A Glimpse into Ortelius’ Past

Ortelius was originally the Marina Svetaeva. Built in Gdynia, Poland in 1989, it served as a special-purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. Later it was re-flagged and renamed after the Dutch/Flemish cartographer Abraham Ortelius (1527 – 1598), who in 1570 published the first modern world atlas: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum or Theater of the World. At that time his atlas was the most expensive book ever printed. Ortelius is classed by Lloyd’s Register in London and flies the Dutch flag.

Specifications

Passengers:	108 (max 116) passengers in 50 cabins
Staff & crew:	Crew 44 \| Guides 8 \| Doctor 1
Length:	90.95 meters
Breadth:	17.20 meters
Draft:	5.4 meters
Ice class:	UL1 (Equivalent to 1A)
Displacement:	4090 tonnes
Propulsion:	6 ZL 40/48 SULZER
Speed:	10.5 knots average cruising speed

Deck plans and downloads

m/v Ortelius cabins

Perfect for Any Expedition

The vessel has the highest ice-class notation (UL1, equivalent to 1A) and is therefore suitable to navigate in solid one-year sea ice as well as loose multi-year pack ice. Ortelius can accommodate up to 108 passengers (max 116) and has an abundance of open-deck spaces. It is manned by 24 highly experienced nautical crew members, 20 hotel staff, eight expedition specialists (one expedition leader, one assistant, and six lecturer-guides), and one doctor.

Ortelius: a Vessel with Comfort and Character

Please be aware that a small number of cabins may have a partially obstructed view due to the size of the windows and the design requirements of the ship. For example, some windows may be partly obstructed in the lower half by a gangway. The best view is always on the outer deck or the bridge. Though our voyages are primarily meant to offer our passengers an exploratory wildlife program with as much time ashore as possible, Ortelius offers all the comforts of a standard hotel ― along with a bar and lecture room. Flexibility assures maximum wildlife opportunities. As such, Ortelius carries 10 Zodiacs with 60hp Yamaha engines.

Photo gallery

101 photos of the ship
in the gallery »

Age & Nationality

Passengers on a typical voyage range from in their 30s to their 80s, with the majority usually between 45 ― 65. Our expeditions attract independent travelers from around the globe who are characterized by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie that develops on board is an important part of the Oceanwide experience, and many passenger groups include several nationalities.

What to Wear

In keeping with the spirit of expedition, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities, and keep in mind that much of the scenery can be appreciated from deck ― which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles, and make sure your parka is never far away in case one of our crew shouts “Whales!” over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside in a moment’s notice. Opt for layers, as it is comfortably warm aboard the ship though often cold on deck.

How to Pay

Refreshments and souvenirs will be charged to your cabin. The day before departure you can settle your bill with the hotel manager, paying by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or cash (euro, or in some cases dollar). We cannot, however, accept checks. Though the prices and standard currency on board is in the euro, other currencies may be accepted at the discretion of the hotel manager, at prevailing rates.

Electric Current

The electrical supply aboard ship is 220v, 60Hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins, so some passengers may need a 220v/110v converter.

Gratuities

The customary gratuity to the ship’s service personnel is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage and is divided among the crew. Tipping is a personal matter, and the amount you wish to give is at your sole discretion. As a generally accepted guideline, we suggest 8 ― 10 euros per passenger per day. It is better for the crew if you give cash.

Non-Smoking Policy

We have a non-smoking policy inside all our vessels, though you can smoke in certain designated areas. We ask that you please respect the wishes of non-smokers.

Your Physical Condition

You must be in good overall health and be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding, but we spend as much time as possible on shore. You are, however, welcome to remain aboard the ship if you prefer. To join most excursions you must be able to get up and down the steep gangway ― from the ship to the water level ― to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats, and boarding will become progressively easier with practice, but conditions on shore can be slippery and rocky. Remember, you will be traveling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition or need daily medical treatment.

Our cruises

Free kayaking

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage + navigational workshop

Classic Antarctica including Deception Island

OTL28-25 This Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands cruise delivers you into a landscape of dark rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and thousands of penguins.

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

22 Jan - 1 Feb, 2025

Berths start from:

12650 USD

Cruise page

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage

Classic Antarctica including Deception Island

OTL29-25 This Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands cruise delivers you into a landscape of dark rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and thousands of penguins.

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

1 Feb - 11 Feb, 2025

Berths start from:

10700 USD

Cruise page

Remote Weddell Sea Explorer incl. South Georgia - South Sandwich Islands - Neuschwabenland - Larsen Ice Shelf - Paulet and Devil Island - Elephant Island, incl. helicopters

This expansive voyage explores one of the most remote, scenic, wildlife-filled regions on Earth: the great Weddell Sea

OTL30-25 This adventurous expedition explores one of the least-visited areas on Earth, Antarctica’s amazing Weddell Sea. After visiting some of the same sites legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton’s charted in South Georgia, we’ll enjoy the Weddell’s exotic wildlife...

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

11 Feb - 10 Mar, 2025

Berths start from:

24700 USD

Cruise page

Antarctica - Polar Circle - Deep South Discovery voyage

Crossing the Polar Circle

OTL31-25 This Polar Circle and Antarctic Peninsula cruise passes through waters travelled by Humpback, Minke and Fin whales. Anchoring in various spots around the region, the expedition offers the chance to hike and dive in the iceberg-heavy waters.

