Geoffrey (Mike) Waring

Region: Antarctica

Destinations: Antarctic Circle

Ship: m/v Ortelius

With apologies to penguins, seals and whales, the voyage itself aboard MV Ortelius was the attraction for me; unsailed seas, spectacular geography and experience of Antarctic weather. Being aboard was déjà vu for this ex merchant seaman. My intention was to achieve the crossing of both Polar Circles and Oceanwide on its particularly well-run little ship, with its multinational crew, completed the task. The 'open bridge' policy was, to me, a huge attraction and the crew, from master, Captain Appel to the Filipino seamen were friendly and informative. Of particular mention is Expedition Leader Mika and his knowledgeable tour guides who went out of their way to give passengers a voyage to remember. But of course, a ship is never a 'happy ship' unless it is a 'good feeder' and the galley and mess room crew of Ortelius supplied a menu far exceeding any major hotel I've stayed in thirty years as an international pilot. Oceanwide have got it right for voyages of this nature, the passage through the Gullet was alone worth the trip, and I wish the Ortelius and her crew/s many more safe voyages. I have only one suggestion; a rounding of Cape Horn would make it perfect

Been on one of our voyages?

Leave your own review

Related cruises

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Elephant Island - Antarctica - Polar Circle
Up to $8450 OFF

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Elephant Island - Antarctica - Polar Circle

20 Feb - 14 Mar, 2025

Tripcode: HDS29-25

This Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife.

Go to cruise page

from: 10000 USD

Antarctica - Elephant Island - Weddell Sea - Polar Circle
Up to $6100 OFF

Antarctica - Elephant Island - Weddell Sea - Polar Circle

9 Mar - 23 Mar, 2025

Tripcode: PLA31-25

This expansive expedition takes you into the Antarctic Circle, combining the rich animal life of the Weddell Sea with the surreal shores and islands of the Antarctic Peninsula. Such key landing sites as the legendary Elephant Island and Crystal Sound...

Antarctica - Polar Circle - Deep South Discovery voyage
Up to $4000 OFF

Antarctica - Polar Circle - Deep South Discovery voyage

10 Mar - 21 Mar, 2025

Tripcode: 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.

Antarctica - Beyond the Polar Circle - Wilkins Ice Shelf - Aurora Australis
Up to $5100 OFF

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

21 Mar - 5 Apr, 2025

Tripcode: 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...

Antarctica - Polar Circle - Whale watching
Up to $4500 OFF

Antarctica - Polar Circle - Whale watching

23 Mar - 3 Apr, 2025

Tripcode: PLA32-25

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 dive in the iceberg-heavy waters.

Loading