ORTELIUS

The ice-strengthened MV Ortelius is fortified for Arctic and Antarctica exploration. This 108-passenger vessel originally served as a special-purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. Ortelius' design means it is the ideal vessel for exploring the polar regions.

It has many open-deck public spaces, including a bar and lecture room with plenty of comfort and character. 

There are 50 cabins on board, each equipped with private facilities and external views. For great value cruising, the ship offers quadruple and triple cabins and a range of twin accommodation.

On selected itineraries the ship offers a choice of additional activities including kayaking, camping on ice, light mountaineering, hiking and snowshoeing as well as photographic workshops.

Specialist ‘Basecamp’ departures spend longer in locations and include all activities, and some departures have two helicopters on board with flights included. 

Polar Specialist Ben Rowley says; "Ortelius has a reputation for being a bit of a beast, and you can really feel it in a good way. It’s very strong and steely and feels like stepping onto a research vessel in the wilderness 30 years ago. I loved Ortelius’ huge bow, which provides a fantastic place to stand while cruising through the ice. Ortelius also operates some of Oceanwide’s most adventurous trips, such as into the Weddell Sea and the Ross Sea, such are its capabilities."