News | Oceanwide Expeditions

Antarctica Cruises Spring-Offer: 5% discount on Antarctica 2011-12 voyages

For new reservations, we offer you a 5 % discount on a selection of voyages for the next Antarctic Cruises 2011-12 season. This Spring-Offer can be booked in all cabin types.

This Spring-Offer (5 % discount) applies to the following Antarctica Cruises 2011-12 voyages, all cabin types, including single cabins and special activity packages:

Voyage PLA27A
10-nights voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula
28 January – 07 February 2012

Voyage PLA27B
10-nights voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula
07 – 17 February 2012

Voyage PLA28
10-nights voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula
17 – 27 February 2012





Voyage PLA29
11-nights voyage to the Weddell Sea and Antarctic Peninsula
Basecamp voyage, all outdoor activities included in the price.
27 February - 09 March 2012

Voyage PLA30
11-nights voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula, including Polar Circle
09 - 20 March 2012

Voyage PLA31
09-nights voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula
20 – 29 March 2012




Please contact our reservation department now on: info@oceanwide-expeditions.com

We look very much forward to welcoming you onboard on one of our Antarctic cruises!

BOOK NOW! Antarctica for only EUR 3.190

This is your change to save money on your Antarctic voyage! We offer 20% discount on our 10-days voyage PLA31 to the Antarctic Peninsula from 20 till 29 March 2012 aboard our vessel Plancius"

This is an excellent period for whale watching! A berth in a quadruple cabin (with private bathroom) can now be offered for € 3.990 minus 20 % = € 3.190 (for bookings outside Europe: US $ 5,290 minus 20% discount = US $ 4,230 per person).
A twin cabin with private bathroom can be offered for € 4.650 minus 20 % = € 3.690 per person (for bookings outside Europe: US $ 6,190 minus 20% discount = US $ 4,950 per person).

Click here for further details including trip information.

We offer 15 % discount on our 11-days voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula from 28 January till 07 February 2012, voyage code PLA27A aboard our vessel “Plancius”. A twin cabin with private bathroom can be offered for € 6.490 minus 15 % =
€ 5.490 per person (for bookings outside Europe: US $ 8,650 minus 20% discount = US $ 7,350 per person). A berth in a Quadruple cabin is available for € 5.490 minus 15 % = € 4.665 (US $ 7,290 minus 15 % = US $ 6,195).

Click here for further details including trip information.

A 15 % discount also applies to voyage PLA28, an 11-days Basecamp Voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula from 17 till 27 February 2012, which offers free kayaking, camping and hiking tours. A twin cabin with private bathroom can be offered for
€ 6.290 minus 15 % = € 5.346 per person (for bookings outside Europe: US $ 8,350 minus 15 % discount = US $ 7,097 per person). A berth in a Quadruple cabin is available for € 5.290 minus 15 % = € 4.490 (US $ 7,050 minus 15 % = US $ 5,990).

Click here for further details including trip information.

We offer 20% discount on the 19-days voyage OTL26 to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, from 04 till 22 February 2012 aboard our new vessel “Ortelius”. A twin non private cabin can now be offered for € 9.690 minus 20% discount = € 7.752 per person (for bookings outside Europe: US $ 12,890 minus 20% discount = US $ 10,312 per person). A berth in a Quadruple cabin is available for € 8.250 minus 20 % = € 6.600 (US $ 10,990 minus 20 % =
US $ 8,792).

Click here for further details including trip information.

BOOK NOW! Travel with 50% discount to Antarctica

For new reservations on the following voyages, every second person travels with 50% discount on the mentioned cruise fares....




Voyage PLA27 aboard "Plancius"
18-nights voyage to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula
04 – 22 February 2011

Cruise fares within Europe:
Quadruple cabin: € 9.090 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = € 4.545
Twin cabin: € 10.990 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = € 5.495
Superior cabin: € 12.790 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = € 6.395

Cruise fares outside Europe:
Quadruple cabin: US $ 10,950 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = US $ 5,475
Twin cabin: US $ 13,290 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = US $ 6,645
Superior cabin: US $ 15,450 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = US $ 7,725

Voyage PLA28 aboard "Plancius"
10-nights voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula
22 February – 04 March 2011

Cruise fares within Europe:
Quadruple cabin: € 5.290 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = € 2.645
Twin cabin: € 6.390 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = € 3.195
Superior cabin: € 7.390 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = € 3.695

Cruise fares outside Europe:
Quadruple cabin: US $ 6,390 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = US $ 3,195
Twin cabin: US $ 7,750 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = US $ 3,875
Superior cabin: US $ 8,950 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = US $ 4,475

Voyage PLA29 aboard "Plancius"
11-nights voyage to the Weddell Sea and Antarctic Peninsula
Basecamp voyage: activities included kayaking, camping, hiking, photography workshop 

Cruise fares within Europe:
Quadruple cabin: € 5.090 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = € 2.545
Twin cabin: € 6.190 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = € 3.095
Superior cabin: € 7.050 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = € 3.525


