Hondius
Purpose-built high-performance polar expedition vessel with four-star accommodation
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Overview
- Modern, purpose-built vessel with four-star accommodation
- Superb observation spaces, offering panoramic views
- The first Polar Class 6 registered expedition ship in the world
- Spot wildlife from the deck, hike through the snow, and scuba dive
M/V Hondius is a high-performance polar expedition vessel embarking on once-in-a-lifetime voyages in some of the world’s final frontiers. Catering to first-time visitors and seasoned adventure-seekers alike, this vessel welcomes guests of all kinds – including singles, couples, families, and groups – to enjoy epic experiences unlike any other. Combining comfort and capability, Hondius enables guests to gaze over sublime scenery, hike across snow-covered ice, encounter iconic wildlife, and even scuba dive in some of the most isolated and unforgiving environments on the planet.
Upcoming trips
Cabins
- If you are a solo traveller, we aim to allocate shared cabins on a same-sex basis.
- Non-shareable cabins can not be shared with another single traveler outside your party. A single occupancy surcharge will be applied.
Amenities
Boat
Dive facilities
- If you are a solo traveller, we aim to allocate shared cabins on a same-sex basis.
- Non-shareable cabins can not be shared with another single traveler outside your party. A single occupancy surcharge will be applied.
Vessel
Vessel information
Named after Jodocus Hondius, a Flemish and Dutch engraver and mapmaker, the 108-metre Hondius is a purpose-built, environmentally-friendly expedition cruise ship, designed to sail the challenging waters of the world’s polar regions. In fact, Hondius was the first registered Polar Class 6 cruise vessel in the world, meeting the latest Lloyd’s Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships. The vessel’s Antarctic and Arctic itineraries last between 11 and 23-days and are planned to accommodate the needs of first-time polar explorers and experienced adventure-chasers alike.
The ship was launched in 2019 and carries up to 170 passengers, guaranteeing four-star service alongside an unparalleled immersion in nature. Whilst on board, guests are cared for by 71 staff, including the expedition crew and hospitality team, ensuring maximum safety, comfort, and entertainment at all times. The vessel’s 80 suites and cabins come in eight different categories, including options for twin, triple and quadruple occupancy. All cabins feature plenty of nautical textures and colours, private bathrooms with showers, and entertainment options such as flat-screen televisions.
Onboard Hondius
Hondius is elegantly designed in stylish mid-century modern décor, presenting a distinctly cosy and informal atmosphere. Meals are taken in the ship’s main restaurant and menus consist of hearty dishes cooked to perfection and ideal for rejuvenating guests. On the level above, guests will find a window-lined observation lounge equipped with comfortable seating and televisions, as well as a bar and coffee corner. This deck also features an inviting library and large lecture room. Upper deck activities are primarily limited to scenic viewing, with plenty of deck space for soaking in the world’s polar regions.
Diving and excursions from Hondius
The priority of this vessel is to take advantage of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities as they occur. To give guests the best chances of encounters with the region's famous wildlife, Hondius carries a capable fleet of rigid-hull inflatable zodiac boats - ideal for swift and safe landing operations. And, a sheltered indoor embarkation platform for loading and unloading the Zodiacs ensures the entire process is as easy as possible. Typically, two excursions are offered each day, taking several hours each. Hondius can also accommodate scuba diving activities, organising a maximum of two daily dives, up to a depth of 20-metres. The vessel has a preferred maximum of 24 diving passengers per voyage and offers weights and 12-litre steel cylinders – all other equipment must be supplier by the diver themselves.
Top tips
- Hondius has an open-bridge policy that allows you to visit the ship’s navigation bridge at select times during your voyage.
- Different lectures focusing on history, biology and other destination-relevant topics, are presented throughout the voyage.
Conservation
Hondius uses LED lighting systems, steam heating plants, biodegradable paints and lubricants, and state-of-the-art power management systems to keep fuel consumption and CO2 levels to the absolute minimum. This allows guests to enjoy the extraordinary seascapes, icescapes, and wildlife of the polar regions with as little impact as possible.