Ship
Ortelius
True expedition-style travel
Ortelius is an ice-strengthened expedition ship with the highest ice class, making her very suitable for navigation in the polar regions. She was built in Poland in 1989 to serve as a reserach vessel, and has been converted into an expedition cruise ship. Ortelius has been sailing in the polar regions for over ten years now! The ship boasts a friendly and authentic athmosphere. You will feel at home from the moment you step on board.
Ortelius takes only 108 passengers, making her one of the smaller vessels sailing in Antarctica. All passengers can do landings at the same time, a great advantage compared to larger ships. Ortelius is also one of the few ships with an onboard helicopter, making your polar expedition even more exhilarating! On select voyages, helicopters are used to reach areas which are unaccesible by ship. On Ross Sea voyages, this includes locations like the Ross Ice Shelf and Peter I Island. During Weddell Sea expeditions you might be able to visit the emperor penguin colony on Snow Hill Island!
The focus on voyages with Ortelius is always on nature and wildlife. The expedition team will try to organise as many off-ship experiences as possible, with Ortelius as your comfortable platform. The ship’s dining room has recently been completely renovated with a nice and colourful new interior. You are treated to delicious chef prepared meals in between landings. When it’s too cold to go outside on deck, simply enjoy the views of the the surrounding landscape from the observation lounge. The very experienced and knowledgeable guides will hold interesting lectures on the area’s flora, fauna and history in the lecture room and in the observation lounge. Passengers are welcome on the bridge around the clock, and there is always something to see out on the ship’s spacious decks.

Why we love Ortelius
- All guests can do landings at the same time
- Real expedition ship with history
- Cozy and personal
- Helicopter programme
- Complimentary wifi
Accommodation
Ortelius offers great options for single travellers. All cabins, except the Superior Suites, are available on sharing basis.
Superior Suite
The Superior Suites are the most spacious cabins on board Ortelius and are located on deck 5. They provide you with a...
Superior Suite
The Superior Suites are the most spacious cabins on board Ortelius and are located on deck 5. They provide you with a double bed, 1 single (sofa) bed, private shower & toilet, desk & chair, a TV, refrigerator, coffee & tea maker, hair dryer, ample storage space and at least 2 windows.
Twin Deluxe Cabin
Twin Deluxe cabins are located on deck 5. They are located on a corner and have 3 windows. There are 2 single beds, a...
Twin Deluxe Cabin
Twin Deluxe cabins are located on deck 5. They are located on a corner and have 3 windows. There are 2 single beds, a private shower & toilet, desk & chair, small sofa, TV, refrigerator, coffee & tea maker, hairdryer and ample storage space.
Twin Window Cabin
The Twin Window cabins are also located on deck 5. The cabins have 2 windows, 2 single beds, a private shower & t...
Twin Window Cabin
The Twin Window cabins are also located on deck 5. The cabins have 2 windows, 2 single beds, a private shower & toilet, desk & chair, small sofa, hairdryer and ample storage space.
Twin Cabin
The Twin cabins have porthole windows and are also located on decks 3 and 4. The cabins have 2 single beds, a private...
Twin Cabin
The Twin cabins have porthole windows and are also located on decks 3 and 4. The cabins have 2 single beds, a private shower & toilet, desk & chair, hairdryer and ample storage space.
Triple Cabin
The Triple cabins are located on deck 3 and have 2 porthole windows. You will find 2 bunk beds, of which one upper be...
Triple Cabin
The Triple cabins are located on deck 3 and have 2 porthole windows. You will find 2 bunk beds, of which one upper bed will be folded up. There’s also a private shower & toilet, desk & chair, hairdryer and ample storage space.
Quadruple Cabin
The Quadruple cabins are the same as the Triple cabins. These are located on deck 3 and have 2 porthole windows. You ...
Quadruple Cabin
The Quadruple cabins are the same as the Triple cabins. These are located on deck 3 and have 2 porthole windows. You will find 2 bunk beds, a private shower & toilet, desk & chair, hairdryer and ample storage space.
Facilities
Restaurant
The recently renovated restaurant offers various types of seating, ensuring you will always find a nice place to enjo...
Restaurant
The recently renovated restaurant offers various types of seating, ensuring you will always find a nice place to enjoy your meal. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, dinner is served at the table.
Lounge & Bar
Ortelius has a fully refurbished lounge & bar area. This is the heart of the ship, where you will gather for dail...