Voyage PLA30 aboard "Plancius"
11-nights voyage to the Polar Circle and Antarctic Peninsula
15 March – 26 March 2011

Cruise fares within Europe:
Quadruple cabin: € 5.090 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = € 2.545
Twin cabin: € 6.190 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = € 3.095
Superior cabin: € 7.050 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = € 3.525

Cruise fares outside Europe:
Quadruple cabin: US $ 6,150 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = US $ 3,075
Twin cabin: US $ 7,490 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = US $ 3,745
Superior cabin: US $ 8,490 for the first person, and, the second person 50 % off = US $ 4,245

Mentioned cruise fares rates and discounts apply to every party of two persons booked on the same voyage (first pays full fare and the second person receives 50 % discount).

Please contact our reservation department now on: info@oceanwide-expeditions.com

We look forward to welcome you on board!

Jan Mayen | Mountain Expedition 2012

APPLY NOW FOR A UNIQUE EXPEDITION !

Mountaineering Expedition to Mt Beerenberg / Jan Mayen 2012

Exclusive Jan Mayen PLA04/OTL05, 07/09 – 26 June 2012 ( 20 days  / 19 nights)
Vlissingen / Aberdeen - Longyearbyen

We offer a special mountaineering expedition to Jan Mayen. Also non-mountaineers are welcome to join the expedition. This land expedition begins as part of the voyage starting from Vlissingen or from Aberdeen to Jan Mayen aboard Plancius (PLA04V or PLA04A). The mountaineers will be dropped off for a week’s land expedition on the small island of Jan Mayen in order to summit the most northerly volcano Mt Beerenberg (2.277 m a.s.l.) during summer solstice. Later, the mountaineering team will be picked up by our vessel Ortelius (OTL05) at Jan Mayen for transfer to Spitsbergen where the voyages ends.

Mountaineering on Jan Mayen: a group of up to 18 mountain explorers and 2-3 mountain guides will attempt to climb the highest peak of the island. The expedition team will be unsupported and self supplied during their time on the island. On arrival day at Jan Mayen, the expedition members will set up their shore basecamp for the next few days. From here the mountaineers will proceed further inland, either on ski or on foot across the volcanic plains of this exposed island in the North Atlantic situated between the Greenland and Norwegian sea. The mountaineers will approach the glacier of Mt Beerenberg, glacier outlets and snowfields reach down to sea level in some places. It is a majestic mountain and unique opportunity for mountaineers to summit a remote peak of the North Atlantic. Jan Mayen also offers plenty of other hiking opportunities. All expedition members take advantage of using Oceanwide Expeditions’ industry leading field and mountaineering equipment and snowshoes, which make walking on deep and slushy snow much easier.



Deadline for applications for the mountaineering expedition: 12 April 2012. The questionnaire and registration form will be forwarded upon request.

For more details about the voyage PLA04V / A – OTL05, click here to download the exclusive Jan Mayen flyer. The flyer with rates in US Dollar is upon request available.

World's Leading Polar Expedition Operator

Oceanwide Expeditions is delighted to be a fourth time winner of the World Travel Award in the category of: World’s Leading Polar Expedition Operator 2011.

World Travel Awards serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.

We thank all partner tour operators and agencies for your ongoing support and confidence in Oceanwide Expeditions' polar voyages and look forward to a continuous good cooperation for the years to come.

Geographical North Pole - 90 Degrees North

Experience skiing or helicopter expeditions beneath the midnight sun to the Geographical North Pole. The weather in April is good with temperatures between -30 C to -20 C. Fly by plane from Spitsbergen to the ice camp Barneo  at  latitude 89°N.  From the ice camp a helicopter takes you to the Pole for a celebration. Return to Spitsbergen via helicopter and plane.

DATE: April 10 - 13, 2012 (4 days / 3 nights)
Please note: accommodation is in heated tents

Itinerary: Longyearbyen - Barneo - North Pole - Barneo - Longyearbyen

April 10 - Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) Expedition staff will brief you at  your hotel and inform you of the polar flight time. Enjoy free time in Longyearbyen.

April 11 - Transfer provided from your hotel to the airport . Flight from Longyearbyen to Barneo by AN-74 aircraft (approx. flight duration: 2 hrs 30 min). Arrive at ice camp Barneo at 89°N.  MI-8 helicopter brings you to the geographic North Pole,  depending on weather and ice conditions (approx. flight duration: 40 min).  You have about 1.5  hours at the North Pole. Return to the ice camp Barneo by MI-8 helicopter (approx. flight duration: 40 min). Full catering during your stay at ice camp Barneo.  North Pole Certificate ceremony at Barneo’s, the most Northern Polar Cafe.  6-7 hours after your first arrival to Barneo you fly back to Longyearbyen on the AN-74 aircraft (approx. flight duration 2 h 30 min). Transfer from airport to your hotel.
 
