SV Rembrandt van Rijn

The 1994-built SV Rembrandt van Rijn cruise ship is an ice-strengthened three-masted schooner (tall sailing ship) and part of the Oceanwide Expeditions fleet, together with Janssonius (2022), Hondius (2019), Ortelius (1989), Plancius (1976), and the polar sailing ship Noorderlicht (1991).

The vessel (IMO number 8509181) is currently Vanuatu-flagged (MMSI 576988000) and registered in Port Vila. Before 2020, she was Panama-flagged (MMSI 357026000) and registered in Colon.

The vessel was originally constructed as a lugger (a traditional French fishing boat) and launched in 1924. She has served as a schooner and coaster under the flags of Germany, Denmark, Panama, and the Netherlands. The ship has been lengthened three times and fitted with four different engines during her career.

The ship has 4 decks, of which 3 are passenger-accessible and 1 contains cabins (16 total staterooms).

History - construction and ownership

Specializing in passenger shipping and navigation in icy waters, Oceanwide Expeditions has expanded both its fleet capacity and brand reputation with newbuilds such as Janssonius and Hondius. The company is headquartered in Vlissingen Netherlands.

Founded in 1993, Oceanwide Expeditions is one of the industry's small cruise lines, offering regularly scheduled and flexible polar expedition cruises. These voyages provide guests with opportunities to observe Arctic and Antarctic wildlife, explore unique landscapes, and visit historically significant polar sites. The company operates year-round itineraries—Arctic voyages during the summer (April through September) and Antarctic expeditions during the winter (October through March). Most itineraries visit remote, sea-accessible locations without port infrastructure. In such cases, the ship anchors offshore and passengers are transported ashore via Zodiac boats, guided by an experienced expedition team.

Oceanwide Expeditions supports several prominent organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation and sustainable environmental development in polar regions. These include AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators), IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators), and BirdLife International.

SV Rembrandt van Rijn was rebuilt in 1994 and operated in Spitsbergen Norway (1994–1996) and Galapagos Ecuador (1998–2001). Prior to 2011, the vessel underwent a complete drydock rebuilding and refurbishment. Her navigation and communication systems were fully upgraded in accordance with the latest SOLAS regulations.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The ship is well suited for expedition cruising among small islands. She offers ample open deck viewing areas, also used while sailing. Her two Zodiac boats (inflatable craft) are used for passenger landings and wildlife viewing in areas inaccessible to the ship.

The experienced crew of 12 includes two tour guides. The vessel accommodates a maximum of 33 guests in 16 cabins: 1 Triple Private (with porthole, shower, and toilet), 9 Twin Private (with porthole, shower, and toilet), and 6 Twin Private Inside (with shower and toilet). Cruise passengers typically range from their 30s to their 80s, with most guests aged between 30 and 55.