s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Restaurant / Lecture Room

Three simple but good meals of international cuisine per day are served buffet style in the restaurant and is prepared by our cook.

Bar / Lounge

The Bar / Lounge is located on deck 2.

Zodiac Cruising and Shore Programs

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. This is supplemented by lectures on board which covers topics such as wildlife, nature and history.

Zodiac cruising instructions

The proper handling and usage of Zodiac landing craft, is crucial for exploratory voyages. These rubber boats are ideal for our operations. They have shallow drafts, and contain six air-filled compartments which give them impressive floatation and weight carrying abilities. The compartments are connected by valves, which allow the internal air pressure to be regulated, and they will still float even if one (or several) compartments become deflated. With these safe, durable and dependable boats we can land in many, normally inaccessible sites; Such as, beaches, shallow river banks, rocky outcrops, coral reef flats, ice floes, etc., as well as more conventional places; such as, docks, sea walls and jetties.

Passengers, however, must be aware of certain regulations involving the Zodiacs in order to assure adequate safety in our landing operations.

The Zodiac driver is in charge of the boat and its operations. Please follow his or her instructions at all times.

Always wear the provided zodiac safety vests when travelling in the Zodiacs. This is for your safety, and is required at all times while in the Zodiacs regardless of weather or sea conditions.

Always accept the helping hand of crew-members and Zodiac drivers when stepping into or out of the Zodiacs at the ship’s gangway or ashore. Keep both hands free for this operation, and use the preferred ‘sailor’s grip’; i.e., grip each other by the wrist, because this gives a much stronger grip than just holding hands.

Minimize the number of separate articles taken along with you when using the zodiacs. Backpacks are ideal for consolidating such diverse objects as cameras, binoculars, rain gear, extra shoes, etc. Carryon items may be handed to the boat handlers before embarking or disembarking. Keep both hands free.

Never smoke in the Zodiacs. This is hazardous because there are exposed fuel tanks connected to the outboard engines. Lit cigarettes are also hazardous to the rubber construction of the boats.

All landing conditions will be announced beforehand; i.e., ‘wet’ landings (these may require getting your feet wet by wading ashore), ‘dry’ landings (these make use of a dock or other object with which one can step ashore directly), and expected weather conditions.

Never disembark or embark the Zodiac over the wooden transom (stern) when the boat is backed onto a beach. Oncoming waves may suddenly push the boat higher onto the beach, knocking the careless passenger with the uplifted engine and propeller, or crushing an exposed foot with the very heavy transom. During ‘wet’ landings one may safely get in or out of the boat by first sitting on the rubber pontoon and then swinging one’s leg over the side. Always wait for instructions from the driver during landings.

One should always use a weatherproof bag (or bring along a small plastic bag) to protect non-waterproof items; such as, cameras and binoculars, from sea spray (or rain) when in the Zodiacs.

Hiking

Hiking the surreal terrain of the Arctic and Antarctica
There’s no closer way to explore a new area than on your own two feet. With this in mind, we offer a number of hiking expeditions built for all levels of hiker – from the casual walker to the hard-core hiking enthusiast.

Do you need to be an experienced hiker?
For basic walks, you just need to be in reasonably good shape and health. Hikes usually last somewhere between two and six hours. Keep in mind there are no paths and that you will be traveling over fairly rugged terrain and some small hills.We usually offer one to three different types of walks per landing site, ranging from a casual stroll to a challenging hike.In Antarctica, the longest hike takes about three hours. In the Arctic, the longest hike can last a full day, in which case we will provide you a packed lunch. All hikes are led and supervised by certified, experienced expedition guides.

How physically fit do you need to be?
Our hiking guides reserve the right to remove a passenger from the hiking group if they feel they are not in good enough health for a particular hike. This is for your safety as well as our guides.If this happens, our experienced guides will be able to recommend another hike based on your fitness level.

What kind of clothing should you take hiking?
Please bring clothing for the variable weather of the polar regions. Layers are your friend. You’re going to get hot as you hike, and layers will enable you to shed clothing without losing your overall protection against the elements.