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

10 Mar - 21 Mar, 2025

Berths start from:

7700 USD

Cruise page

Antarctica - Beyond the Polar Circle - Wilkins Ice Shelf - Aurora Australis

Visit places discovered by De Gerlache on his polar expedition onboard the Belgica

OTL32-25 This voyage explores a number of historically significant Antarctic areas, such as the very rarely visited Bellingshausen Sea, Marguerite Bay, and Alexander Island. We focus on places discovered by Adrien De Gerlache on his Belgian Antarctic Expedition...

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

21 Mar - 5 Apr, 2025

Berths start from:

10500 USD

Cruise page

We have a total of
38 cruises

All cruises

Reviews

Best Trip Ever

by Melissa R.

This was the best thing I have ever done. Everything, from the activities to the wildlife to the friends I met on board, exceeded my expectations. This could not have been possible without the wonderful guides and everyone else on the ship working hard to make this Basecamp Expedition so memorable. Thank you!!

10/10 Experience

by Katherine Patton

From departure to return, every step of the way was brilliantly done by the expedition leader (George), expedition team, captain, and ship’s crew. In spite of extremely challenging weather, we were able to get out and experience the incredible landscapes, wildlife, and activities due to the experience and dedication of the Oceanwide team. Kayaking through a sea of icebergs, watching whales feeding while camping on the ice, listening to the glaciers calving while mountaineering… all incredible experiences. The lectures on board and the expertise of the zodiac guides on Antarctic wildlife, history, and other topics made this trip extra special. The passengers came from a wide variety of backgrounds, countries, and ages and made for excellent company on board and off. Even seasickness on the Drake was no match for such an incredible time.

Highly recommended

by Ann Burgund

Sitting in Ushuaia airport headed back to the states and feeling melancholy already. George and his staff were gracious , welcoming and so informative. We were so impressed with their knowledge and skills they all have . The reception desk was always so helpful regardless of the same question being asked numerous times. They were very kind even with the silly questions . The dining team always greeted all guests with a smile and so genuine . The entire staff works so hard and understand the importance of customer service and creating memories for so many . So many names to recognize because everyone was amazing . That said my husband and I enjoyed our chat with George at lunch one day and sharing his passions with us . So personable and appreciated him taking the time . Charlotte was delightful and enjoyed the chats with her. She made us feel so welcome and really created some memories and felt like we had made a new friend . Willmore in the dining room along with Joanne and Judele always made us smile . Johnny & Dave really set up a great day for us ice climbing ! Alexis and Nic were great guides during and the time they spent allowing us to embrace all we could during that activity. Thank you again Hondius staff for embracing each guest and the passion and professionalism or what you do for Antarctica. For those of us experiencing the wonders of this trip for the first time and sharing in our excitement.

Das größte Abenteuer

by Alfred Rohrmoser

Wir waren vom 30.November - 10.Dezember 2024 mit der MS Ortelius auf der Tour "Antarktis - Entdeckungs- und Lernreise + Navigationsworkshop" unterwegs, und erlebten das Wohl größte Abenteuer das man erleben kann. Es erwartete uns eine tolle Crew an Bord, das Schiff begeisterte uns immer wieder als Homebase unserer Expeditions-Schiffsreise, das Essen an Bord war großartig und die Antarktis einfach unbeschreiblich. Wir hatten auch viel Glück mit traumhaften Wetter und konnten zahlreiche Aktivitäten unternehmen. Ich finde die Tour "Antarktis - Entdeckungs- und Lernreise" ist die perfekte Antarktisreise, weil man besonders viel von der antarktischen Halbinsel sieht und viel Zeit für Unternehmungen und Landgänge hat. Die Fahrt durch die Gerlache Strait und den Lemaire Channel war ein Traum, die zahlreichen Landgänge, Wanderungen und Bergtouren bei Cuverville & Danco Island sowie bei Necko + Paradise Harbour begeisterten. Highlight war auch der Eisberg-Friedhof mit Eisbergen so groß das es uns die Sprache verschlag. Dazu sahen wir unzählige Pinguinkolonien und Wale. Wir fühlten uns jeden Tag wie die ersten Entdecker in der Antarktis, sahen unberührte Landschaften und waren manchmal so sprachlos und den Tränen nahe. EIne Reise - sorry, falscher Begriff - es ist keine Reise, es ist eine wahre Expedition - ein Abenteuer - das ein Leben lang in Erinnerung bleibt. Das besondere an den Reisen von Oceanwide Expedition ist auch die überschaubare Größe der Schiffe, wir waren auf der Ortelius rund 100 Leute, somit sind Landgänge unbeschränkt möglich, wir hatten somit viel Zeit an Land und bei den Zodiacfahrten. Ich kann die Reisen uneingeschränkt empfehlen, ein Erlebnis! Großes Lob und Dank an das gesamte Oceanwide-Team, ihr seid SPITZE, es war für uns das größte Abenteuer das man erleben kann.

Transformative experience

by John Salisbury

As a solo traveler with only a little world travel experience, I had some trepidation about what to expect on my Antarctica base camp expedition cruise on the MV Hondius. However, my experience was far beyond my expectations and hopes. Everything was near perfection. The activities, lectures , crew, food, expedition crew team, my newly met roommates in my triple cabin, and all the other new friends and passengers I met were amazing. The activities were challenging and fulfilling. But the awesome beauty of Antarctica was overwhelming. No other trip will be like this. This may be the peak of any traveling I will ever do. At the end of our voyage, most passengers, including myself, were shedding or holding back tears because it was now over and we had to say good bye to our “new home.” As great as Oceanwide is, I doubt any future passengers could have the kind of trip we all had. Truly a once in a lifetime transformative experience.