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DestinationsAntarcticaOrtelius

Ortelius

Overview of the Ortelius

The M/V Ortelius was built in Poland in 1989 as a research vessel for the Russian Academy of Science, previously named the Marina Svetaeva. The vessel can navigate in solid one-year sea ice and loose, multi-year pack ice, and enable passengers to visit remote locations on their Antarctica adventures.

Trip Features
  • 11-28 Days
  • Starting at $7,700 per person
  • PHYSICAL RATING
    Moderate
  • ACTIVITIES
    Hiking, Snowshoeing, Kayaking, Camping, Diving, Helicopter Touring, Photography, Mountaineering
  • HIGHLIGHTS
    Glaciers/Icebergs, Whales, Penguins

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A large expedition ship sails through calm Arctic waters. The Ortelius Antarctica expedition vessel has multiple decks and is equipped with antennas and cranes. A helicopter hovers above the ship against a backdrop of a bright blue sky and scattered clouds. Snow-covered ice is visible in the distance.
The Ortelius Antarctica expedition ship is anchored in cold waters, surrounded by ice. Several people in bright red jackets are on inflatable boats near the ship, heading towards the icy shore. The sky above is partly cloudy.
The Ortelius Antarctica expedition ship is anchored near the coast as a group of people in bright jackets disembark from a small raft onto the rocky shore. The beach is populated with numerous penguins and other wildlife, while tall grass is visible in the foreground.
A large ship sails on a calm body of water with a backdrop of snow-covered mountains under a cloudy sky. The dark-colored vessel, marked with red and white sections, navigates through misty conditions near the mountainous coastline, evoking scenes from an Ortelius Antarctica expedition.
A small ship navigates through calm, reflective waters surrounded by snow-covered peaks and icebergs in a pristine polar landscape. The sky is clear, highlighting the serene and untouched beauty of the area, reminiscent of an Ortelius Antarctica expedition.
Aerial view of a person in a motorized black inflatable boat pulling a line of several brightly colored kayaks, mostly red and one orange, on a calm, reflective body of water. The boat has "Oceanwide Expeditions" written on the side, hinting at an Ortelius Antarctica expedition.
A whale’s tail splashes in the water as a group of people dressed in red jackets observe from a black inflatable boat. The scene, part of the Ortelius Antarctica expedition, takes place in a vast, choppy ocean.
A large ship from the Ortelius Antarctica expedition sails through icy waters near a snow-covered coastline under a dramatic sky with colorful clouds at sunset. Snow-covered hills and rugged terrain are in the background, adding to the serene and cold atmosphere.
A group of climbers roped together is making their way along the snowy ridge of a mountain, reflecting the adventurous spirit of the Ortelius Antarctica expedition. They have ice axes and are dressed in winter gear. One person in the foreground raises their arm jubilantly while others follow behind under a clear blue sky.
Three people dressed in winter clothing are walking across a snowy landscape, much like an Ortelius Antarctica expedition. They each carry a backpack and appear to be engaging in a snow hike. The sky is partly cloudy, with patches of blue sky visible.
Two fur seals appear to be in a playful or aggressive interaction by a shoreline, with a large colony of king penguins observing in the background. Green grassy tufts and rocks are visible, highlighting the coastal habitat often explored during an Ortelius Antarctica expedition.
A large ship is anchored offshore in foggy weather. In the foreground, a dense colony of penguins covers the rocky beach, with many adult penguins and numerous brown-feathered chicks. The scene illustrates a coastal wildlife habitat with marine life mingling near an Ortelius Antarctica expedition vessel.
A large black and white ship named "Ortelius" is anchored in icy waters with snowy mountains in the background. A smaller inflatable boat with a person on board is positioned near the ship on the right side, preparing for an Ortelius Antarctica expedition.
A group of six kayakers, each in a colorful kayak, raises their paddles joyfully while sitting on calm, clear water. In the background, a large white iceberg and distant hills lie under a clear blue sky. Everyone is wearing life jackets and cold-weather gear on this Ortelius Antarctica expedition.
A large ship navigates through icy waters, surrounded by towering snow-covered mountains and icebergs. The vessel's hull is painted black and white, with a name visible on the bow, and it has a prominent communication tower on top. The backdrop showcases the majestic landscape of the Ortelius Antarctica expedition.
Three people in colorful sleeping bags lie on the snow next to a frozen lake and a small wooden building. They are bundled up in warm clothing, with one person wearing a hat with ear flaps. This scene could be part of an Ortelius Antarctica expedition, with the snowy landscape and ice formations stretching into the background.
People on the deck of a ship navigate through an icy, snow-covered landscape. They are wearing colorful jackets and observing the vast, frozen scenery. The ship's deck is equipped with various equipment, and there's a mast with a flag in the center. This Ortelius Antarctica expedition occurs under a partly cloudy sky.

Ortelius Itineraries

In 2020, the Ortelius was converted into a 108 passenger polar expedition vessel, offering passengers a quality exploratory wildlife program during their Antarctica travel, maximizing wildlife observation by spending as much time ashore as possible.

