Below is a list of the MV Hondius FAQs, or Frequently Asked Questions for people looking to cruise to the Antartic on one of the Oceanwide Expeditions cruise ships.
Please note: this is general information that should be used as a guide and may change without notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
MV Hondius is the world’s first Polar Class 6 expedition cruise ship, purpose-built for exploring Antarctica and the Arctic. Launched in 2019, it carries up to 170 passengers and is designed to combine comfort, safety, and sustainability while venturing into some of the most remote regions on Earth.
Your Antarctic cruise includes:
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Accommodation aboard MV Hondius in your chosen cabin category
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All meals, snacks, tea, and coffee during the voyage
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Zodiac cruises and shore landings with expert expedition guides
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Excursions, hikes, and wildlife viewing activities
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Informative lectures and presentations by naturalists and scientists
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Loan of rubber boots for landings
Flights, pre/post-cruise hotels, and personal expenses are not included unless otherwise specified.
Depending on the season and itinerary, highlights may include:
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Penguins: Adelie, Gentoo, Chinstrap, and sometimes Emperor penguins
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Seals: Weddell, Crabeater, Leopard, and Elephant seals
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Whales: Humpbacks, Orcas, Minkes, and sometimes Blue whales
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Birdlife: Skua, Petrels, and Albatrosses
Most activities involve Zodiac boat landings on the Antarctic Peninsula or surrounding islands. Passengers can explore icy landscapes, visit penguin colonies, and witness glaciers up close. Optional activities may include kayaking, camping on the ice, mountaineering, or snowshoeing, depending on the voyage.
Hondius combines modern comfort with expedition style. The ship features:
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A bright observation lounge and bar with panoramic windows
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Comfortable, modern cabins (some with balconies)
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A lecture theatre for daily briefings and presentations
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A spacious dining room serving international cuisine
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Plenty of open-deck space for wildlife and iceberg viewing
The Antarctic season runs from November to March:
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Nov–Dec: Pristine landscapes, courtship displays, nesting penguins.
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Jan–Feb: Peak wildlife activity, penguin chicks hatching, whales more common.
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Feb–Mar: Excellent whale watching, dramatic light, fewer vessels.
Essential items include:
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Layered clothing (thermal base layers, fleece, waterproof outerwear)
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Gloves, hats, and scarves for warmth
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Sunglasses and sunscreen for strong polar sun
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Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
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Small backpack for shore landings
Oceanwide provides rubber boots and expedition parkas (parka may be available for purchase depending on itinerary).
No prior expedition experience is required. MV Hondius caters to adventurous travellers of all backgrounds. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended for boarding Zodiacs and joining shore excursions.
Hondius was designed to minimise environmental impact. It operates with advanced stabilisers, energy-efficient systems, and complies with the latest Polar Code standards. Oceanwide also emphasises responsible wildlife viewing and strict waste management.
The dress code on MV Hondius is casual, practical, and expedition-focused rather than formal. Oceanwide Expeditions emphasizes comfort and function over style. Here’s what to expect:
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Onboard:
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Casual clothing such as jeans, trousers, jumpers, t-shirts, and fleece layers are perfect.
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The ship is warm and comfortable inside, so light indoor layers are usually enough.
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No formal wear is required — even at the Captain’s welcome or farewell, smart-casual attire is sufficient.
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On Deck & Excursions:
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Warm, waterproof, and windproof outer layers are essential.
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Oceanwide provides rubber boots for shore landings and an expedition parka (sometimes included, sometimes available to purchase).
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Layering is key: thermal underwear, fleece mid-layers, and a waterproof outer shell.
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Footwear:
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Waterproof boots are supplied for landings.
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Around the ship, comfortable shoes with good grip are best.
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👉 In short, there is no formal dress code on MV Hondius — think “comfortable explorer” rather than “cruise elegant.”