April 12 - Day at Barneo in the event that bad weather prevents flight operation on April 11,  for a second chance to reach the North Pole if first attempt failed . If successful on the 11th then this day is free time in Longyearbyen.










April 13 - Independent transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.
Changes and amendments may apply to the program, depending on the weather, ice or other conditions. It is important to consider possible delays or alterations, and accept them with patience. We strongly recommend that you acquire insurance against full or partial cancellation of the expedition.

Price per person:
10.500 EUR ( until Dec 30, early bird discount  500 EURO off)

Price includes:
Transfers: Hotel-airport  before charter flight, and  airport - hotel after charter flight; flights Longyearbyen - Barneo - Longyearbyen, Helicopter flights Barneo - North Pole – Barneo; tent accommodation and catering at ice camp Barneo; Certificate of  North Pole achievement; Polar Guides' at Longyearbyen and at Barneo; luggage allowance of 15 kilos.

Price does not include:
Airfares to/from Longyearbyen; hotels and catering in Longyearbyen; transfers at arrival in and departure from Longyearbyen. All  unforeseen costs related to the flight delays. Overweight luggage at the cost of 40 Euro/kilo. Compulsory full medical evacuation insurance with minimum coverage for evacuation 50,000 Euro – mandatory. Insurance against full or partial cancellation of the expedition, luggage insurance, life insurance (strongly recommended).















Click here to contact our reservations department

Additional information available upon request:
- List of equipment for the expedition
- Qualification of the expedition members
- Terms and Conditions
- Waiver

Flight cruises to South Georgia

Oceanwide Expeditions offers flight cruises to South Georgia with a secured allotment of seats on the scheduled LAN-Chile flights. LAN Chile operates solely on Saturday and this will increase the length of our scheduled South Georgia voyage (now reduced to one voyage only) to 14 nights (Saturday to Saturday) instead of 11 nights.

Including flight: The use of a flight with LAN Chile on voyages PLA22 – PLA24 enables us to limit the number of sea-days, making the voyage shorter, less expensive and yet still offer exactly the same quality voyage including the same number of landing days as on our classical departures.

Including one way flight: On voyage PLA22, a single flight (03 December) with LAN Chile from Port Stanley, Falkland Islands to Santiago de Chile is included in the ship’s passage price. On voyage PLA24 a single flight from Santiago de Chile to Port Stanley, Falkland islands (17 December) is included in the price.
Including return flight: On voyage PLA23 a roundtrip flight with LAN Chile is included in the ship’s passage price (Santiago de Chile - Port Stanley on 03 December and Port Stanley - Santiago de Chile on 17 December).

Voyage PLA22 will now offer a 13-nights voyage from 20 November till 03 December 2011 to the Weddell Sea and Falkland Islands, offering the chance to observe the eight Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic penguin species (individual Emperor Penguins in the Weddell Sea, Magellanic, Rockhoppers and King Penguins on the Falkland Islands, Macaroni Penguins on Macaroni Point on Deception island, Adelie penguins on Brown Bluff in the Weddell Sea, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins in Antarctica).

Voyage PLA23, a 14-nights voyage departing and ending in Port Stanley, Falkland Islands to South Georgia, from 03 till 17 December 2011, offering a unique Exclusive South Georgia itinerary, including snowshoeing and trekking option.

Voyage PLA24, a 15-nights voyage from Port Stanley, Falkland Islands to South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula will now take place from 17 December 2011 till 01 January 2012 and has been slightly reduced in price.

Voyage PLA25 is now rerouted to a 09-nights Antarctic Peninsula voyage from 01 till 10 January 2012.

The original scheduled 18-nights voyage PLA27 has now been changed into two additional 10-nights Antarctic Peninsula voyages, PLA27-A and PLA27-B.

For more information or to make your reservation please click here

Plancius 'Basecamp', 04 - 15 March, 2011 voyage

The first ever Basecamp program in the Antarctic was a great success!
This new concept, planned, initiated and carried out by Oceanwide Expeditions, for passengers to enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, (soft) mountaineering and photo workshops, has proven very successful.

Kayakers observed leopard seals feeding during their kayak outings. Kayakers observe wildlife and nature from a different, much closer  angle. Everybody can ‘dip in and try out’.




Meanwhile hikers and snowshoe walkers enjoyed shore landings with stunning sceneries, surrounded by the Antarctic mountains. Hikers walk beyond the penguin colonies and discover new angles of nature experience.




At night campers loved the fact that they had the opportunity to camp on Antarctica. The only sound campers hear is the penguin colonies nearby.



The mountaineers managed to climb Jabet Peak (Wiencke Island),  Mt.Demaria (Waddington Bay) and Doumer Hill, Booth-Island and the higher grounds of Neko Harbour. The views from the top are second to none. A group photo from a remote Antarctic mountain top – a true memory of a lifetime!


All the passengers who were interested in photography had a fantastic time with their photo-guide, who explained on how to get the best out of their images and how to capture the beauty of Antarctica, forever.




