daily. Buffet breakfasts and lunches fuel active days, while three-course plated dinners anchor the nightly recap ritual.

Restaurants & Bars

  • Main Dining Room — single-seating venue with panorama windows
  • Expedition Bar & Observation Lounge — barista coffee by day, polar-themed cocktails during evening recaps

Onboard Facilities

A palette of Nordic woods and cool grays runs throughout, while floor-to-ceiling glazing keeps icebergs in constant view.

Indoor & Outdoor Spaces

  • Observation Lounge with library corner and bar
  • Lecture Theater — tiered seating for daily science talks
  • Open Bridge policy for real-time navigation insight
  • Mudroom — lockers and boot dryers beside dual Zodiac doors
  • Fitness Room & Sauna overlooking the stern wake
  • Expansive 360° decks for photography and whale watching

Deck Plans

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More Information About Hondius

Brand Heritage

Family-owned Oceanwide Expeditions has specialized in small-ship polar voyages since 1993. Commissioned in 2019, Hondius was the fleet’s first purpose-built new-build, embodying three decades of field expertise and a steadfast commitment to minimal-impact exploration.

Design Description

Hondius sports an ice-strengthened hull, hydrodynamic “Green Bishop” bow, and a flexible power-management system that lowers fuel burn and CO₂ emissions. Stabilizers and shallow draft enhance comfort and enable access to remote landing sites. Guest areas cluster amidships for stability and quick transitions between lounge, decks, and Zodiacs.

Unique Features

  • Polar Class 6 — first passenger ship built to the newest PC6 standard
  • Two Zodiac Embarkation Platforms for rapid simultaneous boarding
  • Flexible Power Management for fuel efficiency and low noise
  • Dedicated Lecture & Workshop Rooms supporting citizen-science projects

Hondius´s itineraries

Emblematic Antarctica

Discover the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula on this 10-night luxury expedition aboard L’Boreal.