Comfortable Dutch-operated ship offering classic cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula.
The M/V Hondius is a modern, ice-strengthened expedition vessel built specifically for polar travel, offering a refined yet informal onboard experience. Accommodating up to 174 guests, it features smart, homely cabins and welcoming public spaces, including a spacious observation lounge and a dedicated lecture room that hosts interactive workshops and exhibitions. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with a team of expert guides and presenters sharing their deep knowledge of polar geography, history, and wildlife.
Designed for efficient exploration, Hondius operates a fleet of Zodiac boats that enable swift, simultaneous landings for all guests – no waiting required. A sheltered indoor embarkation platform adds comfort and safety, especially during kayaking and other outdoor activities. The ship’s crew prioritise maximum time ashore and close contact with the wilderness, ensuring guests experience the raw beauty of the polar regions up close.
Oceanwide Expeditions is committed to protecting fragile ecosystems – directing a portion of its profits toward reforestation efforts in the Amazon Rainforest, restoring over 1,600 hectares of damaged land. In addition to offsetting emissions, they support polar-focused environmental initiatives, apply best practices aboard their ships, and are working to make their supply chain more sustainable.
What our clients say
Highlights: “Setting foot on Antarctica and seeing the wildlife in its natural habitat. The first part had always been an ambition of mine”
SM, Dennie
Jan 2010
Most memorable experience: "A hard question to answer, but probably being able to walk on the continent, and not just strolling along the shore line, but fairly serious walking on…
HW, New Romney
Feb 2014
Most memorable experience: "The whales in Wilhelmina Bay. Our expedition leader said that this was the best he had seen in his 19 years of leading these trips."
RW, Teddington
Feb 2014
Antarctica “Best holiday we have ever had.”
MR, West Malling
Dec 2012
Most Memorable Experience: “The Awesome Beauty of a Sunny Antarctica!”
AW, Nottingham
Dec 2012
Highlights were South Georgia – amazing king penguin colony, bathing in thermal pool and cooling off in Whalers Bay on deception island, the open air party as we left Paradise…
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Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.
Mary Anne Nelson
- Travel Expert
Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.
Paul Winrow-Giffin
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After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.
Juliet Ellwood
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After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!
Lina Fuller
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Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.
Heloise Buxton
- Travel Expert
Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.