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Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina- Embark
DayS 2-3 Drake Passage
DayS 4-8 Weddell Sea & DECEPTION ISLAND
DayS 9-10 Drake Passage
Day 11 Disembark Ushuaia
Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina- Embark
DayS 2-3 Drake Passage
DayS 4-10 Weddell Sea & DECEPTION ISLAND
DayS 11-12 Drake Passage
Day 13 Disembark – Ushuaia
Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina- Embark
DayS 2-3 Drake Passage
DayS 4-7 antarctic PENINSULA
Day 8 South Shetland and Deception Island
DayS 9-10 Drake Passage
Day 11 Disembark Ushuaia
Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina- Embark
DayS 2-3 Drake Passage
DayS 4-9 Antarctic Peninsula & Polar Circle
DayS 10-11 Drake Passage
Day 12 Disembark – Ushuaia
Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina- Embark
Day 2 At Sea
DayS 3-5 Falkland Islands
Days 6-7 At Sea
DayS 8-11 South Georgia
Day 12 At Sea
Day 13 South Orkney Islands
DaYS 14-15 At Sea
DayS 16-17 Antarctic Peninsula
DayS 18-19 Drake Passage
Day 20 Disembark- Ushuaia
*ITINERARY COULD BE SHORTER / LONGER
Day 1 Ushuaia – Embark
Days 2-3 At Sea
Days 3 – 4 Falkland Islands
Day 4 PENDLETON STRAIT
Day 5 DETAILLE ISLAND AND THE GULLET
Day 6 PORQUOI PAS AND HORSESHOE ISLANDS
DayS 7-10 GEORGE IV AND WILKINS ICE SHELF
Day 11 JENNY AND LEONIE ISLANDS
Day 12 LAGOON AND MIKKELSENISLANDS
DayS 13-15 AT SEA
Day 16 Disembark – Ushuaia
Day 1 Ushuaia – Embark
Day 2-3 AT SEA
Day 4-6 SOUTH GEORGIA
DayS 7-8 AT SEA
Day 9 SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS
DayS 10-12 AT SEA
DayS 13-14 NEUSCHWABENLAND – NEW SWABIA
DayS 15-23 WEDDELL SEA – FILCHNER, RONNE AND LARSEN ICE SHELVES
Day 24 BROWN BLUFF AND KINNES COVE
Day 25 ELEPHANT ISLAND
DayS 26-27 DRAKE PASSAGE
Day 31 DISEMBARK – USHUAIA

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More About the Ortelius

The Ortelius complies with the latest SOLAS (Safety of Life At Sea) regulations and is ice-strengthened with the highest ice class notation (UL1 equivalent to 1A).

The large ship "Ortelius," with its blue and white hull, is navigating through the ice-covered waters of an Antarctica expedition. The vessel is equipped with lifeboats and navigation antennas. Several people are visible on the upper deck, while an iceberg looms in the background.
Interior of a modern lounge area on a large vessel, featuring red bench seating, black bar stools, a wooden bar, a bookshelf filled with books, and a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. The Ortelius Antarctica expedition room is brightly lit with windows and ceiling lights providing ample illumination.
A room featuring wooden decor, a blue cushioned bench with orange straps, and framed antique maps on the walls. A desk with a phone and a mounted TV screen is visible. The room has bright lighting and emergency equipment, including a fire extinguisher and exit signs, evoking an Ortelius Antarctica expedition.
Modern reception desk with two padded counter areas, a computer, and a printer on the right side. The backdrop features vertical wood paneling with dark accents. The area is well-lit, with spotlights on the ceiling, evoking the precise organization of an Ortelius Antarctica expedition.
A modern hotel reception area featuring wooden front desks with illuminated accents and a small overhead television. The sleek wooden and grey interior design is well-lit, showcasing a minimalist aesthetic and clean lines, echoing the precision of the Ortelius Antarctica expedition.
A narrow dining area with long wooden tables flanked by cushioned benches and colorful chairs. The room is well-lit with ceiling lights and windows on one side, covered by dark curtains. Modern design elements evoke the adventurous spirit of the Ortelius Antarctica expedition, creating a cozy atmosphere.
A spacious, well-lit dining area with long wooden tables and a mix of colorful chairs. Overhead lights are fixed to the ceiling, and the walls are decorated with maritime-themed artwork inspired by the Ortelius Antarctica expedition. The floor is carpeted with a patterned design.
A spacious dining area with long tables and colorful chairs arranged in rows. The walls are adorned with vibrant landscape and wildlife photographs, some capturing moments from the Ortelius Antarctica expedition. Overhead lights provide warm illumination, and there are large windows with curtains along one side of the room.
A modern ship's bridge with navigation controls, multiple display screens, and a high-backed captain's chair. Large windows provide ample light and a clear view outside. The consoles are equipped with various instruments and controls, ideal for an Ortelius Antarctica expedition.
A spacious ship's bridge featuring control panels with numerous buttons and switches, navigation displays, and communication equipment. Large windows offer a wide view of the sea. A computer monitor displays navigational charts for the Ortelius Antarctica expedition. Light floods in from the windows.
Ship Highlights
  • Size/Type
    299 ft.
  • Guest Capacity
    108
  • Features
    Comfortable Staterooms
    Restaurant
    Bar/Observation lounge
    Lecture Room
    Sauna
    Open Deck Spaces
    Large Accessible Bridge
    Sonar
    Onboard ‘real time’ camera system
    OLEX’ mapping for 3D seabed maps
    11 zodiacs for shore excursions
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Cabin Details

