A Glimpse into the Luxury S/V Rembrandt van Rijn Vessel: A Past Ski & Sail Adventure

Spacious Expedition Base for Larger Arctic Groups

When your itinerary calls for more space without sacrificing classic expedition style, the s/v Rembrandt van Rijn offers the ideal platform. A larger three-masted schooner, she complements the intimacy of Noorderlicht by accommodating larger groups while delivering the same spirit of polar exploration.

Since 2019, we've chartered this elegant vessel for select Ski & Sail weeks—perfect for groups who need ample room without giving up adventure. Each return voyage reaffirms why the Rembrandt remains a valued asset in our program.

A Storied Schooner with Modern Foundations

Originally built in 1924 as a fishing lugger named Jacoba, she transformed over decades and flags—from Germany to Denmark to the Netherlands—before finally emerging as the Rembrandt van Rijn following a major rebuild in 1994. Converted into a three-masted passenger schooner in the Netherlands, she sailed expedition routes in Spitsbergen (1994–1996) and the Galápagos (1998–2001).

Her most recent overhaul, completed in 2011, brought her fully up to SOLAS safety standards, modern navigation equipment, and renewed her capabilities for polar cruising. Since then, she has operated as a trusted vessel for Oceanwide’s Greenland, Svalbard, and Iceland programs—combining heritage charm with modern safety.

Spacious Yet Personalized: Capacity & Comfort

At 49.5 m long, with a beam of 6.7 m and draft of 2.8 m, the Rembrandt comfortably carries up to 29 passengers in 16 cabins, supported by a crew of about 12 plus five expedition guides.

The s/v Rembrandt van Rijn is the most spacious and luxurious of the vessels we use for our Ski & Sail trips, striking a perfect balance between spaciousness, intimacy, and first-class comfort. Here’s a collection of views of the ship to give you a better idea of what to expect when you step on board this May. See for yourself why we are so excited to be offering this Rembrandt van Rijn Ski & Sail trip this year!

Inside the Berths

Here’s a photo of the inside of a selection of the different berths:

Triple Berth

Private Twin Berth

Private Twin Berth with Porthole

Life on Board: Atmosphere & Experience

Life aboard Rembrandt is an experience in classic seamanship. The ambiance is rugged yet authentic, with weathered ropes, wooden decks, and a sailing ethic that encourages immersion with sea and sky.

When the winds are right, the ship sails under canvas, creating the timeless feel of Arctic exploration at nature’s pace. When conditions make sails impractical, her twin diesel engines ensure reliability and flexibility for landings and exploration.

Cabins are compact but comfortable, meals are hearty and communal, and the saloon offers a gathering place for evening briefings, laughter, and the day’s stories. Her larger size makes her ideal for bigger groups, yet she never loses the intimacy that defines Ski & Sail.

The s/v Rembrandt van Rijn at Work in the Arctic

Our Charter Experience: Since 2019, Always a Return

Our first outing aboard Rembrandt was in 2019—a weeklong Ski & Sail tailored for larger groups. The spacious decks, ample cabins with en suite bathrooms and porthole upgrade options in addition to expansive common areas made her a standout alternative.

Each subsequent charter has delivered that same blend of space and expedition ethos. The ship’s larger size does not dilute the intimacy of the experience—groups gather naturally for apres ski in the cafeteria, or lounge on the deck. Evenings are often spent sharing stories in the saloon, watching the Arctic twilight from the deck, or planning the next day’s objectives.

When to Choose Rembrandt vs. Noorderlicht

Choose Rembrandt when your group exceeds the capacity of Noorderlicht but still craves the authenticity of a tall-ship Arctic setting. Rembrandt also offers en suite bathrooms and deluxe room (with porthole) upgrades.
Choose Noorderlicht for maximum intimacy, lower per-person costs, and a more fluid expedition rhythm. Noorderlicht also offers affordable single cabin upgrades.

Rembrandt holds a valued place in our program: not as a replacement for Noorderlicht, but as a complementary option—stepping in perfectly when space and luxury are paramount.

A Vessel That Balances Heritage, Comfort & Arctic Grit

What makes the Rembrandt van Rijn such a valuable companion in our fleet? It’s her heritage schooner profile, solid engineering, and flexible capacity—all wrapped in a ship that sails with elegance yet embraces ice and wind with confidence. She brings:

A storied legacy, rebuilt from a 1924 lugger into a full-fledged expedition schooner.
Modern safety systems, keeping adventure uncompromised.
Balanced scale, giving both space and soul.
Dependable yet personable service, with expert crews and guides—embracing exploration’s spirit without sacrificing warmth.

Whether your group arrives under the midnight sun or steps aboard amid polar night, Rembrandt van Rijn is ready to carry you deeper into the Arctic’s wonder—one spacious cabin at a time.