Hondius

• A purpose-built mid-sized expedition ship featuring a Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull for genuine exploration of the polar regions.
• One of the best selections of polar cruises available for wildlife watchers and birders with a dedicated team of specialists.
• An excellent choice for activity enthusiasts with longer hiking and mountaineering voyages available.

Why Sail Aboard Hondius?

Hondius first took to the high seas in 2019 and is the first ice-strengthened cruise ship to feature a polar class 6 rating for safe navigation and exploration of polar waters. With room for 170 guests, Hondius is a mid-sized ship featuring high-tech stabilisers to smooth the ship’s movement, a fast speed of 15 knots, and plenty of deck space for wildlife viewing.

Exploratory voyages on Hondius are aimed at travellers who would like to maximise their time exploring. The ship offers a great selection of activities for more adventurous travellers, from snowshoeing to mountaineering and camping. The ship is also noted for its outstanding selection of wildlife voyages, from whale watching in Antarctica to birding on the South Atlantic Islands and in the Arctic.

The ship has a modern look and feel and is suited to travellers looking for an authentic expedition experience rather than a luxury one on an innovative touring vessel.

Dining On Hondius

Hondius offers satisfying and nutritious meals. Guests can enjoy buffet-style breakfast and lunch with a wide range of choices and dietary needs catered to. Evening dinners are selected from a four-course menu with a range of meat and vegetarian options. The food onboard is international, with a selection of hearty dishes and fresh, healthy options.

The dining room on Hondius seats all guests and features surrounding windows to take in the views while dining. The seating arrangements are informal, with a choice of different tables in a friendly atmosphere.

Snacks, fruit, and bread are always available between meal times. Water, coffee, and tea are included, with alcohol and soft drinks available at an additional cost. Self-serve drink machines are available 24 hours a day.

Cabins On Hondius

Hondius offers high-quality accommodation for 170 passengers across eight cabin categories. Guests can choose from six grand suites with balconies, eight junior suites, eight superior cabins, 11 twin deluxe cabins, 14 twin window cabins, and 27 twin porthole cabins.

Each cabin has a private shower and toilet, flatscreen TV, desk, safe, hair dryer, telephone and wifi. A thermostat allows you to control the temperature of your cabin. A tea and coffee maker is also included in twin deluxe cabins and above.

Please note the bed configuration is fixed and cannot be changed.

Onboard Experience

Hondius features a large observation lounge across an entire deck with panoramic windows to take in the breathtaking views of the polar regions. Sliding doors lead out to the exterior deck for wildlife viewing and admiring the scenery. The lounge area also includes a bar with comfortable seating, the perfect place to unwind in the evening.

Hondius features a separate lecture room where the ship’s knowledgeable expedition team holds daily briefings and talks.

Aboard Hondius, guests will enjoy a distinctive, cosy, and informal atmosphere. The ship features a well-stocked library where guests can read up on the polar regions.

The ship features a large gear room, and Zodiac embarkation points for speedy boarding.

Destinations

Hondius explores the Arctic and Antarctica. In the Arctic, itineraries include an in-depth circumnavigation of Spitsbergen, a voyage to Jan Mayen and Iceland, and the possibility of exploring the remote and rugged coast of East Greenland.

In Antarctica, Hondius offers a basecamp voyage with free camping, kayaking, and mountaineering included at the start of each season. Itineraries explore the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. A number of dedicated bird- and whale-watching voyages are also available, making this an ideal choice for wildlife watchers and birders.

Activities and Excursions

Hondius has a tough fleet of rigid-hull inflatable Zodiac boats for landing operations. The ship offers a great selection of activities and excursions.

The standard cruise fare includes zodiac cruises, shore landings, and hikes with the ship’s expedition team. For guests who enjoy hiking, there are options to join voyages that focus on longer hikes. The ship also offers wildlife-specific itinerary voyages, from birding to polar bear viewing in Svalbard and whale watching in Antarctica. Photography workshops are also included.

The ship offers a range of additional activities, including camping in Antarctica, snowshoeing, mountaineering and polar diving on select voyages.

The Hondius expedition ship offers various cultural and educational programs to enhance the passenger experience. The ship’s expedition team comprises history, geology, and wildlife experts who provide engaging presentations and briefings on the polar regions and their unique inhabitants.

Safety and Sustainability

Hondius meets the specifications of the Lloyd’s Register for “Polar Class 6” vessels and the latest requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for passenger vessels.

As a modern ship, protecting the environment is of great importance. The ship uses LED lighting and steam heating to reduce its environmental footprint. Fuel-efficient engines that reduce fuel consumption make this one of the most environmentally friendly vessels in the polar regions.