Antarctica & Arctic cruises
Antarctica - Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop
9 Dec - 21 Dec, 2025
•Tripcode: HDS24-25
The Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp cruise offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy the Antarctic Region. This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, go mountaineering, and even camp out under the Southern Polar skies.
Antarctica - Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop
28 Dec, 2025 - 9 Jan, 2026
•Tripcode: PLA25-26
The Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp cruise offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy the Antarctic Region. This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, go mountaineering, and even camp out under the Southern Polar skies.
Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage
8 Jan - 18 Jan, 2026
•Tripcode: HDS26-26
This Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands cruise delivers you into a landscape of dark rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and thousands of penguins.
Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage
9 Jan - 19 Jan, 2026
•Tripcode: PLA26-26
This Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands cruise delivers you into a landscape of dark rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and thousands of penguins.
Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage
18 Jan - 28 Jan, 2026
•Tripcode: HDS27-26
This Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands cruise delivers you into a landscape of dark rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and thousands of penguins.
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Latest blog and customer story
Your Expedition Guide to the Antarctic Peninsula
This expedition guide details everything you need to know about the Antarctic Peninsula, one of the most accessible parts of Antarctica, and the stage for some of our most immersive polar adventures.
Around Spitsbergen, in the Realm of the Polar Bear & Ice
There are journeys and there are journeys. This trip is one that falls in the latter category. I look back on a fantastic experience, during which the awareness of human behavior on this vulnerable planet (and especially the Arctic) became very clear to me.
Customer photos
Antarctica & Arctic cruise reviews
The animal and landscape sceneries we're great nur the chinese guests being noisy and chaotic was very disappointing, annoying and shocking to me.they didn't respect nature and I hardly could enjoy the silence of the Arctic as advertised. The food and crew was adorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an ice-strengthened ship and an icebreaker ship?
An ice-strengthened ship is a ship made of steel. These ships are built to navigate the Antarctic and Arctic ice. Today, most ships that cruise to Antarctica and the Arctic are ice-strengthened vessels. Hondius, Ortelius, and Plancius are all ice-strengthened ships. Both Ortelius and Hondius have the highest ice-class notation (UL1, equivalent to 1A-Super for Ortelius, and Polar Class 6, equivalent to 1A-Super for Hondius), making them suitable for navigation in medium first-year ice, which may include old ice inclusions. Plancius has an ice-class notation of 1D.
Icebreakers are needed if there is a trade route to keep ice-free, if there are military reasons for patrolling in areas with heavy sea ice, or if you need to work in heavy ice conditions, particularly in winter. Icebreakers are expensive to build and fuel-intensive to run (sometimes powered by gas turbines or a nuclear generator). These ships, constructed for function, are uncomfortable to travel in on the open sea.
What kind of clothing should I take during my expedition cruise?
All guests are required to wear a waterproof jacket and trousers (the clothing must be fully waterproof – water resistant or repellant is not suitable sufficient) while in our Zodiacs. This is for safety reasons owing to the increased risk of exposure related illness if you get wet. In Norwegian waters this is also a legal requirement – any person not properly dressed will not be permitted to leave the vessel.
Apart from that, our advice is to take warm, windproof clothes that you can easily add or remove in layers. Multiple layers of medium-warmth clothing provide more insulation than single heavier articles. This is due to warm air getting trapped between the layers and acting as further insulation. Look for clothing made of wool, silk, and new synthetic fibers, all of which retain heat better than other materials.
Layers give you the flexibility to control your temperature. The most important layer is the outer waterproof and windproof shell. More information about this can be found in our expedition manual, which you will receive at time of booking.
How do I prepare for my expedition trip?
Our trips can best be described as expedition-style cruises. The emphasis is on viewing wildlife, visiting interesting locations, and participating in activities. For example, we may go to places where there is a good chance of seeing penguins or polar bears, or we may visit culturally significant sites or research stations, or we might embark on a kayaking trip or shoreline snowshoeing hike.
The aim is always to give you the utmost firsthand contact with the polar world. This is why we keep our program flexible, so that we can take the best possible advantage of local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions as they occur. No two voyages are the same. There is always an element of the unexpected in our trips.
When packing for an expedition cruise, avoid weighing yourself down with too much gear. Select informal, practical attire that can be worn in layers. Please ask for our expedition manual with detailed information on clothing lists, what to pack, and what to expect on our voyages.
Are life jackets provided during the cruises?
Yes, we provide all passengers lightweight life jackets that inflate automatically on contact with the water. It is mandatory to wear these life jackets at all times while cruising in the Zodiac boats.
Are the Arctic and Antarctica cruise programs final?
All promoted Arctic and Antarctica cruise itineraries are for general guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. The expedition leader and captain make these decisions in order to provide you the safest and most exploratory experience. Landings may also change due to site availabilities and environmental regulations per IAATO or AECO.
What is your protocol regarding avian flu?
We follow the protocol advised by IAATO. Before leaving for your voyage, please make sure anything you bring that may come into contact with the environment (clothes, equipment, etc.) is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. We ask that you do not sit, kneel, or lay down during our landings. Please also do not place anything on the ground. You will receive a document with further information after booking.
