Oceanwide Expeditions

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.

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.

South Georgia - Ski Traverse 2010

Exclusive South Georgia, October 18 - November 04, 2010:
This is an expedition for real explorers! A group of up to 12 ski explorers and mountain guides will attempt to traverse South Georgia during an unsupported trek with skis (or snowshoes) hauling their own supplies in sledges. The skiers will cover a total distance of 40 – 50 km retracing sections of the historic Shackleton route.

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 circumnavigate the Island in 9 days (23 - 31 October, 2010), 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  4 to 5 days (23 - 28 October, 2010).

On arrival day at King Haakon Bay, the expedition members will spend a night close to the shore preparing for their crossing. The skiers will then embark on their trek across alpine passes and glaciers aiming for reunion with the ship at Stromness Bay. After both expeditions have rejoined, all passengers will then continue to enjoy the latter part of the South Georgia cruise itinerary (29 – 31 October, 2010). The expedition will be back in Ushuaia on 04 November 2010.




A group of up to 12 ski trekkers pull their own sledge (20-30 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. 

For more details about the voyage PLA20, click here 

Apply now!

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.

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.