With that in mind we suggest the following gear:

• Hiking or walking poles
• Backpack (25 liters)
• Knee-high rubber boots with a grip sole (we provide these on our larger motor vessels but not on our smaller sailing vessels)
• A waterproof bag (especially for cameras), since you are likely to get splashed during the Zodiac ride from the ship to the shore
• Straps for tying snowshoes onto your back or backpack
• Sturdy ankle-high hiking boots (you can use your rubber boots as well)
• Gaiters (knee-high waterproof protection) to keep your lower legs dry
• Sunglasses
• Sunblock
• Thin under-socks (to stop blistering) and thick over-socks (with spares)
• One-liter water-bottle
• Thermal under-gloves (fleece finger gloves) and warm outer-gloves or mittens (and spares)
• Turtleneck or neck gaiter
• Urine-collection bottle (for Antarctica), such as a wide-opening Nalgene bottle
• Thermal underwear
• Fleece jacket or vest
• Down jacket or spare fleece jacket
• Breathable waterproof jacket and trekking trousers
• Warm fleece hat
• Binoculars

Do not bring cotton clothing like T-shirts or jeans. When cotton gets wet (either from outside moisture or sweat), it will stay wet a long time – not a good thing in a cold environment.

Do the hiking activities cost more?
No, they are covered in the cost of your cruise.

Are the polar hikes safe?
Yes, as all hikes are accompanied by one or more trained and experienced expedition guides. But in the Arctic (especially Svalbard), we must keep a constant lookout for polar bears. All Arctic hiking guides carry rifles due to this possibility while in polar bear territory.We only hike in areas that are outside glaciated terrain, since treks inside these areas bring people into contact with crevasses and are therefore considered mountaineering. Mountaineering trips are always accompanied by at least one UIAGM-certified mountain guide.

Ski Mountaineering

Dramatic ascents and breathtaking descents
Interested in something slightly more adventurous than shoreline walks and wildlife watching? Our ski mountaineering trips give you an invigorating up-close experience of the rugged peaks and majestic mountains flanking the high Arctic fjords. 

Along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy all the usual perks of polar expedition cruising: expansive scenery, exploratory outings, and the chance to see all manner of exotic Arctic wildlife.

How our ski mountaineering trips work​
Our ski mountaineering outings are always led by certified and experienced expedition leaders and mountain guides, such as Phil Wickens and Tim Blakemore, both of whom have been guiding in the Arctic for well over a decade.

Each morning the guides lead small groups of six to eight skiers onto the glaciers and into the mountains, typically ascending around 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) each day and often stopping for a packed lunch in the middle of the outing.

Ski excursions involve both easy mountaineering and off-piste skiing. Since the expedition is ship-based, guides have the flexibility and freedom to reach the best snow, optimal weather, and a variety of unique Arctic destinations. 

In order to participate, skiers must be in good physical condition, have prior ski mountaineering experience, and possess their own equipment. Guests will also be expected to demonstrate strong alpine skiing skills, both in ascents as well as descents, while on unprepared slopes of up to 35° in a variety of snow conditions.

To determine whether guests have the necessary skills for this activity, we ask all skiers to fill out a questionnaire highlighting their ski mountaineering experience beforehand. This is for the safety of our guests as well as our guides.

What you need to bring on a ski mountaineering trip
Ski mountaineering is a technically demanding and equipment-intensive sport, so you will need to bring more personal gear than on most Oceanwide voyages. The following is required:

• Skis with touring bindings
• Ski mountaineering boots
• Crampons adjusted to the size of your ski boots
• Skins
• Ski crampons (couteaux / harscheissen)
• Ski poles
• Avalanche transceiver
• Snow shovel
• Avalanche probe
• Four screw-gate karabiners
• Two tape slings
• Two prussic loops
• Climbing harness
• Ice axe
• Appropriate clothing (detailed in a checklist distributed prior to trip)

Photo Workshop

Join our expert-led photography workshops

It is impossible to fully describe the experience of visiting the polar regions. Fortunately, our photography workshops will help you add incredible photos to your poetic descriptions. On select voyages, our professional photographers will help you get the best pictures out of your personal camera equipment with our free photo workshop activity.

The two-part process of our photography workshops

One part of our photo workshop takes place on the vessel, the other takes place in the field. The onboard segment takes the form of engaging lectures that will further familiarize you with your camera equipment and the basics of photography. The in-field segment takes place during excursions, when our guide-photographers will help you practice your photo skills in real polar conditions.

Do I have to bring photo equipment?

Yes, you have to bring your own camera gear. Choices in photography equipment are largely matters of personal preference, so there’s no way we can accommodate everyone.

