Hondius
- capacity
- 170
- year built
- 2019
- crew members
- 72
- length
- 350 feet
- beam
- 58 feet
- draft
- 17 feet
- cruising speed
- 15 knots
- flag
- Dutch
- ice class
- Polar Class 6
Hondius is a 170-passenger expedition ship, built exclusively for polar cruises. The 350-foot vessel is the first to be built to ice class LR PC6, making her one of the strongest ice-strengthened vessels in the polar regions. Her name honors cartographer Henricus Hondius (Amsterdam 1597–1651) and his father Jodocus Hondius (Wakken, Belgium 1563–Amsterdam 1612).
Why Sail Aboard Hondius
Choose the Hondius as your true basecamp for active adventure and modern-minded explorers, with activities that include hiking trips, kayaking, overnight field camping, astronomy workshops, birding and even scuba diving. This modern ship pairs strength, high-tech stabilizers, the utmost in safety standards and two main engines with a combined 4,200kW of power that generate a speed of 15 knots. The vessel was built by Croatia shipbuilder Brodosplit. Hondius is a stunning addition to the current fleet of expedition ships operating in polar waters. This fast and flexible ship is designed to respond to fluctuating polar conditions and adapt quickly.
Like her predecessor ships Plancius and Ortelius, Hondius is primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel program, with guests spending as much time ashore as possible. Uniquely the Hondius boasts special interactive workshops, captivating exhibitions and vibrant performances on board as well as on land.
OUR EXPERTS SAILED
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AdventureSmith Explorations has been aboard the MV Hondius firsthand. Read our dedicated MV Hondius review or consult this page further for a detailed description of Hondius including her competitively priced cabins and high quality. Then contact our polar cruise experts to compare the Hondius with other Antarctica ships and small cruise ships sailing Antarctica cruises and Arctic cruises including Iceland cruises and cruises to Greenland.
Safety & Sustainability Aboard Hondius
Built to LR PC6, similar to the previous Finnish-Swedish ice-class notation “1A-Super,” Hondius meets the latest and highest demands of Lloyd’s Register for “Polar Class 6” vessels, the highest Polar Class notation for ice-strengthened vessels. She is also built according to the latest requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in particular concerning the safety of the life at sea (SOLAS) and the prevention of pollution from ships (MARPOL) for passenger vessels. The protection of the environment is of major importance and efforts extend from construction to sailing. The propulsion system consists of two medium-speed main engines and one adjustable pitch propeller. The flexible power management (in combination with a shaft generator instead of operating a diesel-driven generator) permits the lowest possible fuel consumption and CO2 emission and therefore a minimum possible impact on the environment.
Further efforts to protect the environment include the use of biodegradable lubrication oils and hazardous-free coating and paint, avoiding the use of toxic/hazardous materials during the vessel’s construction. Also she employs steam for heating purposes on board while keeping electrical heating at a minimum, equips interior and exterior lighting with LED lights which reduces 60% of power compared with conventional lighting and reuses waste heat (such as cooling water for the main engines) for the production of fresh water. Additional existing requirements and restrictions, while at sea and in the polar regions, will be strictly followed.
Common Areas & Amenities Aboard Hondius
The vessel offers a deluxe standard and at the same time a distinctive, cozy and informal atmosphere. An entire deck, Deck 5, on board is reserved for an observation lounge and a separate lecture room in order to offer simultaneous or multi-language lectures and presentations. There are computers in the lecture room for photo sharing so it can be helpful to bring a USB stick to save shareable images. The Observation Lounge hosts most gatherings, and also offers activities in between, such as boardgames.
A separate library creates opportunities to relax and learn while aboard. Between the large viewing windows and the multiple external viewing decks, viewing wildlife and epic landscapes is easily possible. An infirmary and gear room are available just a few steps from the Zodiac launching area. Smoking in designated areas only. Hondius features numerous outdoor spaces, including an open-air 8th deck popular with walkers. Bench seating is found in many of these al fresco spaces.