Diving is a special option for experts.  The divers had two successful dives at Port Lockroy - including whale bones and giant marine isopods plus a range of benthic life. Two dives at Damoy - both involving amazing encounters with a Leopard seal - on the second occasion the seal caught a Gentoo Penguin and flayed it in front of the snorkelling divers!


Click here for a detailed report from one of the passengers who enjoyed our 'Basecamp Plancius' program. Courtesy of Szilvia Gogh of Miss-Scuba.

Thanks to all our ‘Basecamp Plancius’ passengers for their great reports and feedback and our staff and crew on board for making this run smoothly.

Join us on our next Basecamp Plancius in Spitsbergen or Antarctica.
Our next Basecamp departure is planned for:
Season 2011/12:
Antarctica PLA28, Antarctica PLA29

Season 2012:
Arctic PLA06

Season 2012/13
Antarctica PLA22, Antarctica PLA30

Contact us to receive more information about our Basecamp program or any other Polar Expedition voyage in our program.

Free activities on 'Basecamp Plancius'

Oceanwide Expedition has pioneered in offering activities like hiking, diving and kayaking in the remote regions of the Arctic and Antarctic. Today Oceanwide is known as the leading operator of active shore programs that suit every passengers’ personal skill and fitness level. Activities are carried out in mind inspiring polar environments guided and instructed by qualified expert expedition guides. Passengers who want to try out all activities are best advised to take part in ‘Basecamp Plancius’ voyages where all activities are free of charge! If passengers rather want to focus on one special activity, they best choose one of the many supplemented activity options (kayaking, diving or trekking) or as part of the normal expedition cruise programs. Oceanwide Expeditions provides only the best equipment for all activities, participants only bring their personal clothing and accessories.

Basecamp Plancius – a new expedition concept for Antarctica and Arctic
This new concept will be introduced first time on voyage PLA29, 2011 , a 11-nights departure to the Weddell Sea and Antarctic Peninsula from 04 - 15 March 2011. The same concept will also be offered in the Arctic (PLA07, 29 June - 08 July 2011) and Antarctica 2011/12 PLA29, 27 Feb - 09 March 2012). During these trips all activities (field camping, kayaking, glacier walking, soft mountain climbing , snowshoeing, hiking, small boat zodiac cruising, shore excursions, photo workshop) are packed in one departure and those are included in the ship’s price. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passengers as a comfortable hub to allow more time as usual for wide ranging activities. Click here to download the full brochure for further information.

In addition to the new ‘Basecamp Plancius’ voyages (all activities inclusive) Oceanwide offers special interest activities for small groups on selected voyages. 

Hiking/Snowshoeing
Oceanwide offers hiking excursions on almost every departure. Especially at the beginning of the season, there are still snow covered hills and mountains further inland.  Oceanwide Expeditions offers hiking excursions with snowshoes during voyages PLA21 – PLA24, starting 01 November 2011 and ending 01 January 2012. With the use of snowshoes it is easier and safer to walk on snow surfaces and it does not require any technical skills.  Snowshoes will be provided to everyone on board and will fit all boot sizes. The voyage around Spitsbergen on Antarctic Dream (ATD12,  17  - 26 August 2011) is a dedicated hiking voyage in High season. Full day hikes will be offered. Hiking/Snowshoeing is free of charge.
 
Scuba Diving
Polar diving is a special activity for experienced cold water divers. One to two different dives per day are offered parallel to all other activities. Oceanwide’s dive masters and dive guides handle the safety during the dive operation. All hardware equipment is provided onboard (scuba tanks, compressors, weights and diving essentials). Divers bring their own personal gear.

Kayaking
Truly the best way of getting very close to ice and wildlife. Basic kayaking experience is required and physical fitness is essential. Parallel to all other activities we are planning on offering kayaking excursions during morning and / or afternoon landings. Oceanwide will provide kayaks, neoprene outer garment from head to toe.

Ski crossing of South Georgia 2011
A special option for a ski expedition will be embedded in voyages PLA23, 03 – 17 December 2011. The ski expedition across South Georgia is aimed at a group of keen ski explorers who wish to embark on a challenging self supplied traverse across the island with skis (or snowshoes) hauling their own sledges.The skiers will cover a total distance of 40 – 50 km retracing sections of the historic Shackleton route. The non skiers (those who follow the sea voyage) will also have plenty of opportunities to get active. All passengers can use snowshoes onboard, which make walking on deep snow much easier. Application forms are available from our reservation departments. Deadline for applications for the ski expedition is 31 May 2011.

Reservation department Oceanwide Expeditions:
Phone: ++ 31 – 118 410 410
Email: info@oceanwide-expeditions.com

Reservations in the US and Canada
Phone: ++ 1 – 281 987 9600 (1-800-453-7245)
Email: usa@oceanwide-expeditions.com

Breaking Travel News

Oceanwide Expeditions has acquired a well earned reputation as a world leader in small-scale seaborne adventures off the beaten track in the Arctic and Antarctic Polar regions.


