Blog
HDS11X22, trip log, North Spitsbergen - Farthest North
As we set sail, we received a warm welcome and orientation briefing from our Hotel Manager Michael and Expedition Leader (EL) Sara. They gav
PLA11-22, trip log, Around Spitsbergen - Kvitoya, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice
Once on board the passengers started to get acquainted with the ship and were soon invited to a general introduction. A safety briefing was
OTL11-22, trip log, Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice
When we were enjoying our lovely breakfast, we heard the voice of our expedition leader Claudio that there was a Polar Bear on the ice, clos
HDS10X22, trip log, Spitsbergen - Greenland - Jan Mayen - Spitsbergen
Our Arctic adventure began on a grey drizzly afternoon – let’s be honest, it was raining. Happily, the weather cleared as the afternoon adva
In the evening, a hit: three minke whales
Until that day, we had seen very few whales from Plancius, the ship on which we spent a week near Svalbard.
OTL10-22, trip log, Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice
Today was the day! Our long-awaited Arctic adventure was about to begin (a few years wait for some of us!) our story begins in Longyearbyen,
OTL09-22, trip log, Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice
Our first full day of expedition cruising officially began with a wake-up call from Expedition Leader (EL) Pippa at 7:15am, but some excited
OTL08-22, trip log, East Spitsbergen - Arctic Academy
During this expedition scientists and tourists travelled together to one of the most remote places of the arctic region. The primary goal of
PLA09-22, trip log, Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice
The black mines and muddy hangars of Longyearbyen are certainly not quite as charming as the colorful traditional houses of Oslo, but the ci
Insider’s Expedition: Interview with Toto Vermue
As part of our reservations department, one of Toto’s responsibilities is helping book our guests on the many Antarctic and Arctic cruises w
HDS07-22, trip log, Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice
Shortly afterwards everyone attended the last of our mandatory briefings; this one was regarding zodiac operations, which would come in usef
World’s Best Expedition Cruise Line 2022
It is with great delight that we announce we have been nominated for World’s Best Expedition Cruise Line at the second annual World Cruise A
PLA07-22, trip log, Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice
Many of the guest arrived at Longyearbyen on the day of embarkation. Throughout the morning the wind started to pick up but regardless of th
OTL07-22, trip log, Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice - Birding
The pull of the Arctic; its varied landscapes, history, the fascination of ice, flora and fauna plagued by a harsh climate, the anticipation
PLA06-22, trip log, North Spitsbergen, In search of Polar Bear & Pack Ice
Many of the guest arrived at Longyearbyen on the day of embarkation. The morning started with drizzle and thick fog. We must wait for our re
OTL06-22, trip log, North Spitsbergen - Basecamp, Free kayaking, hiking, photo worksh
The Ortelius lays at the old Coal pier close to the airport. The Expedition Team is spread out at several locations throughout town to await
HDS05-22, trip log, North Spitsbergen - Bowhead Whales & Polar Bears in the sea ice –
The Expedition Team were on standby for 5:45 am, zodiacs were lowered, and the staff made their way to meet and greet guests whilst Hondius
PLA05-22, trip log, North Spitsbergen, In search of Polar Bear & Pack Ice
Once on board the evening went by quickly as we were busy with familiarisations, safety briefings, cocktails with Captain Torry Sakkariassen
OTL05-22, trip log, North Spitsbergen - Basecamp - Summer Solstice, Free kayaking, hi
After a long-awaited departure (a few years for some of us) we finally land in Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in the Arctic Archipelag
HDS04-22, trip log, North Spitsbergen, In search of Polar Bear & Pack Ice Summer Sols
After a wonderful buffet dinner prepared by the galley staff it was time for the third and final briefing of the evening, a video presentati
PLA04-22, trip log, North Spitsbergen, In search of Polar Bear & Pack Ice Summer Sols
Once on board the evening went by quickly as we were busy with familiarisations, safety briefings, cocktails with Captain Torry Sakkariassen