‘Rembrandt Van Rijn’ was built as a herring lugger in the early 1900s. The vessel was rebuilt as a three-mast passenger sailing schooner in the Netherlands in 1994 and has been sailing in Svalbard and the Galápagos . The vessel underwent a complete rebuilding and refurbishment program in 2011.
Passengers on a typical voyage range from their 30s to their 80s – with a majority usually from 45 – 65, but a little younger on the Rembrandt van Rijn, between 30 – 55. Our expeditions attract independent-minded travellers from around the world. They are characterised by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie and spirit that develops aboard is an important part of the expedition experience. Many departures have several nationalities on board.
You must be in good general health and you should be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join most excursions, you must be able to get up and down the ladder from the ship to the water level to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats. This will become progressively easier with practice. Ashore it can be slippery and rocky. You are travelling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.