m/v Ortelius

The ice-strengthened Ortelius is thoroughly outfitted for polar exploration and, when necessary, helicopter flights.

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 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 therefor suitable to navigate in solid one-year sea ice as well as loose multi-year pack ice. Ortelius can accommodate up to 108 passengers 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.

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

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Birding, Summer Solstice

The best opportunity to get active while spotting exotic Arctic wildlife!

OTL03-24 This expedition focuses on the versatility of north Spitsbergen’s visually stunning landscapes, vast spans of sea ice, and many opportunities to spot whales, polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and other such wildlife. Enjoy the fantastically beautiful...

m/v Ortelius

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

18 Jun - 25 Jun, 2024

Berths start from:

4000 USD

North Spitsbergen, Basecamp, Free kayaking, Hiking, Photo Workshop, Cleaning the Shores

The best activity voyage in the Actic

OTL04-24 The North Spitsbergen Basecamp cruise offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy this Arctic Region. This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, and learn to take perfect pictures of the polar flora and fauna.

m/v Ortelius

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

25 Jun - 2 Jul, 2024

Berths start from:

6050 USD

16 Days Extended North & East Spitsbergen & Bear Island
Up to $6240 OFF

16 Days Extended North & East Spitsbergen & Bear Island

OTL04d24 Why take just one polar voyage when you can combine two into an activity-filled, wildlife-focused adventure? We’ve joined our East Spitsbergen cruise (emphasizing polar bears and pack ice) with our North Spitsbergen Basecamp cruise (multiple free activities)...

m/v Ortelius

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

25 Jun - 10 Jul, 2024

Berths start from:

5160 USD

East Spitsbergen and Bear Island, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice, Cleaning the Shores, Including Long Hikes

See Spitsbergen’s dramatic east coast and the majestic bird colonies of Bear Island

OTL05-24 The east shores of Spitsbergen are a fantastic place to view gorgeously rugged landscapes and exotic Arctic wildlife, including minke whales, Arctic foxes, and polar bears. And speaking of bears, this exploratory cruise also visits Bear Island – a bird...

m/v Ortelius

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

2 Jul - 10 Jul, 2024

Berths start from:

4600 USD

18 days Extended East and Around Spitsbergen
Up to $3660 OFF

18 days Extended East and Around Spitsbergen

OTL05c24 This fantastic combination cruise lets you enjoy not only a circumnavigation of Spitsbergen but also an extended voyage into Svalbard's scenically stunning eastern shores - including Bear Island, where colonies of exotic Arctic birds nest above dazzling...

m/v Ortelius

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

2 Jul - 19 Jul, 2024

Berths start from:

8000 USD

Reviews

by Lucinda Roenicke
The 23 day trip on the Hondius was better than I ever could have imagined. Every day was filled with views, wildlife and wonderful presentations. The team (guides, crew, service, etc) were all friendly, knowledgeable and professional. The ship was extremely comfortable, the food delicious and plentiful and the excursions were fun and informative. The lead guide, Pippa, checked weather daily and made educated decisions with the captain on where we should head. Everyday we were not at sea we had an excursion! The guides were all well educated and gave presentation on history, animals, geology and more. It was great learning about what we were seeing. I highly recommend this trip, Oceanwide and The Hondius !
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by Thomas Roenicke
This trip was beyond out expectations - from crew to guides to activities and itinerary Read full review
by Edwin Ketting
De reis met de Hondius van Oceanwide is een echte aanrader. Het personeel en de staff doen er alles aan om het naar je zin te maken. Het was een onvergetelijke reis. Als je van plan bent om deze reis te maken is Oceanwide wel een van de beste. Read full review
by Rob Outar
Embarking on an Oceanwide Expeditions journey to the Antarctic Circle is nothing short of a transformative experience. The pristine beauty of the icy realm is matched only by the warmth and expertise of the Oceanwide crew, who ensure every moment is filled with awe and education. From the majestic icebergs rising like sculptures to the playful wildlife that greets you at every turn, the expedition feels like a true exploration into the last great wilderness on Earth. The ship, a comfortable and sturdy vessel, becomes a home away from home, where every meal is a delight and every cabin a cozy retreat after days filled with adventure. The guides are not just knowledgeable; they are passionate storytellers who bring the history and science of this remote place to life. Whether it’s witnessing a humpback whale breaching beside the ship or hiking to a vantage point for a breathtaking panorama, the memories made here are indelible. Oceanwide Expeditions doesn’t just take you to Antarctica; they immerse you in it, offering a once-in-a-lifetime trip that’s as educational as it is exhilarating. It’s a journey that changes you forever. Read full review
by A. Sztrimbely
I took a Deep South (Antarctic Circle) Expedition with Oceanwide earlier this year and the experience could not have been better! Not only did we have a dream trip in terms of weather, activities and wildlife spotting - making numerous stops and zodiac trips every day and meeting all of our trip objectives thanks to the amazing work of the Captain and Expedition Team, who continually altered our plans to make sure the ship was in the best position to take advantage of the conditions - but the entire atmosphere and energy on the boat was amazingly welcoming and fun. I just have to highlight how incredible the entire Oceanwide staff/crew is. Not only are they super knowledgeable, they are incredibly friendly. Everyone, from the guides to the bridge team to the housekeeping and galley staff, is happy to welcome you on board and into the Plancius/Oceanwide family. The kitchen staff knew all of our names by day 2! And they were amazing at dealing with dietary restrictions and preferences. The guides and bridge staff were likewise happy to mingle, chat and answer any questions (even ones for which they had to look up the answers)! A wonderful experience overall! Read full review
by Jodi Brown
My 11-day Antarctic expedition was outstanding from start to finish. The staff were knowledgeable, friendly, enthusiastic, and professional. The food was delicious. The M/V Plancius was quiet, well-appointed, and just the right size. The crew did an amazing job making sure we experienced as much as possible whenever possible, and I would absolutely take this trip again and again. My only regret is that I'm not an expert in Antarctic/Arctic wildlife or climate so I can't get a job with Oceanwide as an expedition staff member ;) Read full review
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