Ocean Victory Polar Expedition Cruises

Hondius

One question we hear a lot from first-time polar travellers is whether a newer expedition ship will feel too much like a conventional cruise ship. Hondius gives a clear answer: she is a modern, comfortable ship, but her philosophy is firmly expedition-first. We recommend her to travellers who want a capable Polar Class 6 platform, a sociable onboard atmosphere and the operational flexibility to make the most of a day when ice, weather and wildlife conditions cooperate. What we love about Hondius is how deliberately the practical details serve the expedition. Two separate gangways and a sheltered Zodiac boarding area are not brochure extras: on a cold or wet day, they help the team move guests efficiently between briefing, ship and shoreline. The observation lounge and lecture room then give the expedition team proper space to put the day into context. In the polar regions, this matters more than a rigid timetable: the route and landings remain dependent on conditions and the expedition leader's judgement. With space for 170 guests, Hondius feels social without aiming to be a floating resort. The 2019-built interiors are contemporary and understated; cabins run from practical porthole categories to suites with private balconies, so choose for the space and view you value rather than expecting a different expedition experience. Book Hondius if you want active polar days, strong expedition infrastructure and a ship that is designed to work with the conditions. We would point you elsewhere if your priority is a resort-style cruise, guaranteed landings or a fixed daily programme.

Ocean Albatros

Welcome aboard the brand new *Ocean Albatros*. This stunning, purpose-built polar cruise ship will be deployed to a large selection of expedition cruise destinations, Antarctica, the Arctic, and a variety of exciting new destinations in between. *Ocean Albatros* offers a total of 95 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea view, and most with their own balcony. Like her sistership, the *Ocean Victory*, her amenities include two restaurants, a wellness area, the “Albatros Nordic Bar”, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other state-of-the-art amenities. The *Ocean Albatros* will also offer a unique panorama sauna and a total of 12 cabins dedicated to solo arctic adventurers with no single supplement. Carrying the highest Polar Code 6 certification and built to Ice class 1A, *Ocean Albatros* is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising in the Arctic thanks to her sturdy construction and X-Bow®-Infinity construction. This gives high stability in rough arctic weather and allows for the smoothest travel through high waves. She also has Solas 2012 classification which means she complies with the highest safety requirements for merchant vessels. *Ocean Albatros* is one of a brand-new generation of low-energy vessels. She is equipped with 4 ultra-efficient diesel engines and 2 electric propulsion units, all of which are electronically controlled to optimize fuel consumption and performance.