By: Torben Lonne
It is a high-spec modern yacht designed for exploration in remote places in which guests travel in comfort and style.
An expedition ship being built and crafted by Brodosplit Shipyard in Croatia for Oceanwide expeditions; this unique liveaboard is an ideal choice for guests going on a grand tour of the Arctic. The MV Hondius liveaboard at 353 feet/107.6 meters offers its passengers iconic scenery of glaciers in eastern Greenland, polar bears on the Svalbard shore and a variety of wildlife all around. The MV Hondius takes guests on expedition voyages to the Arctic and Antarctic Regions.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Many people noted that the crew was exceptional in their duties. -
The expedition team was insightful and briefed everyone accordingly.
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The food prepared by the chef was a wonder to the taste buds.
Things we don't like:
A couple of people noted that the experience was colder then what they were expecting.- Some people mentioned that the ice blocked 10% of the journey.
A couple of people noted that the experience was colder then what they were expecting.
Diving on the MV Hondius in the Arctic
Named after Joost de Hondt, a Flemish Cartographer, the MV Hondius, which launched in 2019 is built specifically for polar cruising.
Guest can choose from the many available cabins and suites, which are all custom-designed and impeccably outfitted in stylish mid-century modern decor.
The MV Hondius is the first polar expedition ship with Polar Class 6, the highest notation for ice-strengthened vessels. The Hondius also surpasses the requirements for the Polar Code adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as it uses LED lighting, only bio-degradable paints, flexible and power management systems to keep CO2 emission and fuel consumption at an absolute minimum.
With 82 cabins which can cater for up to 176 passengers on board, the MV Hondius offers an excellent level of luxury in a friendly and cozy atmosphere. Manned by a crew of 72 to ensure your needs are met, the ship’s other facilities include a dedicated presentation room, an observation lounge, bar and library.
Boat features
The ship has cabins of different categories for 2-4 persons. The staterooms aboard the ship range from range from 1 suite (sized 33m2/ 35 ft2), 6 balcony staterooms, 8 French Balcony staterooms, 19 outsides/oceanview, 14 doubles (with panoramic window), 31 doubles (with porthole window), 2 triple-occupancy rooms (with a porthole) and 4 quadruple-occupancy rooms (also with a porthole).
The double, triple, and quadruple porthole, as well as the infirmary and a doctor’s cabin, are located on the 3rd deck. The twin deluxe and staterooms, as well as a large Hondius suite along with lifeboats, are on Deck 6. The Deck 7 will house the private balcony grand and junior suites along with the ship’s office and safety center.
The dining room, lobby area, and the gallery will be on Deck 4. There is also a staircase that leads to twin window cabins. The Zodiac deck will be used for outdoor activities such as kayaking.
The ship will also feature a sheltered zodiac boarding zone, where passengers can board boats to take them to the shore. Other activities and experiences onboard the vessel will further engage and entertain the guests.
A large observation lounge and a dedicated lecture room on Deck 5 will be reserved entirely for lectures and presentations. The deck will also feature a library, bar, pantry, safety lockers and an expedition office.
Meals will be served buffet style with drinks and snacks made available to guests. Passengers aboard the MV Hondius will enjoy dishes from international cuisines, surroundings, and service that starkly contrasts the rugged world just outside your window. An entire deck is dedicated to (multi-language) lectures and presentations.
Safety is of the highest importance as in every other expedition boat. The MV Hondius is equipped with fire alarms, fire extinguishers, life jackets, life rafts, emergency oxygen kits, first aid kits, satellite & mobile phones, bilge pump alarm and others to ensure guests enjoy a relatively safe experience.
Best time to go
The best time to go on an expedition trip onboard the MV Hondius is when the Antarctic Peninsula has a warmer and wetter climate, which is mostly in the summer months between May and October.
Itinerary
Once launched, the MV Hondius will run an itinerary ranging from 10-22 nights.
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