With an emphasis on educational lectures by experienced guides throughout its voyages, the operator focuses its attentions on those travellers who want to discover destinations from the inside.

Here Breaking Travel News sits down with managing director Michel van Gessel to discuss the future of this unique venture.

Breaking Travel News: How does Oceanwide balance environmental and economic concerns? What does the organisation do to ensure its activities are sustainable?
Michel van Gessel: By using a new, modern expedition vessel m/v Plancius we have been able to reduce the fuel consumption per passenger with 30 per cent.
All garbage is taken back to the homeports; waste is therefore limited in the Polar Regions. We have developed ecological products such as cleaning materials in order to decrease the impact on the environment. 
BTN: What are the core markets – in terms of age, nationality, gender, social group - for the company? Do the majority of these clients have any sailing experience?
MvG: International clientele, core-markets are France, United Kingdom, German speaking market, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, US and Canada, Australia.
Average age group between 50 and 70-years-old, highly educated, interested in nature experiences.
About 50 per cent have participated in a cruise before.
BTN: Has the economic climate taken a toll on passenger numbers at Oceanwide? Is the picture set to change in 2010/2011?
MvG: The market is improving, moderate price increases for the coming season.

BTN: Which are the most popular destinations for Oceanwide sailings? Which locations are accessible during which seasons?
MvG: In the Arctic (between June and October): Spitsbergen and Greenland.
In Antarctica (between November and April): Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

BTN: How are the onshore elements of voyages planned? Can itineraries be shaped by the interests of passengers?
MvG: Our voyages are primarily defined as explorations and we spend as much time ashore as possible. We can be flexible, taking advantage of wildlife opportunities by using our zodiacs for both landings and cruises. Our knowledgeable guides assist on these outings, providing detailed information also during our lectures on board. Our passengers appreciate this travel programme.

On charters, tour operators have the possibility to design their own itinerary for their passengers.

During our Basecamp voyages, passengers can choose their own activities such as hiking, kayaking, camping, snowshoe walking and scuba diving. On those departures all activities are free of charge.

BTN: Can you describe life onboard Oceanwide vessels while at sea? What activities are on offer? How about sleeping and dining arrangements?
MvG: During a typical day in the Polar Regions we offer at least two shore excursions by using our inflatable zodiacs. Duration of the shore activities are approximately two to three hours.
During the day on board we offer lectures about various Polar related topics, such as bird life, sea-mammals, glacier formation, history etc.

All shore activities and lectures are included in the price.

Between the shore activities, the vessel sails to the next destination and passengers are enjoying the scenery in our observation lounge and outside on deck. Three superb meals per day are served in the restaurant.

BTN: Are there any safety concerns with Oceanwide? Have there ever been any incidents aboard ship?
MvG: Our new vessel Plancius has been built according to the latest safety regulations for passenger vessels of Lloyds Register. The vessel flies the Dutch flag.
Our vessels operate in the remotest areas of the world and although we take every precaution necessary, incidents can not be ruled out.

BTN: Finally, has the Oceanwide victory in the 2009 World Travel Awards acted as a catalyst for the organisation? Does the title feature in your advertising? How else does Oceanwide promote its offering?
MvG: Oceanwide Expeditions is proud to have won the contest World’s Leading Polar Tour Operator and is advertising this in its promotional material.

Our travel partners have confirmed the importance of this award and it is for us a recognition of a quality product that has been developed over the years.

Oceanwide Expeditions

Unbeatable airfares from the US and Europe to Ushuaia

Oceanwide Expeditions offers unbeatable airfares from Miami (for US travellers) and Madrid (for EU travellers) to Ushuaia. The discounted airfares are only valid in connection with Christmas and New Years Antarctic Peninsula voyages PLA24A (20 – 29 December 2010) and PLA24B (29 December 2010 – 07 January 2011).

Discounted airfares (including taxes) are now available for only US $ 1,050 (voyage PLA24B starting in Miami) and US $ 1,150 (voyage PLA24A starting in Miami), and EURO 1,150 (voyages PLA24 A and PLA 24B starting in Madrid).

Space is very limited and will be booked on a first come first served basis, latest booking date 15 September 2010. Discounted airfares apply only to new reservations with effect from 30 July 2010.

The voyage PLA24A includes a festive Christmas celebration and dinner; voyage PLA24B includes a New Year celebration in Antarctica! Explores have the opportunity to take part in a special kayak program. 

For further details on flight schedules, program and prices please contact Oceanwide reservation departments here.

Welcome the New Year 2011 on the White Continent.

Reservation department Oceanwide Expeditions:
Phone: ++ 31 – 118 410 410
Email: info@oceanwide-expeditions.com

Reservations in the US and Canada
Phone: ++ 1 – 281 987 9600 (1-800-453-7245)
Email: usa@oceanwide-expeditions.com

Testimonials for Plancius

Passenger and observer Daniel Pirruccio (PLA30, 15 - 26 March 2010):
"This e-mail is to thank you for the opportunity to visit Antarctica. It’s been a unique experience. I loved the ship, it’s really comfortable and the crew is excellent! I assume you must have seen tons of photos from Antarctica but please find attached one of me with a little Gentoo penguin friend.

