Ship

Hondius

4.5/5 From 586 Reviews

Please send me details about cruises on the Hondius

Thank you for your enquiry

Banner image

Ship overview:

Launched in 2019, the Hondius is an elegant yet cozy vessel providing a first class Antarctic cruise. The ship carries 170 passengers and meets the highest standards and demands, making it able to take on the most challenging of polar voyages with flexibility.

Prices per person

From $6,300

Prices based on two people sharing
Ship Capacity

170 passengers

Year built

Constructed in 2019

Expedition staff to guest ratio

1:10

Optional activities

Camping, kayaking, mountaineering, paddling, scuba diving & snowshoeing

Last Inspected
  • Grant, Antarctic Sales Consultant
    November 2024

    Grant, Antarctic Sales Consultant

  • Maddison, Antarctica Sales Specialist
    November 2023

    Maddison, Antarctica Sales Specialist

  • Ian, Antarctic Sales Manager
    November 2023

    Ian, Antarctic Sales Manager

Why We Like This Ship

    • The vessel offers 4* accommodation for a total of 170 passengers
    • Decorated and furnished in an elegant and modern style, retaining a distinctive cozy and informal atmosphere
    • One deck entirely reserved for (multi-language) lectures and presentations
    • Large observation lounge and a separate lecture room
    • Two separate gangways ensure speedy Zodiac embarkation and an indoor Zodiac embarkation platform, which can also be used for special outdoor activities such as kayaking
    • Hondius is equipped with 2 main engines and can reach a maximum speed of 15 knots

    Hondius Ship Video

    Customer review background image

    What our customers think of Hondius

    Hondius trips scored 4.5/5 from 586 reviews

    The ship lived up to my expectations. The dining food was great and the cabins were extremely comfortable. All the team is passionate and they put together a great crew to lead us. Read the full review

    Travelled: March 2024

    Kyle Torster - USA

    All the staff were exceptional. The ship was always kept clean and comfortable. Read the full review

    Travelled: February 2024

    Franz Scherubl - Canada

    The cabin was nice, the ship was comfortable and clean. I would definitely choose this ship again. The expedition team was very friendly and knowledgeable, they paid attention and did everything they could to make us have a great time on this trip. They are some of the best people I've met! Read the full review

    Travelled: February 2024

    Katerina Tsantili - Greece

    I would most certainly choose this ship again. Very stable. Cabin was a little tight for 4, but we made it work and had a great time together. The food was excellent. Read the full review

    Travelled: February 2024

    Chris Gavin - USA

    The ship is very new, and the cabin and the public spaces were clean and comfortable. The ship lived up to my expectations in every way. The food was very good, with a reasonable variety, but not as much as what one would get on a large cruise ship or at a restaurant – not unreasonable for such a ship of this size. Read the full review

    Travelled: February 2024

    Jeffrey Siegel - USA

    Hondius was much more better than what I thought! Wonderful and the food is amazing. Read the full review

    Travelled: February 2024

    Samantha Hwang - Taiwan

    Awesome ship and perfect for this trip. Read the full review

    Travelled: January 2024

    Todd Robichaux - USA

    Cabin was very comfortable and the food was very good. All the expedition team were good at what they did, and the lectures were very informative. Read the full review

    Travelled: January 2024

    Richard Robichaux - USA

    Beautiful ship that met and exceeded all of our expectations. Professional staff, great ship, perfect adventure. Read the full review

    Travelled: January 2024

    Steve Murphy - USA

    Cabin was great. Ship was as expected. We would use Hondius again and recommend it to others. The expedition team were knowledgeable, friendly and extremely engaging. It was great to hear their individual stories. So varied. Read the full review

    Travelled: January 2024

    Gerry Good - USA

    Hondius was a wonderful ship, our cabin was comfortable, the hotel staff were very attentive and friendly. The food was wonderful, and the staff even better. I would definitely choose this ship again! Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2023

    Deb Smith - USA

    The weather, wildlife, nature, the expedition team and the boat plus its staff all contributed to making it a great experience! Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2023

    Meike Kyung Ok Van Der Veur - Belgium

    Cabin was great - very comfy. The beds were great! Food was good - lots of variety and attention to my dietary restrictions. I would 100% choose this ship again. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2023

    Leslie Fulton - USA

    Very nice ship and facilities. Read the full review

    Travelled: November 2023

    Perumpillavil Govind - India

    Fantastic boat! Definitely recommend. The stabilizers made the Drake Passage less rocky. The cabin was very comfortable. Food was great! Read the full review

    Travelled: November 2023

    Midori Shibuya - USA

    The ship lives up to the expectations set by being designed for purpose. Great ship. Read the full review

