Reviews

Around Svalbard with Ortelius and OWE. All staff and crew particularly professional and especially careful about respecting wildlife and the environment in general. Cruise well scenarized, carefully design to favour contemplation and patient observation of sites, flora and fauna over hopping from site to site - greatly appreciated. Nice flexibility according to weather and bear hazard, several plan-B turned to be even better than plan-A. High complementarity between captain and cruise leaders. Guides had varying experience and knowledge, but all had something to bring and did it remarkably well. Ortelius is a nice old ship reminiscent of its time as a research vessel, with more comfort than I actually need. My first experience on a commercial cruise and I definitely look forward making the way to Antarctica with Oceanwide later.

Excellent experience

Tank sog to the Wille Crew onboard Ortelius for this great trip. Tasting with Captain Ernesto and tour leader Claudio ending with any personell in service, everybody did his best, to make us an unforgetable experience. We were lucky to see almost all animals one can see in the arctic. After our first trip with Oceanwide to Antarctica in2018 on Plancius, we were affraid if this trip to the Arktis would fullfill our expectations ......it did!

A great trip with a great crew, not only the capitain and his crew as well as the tour guides and the whole rest of the personel were always in a good mood, took so much care for all passengers, just amazing.

After two years of postponement because of Corona, it finally worked. Professional organisation and good service all around. Fabulous landscapes, wild nature and a great wildlife. Very impressive, exactly what I want. Certainly not for the last time.

Everything on the Ortelius was very good: organisation, food, the entire staff. Excellent. We were also lucky with the weather and the outdoor activities

Good journey but too much time on the ship without activities

Nice trip, but I had the impression that some guests were considered as more important than the others. Some "guides" were not friendly and helpful

Wonderful experience. Everything was just perfect nature, wildlife and outstanding Team.

A once in a lifetime trip. We saw so many polar bears, walruses, seals, whales, arctic foxes, reindeer and birds of all kinds. A special thanks to the expedition leader Claudio and to all his staff and also to the commander and the crew of the Ortelius: they made this experience unforgettable!

Exciting journey. Very good guides, very good ship crew, fantastic kitchen. See you later again.

Thank you to Oceanwide and the incredible crew and expedition team on the Ortelius. The trip exceeded all expectations and every day was a highlight. The experience and knowledge of the expedition crew really stood out and make this trip extra special. I can't wait to try a new destination next year! Thank you! Michael and Jorge

It was like an absolute dream! The activities were action packed, flexible, and we always felt incredibly safe. The ship and hotel crew were incredibly kind and helpful, catering to our every need. The guides were amazingly knowledgeable, personable, and friendly. I would like to highlight two specific guides - Jakub Malecki and Hazel Pittwood. Hazel's enthusiasm for wildlife truly enhanced our experience, to the point that we were always seeking her out to ask questions and discuss the days activities. She was always welcoming of our questions and excited to talk with us. Jakub introduced us to the amazing world of glaciology. His knowledge of glaciers gave us an intimate look into a whole new world and really made our experience feel like an adventure. His passion for icebergs, glaciers, and the like was truly enamoring. We always hoped Jakub would be our days hiking guide or zodiak pilot so we could soak up every word and each amazing insight. Jakub hooked us early in the trip when we saw a glacier calve together. He looked at us and said, "that is the ice saying hello". My wife and I will always be thankful for meeting Jakub and consider him to be a lifelong friend.