You can bring more than just a basic camera if you choose, but keep in mind you may have to carry your gear over long distances. Photo equipment also has to fit safely on our Zodiacs. For detailed packing tips, check out our photography packing blog and photography packing video, made in cooperation with one of our veteran guide-photographers.

Are photography workshops included in the price of the cruise or are they supplemental?

There is no extra charge for participating in our photography workshops, but please book your spot well in advance – preferably three months prior to your departure. Our photographers are in high demand, so we need to recruit them early.

Kayaking

Explore the Arctic and Antarctic coastline in a kayak

One of the best things about a polar voyage is that you’re never done exploring. Even if you think you have walked every shore, climbed every mountain, and spotted every penguin (or polar bear), there is still a whole other world to explore on the water.Polar kayaking is a great way to tour the blue-and-white beauty of the polar seas up close, visiting stunning ice formations and waterways too small for our ships to enter.

Do I need to be an experienced kayaker?

The amount of experience we require depends on the cruise you choose. If you have no experience at all, we suggest one of our Basecamp voyages, where we will happily introduce even the most inexperienced kayakers to this wonderful outdoor sport.

The toughest part of kayaking in gentle waters is usually getting into the kayak itself. After that, you just have to keep a steady rhythm with your paddles.

Some of our cruises require that you have more kayaking experience because they involve longer kayak excursions. These excursions expose you to water that might not be as gentle as a sheltered bay, and you stand more of a chance of encountering rougher weather conditions.

You will not need to be able to do a kayak roll, but you should be able to demonstrate that you’re comfortable in a sea kayak. On these non-Basecamp excursions, our guides reserve the right to refuse you access to a kayak if it is clear you don’t have the necessary experience. This is for your safety as well as theirs.

How physically fit do you need to be?

You will want to be in decent physical shape and possess a good sense of balance. Kayaking can be demanding on your core and arm muscles.If you’re not sure if you are quite ready for kayaking, please do not hesitate to check out our kayaking FAQ or simply contact us. We would be happy to explain more about the activity and help you with any additional questions you might have.

How many times can you go kayaking?

On basecamp trips, we aim for each guest to kayak once. On regular voyages, we aim for four to six excursions per passenger who has booked the supplement. Our kayaking activity is always determined by weather and water conditions, since your safety is our primary concern.

Is polar kayaking safe?

All of our kayaking outings are led by certified and experienced guides, but you must always take caution when kayaking in the polar regions.

We will provide you with suitable outer clothing for kayaking. Kayak excursions are limited to 14 passengers per kayak guide. This number lets our guides keep track of everyone and make sure our guests are having a good time.

One guide stays with the group in a support kayak, while a safety boat follows in case of emergencies. All guides will try to scale excursions to the skill level of the group.

Do I have to bring my own kayaking equipment?

We will provide the following items:

• Seven double-seat sea kayaks on Plancius & Ortelius
• 14 double-seat sea kayaks on Hondius & Janssonius
• Paddles with anti-drip rings
• Basic (4 mm neoprene) wetsuits in different sizes
• Kayak spray cover
• Waterproof lightweight jacket (cagoule)
• Life jacket / kayak vest
• Neoprene boots

Please bring the following gear:

• thermal underwear, bottom and top (for under the wetsuit)
• fleece jacket or vest to wear over your thermal underwear
• gloves (insulated ski or snowboard gloves with grip or neoprene watersport gloves)
• waterproof bag (if you are bringing a camera or binoculars)
• fleece hat
• turtleneck or neck gaiter
• thick socks
• sunglasses
• sunblock

Avoid bringing cloth clothing like T-shirts or jeans. Once it gets wet (from water or sweat), it will stay wet for a long time – not a comfortable experience in polar weather!

What will I see while kayaking?

You’ll see rugged shorelines sloping up into snow-capped mountains, pristine beaches, and icebergs that turn the water beneath you a brilliant blue. You may also see some local wildlife, which the peaceful nature of kayaking makes even better.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing in the Arctic and Antarctica

There really is no better way to take in a new place than by exploring it on foot. With that in mind Oceanwide Expeditions offers you the chance to explore your way inland from the Polar shorelines with a wide variety of snowshoeing expeditions built for everyone. From the casual explorer to the hard-core snowshoe-er.

Do I need to be experienced? How physically fit do I need to be?