Thanks again! Yours faithfully,
Daniel Pirruccio"

Expedition Leader , Jan Belgers (PLA26, 26 January):
“We are having a fantastic time with the Plancius in Antarctica. I think the ship is marvellous. She is beautiful and it is a very pleasant ship to work on. On this voyage (PLA26) we only had great weather. The passengers are overwhelmed, not only by Antarctica but also by the ship and how we take care of them. All in all we have a super voyage, probably the best that any of the staff has ever had.”

Camera man and expedition lecturer, Dr. Ruedi Abbühl (PLA25, 08 January):
“This is the best ship, which operates in the polar regions. The Plancius is also an excellent ship in big swell. Above all, the comfort, friendliness and competence of the crew and Expedition team is outstanding.”

Polar traveller and expedition leader, Heiner Kubny (PLA27, 05 February):
"The echo and interest in Switzerland, is enormous. I think that the Plancius has a great future as a 'small vessel' and in particular with the modern standards set by 'Oceanwide' . We look forward to continue travelling with 'Oceanwide' to the most beautiful parts of the world."

Expedition guide lecturer and field camp guide, Jim (PLA26, 26 January):
“The camping went really well! I was very surprised by the reaction of the passengers that took part; they enjoyed the experience much more than I thought they would.  The sleeping kit is perfectly suited for this activity, and having one person kit completely contained in one water proof bag is great. All in all, very good!

Passenger and observer, Tom Mc., Tour operator  (PLA26, 26 January):
"Just back into Ushuaia.  We had a great trip, really lucky with the weather.  The ship is great and the team onboard did a great job!  I have a very happy group of people who will be great ambassadors for the trips.  They’re already signing up for Arctic 2011!  The kayaking was a great addition to the trip as was the camping."

Passenger and observer, Rosie S., Travel Consultant, (PLA26, 26 January):
"I’m back in the UK now after the most wonderful trip to Antarctica. I just wanted to thank you for the cruise, it was a brilliant trip and Plancius is a great boat. I will most definitely be recommending it! Many thanks again."

Passengers Sharon and Edward Goodchild (PLA27, 05 - 23 February 2010):
"Just as you would hope, we had a fabulous trip and the cruise was well above expectations; the wildlife, the scenery, the ship, the expedition staff --- I could go on. The facilities on the ship were excellent (although described as "comfortable but not luxurious, we felt that they were being somewhat modest), the crew did all they could to make this the best holiday of our life, the the food was very high quality and with a good variety, the expedition staff were extremely knowledgeable and approachable and their lectures inspiring. All in all, we are sorry that it is over, but have great memories. We'd love to go back some time.

Please pass our gratitude to Oceanwide Expeditions for an extremely well-organised holiday which had it all. Their behind the scenes efforts to make sure that we passengers experienced the best they could manage even when circumstances conspired to stop "Plan A" was achieved unobtrusively (they must have been running around like mad things behind the scenes to make it all come together) and was greatly appreciated. I would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone who is remotely interested in such things.

We also enjoyed our four days in Ushuaia thoroughly too; two days walking in the National Park, one day walking up the Martial Glacier close to town and one day seeing Ushuaia itself, museums, churches, the wharf and little bit of shopping. A well-worth-while extra which, in addition to being very enjoyable in its own right, also removed much of the worry about baggage going astray on the flights."

Very Happy Customers.

North Atlantic Odyssey

North Atlantic Odyssey 2010 - Whale and Seabird Safari from 04 - 14 June, 2010
Netherlands - Scotland - St. Kilda - Faroes - Jan Mayen - ice edge – Spitsbergen

This is a great opportunity to complete your journey from Pole to Pole. Oceanwide Expeditions offers a unique and fascinating journey across the North Atlantic. The oceans are the source of all life , a world full of mystery, beauty and diversity of life. This voyage takes you to the remote and pristine regions of the North Atlantic, from Scotland to Arctic Spitsbergen. You can expect a dazzling variety of marine life along the remote coast of Scotland, Jan Mayen, and Spitsbergen. Follow the call of the ocean!

Further details, prices and dates read here

Special offer: If you book this voyage you are entitled for a free pre voyage from the Netherlands at no extra charge. This offer is subject to availability.

Day 1 (01 June 2010)
Departure Hansweert: Embarkation between 12.- 13.00 hrs. Departure at 14.00 hrs.

Day 2 & 3
At sea: The ship will sail along the East Coast of England and Scotland to Oban.

Day 4 (04 June 2010)
Arrival Oban: Time for a walk in town.