Lounge & Bar
Ortelius has a fully refurbished lounge & bar area. This is the heart of the ship, where you will gather for daily briefings and presentations by the expedition team. The lounge has big windows on either side, and a coffee station where you can get warm drinks 24 hours a day.
Tucked away in a corner, you’ll find the library with a wide range of books on polar wildlife and history. A brand new skylight was installed in 2025 to further enhance guest experience while onboard on their expedition.
Lecture room
Ortelius has a seperate lecture room on deck 3 where the expedition team might give presentations or workships about ...
Lecture room
Ortelius has a seperate lecture room on deck 3 where the expedition team might give presentations or workships about specific subjects related to the destination, such as wildlife, geology and history.
Open Deck Space
Ortelius is well loved for her open deck space. With great ease, you can move from forward to aft without any interru...
Open Deck Space
Ortelius is well loved for her open deck space. With great ease, you can move from forward to aft without any interruption to a wildlife encounter, a scenic photographic opportunity or the chance to stretch your legs.
Helicopter Operations
Ortelius is thoroughly outfitted for polar exploration, with the ability to conduct helicopter operations. The opporu...
Helicopter Operations
Ortelius is thoroughly outfitted for polar exploration, with the ability to conduct helicopter operations. The opporunity to explore the unexplored becomes more plausible with this sturdy ship.
Activities
Besides some unique helicopter itineraries, Ortelius offers plenty of exciting add-on activities that allow you to fully immerse yourself into your destination. Depending on your departure, you might be able to add the following optional activities to your polar expedition:
- Camping
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Polar Diving
Zodiac excursions and shore landings are always included on expedition cruises.
Dates & rates
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- During our “Basecamp” departures, all offered activities (including camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop) as well as our standard included shore excursions and zodiac cruises) are free of charge.
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Complimentary use of waterproof neoprene expedition muck boots and snowshoes.
- Ship-to-shore helicopter transfers (with no specific amount of helicopter time guaranteed)
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity. All guests receive 1.5 GB of data usage per day, which resets every 24 hours.
- Complimentary Dopper water bottle for use during and after your expedition.
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights.
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Complimentary use of waterproof neoprene expedition muck boots and snowshoes.
- Ship-to-shore helicopter transfers (with no specific amount of helicopter time guaranteed)
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity. All guests receive 1.5 GB of data usage per day, which resets every 24 hours.
- Complimentary Dopper water bottle for use during and after your expedition.
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights.
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Complimentary use of waterproof neoprene expedition muck boots and snowshoes.
- Ship-to-shore helicopter transfers (with no specific amount of helicopter time guaranteed)
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity. All guests receive 1.5 GB of data usage per day, which resets every 24 hours.
- Complimentary Dopper water bottle for use during and after your expedition.
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights.
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- During our “Basecamp” departures, all offered activities (including camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop) as well as our standard included shore excursions and zodiac cruises) are free of charge.
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights.
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
- Diving is an optional activity.
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
- Diving is an optional activity.
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Complimentary use of waterproof neoprene expedition muck boots and snowshoes.
- Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on a selection of flights (advised by Oceanwide) from Longyearbyen.
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- AECO fees and governmental taxes.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity. All guests receive 1.5 GB of data usage per day, which resets every 24 hours.
- Complimentary Dopper water bottle for use during and after your expedition.
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- Transfer supplement for bus shuttle between bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavik and Akureyri (ship) and (6 hours).
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Ship-to-shore helicopter transfers (with no specific amount of helicopter time guaranteed)
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Ship-to-shore helicopter transfers (with no specific amount of helicopter time guaranteed)
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Complimentary use of waterproof neoprene expedition muck boots and snowshoes.
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity. All guests receive 1.5 GB of data usage per day, which resets every 24 hours.
- Complimentary Dopper water bottle for use during and after your expedition.
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights.
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Complimentary use of waterproof neoprene expedition muck boots and snowshoes.
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- During our “Basecamp” departures, all offered activities (including camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop) as well as our standard included shore excursions and zodiac cruises) are free of charge.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity. All guests receive 1.5 GB of data usage per day, which resets every 24 hours.
- Complimentary Dopper water bottle for use during and after your expedition.
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights.
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- During our “Basecamp” departures, all offered activities as well as our standard included shore excursions and zodiac cruises) are free of charge.
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
