The M/V Ortelius has 52 spacious outside cabins with private toilet and shower facilities and a minimum of two portholes or windows.

A cozy cabin with two sets of bunk beds, each bed with blue-striped bedding and green curtains for privacy. A small desk with a green chair is situated between the beds, featuring a TV, water bottles, and cups. Two round windows let in natural light, creating an atmosphere perfect for an Ortelius Antarctica expedition.
A neatly organized, modern cabin on the Ortelius Antarctica expedition ship featuring four beds, two on each side, with blue-striped bedding. The room has a central desk with a green chair, two porthole windows, a wall-mounted TV, and storage cabinets. The overall design is clean and efficient.

Ortelius

Quadruple

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A cozy cabin with two single beds separated by a desk and chair, under two porthole windows with green curtains. Each bed has white linens and a navy blue blanket. Water bottles and glasses sit on the desk. A polar bear picture hangs on the wall, evoking memories of an Ortelius Antarctica expedition.

Ortelius

Twin Porthole

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This image shows a tidy cabin with two single beds, each equipped with white pillows and blankets. A desk with a chair is situated between the beds under two small windows with green curtains. Penguin-themed artwork reminiscent of an Ortelius Antarctica expedition adorns the walls.

Ortelius

Twin Window

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A small, neatly arranged room with two single beds covered in white linens and light blue pillows. Each bed has folded towels at the foot. A small desk with a green chair is positioned between the beds, giving off a cozy vibe suitable for planning an Ortelius Antarctica expedition. The room has two windows with green curtains.
A tidy, modern cabin room with two single beds, each with blue linens and a towel folded into a decorative shape. The room has beige walls, a green sofa, a wooden wardrobe, and a framed picture from the Ortelius Antarctica expedition on the wall. Several doors are visible, leading to other areas.

Ortelius

Twin Deluxe

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A cozy, neatly arranged bedroom with a double bed dressed in blue linens and topped with towels folded into swan shapes. The room features a small window with blue curtains, wall-mounted reading lights, and a door on the back wall. A picture from the Ortelius Antarctica expedition adorns the wall.
A small, tidy room with a neatly made bed featuring towel swans, a desk with a chair, and a door leading to a bathroom. A small window with curtains and a painting of birds adorn the white walls. The room has dark wood furniture and carpet, evoking the spirit of an Ortelius Antarctica expedition.
A modern bathroom featuring a shower with a white curtain, a wall-mounted shower system, a sink with a dark wood cabinet, a wall mirror, and a small window. The white toilet and towel contrast against the dark tiled floor. A green soap dispenser is mounted on the wall by the sink, evoking images of Ortelius Antarctica expedition gear.

Ortelius

Superior

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TRIP FAQs

We have so much to share with you! How does this all work? Start with the frequently asked questions below, and if you want to talk to us directly, simply reach out by phone or form.

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You have the flexibility to choose your own travel dates on most of our trips. Certain trips, such as cruises, have fixed schedules. Availability on these trips is always changing so please contact us with your preferred travel time and we can find the perfect itinerary for you.

The first step is to get in touch with a Southern Explorations travel planner for date availability and information on activities, accommodations and other travel aspirations you may have. Give us a call at 1.877.784.5400, fill out this form or email info@southernexplorations.com.

Yes! All of our posted itineraries can be considered a starting point and were happy to tailor a trip to your exact desires. There may be some elements of a trip, such as a cruise or all-inclusive lodge stay, that cannot be modified but we can always adjust the tours around those components.

We provide full service tours so in general our trips include all guided activities with professional English-speaking guides, accommodations, transportation, airport transfers, entrance fees and permits, select meals, and pre-departure services. You will be responsible for international airfare while we will book all in-country airfare. Contact one of our expert travel planners for even more details on this specific tour.

We have more detailed information about each destination in the Plan Your Trip section of this website. Our team of friendly travel planners is also available to walk you through various options and to work with you on the perfect trip!

Plan Your Trip to Antarctica

Browse our in-depth travel guide of Antarctica to learn more about the destination

Learn More About Antarctica

Testimonials

This was our second adventure with Southern Explorations and it was just as I expected from the first. Top notch accommodations, timely, helpful, friendly guides and seamless transfers. This very comprehensive trip was amazing and I look forward to traveling with them again.

Michele

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