MS Hondius

Hondius is the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world, meeting the latest and highest Lloyd’s Register demands for ice-strengthened cruise vessels. Hondius also exceeds the requirements of the Polar Code as adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), allowing you to enjoy the polar regions as much as possible while impacting them as little as possible. Upon completion, Hondius will be the most flexible, advanced, innovative ice-strengthened vessel in the polar regions. It is optimized for exploratory voyages that provide you the utmost first-hand contact with the Arctic and Antarctica.

Hondius offers high-quality accommodation for 174 passengers in one spacious suite (35 square meters, 377 square feet), six grand suites with balconies (27 square meters, 291 square feet), eight junior suites (19 to 20 square meters, 205 to 215 square feet), eight superior cabins (20 to 21 square meters, 215 to 226 square feet), 11 twin deluxe cabins, (19 to 21 square meters, 205 to 226 square feet), 14 twin window cabins (12 to 14 square meters, 129 to 151 square feet) as well as 28 twin porthole cabins, two triple porthole cabins, and four quadruple porthole cabins that vary in size from 12 to 18 square meters, or 129 to 194 square feet. The passenger capacity certificate for Hondius is 196 persons. One deck consists of a large observation lounge and separate lecture room, which are reserved for a wide variety of interactive workshops, exhibitions, and performances particular to Hondius. Though elegantly designed in stylish mid-century modern décor, this vessel holds true to Oceanwide’s distinctive cozy and informal atmosphere. 

It is our philosophy to keep sea time short so that we can focus instead on fast, effective access to shore and near-shore activities. To give you the maximum contact with the nature and wildlife you traveled so far to see, we employ a tough fleet of rigid-hull inflatable Zodiac boats that guarantee swift and safe landing operations for all passengers at the same time. Hondius has two separate gangways and a sheltered indoor Zodiac embarkation platform that can also be used for special outdoor activities, such as kayaking.  

Our top priority is taking advantage of every wildlife and terrain opportunity as it occurs. To keep our itineraries flexible itineraries and our response time rapid, Hondius is equipped with advanced stabilizers and two main engines capable of powering the vessel up to 15 knots. But Hondius sacrifices no warmth to achieve its keen polar edge: You will have 72 crew and staff members (including expedition and hotel staff) at your service while on board, ensuring that what little time you do spend on the ship you will spend comfortably entertained.

What to wear

In keeping with the spirit of expedition, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities, and keep in mind that much of the scenery can be appreciated from deck ― which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles, and make sure your parka is never far away in case one of our crew shouts “Whales!” over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside in a moment’s notice. Opt for layers, as it is comfortably warm aboard the ship though often cold on deck.

Ship Information

Passengers 174 in 82 cabins
Staff & crew 72
Length 107.6 meters
Breadth 17.6 meters
Draft 5.30 meters
Ice class Polar Class 6 (equivalent 1A-Super)
Displacement 5,590 tonnes
Propulsion 2 x ABC main engines; total 4,200 kW
Speed 15 knots
Decks and cabins
Deck 3
ship's scheme 63
Deck 4
ship's scheme 65
Deck 5
ship's scheme 64
Deck 6
ship's scheme 66
Deck 7
ship's scheme 91
Deck plan
Deck Plan
Deck plan
scheme
Cabin

Triple Porthole

Max: 3 Persons
2 portholes
1 upper berth & 2 lower berths
Small sofa
Private shower & toilet
Flatscreen TV
Desk & chair
Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
Coffee & tea maker
Hair dryer
Cabinet
Wardrobe
Safe
This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin

Cabin

Twin Porthole

Max: 2 Persons
2 portholes
2 single beds
Small sofa
Private shower & toilet
Flatscreen TV
Desk & chair
Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
Coffee & tea maker
Hair dryer
Cabinet
Wardrobe
Safe

Cabin

Twin Window

Max: 2 Persons
1 window
2 single beds
Small sofa
Private shower & toilet
Flatscreen TV
Desk & chair
Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
Coffee & tea maker
Hair dryer
Cabinet
Wardrobe
Safe

Cabin

Quadruple Porthole

Max: 4 Persons
2 portholes
2 upper & lower berths
Small sofa
Private shower & toilet
Flatscreen TV
Desk & chair
Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
Coffee & tea maker
Hair dryer
Cabinet
Wardrobe
Safe
This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin

Cabin

Twin Deluxe

Max: 2 Persons
2 windows
2 single beds
Sofa
Private shower & toilet
Flatscreen TV
Desk & chair
Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
Refrigerator
Coffee & tea maker
Hair dryer
Cabinet
Wardrobe
Safe

Cabin

Superior

Max: 2 Persons
2 windows
1 double bed
Sofa
Private shower & toilet
Flatscreen TV
Desk & chair
Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
Refrigerator
Coffee & tea maker
Hair dryer
Cabinet
Wardrobe
Safe

Cabin

Junior Suite

Max: 2 Persons
1 double window
1 double bed
Private shower & toilet
Flatscreen TV
Desk & chair
Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
Refrigerator
Coffee & tea maker
Hair dryer
Cabinet
Wardrobe
Safe

Cabin

Grand Suite with private balcony

Max: 2 Persons
1 double window
1 double bed
Sofa
Private balcony
Private shower & toilet
Flatscreen TV
Desk & chair
Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
Refrigerator
Coffee & tea maker
Hair dryer
Cabinet
Wardrobe
Safe

Cabin

Hondius Suite

Max: 2 Persons
4 windows
1 double bed
Sofa
Private shower & toilet
Desk & chair
Flatscreen TV
Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
Refrigerator
Coffee & tea maker
Hair dryer
Cabinet
Walk-in closet
Safe