Oceanwide Expeditions showcases Arctic, Antarctic adventures in Dhaka

Dhaka: Whether venturing to the icy corridors of the Antarctic Peninsula or the polar bear–dotted landscapes of Svalbard, Oceanwide Expeditions, a global leader in polar travel, promises an adventure of a lifetime. With immersive wildlife encounters, expert-led lectures, and world-class expedition ships, Bangladeshi travelers now have greater opportunities to explore the planet’s most remote frontiers.

Oceanwide Expeditions presented its full range of Arctic and Antarctic expedition cruises at a presentation and B2B session held in the capital on November 24. The event was organized by Discovery Tours and Logistic, Oceanwide’s official logistics partner in Bangladesh.

Helen de Jong, Sales Manager of Oceanwide Expeditions, delivered a detailed briefing on the company’s polar destinations, ships, and activity options. She was joined by Zahirul Alam Bhuiyan Roman, CEO of Discovery Tours and Logistic, and Md Nazmul Hasan, Head of Business Development. Tour operators from across Bangladesh and representatives of the media were also present.

Exclusive facilities, discounts for Bangladeshi travelers

Oceanwide Expeditions announced that tours to the Arctic and Antarctica cost between USD 4,500 and USD 10,000 per person, with an exclusive 25 percent discount for Bangladeshi travelers.

Helen de Jong, Sales Manager of Oceanwide Expeditions; Zahirul Alam Bhuiyan Roman, CEO; and Md Nazmul Hasan, Head of Business Development, Discovery Tours and Logistic; seen addressing tour operators and media representatives at an event held in the capital on November 24 – Photo: Monitor

Additional key information shared during the event includes:

- Travel insurance is mandatory for all travelers.

- Tour durations range from one week to over three weeks.

- Halal food is available on all voyages.

- Visa support will be provided by Oceanwide Expeditions.

- Bookings must be made six months in advance, with 20 percent of the cost payable at the time of booking and the remaining balance two months before departure.

Antarctica: Final frontier

Oceanwide Expeditions highlighted its comprehensive Expedition Antarctica programs, which take travelers deep into the frozen continent through routes covering:

- The Antarctic Peninsula, with dramatic glaciers, fjords, and wildlife such as Gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins, and humpback whales.

- South Georgia and Islas Malvinas, known for king penguin colonies, elephant seals, and sites linked to explorer Ernest Shackleton.

- The Weddell Sea and Polar Circle, offering views of massive tabular icebergs and chances to follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers.

Travelers embark on small, ice-strengthened ships equipped for maximum landings via Zodiac boats, enabling explorations of remote beaches, rugged terrain, and snow-covered islands.

Arctic expeditions: Realm of polar bears, pack ice

The company also presented its range of Arctic expeditions, which cover:

- Greenland, Svalbard, and Iceland — home to glaciers, fjords, polar bears, walrus colonies, and Inuit culture.

- Northwest Greenland, offering close interactions with remote Inuit settlements and dramatic polar landscapes.

- Unique voyages across the Arctic Ocean, Jan Mayen Island, and other high Arctic destinations.

Travelers enjoying hiking and mountaineering during the expedition to the Arctic

These journeys combine expert-led learning with outdoor adventure, allowing passengers to kayak among icebergs, snowshoe across glaciers, and even camp under the polar sky.

Three purpose-built expedition ships

Oceanwide Expeditions operates a fleet of advanced polar vessels, three of which were highlighted at the event:

1. m/v Hondius – capacity: 170 passengers

- One of the most modern Polar Class 6 vessels.

- Features comfortable cabins, observation lounges, a lecture room, and advanced stabilizers.

- Frequently used for Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, Islas Malvinas, and Arctic Svalbard expeditions.

Ice-strengthened m/v Ortelius is thoroughly outfitted for polar exploration and, when necessary, helicopter flights

2. m/v Ortelius – capacity: 108 passengers

- Ice-strengthened and equipped with helicopters on select voyages, allowing landings in rarely accessible areas like the Weddell Sea and Ross Sea.

- Offers dedicated science presentations, cozy cabins, and multiple observation decks.

3. m/v Plancius – capacity: 108 passengers

- A former Dutch research vessel redesigned for expedition cruising.

- Known for its informal, adventure-focused atmosphere and excellent viewing decks.

- Commonly operates voyages to Antarctica, Svalbard, and Greenland.

Adventure activities for all fitness levels

Oceanwide’s expeditions offer an extensive range of activities, many included in the trip fare:

- Hiking and snowshoeing with provided boots and snowshoes

- Zodiac cruising and guided shore excursions

- Photography workshops led by onboard experts

- Kayaking on select voyages

- Polar camping (Antarctica only)

- Mountaineering, ski mountaineering, and polar diving for experienced adventurers

- Helicopter flights on select Ortelius itineraries

These activities are supervised by certified guides, ensuring both safety and unforgettable experiences.

Growing interest in polar travel from Bangladesh

Speaking at the event, Zahirul Alam Bhuiyan Roman expressed optimism about the increasing interest in polar exploration among Bangladeshi travelers.

“With the exclusive discount and visa assistance, these once-in-a-lifetime trips are now more accessible for Bangladeshis. The polar regions are among the last untouched places on Earth, and Oceanwide’s high safety standards make them ideal for our market,” he said.

Helen de Jong also emphasized Oceanwide’s dedication to responsible tourism. “Our ships, guides, and programs are designed to protect these fragile environments while giving travelers the rare chance to experience them up close,” she said.

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