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Ship

Ortelius

True expedition-style travel

Ortelius in Ross Sea from Helicopter © Rolf Stange

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.

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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

Impression

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

WAITLIST

Classic Svalbard Expedition

Into the Pack Ice
Dates and duration
05 Jun - 12 Jun 2026 8 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 4150 per person
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Classic Svalbard Expedition

Into the Pack Ice
Dates and duration
12 Jun - 19 Jun 2026 8 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 4150 per person
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Classic Svalbard Expedition

Includes Kayaking, Hiking & Photo Workshop
Dates and duration
19 Jun - 26 Jun 2026 8 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 4150 per person
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Classic Svalbard Expedition

Special South & East Svalbard voyage
Dates and duration
26 Jun - 03 Jul 2026 8 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 4150 per person
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Circumnavigation of Svalbard

Exploring Svalbard in depth
Dates and duration
03 Jul - 12 Jul 2026 10 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 5450 per person
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Circumnavigation of Svalbard

Exploring Svalbard in depth
Dates and duration
12 Jul - 21 Jul 2026 10 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 5450 per person
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Circumnavigation of Svalbard

Exploring Svalbard in depth
Dates and duration
21 Jul - 30 Jul 2026 10 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 5450 per person
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Circumnavigation of Svalbard

Exploring Svalbard in depth
Dates and duration
17 Aug - 26 Aug 2026 10 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 5450 per person
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Circumnavigation of Svalbard

Exploring Svalbard in depth
Dates and duration
26 Aug - 04 Sep 2026 10 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 5450 per person
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Antarctica Activity Expedition

Including all activities!
Dates and duration
03 Nov - 15 Nov 2026 13 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 9600 per person
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Weddell Sea Exploration

In Depth Exploration Cruise in the Weddell Sea!
Dates and duration
15 Nov - 25 Nov 2026 11 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 12700 per person
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Weddell Sea Exploration

In Depth Exploration Cruise in the Weddell Sea!
Dates and duration
25 Nov - 05 Dec 2026 11 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 12700 per person
More info

Weddell Sea Exploration

In Depth Exploration Cruise in the Weddell Sea!
Dates and duration
05 Dec - 15 Dec 2026 11 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 12700 per person
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Fully booked

Antarctica Activity Expedition

Including all activities!
Dates and duration
15 Dec - 27 Dec 2026 13 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 9600 per person
More info

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

The Most Epic Wildlife Expedition
Dates and duration
27 Dec - 14 Jan 2027 19 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 14250 per person
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Polar Circle & Southern Lights

Classic Antarctica Expedition

Sail Below the Antarctic Circle
Dates and duration
06 Mar - 18 Mar 2027 13 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 10400 per person
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Classic Antarctica Expedition

Special Whale Watching Expedition!
Dates and duration
18 Mar - 28 Mar 2027 11 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 7350 per person
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Classic Svalbard Expedition

Explore Svalbard's polar landscapes and Arctic wildlife
Dates and duration
09 Jun - 16 Jun 2027 8 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 4350 per person
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Classic Svalbard Expedition

Explore Svalbard's polar landscapes and Arctic wildlife
Dates and duration
23 Jun - 30 Jun 2027 8 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 4350 per person
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Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland

Explore the Three Jewels of the Arctic!
Dates and duration
06 Sep - 19 Sep 2027 14 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 7550 per person
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Weddell Sea Exploration

In Depth Exploration Cruise in the Weddell Sea!
Dates and duration
09 Nov - 19 Nov 2027 11 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 13350 per person
More info

Weddell Sea Exploration

In Depth Exploration Cruise in the Weddell Sea!
Dates and duration
29 Nov - 09 Dec 2027 11 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 13350 per person
More info

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

The Most Epic Wildlife Expedition
Dates and duration
19 Dec - 06 Jan 2028 19 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 16550 per person
More info
Kayaking Antarctica
Free Activities!

Antarctica Activity Expedition

Explore the Antarctica Peninsula: Including all activities!
Dates and duration
24 Jan - 05 Feb 2028 13 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 11500 per person
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Weddell Sea Activity Expedition

Including all Activities!
Dates and duration
15 Feb - 27 Feb 2028 13 days
Ortelius 108 passengers

From € 11500 per person
More info