    Travelled: November 2023

    Jake Given - USA

    Hondius is a beautiful and well-built ship with modern amenities and an excellent staff. Our twin deluxe cabin was spacious with two huge windows where we watched sealife go by. Our cabin steward, Maria, was friendly and did an excellent job keeping our cabin neat and fresh. The meals were amazing. Read the full review

    Travelled: March 2023

    Cris Flippen - USA

    Beautiful room, great food, common areas were great. Read the full review

    Travelled: March 2023

    Beth Cauwels - USA

    The expedition team were an amazing, smart and talented group of individuals! Recommend each and every one of them. Read the full review

    Travelled: March 2023

    Jonathon Kemp - USA

    10/10 - Hondius was a great vessel and staff were helpful and friendly. Read the full review

    Travelled: March 2023

    Alison Miller - USA

    I feel like a broken record at this point, but nothing disappointed. Everything far exceeded expectations! Read the full review

    Travelled: March 2023

    Joe Vial - USA

    Hondius exceeded my expectations. I was in a quad cabin, never felt cramped, bathroom was bigger than I expected. Food was over the top. We ate like kings, absolutely delicious. I 100% would choose this ship and recommend it to anyone interested. Read the full review

    Travelled: February 2023

    Chris Poli - USA

    Food very excellent, staff very excellent, cabin was great with the heated rack. Yes, I would choose again. Read the full review

    Travelled: February 2023

    Hiroshi Okabe - USA

    If you go with Swoop and the Hondius you will never regret it. Trip of a lifetime. Best ship I was ever on. Read the full review

    Travelled: February 2023

    Liam McCabe - Ireland

    Nice roomy 6th deck cabin. Was surprised at the quality of the room! Amazing staff, great food. Everything was well organized and safe. The expedition staff was top notch. Read the full review

    Travelled: February 2023

    Jessica Naff - USA

    Every single member of the expedition team was an expert in some niche category and together they made for the most incredible team. Read the full review

    Travelled: February 2023

    Nicole Kmiotek - USA

    Great housekeeping staff, excellent food and service, very clean. Yes, will consider choosing this ship again. Great professional and knowledgeable team. Great lectures on the days at sea. Excellent cuisine and snacks. Read the full review

    Travelled: January 2023

    Evelyn Martinez - USA

    All of the staff were very knowledgeable in their field. Many with at least one advanced degree. Photography staff were excellent. Read the full review

    Travelled: January 2023

    Calvin Lee Ramage - USA

    The Hondius was very comfortable, our room was amazing. The food was always fresh and plentiful and the staff was friendly. Cleanliness was also a priority on board. Read the full review

    Travelled: January 2023

    Jill Pryor - USA

    The Hondius was great. It made the Drake Passage very comfortable. The cabin was wonderful. The food was amazing every night. I would definitely choose this ship again. The Hondius staff were also great. Read the full review

    Travelled: January 2023

    Dave Lo - USA

    Ship was nicer than I expected, cabin larger than I thought. Very comfortable space, liked the lounge as well. I would be happy to go on this ship again. The food was decent as well, I was impressed by the variety the kitchen offered. Read the full review

    Travelled: January 2023

    Talia Salenger - USA

    10/10 - Everything was perfect - the boat, the trips and their planning, the knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff. Read the full review

    Travelled: January 2023

    Virginia Campbell - UK

    Every person we dealt with was positive, helpful, and knowledgeable. Michael, the Hotel Manager, was awesome. Marcel as the expedition leader was 10/10. The team's engagement with passengers made the entire experience better. Read the full review

    Travelled: January 2023

    Tyler White - USA

    An amazing ship. Well kept and beautiful. The ship crew deserve a lot of credit - it was spotless the entire trip. Read the full review

    Travelled: January 2023

    Tyler White - USA

    I whole-heartedly recommend the Hondius for this adventure. Read the full review

    Travelled: January 2023

    Steven Goodman - USA

    Because the Hondius is a newer ship in the fleet, we were very comfortable and would go out of our way to choose this ship again next time because of its newness and better technology. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2022

    Joseph Gabriano - USA

    Very nice ship. Was a bit worried on all the family in a quad but it worked out fine. Loved the hotel staff. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2022

    Jason Maynard - USA

    Good ship - especially stabilizers are lifesaver in Drake Passage. The expedition team did an awesome job with the information and helpful in every way. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2022

    Vasanth Hathwar - USA

    The cabin was awesome and the food was incredible (11/10). The kitchen crew led by Gaurav were so accommodating to our dietary needs and made it so we were always well fuelled for all of our expedition activities. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2022

    Jagadeesh Hathwar - USA

    The Hondius was a very comfortable ship. The cabin was well organized space. The food was outstanding. I appreciated the vegetarian options as well as the multi-cultural offerings. The cleaning and serving staff were friendly and efficient. The lounging and dining areas were comfortable and facilitated connections with other passengers and staff. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2022

