"Embark on an unforgettable expedition cruise, where adventure and discovery go hand in hand in polar regions." This is the introduction of Oceanwide Expeditions, the luxury Dutch shipping company with over 30 years of experience to which the ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak, the MV Hondius, belongs. The ship will disembark in the Canary Islands after being anchored in Cape Verde for several days. And "unforgettable" it will be, as passengers remain confined to their cabins since three of the 149 people from 23 nationalities (including 14 Spaniards) aboard died from the virus. Additionally, one is in critical condition, and several others have mild symptoms.
So, what was supposed to be a dream trip has turned into a nightmare where passengers can only go out on deck at specific times, wearing masks and avoiding close contact, unsure of the further consequences of the outbreak and when they will reach their respective homes. Nothing like the exclusive voyages offered by the company to the Antarctica and the Arctic starting from 5,000 euros, with rates potentially reaching up to 30,000 euros for the highest fare. Below, we describe what a day aboard was like. And to whet your appetite, here is a 360º tour of its facilities.
Between the Arctic and Antarctica
Oceanwide Expeditions' voyages can last up to 40 days. Most usually start in Ushuaia (Argentina) for the Antarctica route, passing through the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Elephant Island, or Cape Verde, while Arctic routes include areas like Svalbard and Greenland, belonging to the kingdoms of Norway and Denmark, respectively.
What the company offers on each of its departures is an experience that combines sailing on "small and intimate ships" with activities both on board and on land (usually twice a day) that bring guests "to the heart of nature and the pioneering spirit of adventure that defines these journeys to the ends of the earth," as their slogans state. For this, they have four ships, the Rembrandt van Rijn and the ice-strengthened ships Ortelius, Plancius, and Hondius.
World's First Class 6 Polar Vessel
The latter, which was affected by the hantavirus, is the world's first Class 6 polar vessel ever registered, built with reinforced ice hulls and designed to be able to navigate in extreme conditions, as in the Arctic and Antarctica. To achieve this classification, they must meet the requirements of Lloyd's Register, the entity responsible for the classification and organization of technical and engineering services for these types of cruises, surpassing the demands of the Polar Code adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). And the Hondius, 107.6 meters long, is precisely the most innovative and best adapted to sail these polar regions, built from scratch in 2019 to be an expedition cruise for these geographies.
One Crew Member per Three Passengers
What can one find aboard? To start with, one crew member per three passengers, a ratio achievable only on luxury ships, as its total capacity is 170 passengers and 80 cabins, while the crew consists of 57 workers and 13 expedition guides, plus a doctor. Decks 1 and 2 are for employees, while life on board for passengers takes place between decks 3 and 7.
Grand Suite with Private Balcony, the Most Desired
Regarding the 80 available cabins on board (nothing like the massive conventional cruises, which can have nearly 3,000 cabins) for the 170 passengers, there are all types: from double, triple, and quadruple cabins with portholes (measuring between 12 and 16 square meters) to the six grand suites with private balconies (27 m2), the most desired, passing through the double cabin with window (19 to 21 m2) or the junior suite (19 to 20 m2). They are designed in a mid-century modern style in earthy and brown tones combined with more vibrant colors like purples or reds in details, whether in cushions or carpets.
From the bar to the buffet-style dining room, lounges for drinks or relaxation, and the library, everything on the ship is focused on exploration. Hence, one deck is used solely for conferences and presentations with exterior views, featuring a lounge and observation room and a lecture room. Indeed, the ship is specifically designed to offer a 360º experience at eye level, allowing guests to stroll around the ship and enjoy panoramic views of the polar landscapes from all angles. This is achieved because the ship is custom-built with the highest ice class, enabling it to navigate in the depths of compact ice, reaching areas where larger ships cannot.
One of the main goals is to be prepared for any wildlife sighting opportunity both inside the vessel and outside. For this reason, Hondius carries a fleet of zodiac boats to ensure quick transit to the shore. Additionally, it has two separate gangways for disembarkation, as well as an indoor boarding area for zodiacs, which can also be used for special outdoor activities like kayaking. The Hondius also boasts being the most environmentally friendly vessel in the polar seas by using LED lighting, steam heating, biodegradable lubricants and paints, and efficient energy and fuel management systems.
Despite being a luxury cruise, it is recommended to wear casual and comfortable clothing for all activities, especially because most of the landscape is observed from the deck and can be slippery. Therefore, it is advised to wear sturdy shoes with non-slip soles and have a jacket handy in case "whales!" is announced over the loudspeaker and you need to rush to the deck. As for tips, there is no exact mandatory amount to tip the crew, but the ship's management recommends leaving between 10 and 15 euros or US dollars per person per day.
Activities: From Polar Diving to Helicopter Rides
Why choose Oceanwide Expeditions?, they ask on their website. The answer is: "To enjoy more than just a simple trip; we are a gateway to the untamed heart of nature." Hence, among the available activities, clients can opt for polar diving, mountain and cross-country skiing in South Georgia, mountaineering, hiking, helicopter excursions, kayaking, snowshoeing, photography workshops, Antarctic camping, polar plunges, zodiac cruising, visiting the Orcadas Base, the research station on Laurie Island in the South Orkney Islands, cleaning the coast of Svalbard by removing plastic waste...
Then there is the discovery of polar fauna, including species like the Antarctic fur seal, emperor penguin, white whale, Arctic tern, barnacle goose, blue whale, Arctic hare...
Security protocols
Until the hantavirus outbreak and since the pandemic, there were no vaccination requirements prior to boarding Oceanwide Expeditions ships. However, company officials clarify that safety protocols "may change depending on the risks posed by infectious diseases, including Covid," and that they have a prevention and response plan for epidemic outbreaks that they have recently implemented.