Hondius Antarctica Cruises
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The Hondius, which set sail in May 2019, is the first vessel to be built to class “LR PC6”, meeting the latest and highest demands of Lloyd’s Register for “Polar Class 6” vessels, the highest PolarClass notation for ice-strengthened vessels. The vessel will also fully comply with the mandatory requirements of the Polar code, adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), for safe ship operation and the protection of the Polar environment.
Hondius will be the strongest ice- strengthened vessel in the Polar Regions and will be equipped with stabilizers, and very suitable for advanced, innovative exploratory quality voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic Regions. Hondius fulfills advanced hotel and expedition standards. It offers deluxe accommodations for in total 174 passengers in
One deck has been entirely reserved for (multi- language) lectures and presentations in one large observation lounge and in addition one separate lecture room. The vessel offers a deluxe standard and at the same time a distinctive cozy and informal atmosphere. Prepared for highest comfort experience in the Polar Regions. It is their philosophy 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. A powerful fleet of zodiacs will guarantee quality outings and swift landing operation for all passengers at the same time. Their main focus remains discovery, taking advantage of wildlife opportunities and the related shore activities, a product that has been very much appreciated by our current travelers for many years. A speedy zodiac embarkation is guaranteed with two separate gangways and in addition a zodiac embarkation indoor-platform which can also be used for special outdoor activities such as kayaking. While cruising, 72 crew and staff members (including expedition and hotel staff) will be at the passengers’ service. Hondius is equipped with 2 main engines and can reach a maximum speed of 15 knots. |
On Dec. 4, 2021, you have the rare opportunity in one trip to experience two of the greatest natural wonders available: a cruise to Antarctica, and a total eclipse of the sun. Ships will maneuver the ice-bound waters of Antarctica for positioning in the center of the moon shadow during the eclipse, using technology to find the best possible viewing area in the Weddell Sea. Departures are round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with explorations of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Photography experts will share information about special equipment you’ll need if you want to create an image of the eclipse. A naturalist team and guest speakers will provide insight and background on eclipses and other astronomical features one might encounter in the Southern Hemisphere. The following Antarctica cruises, will be even more awesome with the added thrill of the total eclipse of the sun. 20-Day Voyages: (Rates and itineraries) Nov. 23-Dec. 12, 2021 – Polar Solar Eclipse, aboard 116-guest Plancius Nov. 26-Dec. 15, 2021 – Polar Solar Eclipse, aboard the brand-new 170-guest Hondius There are also cruises available on slightly longer voyages. There are groups already booked on these ships, but there is still some space on them. But you should book soon if you are interested because they will sell out way before 2021. A deposit of 20 % of the total price is required to confirm. The remainder of the price must have been received 60 days before departure date. If the travel contract has been agreed within 60 days of departure, the full price must be paid immediately.
After full payment has been received, the travel documents will be sent to the contracting party. The contracting party may cancel the travel contract (exclusively in writing) at any time before the beginning of the trip. In the case of cancellation by the contracting party, operator is entitled to charge the following cancellation fees to the contracting party: - up to and including 90 days prior to departure: 20 % of the total price; - from 89 days up to and including 60 days prior to departure: 50 % of the total price; - from 59 days up to and including the day of departure: 100 % of the total price . Operator reserves the right to cancel any trip prior to or during the departure for compelling reasons, in which case the payment will be paid back to the contracting party and operator does not accept any claims, that may be related to such a cancellation, such as but not limited to loss of joy, loss of opportunities, etc. Operator is also not liable for and does not accept any claims for any costs made by the contracting party, such as but not limited to other travel elements such as but not limited to flights, hotels, connecting programs, (travel) insurance’s etc. Operator has the right to cancel the scheduled trip up to 30 days before departure, if the minimum number of participants has not been achieved. Any payment already achieved from the contracting party will be paid back by operator if the contracting party is not in agreement with an alternative offered by operator. Operator has the right in the case of force majeure (such as but not limited to war, uprising, natural disasters, abnormal / exceptional weather and ice conditions, legal stipulations of the local/regional authorities and other events and situations that are beyond the control of operator) to cancel the trip and may not be held liable for force majeure. If situations of force majeure occur before departure date and operator should cancel the trip, payments made in advance will be paid back to the contracting party. If situations of force majeure occur during the trip, operator will try to offer an alternative program. If this is not possible, either operator or the contracting party is entitled to cancel the trip. In such a case, operator may not be held financially liable. Operator is obliged to assist the contracting party in obtaining a return trip/flight. The contracting party him/herself is responsible for the costs of this. |