    Linda Nolte - USA

    The crew was AMAZING they were professional but all so real and their backgrounds and histories could keep people entertained for days. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2022

    Chelsea Davis - USA

    I went solo and was worried about being bored and alone on the cruise. I ended up making friends with some amazing people in my cabin and the guys next door as well. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2022

    Chelsea Davis - USA

    It's a great balance between affordable and not too large. The ship and crew were amazing. Food and dining staff were amazing too.The open bridge is also a nice touch to see all the work that makes it possible. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2022

    Chelsea Davis - USA

    The ship is absolutely perfect. Not too big, not too small. Had all of the amenities we needed and more. Absolutely loved it. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2022

    Rebecca Brown - USA

    The Hondius always felt really safe, cabin and food was really good. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2022

    Manuel Gutierrez - USA

    The food was great, always with many options even if you are vegetarian or vegan. The quad-cabin was very good, knowing that this is a vessel, we had enough space to be comfortable. I would choose Hondius again. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2022

    Christian Cancino Martinez - USA

    Tremendous food and a great staff. Comfortable rooms and an excellent lounge area. I also liked our ability to move around on the ship - I never felt confined. Read the full review

    Travelled: November 2022

    Matt Martin - USA

    The team was great, very upbeat, professional, helpful, knowledgeable - all around as good as guides get. Read the full review

    Travelled: November 2022

    Matt Martin - USA

    10/10 - Great staff, great crew, great, knowledgeable expedition guides. Everyone on the ship were absolutely professional and fun to talk to and fun to hang out with at the end of our days. Read the full review

    Travelled: November 2022

    Kelly DeBey - USA

    To say that our expedition leader, Pippa, was "superb" is the understatement of the decade. All of the teams were competent, and so incredibly knowledgeable in their "microfields" of interest (eg, plankton, diatoms, antarctic geopolitics, global shipping etc. etc. etc.) They mingled with the passengers at every opportunity - sitting randomly with guests at dinner rather than keeping to themselves. The lounge in the evenings was a raucous, friendly, SOOOO enjoyable "pub" experience every night. Just terrific! Read the full review

    Travelled: November 2022

    Shelley Springer - USA

    Fabulous ship. Cabin was so very comfortable - appointments were above expectations. Drink prices were very reasonable. Open bridge was a terrific surprise - especially given our location! Food service was excellent...as an American, the food was a bit more "European" than we're used to - not a bad thing! Read the full review

    Travelled: November 2022

    Shelley Springer - USA

    The vessel is perfect for our activities, the cabin only would need space for dry wet clothes after excursions. The food and restaurant was amazing. Read the full review

    Travelled: November 2022

    Eduardo Vidal - Argentina

    All the members of the staff are knowledgeable in their subject, it was a pleasure to talk to them every time we had the opportunity, even in our spare time or in the restaurant. Read the full review

    Travelled: November 2022

    Eduardo Vidal - Argentina

    Great people with so much experience. They were a highlight; so many years of polar experience. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2021

    Mike Walcher - USA

    The ship was fantastic. It handled some high winds and waves on the Drake, and we loved the observation lounge - what a wonderful and welcoming gathering spot for viewing Antarctica and connecting with fellow passengers and expedition team members. Food was excellent and crew was fantastic. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2021

    Mike Walcher - USA

    All were approachable, knowledgeable and passionate. I enjoyed learning about the history of discovery, women in Antarctica, the birds, mammals and bathymetry. The glacial lectures were very informative. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2021

    Diane Walcher - USA

    The food was good: our companions were vegan and vegetarian, and they were happy with the food, too (sometimes prepared especially for them). We liked the ship, and the staff, and the stabilizers! Yes, I would choose it again. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2021

    Diane Walcher - USA

    I am inspired by Bill, a 77 yyear old Zodiac boat guide. His lecture entitled "Painting and Sea" and all the drawings he created during the 10-nights voyage are absolutely awesome!! Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2021

    Xin Jing - USA

    The ship was fantastic. Super clean and a wonderful crew to take care of all of our needs. There was enough space in the common areas to feel not too crowded. The food was plentiful and a good variety. We were a family of vegetarians and were provided with excellent vegetarian dishes. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2021

    Claire Torrey - USA

    The lectures were great and covered a wide range of topics. My favorites were about the geography of Antarctica and glaciers. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2021

    Claire Torrey - USA

    The expedition team, lead by Sara, was exceptional. Sara kept us informed on the activities of the day, and had multiple backup plans in case the weather did not cooperate for what was planned. The lectures were very informative. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2021

