
Hondius
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

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
Ship Overview
Entertainment & Onboard Activities
Health, Fitness & Wellness
Family, Kids, and Special Traveler Services
Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship
Testimonials & Passenger Reviews
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
Days revolve around field exploration; evenings pivot to science, storytelling, and camaraderie.
- Expert Lectures by naturalists, historians, and geologists
- Daily Recaps with fast-edit photos and wildlife checklists
- Under-the-Stars Sessions on deck for aurora or midnight-sun viewing
Activity Programming
- Up to two Zodiac landings or cruises per day (ice and weather permitting)
- Optional kayaking, camping, mountaineering, or snowshoeing on select itineraries (surcharge)
- Citizen-science projects such as eBird counts and plankton sampling
- Compact fitness room with cardio equipment and free weights
- Sauna overlooking the wake
- 24-hour medical clinic staffed by a ship’s doctor
Families & Solo Travelers
- Triple and quadruple porthole cabins ideal for families or groups
- Same-gender share option for solo travelers to avoid supplements
Accessibility & Dietary Needs
- Elevator connects passenger decks; select cabins feature wider doors
- Chefs accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-specific diets with advance notice
Eco-Friendly Practices
- LED lighting, biodegradable lubricants, and low-sulfur fuel
- Waste-heat recovery and advanced water-treatment systems
- Strict IAATO & AECO wildlife-distance guidelines
Certifications & Awards
- Polar Class 6 notation under IMO Polar Code
- Green Passport certified for responsible ship recycling
- Overall Experience: “The expedition team and crew made every landing an adventure of a lifetime.” — Cruise Critic 2023
- Accommodations: “Our Superior Cabin was bright and comfortable—loved waking up to icebergs outside the window.” — Cruise Critic 2024
- Dining: “Every meal connected us to the region—fresh Arctic char one night, Patagonian lamb the next.” — Cruise Critic 2023
- Entertainment & Activities: “Evening recaps in the lounge were as exciting as the landings—great photos and science.” — Cruise Critic 2024
- Excursions: “Zodiac operations were slick—within minutes we were face-to-face with king penguins in South Georgia.” — Oceanwide Trip Log 2024
Hondius´s itineraries
Emblematic Antarctica
Discover the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula on this 10-night luxury expedition aboard L’Boreal.
- 8 days
- Le Boréal