
Let us introduce you to one of the leading vessels on the market for Arctic expeditions and Antarctica cruises.
It’s hard for us to go past the magnificent M/V Hondius when recommending an Arctic cruise ship or Antarctica expedition vessel for our customers. Launched to much aplomb in 2019, the Hondius was the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world, meeting the latest, and highest, Lloyd’s Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships. Purpose-built by the longstanding and internationally renowned polar cruise operator Oceanwide, the Hondius was built to succeed the requirements of the Polar Code adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), making it an innovative and seriously impressive vessel. In fact, it is well thought of as being the most flexible, advanced, innovative cruise vessel currently operating in the Arctic and Antarctica.
Keep reading to find out more about why we think it’s such a good choice for your once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica or Arctic cruise.
Wildfoot’s Review of the M/V Hondius
Polar cruises, for many, are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It may take a considerable amount of planning, and saving, to make those polar adventure dreams come true. So, if you’re going to do it, you may as well do it right! That’s what you’ll get on an Arctic or Antarctica cruise on the M/V Hondius. A first-class trip, with a first-class crew, aboard a first-class expedition ship!

The Hondius was built specifically for exploration. Deep exploration. Enthralling exploration. It has been carefully designed to offer a fantastic blend of comfort, durability and, above all, safety. Thoroughly optimised to tackle the rough and rugged waters of the polar regions, its innovative features allow it to bring you closer to the ice, and all that these enchanting lands hold.
It is equipped with advanced stabilisers and two main engines which are capable of powering the vessel up to 15 knots. Yet, despite its impressive speed and strength, it manages to be one of the most environmentally friendly vessels on the polar seas, something that, as firm advocates for sustainable and responsible travel, we love to hear and see in action. Some of the ship’s inspiring environmentally friendly initiatives and features include the use of bio-degradable paints and lubricants in its build and upkeep, the use of LED lighting and steam heating, and state-of-the-art power management systems that keep fuel consumption and CO2 levels minimal.
A ship that manages to couple speed, strength and sustainability is always going to head close to the top of our list of favourite vessels for polar cruises, and the M/V Hondius manages to do this…with style! We would have no hesitation in recommending this ship for our customers wishing to explore Antarctica and the Arctic in a conscientious, safe and thoroughly enjoyable manner.
Life Onboard the M/V Hondius

The M/V Hondius manages to impressively combine hotel comfort with an expedition focus to polar travel. It offers high quality accommodation for up to 170 passengers in a wide range of cabin types. The most affordable cabins onboard are the four Quadruple Porthole Cabins, two Triple Porthole Cabins, and 27 Twin Porthole Cabins which offer excellent space and comfort without the price tag that comes with panoramic sea views. You then have 14 Twin Window Cabins which will offer better views from their large window, and 11 Twin Deluxe Cabins which offer even more space and two large windows from which to soak up those awe-inspiring polar landscape views. The eight Superior Cabins and Junior Suites offer that touch more luxury, whilst the six fantastic Grand Suites offer wonderful private balconies from which to truly immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings. Who knows you might even spot a polar bear stalking the ice floes of the Arctic, or a playful penguin diving in the frozen Antarctic waters, all from the comfort of your bedroom!
A very high level of dining is available onboard, and the ship’s interiors have been finished in a cosy and classic mid-century modern décor, offering a deluxe feel whilst still maintaining a sense of camaraderie, with welcoming communal, dining, and observation areas. In fact, an entire deck has uniquely been dedicated to space for multi-language lectures, presentations, learning and first-class observation spaces.
Although life onboard is, of course, exceptionally pleasant. Our guests won’t have come to the far-flung corners of the planet to sit onboard and drink coffee. They want to explore. They want to spend as much time on land as possible. And the M/V Hondius does a wonderful job of prioritising this and making every second in the polar regions count. Equipped with a powerful fleet of Zodiac boats to guarantee swift and safe transit from ship to shore, a trip aboard the Hondius guarantees the maximum contact with the nature and wildlife that is feasible. The ship also features two separate gangways and a sheltered indoor Zodiac boarding, making it perfect for other outdoor activities such as kayaking.
Heard enough from us and want to experience a polar cruise on the M/V Hondius for yourself? Check out our full list of Arctic Expeditions and Antarctica Cruises aboard the M/V Hondius, and make sure to take a look at the video below to get a sample of what to expect from your trip.
Find out more about The Hondius here
For more help on finding the perfect expedition vessel for your trip to the Arctic or Antarctica, speak to our expert team by calling 0800 195 3385, emailing [email protected] or filling out our enquiry form. From fully bespoke itineraries and adventure cruises aboard the world’s best expeditions ships, to small-group tours to the edge of the earth; creating once-in-a-lifetime moments for you is at the heart of everything we do.