On this page you find all information you need to know about the avian influenza outbreaks, including biosecurity protocols.
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About Oceanwide Expeditions
Expedition cruise
Embark on an unforgettable expedition cruise with Oceanwide Expeditions, where adventure and discovery meet in the polar regions. Our expert-guided cruise expeditions offer immersive journeys to remote destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland, Svalbard, and Iceland. Each voyage combines the excitement of wildlife spotting with awe-inspiring landscapes, giving guests a truly unique polar experience.
Discover the ultimate cruise expedition
Our cruise expeditions are designed for travelers seeking the adventure of a lifetime. On board our small ship fleet, including the m/v Hondius, m/v Ortelius, and m/v Plancius, every journey is carefully planned to maximize shore landings and excursions. Guests can explore glaciers, fjords, and icebergs while enjoying expert guidance from our experienced expedition team. Zodiac excursions, guided hikes, and kayaking adventures provide close encounters with wildlife and landscapes that few will ever witness firsthand.
Our itineraries are flexible, ensuring maximum time ashore to explore remote regions. Whether it’s a polar bear in the Arctic or penguins in Antarctica, our expeditions offer rare wildlife sightings and immersive experiences. Oceanwide Expeditions’ decades of experience allow us to navigate safely through sea ice while maintaining a small ship feel, giving our guests exclusive access to extraordinary expedition cruise destinations. Discover our Antarctica cruises or Arctic cruises to find your next adventure.
Explore polar regions with expert guides
We prioritize enriching our guests’ journeys through educational opportunities and expert-led activities. On every expedition cruise, our staff provide insights on the local ecosystem, polar science, and the history of the regions visited. From wildlife spotting to understanding the dynamics of glaciers and fjords, our guided excursions deepen the connection with the environment. Activities include zodiac landings, hiking along the shoreline, and kayaking among icebergs, all designed to engage and educate.
For travelers seeking a more active adventure, we offer guided hikes and optional kayaking excursions to explore fjords and remote areas. Visit Greenland, Iceland, or Svalbard for extraordinary landscapes. These opportunities allow for close contact with wildlife and the awe-inspiring scenery of the Arctic and Antarctica. Our immersive approach ensures guests gain a true sense of the polar regions, experiencing wildlife and landscapes in their natural environment.
Small ships, big experiences
Oceanwide Expeditions’ small ships provide an intimate and flexible travel experience. Unlike large cruise liners, our vessels allow rapid disembarkation and easy access to remote places. This agility lets us offer multiple shore landings and unique excursions on a single voyage. Passengers can enjoy a variety of activities, from exploring icebergs and fjords to hiking and camping ashore. Our fleet is equipped with Zodiacs for safe and efficient transfers between ship and shore.
We prioritize a low-impact approach to travel. As a member of AECO and IAATO, we ensure our expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic are environmentally responsible. This commitment allows guests to explore pristine landscapes and wildlife up close while minimizing ecological impact. Oceanwide Expeditions balances adventure and sustainability, creating an authentic polar experience. Explore specific destinations like the Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea, and South Georgia.
Unmatched expedition cruise destinations
Our cruises take travelers to far-flung destinations that are otherwise difficult to access. Antarctica and the Arctic are prime locations for witnessing dramatic ice formations, glaciers, and rare wildlife. Explore the fjords of Greenland, the icy waters of Svalbard, or the volcanic landscapes of Iceland. Every expedition cruise offers tailored itineraries to maximize wildlife encounters and scenic exploration, ensuring each voyage is a unique adventure. Check our South Sandwich Islands and South Shetland Islands expeditions.
From shore landings to Zodiac excursions, our guests can experience the remotest corners of the planet. Sea ice, icebergs, and the inside passage of the Arctic provide the perfect backdrop for wildlife and nature encounters. Each expedition is designed to showcase the beauty and isolation of these regions while offering the comfort and expertise of our dedicated crew.
Prepare for an immersive polar experience
Every expedition cruise with Oceanwide Expeditions is thoughtfully prepared to enhance your journey. Our staff provide tips and tricks, including packing lists and safety advice, to ensure you enjoy the adventure fully. Whether your focus is wildlife and scenery, guided hikes, or Zodiac excursions, our goal is to create an awe-inspiring experience for all fitness and experience levels. Consider expeditions like Jan Mayen or the South Orkney Islands for extraordinary remote destinations.
Our voyages combine adventure, learning, and exploration. Guests can enrich their understanding of polar ecosystems, meet rare wildlife like penguins and polar bears, and enjoy activities ranging from kayaking to snowshoeing. With select departures and exclusive offers, each expedition cruise provides the ultimate opportunity to explore the world’s far-flung and remote destinations.
Your next expedition cruise awaits
Oceanwide Expeditions invites you to join one of our expert-led polar expeditions. From wildlife spotting to immersive shore landings, our cruise expeditions allow you to experience the remotest regions of Earth. Discover Antarctica and the Arctic like never before, with small ship flexibility, guided hikes, Zodiac excursions, and opportunities for personal exploration. Plan your journey today and start your adventure of a lifetime with Oceanwide Expeditions.
Explore our expedition itineraries to find the perfect voyage to your dream destination.