Refreshments from the fully provisioned bar and souvenirs will be charged to each cabin. Bills may be settled the day before departure with the Hotel Manager and paid by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or cash (euro or US dollar). The prices and standard currency on board Hondius is the euro. Other currencies may be accepted at the discretion of the Hotel Manager at prevailing rates.
Hondius offers complimentary internet access via a voucher for a daily allowance of 1.5GB of internet activity, which resets every 24 hours. Additional internet data is available via supplementary vouchers which may be purchased on board. Additionally, laundry is available for a small fee.
Dining Aboard Hondius
In addition to satisfying the intellect and soul through her powerful experiences, the Hondius sets out to satisfy gastronomically. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style (hot and cold) while dinner is a four-course meal (selected at lunch each day) with meat, fish and vegetarian options. Menus are international with both comfort foods and fresh healthy options, and special diets can often be accommodated with advance notice.
The dining room’s walls of windows ensure travelers won’t miss any wildlife sightings. Seating is unassigned and the atmosphere is casual, with options of 2-tops, cozy booths and even 12-guest high-top tables. The dining room and all of Hondius’s other common areas foster a sense of conviviality, community, togetherness and enjoyment thanks to her cozy and friendly atmosphere.
Between meals, guests can still access fruit, bread and assorted snacks. Coffee, tea and water are included, however alcohol and soft drinks are additional. A self-serve espresso, coffee, tea and hot chocolate machine is available around the clock, and daily happy hour can be enjoyed in the Observation Lounge (complete with a wine-dispensing machine).
Crew & Guides Aboard Hondius
While cruising, 76 crew and staff members (including a doctor, expedition and hotel staff) are at the passengers’ service. An international team of seasoned polar experts and field guides are assembled to share their enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge through evening recaps, lectures, briefings and field excursions. The science-minded professionals aboard cover major topics like marine biology, geography, geology, glaciology, ornithology and history. When it comes to excursions, the staff have all been trained and qualified in their respective activity. These scientists, lecturers and expedition guides work hard not just for safety but also to highlight all sorts of examples of the unique elements of these intriguing polar regions. Expect an expertly led morning and afternoon excursion of 2-3 hours each (weather depending) while traveling aboard Hondius.
Activities Aboard Hondius
Hondius’s philosophy is to keep sea legs short and to focus on fast and effective access to shore and near-shore activities for all nature- and wildlife-minded passengers. Her interactive, experiential and informative activities are designed to engage while on and off the ship. A powerful fleet of 15 Zodiacs guarantees quality outings and swift landing operation for all passengers at the same time. A speedy Zodiac embarkation is enhanced with two separate gangways and in addition, sheltered indoor platforms for easy Zodiac embarkation at water level. During passenger excursions the vessel will be at anchor but Hondius is also very capable to drift and/or to remain at the same position with the support of her bow and stern thrusters. On board, the Hondius treats guests to interactive workshops that explore topics such as photography and videography, astronomy, navigation and botany.
Guests will appreciate the on-loan waterproof muck boots and waterproof dry bags for off-ship excursions, but note that parkas are not provided aboard Hondius (also not provided, but required, are waterproof pants). Travelers should bring their own trekking poles and daypacks if desired, as well as binoculars for use away from the ship-provided ones in the Bridge.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Hondius
Hondius offers accommodations for 170 passengers in 8 cabin categories all with stylish modern mid-century decor. Every one of the 81 cabins offers a private shower and toilet, heated towel rack, flatscreen TV, desk and chair, telephone and WiFi access, hair dryer, cabinet, safe, thermostat and rotating HEPA air purifier. Bedding is fixed in each cabin so cannot be reconfigured. The electrical supply aboard the ship is 220v, 60Hz. A coffee and tea maker is available in Twin Deluxe cabins and above. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins. A 220v/110v converter may be needed; packing adaptors with USB ports can be helpful as your cabin may not have any.