For the basic walks you just need to be in reasonably good shape and health. The snowshoe activities last usually somewhere between 2 and 6 hours. Keep in mind that there are no paths and that you will be travelling over fairly rugged terrain and will be taking on some hills. 

There are usually 1 to 3 different types of walks offered per landing ranging from a casual stroll to a challenging hike. In the Antarctic the longest hike takes about 2 hours while in the Arctic the longest hike can last a full day (we send you off with a packed lunch).

We do reserve the right to suggest that a passenger try another activity if it seems like they will not be able to enjoy a particular hike. This is done partly for the enjoyment of the other passengers and partly for safety concerns – if there is a health incident there is no help beyond basic first aid in the vicinity. 

Our experienced guides will be able to recommend a particular hike to you based on your fitness level. If you have any questions at all about your health or skills please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, we’d be more than happy to help you sort out your concerns.

Do I need to bring snowshoes?

Not at all. We’ll provide you with MSR lightweight snowshoes that easily attach to rubber boots or sturdy hiking boots. If you join us on our ships Plancius, Ortelius, Hondius or Janssonius we also provide the rubber boots at no extra cost.

However, you do want to bring clothing that is suitable for the changeable weather of the Polar Regions. Layers are your friend – you’re going to get hot as you work your way around the tundra and you’ll want to be able to shed a layer or two without losing a big percentage of your elemental protection. With that in mind we suggest:

• Hiking/walking poles.
• Rubber boots that are high enough to get you from the Zodiac to the shore and have a good gripping sole for the shore landings and walks. (Boots are provided on the Plancius and Ortelius, not on the Rembrandt van Rijn and Noorderlicht).
• A waterproof bag (especially for cameras) – you’re likely to get splashed during the Zodiac ride from the ship to the shore.
• Straps for tying snowshoes onto your back or backpack.
• Ankle-high sturdy hiking boots for the actual treks and for wearing snowshoes.
• Sunblock.
• You might want gaiters (knee-high waterproof protection) to keep your lower legs dry while hiking.
• Sunglasses.
• A backpack (25 litres is a good size).
• Thin under-socks (to stop blistering) and thick over-socks. (Bring some dry spares as well.)
• A 1-litre water-bottle.
• Thermal under-gloves (fleece finger gloves) and warm outer-gloves or mittens (you might want a spare set of these as well).
• A turtle-neck or neck gaiter.
• A urine-collection bottle (regulations forbid leaving human waste behind in the Antarctic). Try looking for something like a wide-opening Nalgene bottle (they sell specialised versions for ladies at outdoor shops).
• Thermal underwear.
• A fleece jacket or vest.
• A down jacket or spare fleece jacket.
• A breathable (e.g. Gore-Tex) jacket and trousers.
• Trekking trousers.
• A warm fleece hat.
• You might also want to bring along binoculars, and a Thermos bottle.

Don’t bring regular cotton clothing like t-shirts or jeans if you can avoid it because if it gets wet (either from outside moisture or sweat) it will stay wet – not a good thing in a cold environment.

Sustainability

We are all guests in the polar regions, which means we must do everything we can to leave these incredible areas as untouched by our passage as possible. Here are some ways we do this.

Promoting polar awareness

In 1983 the Arctic Centre of Groningen University in the Netherlands launched a research program to Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. 

Updating our vessels

Foremost among our sustainability goals is actively reducing the impact and emission of our vessels, investing in new technology and continuously improving our existing resources.

Waste reduction & removal

We limit onboard waste production by recycling as often as we can as well as banning single-use plastics on any of our vessels. 

Supporting local, staying green

Buying our products locally whenever possible is our way of reducing transportation impact while also supporting local communities.

Protecting the wildlife

One of the chief reasons for visiting the polar regions is the exotic animals. And because it is such a privilege to watch undisturbed wildlife in its natural habitat, we dutifully and passionately adhere to all AECO and IAATO wildlife guidelines, avoiding any disturbance to these enchanting creatures. 

Assisting scientists

Science is a central part of Oceanwide’s culture and history, starting with our roots in the Plancius Foundation. But it is also vital to our growing understanding of the polar environment.

Providing a positive polar experience

We have an unwavering belief in the long-term benefit of polar education and advocacy, and we feel there is no better way to accomplish this than through positive first-hand experience.

Our ultimate goal, then, is to create and contribute to an expedition industry that protects the polar regions as much as it reveals their transformative beauty to the world, because while these areas are too good not to share, they are also too precious not to protect.

