1989 (Refurbished 2016)
4
50
53
10.5KN
103.4m
1
1
Ortelius is a true polar workhorse, built in 1989 and carrying the highest ice-class notation, UL1 (equivalent to 1A) — a rating that lets it push into solid one-year sea ice and loose multi-year pack ice where many vessels cannot follow. Originally the research ship Marina Svetaeva, it was acquired by Oceanwide Expeditions in 2011 and extensively refitted, with cabin and interior upgrades completed in 2016, bringing a comfortable, characterful hotel standard to a ship made for exploration rather than indulgence.
Carrying just 108 guests, Ortelius keeps the small-ship advantage that matters in Antarctica, where IAATO rules cap shore landings at 100 people at a time — the whole party can be ashore together with time to spare. Its standout feature is a dedicated helipad and hangar, allowing scenic helicopter flights over otherwise unreachable pack ice and emperor penguin colonies on select voyages. Abundant open-deck space, a fleet of ten Zodiacs, and a relaxed bar and lecture room round out a vessel whose informal, sociable atmosphere and exploratory focus suit active, curious travellers who come for the wildlife and the ice rather than the trimmings.
Guests: 4, two upper & lower berths
Size: 12.4-14.1m2
Decks: 3
The ship's most sociable layout, with two upper and two lower berths lit by two portholes and convertible to a triple or twin. A desk, safe and ample storage round out the space, with a private shower and toilet. An economical choice for family or friends travelling together.
Guests: 3, upper & lower berths
Size: 12.4-14.1m2
Decks: 3
A flexible cabin for up to three, with bunk-style upper and lower berths lit by two portholes, configurable as a twin or quad to suit the party. The private shower and toilet, desk and ample storage keep it practical. A sociable, economical option for friends or families sharing.
Guests: 2, Twin
Size: 11.4-15.1m2
Decks: 3,4
A snug twin with two portholes, with two lower berths and a private shower and toilet. A desk and good storage make the most of the space. Well suited to active travellers who treat the cabin as a base for rest, spending the bulk of each day out among the ice and wildlife.
Guests: 2, Twin
Size: 17.5-17.7m2
Decks: 5
A comfortable twin with two windows framing the passing coastline and two lower berths. Includes a desk, ample storage and a private shower and toilet. A good choice for guests who want a little extra room, spending their days ashore and on deck.
Guests: 2, Twin
Size: 17.7m2
Decks: 5
A bright, characterful twin lit by three windows, among the sunniest cabins on the ship. Two lower berths, a small sofa, refrigerator and coffee-and-tea facilities make it a relaxed retreat between landings. The private bathroom has a shower and toilet, and there is generous storage for layers and boots.
Guests: 2, Double + sofa bed
Size: 18.4-20.4m2
Decks: 5
The most generous accommodation aboard, with a double bed and an additional single sofa bed within a comfortable, well-lit layout. Two windows draw in daylight and sea views, and a refrigerator and coffee-and-tea facilities add a homely touch. The private bathroom has a shower and toilet, with ample storage for expedition gear.
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Ortelius is one of few expedition ships with its own helipad and hangar. On select itineraries, scenic flights lift you over pack ice impassable by Zodiac, opening access to remote emperor penguin colonies and vast tabular bergs. Every passenger is given a window seat — a rare, sweeping perspective on the frozen continent.
Descend beneath the ice into a hushed world of sea squirts, squat lobsters, dogfish, sea butterflies, and shrubby horsetails. Just a few of the residents you may encounter. Reserved for experienced dry-suit divers and led by specialist guides, it reveals the rarely seen life that thrives in these frigid, clear waters.
Paddle quiet inlets away from the ship, threading between ice floes. Guided in small groups, it offers an intimate, water-level perspective on the coastline and its wildlife, well suited to reasonably fit guests seeking time on the water.
Strap on snowshoes to cross terrain that would otherwise be impassable, following your guide across firm snowfields and gentle ridges. The pace is steady and the focus is on the landscape — its silence, its tracks, and the wildlife that shares it.
A brief, bracing leap from the beach into polar waters — a rite of passage taken with the crew standing safely by. Exhilarating and quickly over, it is the kind of shared moment that defines an expedition and warms the retelling for years.
Spend a night ashore under the vast polar sky, swapping the ship's comfort for the profound stillness of the ice. With minimal equipment and a guide's careful briefing, it is a memorable immersion in the silence and scale of Antarctica.
Rope up with qualified guides to ascend snow slopes and modest peaks, taking in views few ever see. Suited to active guests with a head for effort, the climbs are matched to ability and conditions, rewarding the work with sweeping vistas across ice and ocean.
Sharpen your eye alongside an onboard photographer, from composing icebergs to capturing wildlife in fading light. Sessions blend practical fieldwork with deck-side guidance, helping you return home with images that do justice to what you have seen.
Aboard a sturdy inflatable, you sit just above the waterline as your guide noses among brash ice and towering bergs. It is the closest encounter with the polar world, seals hauled out nearby, a whale surfacing, the deep quiet broken only by cracking ice.
Explore remote landscapes on foot, with guided hikes available for all ability levels—from relaxed walks to more challenging routes for experienced hikers.
Snorkel directly from a Zodiac, exploring clear polar waters, ice formations and remarkable marine life. Certified guides and all specialist equipment are provided, with no previous experience required.
Speak with one of our polar destination specialists to begin planning your journey. With deep regional knowledge and a wealth of first-hand experience, our consultants will take the time to understand your travel style and guide you towards the voyage thats right for you.
You can also email us on hello@polarfrontiers.com.
+61 3 9640 0622Alternatively, fill out the form below.
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