South Georgia - Ski Traverse 2012

South Georgia ski crossing 2010 successfully accomplished, and the 2011 expedition is currently underway

In 2010 the first international team of six participants and two mountain guides successfully completed their self supplied ski crossing of South Georgia following the historical footsteps of Shackleton, Crean and Worsley along the route across the glaciated interior of the remote South Georgia island from King Haakon Bay to Stromness. The ski team accomplished the traverse in 4 days, 3 nights with field camps at Murray Snowfield, Great Nunatak and Fortuna west side. The expedition hauled sledges and used skis for the entire way. The 2011 expedition had to struggle against vicious weather conditions, but a small team of skiers accomplished their goal against the odds.


APPLY NOW FOR 2012!

PLA20, Exclusive South Georgia, 17 October - 03 November 2012 (18 days), Montevideo - Ushuaia:

This is an expedition for real explorers! A group of up to 12 ski explorers and mountain guides will attempt to traverse, unsupported and self supplied, the island of South Georgia with skis hauling their own pulkas (sledges). The skiers will cover a total distance of 40 – 50 km retracing sections of the historic Shackleton route from 1916.

The voyage is an exciting expedition not only for the tough adventurer. There are two adventure options available: the normal sea voyage for “sea explorers” (with zodiac excursions and hiking options) and the land expedition for “ski explorers”! The sea explorers will explore the Northern shorelines of the Island, while at the same time the ski explorers will attempt to traverse the Island on a self supplied ski trek from the South coast (King Haakon Bay) to the North coast (Stromness Bay) in a minimum of  4 days. A group of up to 12 ski trekkers pull their own sledge (30-35 kg) with personal and shared equipment (food, stoves, fuel) in mountainous terrain. The sledge can be carried as a backpack on stretches without snow. Ski trekking involves elements of ski mountaineering, glacier travel and winter camping. In general, participants must be physically conditioned and experienced in order to participate in strenuous exercise in alpine environments with sometime extreme weather. In addition, ski trekkers must be familiar with skiing and crevasse rescue techniques that can be learned in Alpine Introductory Courses. The ski team will aim for reunion with the ship at Stromness Bay to rejoin the rest of the ship’s passengers and enjoy the latter part of the South Georgia cruise itinerary.


For more details about the voyage PLA20, click here 

Download the Exlusive South Georgia flyer

Winner of the World Travel Awards

The Managing Director of Oceanwide Expeditions, Michel van Gessel, proudly announces that Oceanwide Expeditions has won the World Travel Award 2009 in the category World's Leading Polar Expedition Operator. The presentation of this international prize took place during a spectacular gala performance in London on Sunday 8 November.

It was the second time that this prestigious award was categorized by the World Travel Awards Committee. The first time was in 2005 and Oceanwide Expeditions was also the winner of the contest.

We thank all our partner tour operators and agencies for your ongoing support and confidence in Oceanwide Expeditions' polar voyages and look forward to a continuous good cooperation for the years to come. 

Read 'Breaking Travel News'-item here.

Download our flyer here (PDF).

Field Camping in Antarctica!

Everybody can participate, no previous experience required!

Oceanwide Expeditions offers on selected m/v Plancius departures, an exciting ‘open air' camping option, providing an intensive experience of the Antarctic wilderness. Oceanwide Expeditions will provide special gear and field equipment which includes top quality wind and waterproof breathable bivouac bags (lightweight alternative to tent system). Tents for those that prefer a little bit more comfort will also be brought ashore. Polar sleeping bags will keep campers dry, warm and comfortable during the night in the open air of Antarctica. The night ashore will be supervised by one experienced field guide.

Field Camping in Antarctica
We aim at least one night out on each trip but the expedition team will offer more camping occasions when possible. Additional nights ashore are weather and site permitting and can only be offered at times that there is a possibility for the vessel to stay close enough to the shore during the night. When the vessel is relocating during the night  camping  is not possible.

According to international regulations we are not allowed to take stoves, fuel nor food ashore - with the exception of emergency rations and survival gear, drinking water and medical supplies. The camping group will be taken ashore after dinner, and returns to the ship just before breakfast. This means we will have the night hours ashore. On shore a camp will be made on a place where wildlife cannot be  disturbed. All campers will be equipped with a personal waterproof bag  containing a sleeping mattress, a polar synthetic sleeping bag with inner liner and a breathable bivouac bag. Besides these personal items other equipment such as tents will be taken ashore. In favourable weather conditions, campers have the possibility to sleep in the bivouac bag under the open sky. For those that find a bivy-bag a bit too spartan, and when the weather is not pleasant enough for the bivy-bag, tents are provided. Our sturdy dome tents will sleep 3 persons. While the field party is ashore, our staff will be in full radio contact with the ship. Staff will also stay ashore to assist and supervise the campers. On departure everything that is carried ashore must be returned to the ship. Field staff will ensure that the field camps are cleaned properly after each night's camp.

Voyages
Field camping options will be offered on all Plancius voyages in Antarctica 09/10:
PLA26, Antarctic Peninsula (this trip also offers Kayaking)
PLA28, Antarctic Peninsula
PLA29, Antarctic Peninsula
PLA30, Polar Circle & Antarctic Peninsula
These options are subject to weather, local site and environmental regulations. One night can be booked prior to trip, any additional onboard.

Final sea trial completed!

