Croatian shipyard Brodosplit (in Split, Croatia) floated out Oceanwide Expeditions’ newest Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened expedition cruise ship, MV Hondius, entering service in 2019.
The newbuild is of "LR PC6" (Polar Class 6, ice-strengthened vessel), with two main engines (total power output 4260 kW), and able to accommodate up to 196 passengers in 82 staterooms.
Like all the other fleetmates, Hondius is equipped with rigid-hulled zodiacs (inflatable boats) used for landings (ship-to-shore passenger transportation) in remote areas.
Oceanwide Expeditions with MV Hondius have the opportunity to grow as a cruise company and carry more passengers on their ships. The name "Hondius" refers to one of the famous Dutch-Flemish cartographers Jodocus Hondius (1563-1612).
This expedition ship is specially designed for travel cruising in the Earth's polar regions (Antarctica and Arctic). The vessel boasts fast zodiac boats, sea kayaks and a covered marina platform for water-based outdoor activities. There is a deck with observation lounge and separate room for readings.