Rembrandt van Rijn

A classic, three-masted sailing schooner originally built in the Netherlands and later fully refurbished for expedition cruising, S/V Rembrandt van Rijn carries just 33 guests—a rarity in today’s polar fleet. Her compact size, low profile, and ability to sail under the right conditions create a nostalgic, seafaring ambience reminiscent of early exploration voyages, making each departure feel authentic, adventurous, and deeply personal.

Life On Board

Designed for travelers who value small-ship intimacy over luxury, the vessel offers cozy en-suite cabins, a warm and informal lounge, and a dining room where guests and guides mingle freely. The atmosphere on board is friendly, adventurous, and communal, ideal for travelers who enjoy hands-on exploration and genuine connection with fellow explorers and crew.

Life aboard Rembrandt van Rijn is simple, comfortable, and designed around maximum time in the field. Cabins are functional and maritime-inspired, each with private shower and WC. Social life centers around the lounge, where daily briefings, wildlife talks, photography instruction, and storytelling sessions bring the region’s history and ecosystems to life.

Guests enjoy hearty meals ideal for active days, shared around communal tables that encourage camaraderie. When weather allows, time on deck is magical—her low rail height makes spotting whales, seals, and seabirds feel incredibly up-close. Under sail, the vessel offers a rare sensory experience: the quiet rush of water on the hull, canvas snapping overhead, and dramatic polar scenery unfolding all around.

Arctic Adventures Under Sail

Her itineraries primarily explore the Arctic, with voyages through Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard, and the remote coasts of northern Norway—regions celebrated for soaring glacial landscapes, dramatic basalt coastlines, iceberg-dotted waterways, thriving seabird colonies, and rich polar exploration history.

A small expedition team—typically consisting of naturalists, historians, and polar-region specialists—leads landings and zodiac cruises. Their deep knowledge enhances each wildlife encounter, fjord exploration, or remote cultural visit.

What truly sets this vessel apart is its commitment to “slow travel” and sustainability through traditional technology. While she has a powerful engine for safety and scheduling, the primary goal is to cut the motors whenever possible. Navigating the Arctic under sail is not just romantic, but significantly more eco-friendly way to travel, reducing the carbon footprint and underwater noise pollution, making the Rembrandt van Rijn one of the most environmentally sensitive ways to witness the fragile beauty of the High Arctic.

Embarking on the SV Rembrandt van Rijn is an invitation to shed the distractions of the modern world and reconnect with the raw spirit of the Golden Age of Exploration. Become an integral part of a small band of adventurers, feeling the power of the wind pull you toward the unknown.