Your Physical Condition

You must be in good general health and you should be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join most excursions, you must be able to get up and down the ladder from the ship to the water level to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats. This will become progressively easier with practice. Ashore it can be slippery and rocky. You are travelling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.

Electric Current

The electrical supply aboard the ship is 220 volt 50hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins. U.S. passengers may need a 220v/110v converter.

Non-smoking policy

On board our vessels we have a non-smoking policy. It is prohibited to smoke inside the ship. You can smoke in designated ares. Please respect the wishes of non-smokers.

Dress Code

In keeping with our expeditions atmosphere, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities. Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery can be appreciated from deck, which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles and make sure the parka is never far away in case of the call “Whales!” comes over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside. Wear layers since it is comfortably warm aboard the ship – and often cold on deck.

Age range & Nationality onboard

Passengers on a typical voyage range from their 30s to their 80s – with a majority usually from 45 – 65, but a little younger on the Rembrandt van Rijn, between 30 – 55. Our expeditions attract independent-minded travellers from around the world. They are characterised by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie and spirit that develops aboard is an important part of the expedition experience. Many departures have several nationalities on board.

Wi-Fi, E-mail & Telephone Access

There are facilities on board to send emails and make calls via satellite connection, and sometimes you may be able to use your cellphone. All costs for internet, email, or the use of the onboard cellular network (if available) are at your own expense.

Rembrandt van Rijn is equipped with satellite email and phone facilities. You can purchase an onboard email account for the duration of the voyage.

Proximity to Wildlife

We are required to keep a minimum distance from all wildlife. This distance may vary depending on the species, but the aim is always to reduce the possibility of disturbing the animals while also keeping our passengers safe. Your expedition guides will inform you as to the distance we are required to keep from various animals.

Sometimes curious wildlife (such as penguins and young seals) may approach you, but we ask that you refrain from physically interacting with them. Please always follow local guidelines and the advice of our staff.

Preservation & Restrictions

• Avoid unnecessary damage to the ground surface and vegetarian cover, as regeneration rates are extremely slow. Do not take specimens from plants. Do not pick flowers.
  
  
• Avoid disturbing or feeding the wildlife. Be aware of your activities and whether they are resulting in a change of the animals’ behaviour. Be aware that Rabies does occur on Spitsbergen, particularly in Arctic Foxes. Be careful when moving in areas where birds are nesting. If birds are disturbed and leave their nests, the uncovered eggs cool quickly and are easy prey for gulls and foxes.
  
  
• Avoid herding or alarming geese and ducks.
  
  
• On several locations on the islands, cultural monuments and items such as burial sites, blubber ovens, crosses, hunting tools, etc. are regularly encountered. Such cultural monuments are generally protected by law. It is unlawful to destroy or remove such monuments and items from the place where they are found.
  
  
• Do not take souvenirs, including whale or seal bones, live or dead animals, rocks, fossils, plants, or other organic material.

Age Restrictions

Children must be at least three years old to sail with us. We do not have an upper age restriction, but all passengers must be mentally and physically capable of making the voyage.

Accessibility

Unfortunately, we’re only able to provide voyages to passengers who meet a certain level of physical ability. Rough seas, rugged terrain, and physically demanding weather conditions are all commonly encountered during our voyages, which can at times be challenging even for people in peak physical fitness.

The added difficulty of a wheelchair or other physical disability, therefor, could prevent us from making safe and timely shore landings, which in turn may undermine our voyage schedules and potentially put other passengers at risk.

Pregnancy

You can travel if you are pregnant, although with certain restrictions. Please first consult your gynecologist and obtain all necessary medical advice before booking or making a voyage with Oceanwide Expeditions.

Also, be aware that we may not be able to provide you a voyage at all if your pregnancy has advanced beyond a certain point (usually 29 to 36 weeks, depending on your circumstances). Our onboard infirmaries are not equipped to accommodate pregnancies, and our areas of operation are almost always very far from any hospital.

Moreover, our standard seasickness medication may not be suitable for pregnant women, in which case you will need to find an alternative. For any other questions you might have about this topic, please feel free to contact us.

Other Details

Children: Kids allowed

Childrens Facilities: None

Nursery: None

Smoking: Some

Gratuities: The customary gratuity to the ship’s crew and expedition leader is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage. Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give is at your discretion. We suggest to give cash in Euros, US Dollars or Danish kroner.