S/V Rembrandt Van Rijn : with many years first-hand, onboard guiding experience we can say this is the most elegant and gracious vessel exploring Spitsbergen and Greenland. Originally built as a Yorkshire herring lugger, Rembrandt has been transformed into a three-masted sailing schooner, earning the admiration (and sometimes envy) of those onboard larger, less intimate polar ships.

Onboard comforts include all en-suite cabins, a comfortable lounge, cosy bar and spacious dining room, serving wonderful hearty meals. Guests are invited to get involved as much or as little with the sailing of the ship as they wish. Aqua-Firma’s marine scientist Charlotte Caffrey often guides with the expedition team onboard, who together will give you a privileged insight into the awaiting arctic wildlife and scenery.

Please click on any side photo to view ships gallery.

With an ice-strengthened bow, she is well suited for expedition cruising among High-Arctic islands and offers good open deck viewing areas, even when under sail.  The 2 inflatable zodiacs enable daily escorted landings and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise inaccessible areas.

Rembrandt can accommodate a maximum of 33 passengers in 16 cabins, including 1 x Triple Private cabin (with shower and toilet and porthole), 6 x Twin Private Inside cabins (with shower and toilet, no porthole), and 9 x Twin Private cabins (with shower and toilet and porthole).

Client review:

"We are keen environmentalists so we specifically chose to go with Aqua-Firma as they are environmentally responsible, using a sailing ship to explore the Arctic...for this trip, we were on a beautifully refurbished tall ship :Rembrandt . Being part of a small group of 34 passengers meant there was a close, family atmosphere, you got to know everyone and everyone got a chance to get up close to the wilderness and the wildlife.

The boat crew were so professional and expert in helping us and then once on land the two scientifically qualified guides offered a choice of easy or hard excursions every day. Their knowledge and expertise meant all the outings were incredibly informative, backed up by detailed briefings and talks on board. Seeing the Arctic before it changes forever was on my bucket list and the expedition was one of the most memorable and life changing holidays I have ever had!"

A & K Waterworth, (N.Z)