In search of Polar Bear & Pack Ice

To talk about the cruise, it was an amazing experience! The services by Oceanwide were managed very efficiently despite the covid outbreak during the tour. I am a vegetarian so I was surprised that they had plenty of meal options for me and the kitchen staff made great efforts. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. We would often sit down in the evening after our dinner and chat about our personal lives and passions. It felt more like being friends with them than the conventional tourist-guide relation. I am glad that I made it to this trip. It has been a very memorable experience with the activities that we did and friends I made. I would rate Oceanwide very highly for all their efforts! I would love to go on another trip with Oceanwide, maybe to the Arctic this time.

I have wanted to go to Antarctica for some time, especially after going to Churchill, Canada. It is truly amazing to see such color variation in a mostly monochromatic environment.! The food on board was excellent. All of the staff were friendly and helpful. Penguins were just too cute! Probably the highlight was the Orcas that followed our ship and put on quite a display for us. Lectures were entertaining and surprisingly, it wasn't as cold as I had feared. I brought way too much stuff ! A very nice touch to have a log sent out from the ship and crew. (Copied from Oceanwide Expeditions)

A truly unique and memorable Artic experience on M/V Plancius with a group from Heatherlea and BBC Wildlife. We enjoyed the company and expertise of Nick Baker from BBC Wildlife and were accompanied by the knowledgable guides from Heatherlee. The excellent crew who took great care of us both in the cabin and the restaurant, superb food and nothing was too much trouble!. The Expedition team worked tirelessly 24/7 to find us those all important sightings of polar bear, walrus, seals, reindeer and whales!.bird life was in abundance and some exceptional sightings included ivory gull, great skuas, snow bunting and ptarmigan together with the numerous auks and the inevitable fulmars around the ship. The trips ashore in the zodiaks were well planned and executed, giving us outstanding views of the landscape together with polar bear and arctic fox footprints seen frequently. Every evening we gathered to review the days events and hear interesting talks from our experienced guides. Also I met some very interesting and highly amusing friends so sincere thanks to everyone at Oceanwide, Heatherlea and BBC Wildlife for making this Artic trip such a memorable, once in a lifetime experience. (Copied from Oceanwide Expeditions)

We had dreamt about our Antarctica trip for so long and when we finally embarked on our expedition Oceanwide exceeded all our expectations. From the moment we stepped onto the ship we felt a warm, welcoming and friendly vibe from every crew and staff member that lasted throughout the entire trip. We chose the Plancius as we wanted to be part of a smaller group with around 100 passengers, the ship itself is well looked after, sparkling clean and all the equipment we were given to use was high quality and well maintained. The food was delicious, a good variety was available and we loved the home baked bread and afternoon cakes that were a treat to come back too after an expedition in the cold! The on shore landings and zodiac tours we did were interesting and varied, and though the weather was mixed, the expedition crew were efficient in changing plans and coming up with an activity for us to do at the last minute, which was very impressive. Daily talks were given helping us to understand more about Antarctica and the chance to try kayaking and camping was a highlight which made the trip feel like a real adventure, giving a unique view of Antarctica which we will remember forever!

My trip to Antarctica on board m/v Plancius by far exceeded my expectations. We were fortunate enough to have exceptional weather,.allowing us to make the most of the continuous activities. With 2 shore excursions and 2 Zodiac tours, amongst the icebergs, whales, penguins and seals each day, coupled with daily kayaking and a night camping, you would think there’d be no time for anything else. However there was. In the evenings and during the transit across the Drake Passage and back, there were presentations in the lounge, on history of Antarctica, the local wildlife, weather etc etc. These were conducted by scientists and other members of the staff with degrees in specific areas. The meals were of a high standard. The ship was quite comfortable. All staff were professional, courteous and very helpful. The kayaking guide was a real character and made each kayaking trip one to remember. This trip will will be embedded in my mind forever. (Copied from Oceanwide Expeditions)

A really fabulous adventure to Antarctica, South Georgia Island, and the Falkland Islands aboard the Plancius. The boat is a perfect size for our 100 passenger voyage. The staff is very personable and helpful. Each day they give presentations about climate, geography, wildlife, a daily recap and plans for the next day. We had ample onshore excursion and zodiac tours of various islands and inlets in the Antarctic peninsula. After several days here, we moved on to South Georgia Island. This seems to be the Galapagos of the South Atlantic, with wildlife that is extremely approachable. The rugged mountainous terrain is breathtaking, and we all visited Grytviken to see the old whale processing station, the museum, and visit Shackleton's burial site. Our final stop on thje voyage was the Falkland Islands to visit the Magellanic penguins and the town of Stanley. All along the entire voyage there was so much to experience! (Copied from Oceanwide Expeditions)