Having previously travelled to the Antarctic Peninsula, my wife and I wanted to return to more distant parts of this gorgeous and fascinating place. The Ross Sea tour, with its abundance of natural wonders and great historical significance, had the ideal itinerary. I can say that all of our high expectations were met, and often even exceeded. With fortunate weather (especially some well-timed sea-ice breakups) and the diligent efforts of both ship and expedition crews, we had one rare and unforgettable experience after another: the rich wildlife of the Southern Ocean, the huts of the great explorers, a tour of McMurdo Station, and the otherworldly beauty of the continent, especially the shimmering blue of the ice. In our trip planning, we evaluated several tours, and the fact that the Ortelius had helicopters emerged as a compelling argument in its favor. This proved out, especially with a landing in the Taylor Dry Valley, an awe-inspiring experience that is otherwise almost impossible. We can't say enough about the crews. They were genuinely committed to providing the best experience. We immediately came look upon them as friends, colleagues, and mentors.

Been on one of our voyages?

Leave your own review

Related cruises

Antarctica - Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop

23 Nov - 5 Dec, 2026

•

Tripcode: HDS22-26

The Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp cruise offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy the Antarctic Region. This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, go mountaineering, and even camp out under the Southern Polar skies.

Antarctica - Discovery and learning + Long hikes
Up to $2450 OFF

Antarctica - Discovery and learning + Long hikes

29 Dec, 2026 - 8 Jan, 2027

•

Tripcode: PLA25-27

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.

Antarctica - Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop

8 Jan - 20 Jan, 2027

•

Tripcode: PLA26-27

The Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp cruise offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy the Antarctic Region. This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, go mountaineering, and even camp out under the Southern Polar skies.

Bellingshausen Sea / Peter I Island + Ellsworth Land - incl. helicopters
Up to $9050 OFF

Bellingshausen Sea / Peter I Island + Ellsworth Land - incl. helicopters

14 Jan - 7 Feb, 2027

•

Tripcode: OTL27-27

This adventurous expedition offers a unique opportunity to discover very rarely visited places, deep South along the coast of Antarctica to the Bellingshausen Sea, along the coast of Ellsworth Land and even to Peter I Island.

Antarctica - Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop

18 Feb - 2 Mar, 2027

•

Tripcode: PLA29-27

The Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp cruise offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy the Antarctic Region. This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, go mountaineering, and even camp out under the Southern Polar skies.

Loading