    Mohit Kallianpur - USA

    I had assumed the food onboard would be average, and boy was I wrong! It was really excellent! Most of the people in our group are vegetarians, and we always had great choices - multiple salads, vegetarian soup option, and always a good vegetarian entree. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2021

    Mohit Kallianpur - USA

    Terrific ship. Read the full review

    Travelled: November 2021

    Sheila Porter - USA

    Outstanding! The crew were friendly, open, funny and clearly were having as much fun as we were having. Read the full review

    Travelled: November 2021

    Sheila Porter - USA

    We can't say enough good things about the entire team; from the direct support staff to the onboard staff. They were all friendly, helpful, informed, and knowledgeable. Read the full review

    Travelled: November 2021

    Paul Parris - USA

    Hondius is a great boat. The onboard food was outstanding and more than plentiful. Our cabin on the sixth deck was wonderful and we were glad we had chosen a larger option since we spent a fair amount of time in there on sea days. Read the full review

    Travelled: November 2021

    Paul Parris - USA

    Great ship!! The rooms were way better than we expected. There was so much room for our things, lots of storage space and a luxurious feel. We had a twin porthole room. The dinning was awesome, as well! There was so much food - almost too much ha-ha. We were well fed and I definitely feel like we got our money's worth in food alone. The ship also had a lot of cool spaces like the lounge, library, lecture hall, and all the deck space. We could even find time to be alone in certain areas on the boat during the day if we wanted to. Read the full review

    Travelled: February 2020

    George Parson - Australia

    The ship's management, the housekeeping staff, restaurant team, etc everyone I came in contact with were friendly, helpful and amazing! Food was good. The room was very comfortable and clean. Most definitely looking forward to a longer trip on this ship. Read the full review

    Travelled: February 2020

    Agatha Reyes - Thailand

    I really had no expectations coming in, nor was I under any pretenses that it would be like a cruise ship. So, I was pleasantly surprised given that this was not a luxury ship, the service, professionalism and friendliness of the staff were second to none and went a really long way to make the experience such an enjoyable one. Read the full review

    Travelled: February 2020

    Kirstin Chai Li Jen - Thailand

    The Hondius is a new ship, and I thought it was an excellent experience being on board. Our cabin was modern and larger than I had expected. Read the full review

    Travelled: December 2019

    Mary Wood - United States Of America

    We loved the accommodation; our room was fabulous, the ship is beautiful and well run. Read the full review

    Travelled: November 2019

    Kathy Lanier Dignen - United States Of America

    Review:

    Voyages aboard Hondius

    Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

    Antarctic Basecamp Adventure

    The ultimate Antarctic adventure, this trip is specifically for the active traveller. Spend 7 days kayaking, hiking, camping, mountaineering and snowshoeing, all included in the price. A medium-sized expedition ship acts as your floating ‘basecamp’. An excellent deal backed up…

    • 13 Days
    • $9,700
    Onto the Antarctic Ice

    With three medium-sized expedition ships to pick from and regular departure dates throughout the season, this well-priced voyage is a popular option. Across striking landscapes and icy seas, your company includes penguins, seals, whales and skuas. For the adventurous, optional…

    • 10-13 Days
    • $6,300
    South of the Antarctic Circle

    By including optional kayaking and diving, these late season voyages offer the chance to maximise your polar crossing experience by exploring Antarctica both on and under the water. Travelling at that time provides excellent photographic and whale watching conditions, alongside…

    • 12, 13 or 14 Days
    • $7,700
    Spring Quest to Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia

    Setting sail ​early in the season, be aboard ​one of the ​first ship​s to head​ south ​as the Southern Ocean reopens for business​. It's a special time in South Georgia as the beaches are packed with breeding elephant seals, while…

    • 21 Days
    • $14,250
    Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Adventure

    With a good choice of departure dates through the season across three medium-sized ships, this 19-22 day trip stands out for its value for money and the broad range of cabin categories available, including Quads, which are…

    • 19-22 Days
    • $9,450
    Swoop Says background image

    Alex says

    Newly built, comfortable and capable with her Polar Class 6 rating, Hondius delivers the full Antarctica package at a great price point.

    Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica

    Onboard Communications & Facilities

    Upon boarding the ship you will receive an internet voucher, giving you access to a daily allowance of 1.5 GB of free internet connectivity, which resets every 24 hours. Should you require additional data beyond what's included, supplementary internet vouchers will be available to purchase on board at the following prices:

    • 5GB: €25
    • 10GB: €50

    Find Your Antarctic Ship

    Choosing the right ship is crucial, given the amount of time you'll spend on board. Swoop is experienced at helping match our customers to exactly the right ship.

    Find your Antarctic ship

    Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?

    1
    Listen

    Listen

    We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

    2
    Match

    Match

    Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

    3
    Reserve

    Reserve

    We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.

    With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.

    1-888-970-4570