The ship left Vlissingen in the very early morning hours in order to run through final rigorous mechanical and technical testing by Lloyd's Register. The vessels is stable, hardly any vibration and engine noise noticable on deck. The naval architect, Hans Heuvel from Oceanwide Marine Servive supervised the sea trial. He commented after the return: "the ship is behaving great and without any problems in all manoeuvres she had to tackle" . He was impressed by the complete silence on the ship: "Plancius is just like a Rolls Royce". The Russian Captain , Yuri Gorodnik, sailed many times to the polar regions for Oceanwide. For him, the Plancius is a very precise vessel to steer. He is very much looking forward to the upcoming voyages.
Later that day, Plancius returned back to port at 21.34 hrs after a successful completion of the final sea trials. 

We are ready to go !

Check here the pictures made of the seatrial.

Plancius named in Vlissingen

On Saturday, November 14, Oceanwide Expeditions celebrated the launching of the new 3,434-ton 110-berth expedition vessel Plancius in the town of Vlissingen, The Netherlands. Named after the famous Arctic explorer, Petrus Plancius, the ship promises to start a whole new way of experiencing expedition travel, the Plancius way!

Just in time around 11:00 clock, the weather changed from rain to sunshine. From 12:00 clock the guests arrived and gathered in the panorama lounge of the vessel for welcome tea and coffee.

At 13:00 clock, approximately 200 invited guests witnessed the naming of the ship. The climax was imminent, when all the guests and a few spectators listened to Janneke van Gessel, the mother of the owner Michel van Gessel, who gave a short speech close to the bow of the ship. The big moment arrived when Iza van der Hulst, the 10-year-old daughter of the chief project manager, christened the ship the "Plancius". She swung the bottle of champagne (Moët & Chandon) against the ship's bow where it finally burst under big round of  applause.

We wish "Plancius" all the best and always have enough water under her keel!

Click here to check the pictures of the Christening.

Plancius - the ship is now afloat

Full steam ahead: Our new polar expedition vessel "Plancius" is ready to sail and will set new standards to the world of expedition cruising: space, comfort & style, modern technology and safety appliances. Plancius is now freshly painted and alongside the dock in the Netherlands as she is waiting for her final sea trials while a team of builders is finalising the interior of the vessel. The Crew will board this month and bring life to Plancius . The ship waiting for her departure from the Netherlands early December in order to carry out - as scheduled - the first Antarctic voyage on 08 January 2010. Check our image gallery for real photo's of the cabins and the comfortable lounge with stunning panoramic views, check all pictures here.

For more information about itineraries, prices & special offers , image brochure and a fact sheet with real images of the new ship, please contact our head office here.

You can download here the Plancius flyer with info and deckplan.

Update of the Plancius

360 degrees rotating image
To get a better impression of how the vessel looks like from the front to the back, we made a professional 360 degrees image for you to get a good impression of the vessel. You can check this here . You have to click on the image once and rotate your mouse.

To check all new impression, please go to the m/v Plancius page by clicking here.

The Return of Plancius

M/v "Plancius" started her life in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named "Hr. Ms. Tydeman". In June 2004, the vessel was taken out of active service and was purchased by Oceanwide Expeditions in December 2006.

Still under construction, but available for Polar expeditions in June 2009, the vessel shall be completely rebuilt as a 112-passenger vessel and shall comply with the latest SOLAS-regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea), is classed by Lloyd's Register in London and will fly the Dutch flag.M/v "Plancius" can accommodate 112 passengers in 54 passenger cabins with private toilet and shower in 4 triple private cabins, 40 twin private cabins (ca. 15 square meters) and 10 twin superior cabins (ca. 21 square meters). All cabins offer lower berths (either two single beds or one queen-size bed), except for the 4 triple cabins (bunk beds and 1 lower bed).

The vessel offers a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows, offering full panorama view. M/v "Plancius" has large open deck spaces (with full walk-around possibilities on deck 3), giving excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife.

She is furthermore  equipped with 10 Mark V zodiacs, including 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on starboard side, guaranteeing a smooth zodiac operation. M/v "Plancius" will be comfortable and nicely decorated, but is not a luxurious vessel.

Our voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic regions are and will still be primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel programme, spending as much time ashore as possible. This vessel will fully meet our demands to achieve this.The vessel measures 89 meters in length (267 feet), has a breadth of 14,5 meters (43 feet) and a draft of 4,8 meters (15 feet) and is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system which reduces the noise and vibration of the engines considerably. The 3 diesel engines generate 1.230 horse-power each, giving the vessel a speed of 10 - 12 knots. The vessel is ice-strengthened and was specially built for oceanographic voyages.M/v "Plancius" is manned by 30 international crew members (inc. 10 stewardesses/cabin cleaners), 6 hotel staff (4 chefs, 1 purser and 1 steward-barman), 6 expedition staff (1 expedition leader and 5 guides-lecturers) and 1 doctor.

Click here to go to our voyages with our brand new vessel.