Ortelius
Ship overview:
Built in Poland in 1989 and originally used by the Russian Academy of Science, Ortelius is an outstanding expedition-style ship. With the highest ice class rating available, it is ideally suited for exploration into the most remote corners of Antarctica.
From $6,300
Prices based on two people sharing108 passengers
Constructed in 1989
1:10
Camping, kayaking, mountaineering, paddling, scuba diving & snowshoeing
Swoop Video Review: Ortelius
Why we like this ship
- Ortelius has the highest ice-class rating (equivalent to 1A) and a broad, heavy design making it one of the safest and most stable polar ships
- Her solid, former research vessel exterior contrasts with a modern, comfortable 3* hotel on the inside following an extensive upgrade programme
- Choice of recently refurbished and spacious cabins, all with en-suite bathrooms. The generous Twin Window cabins measure 190 square feet
- Traveling with around 100 passengers ensures slick zodiac logistics and the ability to normally land everyone at the same time
- Extensive open-deck space maximises wildlife viewing, while the spacious bridge is a great place to hang out
- Offers a wide range of adventure activities, particularly on the active Basecamp voyages, including diving
- Uniquely this ship has a helicopter pad which is used on select voyages only, specifically in the Weddell & Ross Seas
We think it's worth noting
- While this ship doesn't have active stabilisers, it uses a bilge keel system and its bulky tonnage to provide stability in rough seas
- The voyage fare doesn't include a pre-cruise hotel night and guests need to either rent or bring their own parka jacket. However, these are reflected in the price
What our customers think of Ortelius
Ortelius trips scored 4.5/5 from 631 reviews
The boat was great! Really well run by a fabulous staff. The beds are comfortable, cabins clean. In fact, the whole boat was always spotless! Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
Sarah Gillett - Switzerland
The expedition staff were outstanding. A truly exceptional group of people with a nice balance of expertise - biologists, a geologist, historian, photographer. Cheryl, the expedition manager was awesome.
Travelled: January 2018
Karyn & Richard - California
The staff were professional on any level, (we) could not have wished for more or better. Glad we were on a smaller ship with only around 120 guests so we never felt overcrowded on any of the shore landings.
Travelled: January 2018
Zoltan & Stephen Nemeth - Florida
Very difficult to choose my best moments as all are equally good. The polar plunges - we did it twice. Wow!
Travelled: December 2017
Yiheli - Chile
The staff were so friendly and knowledgeable and learned all our names so quickly. I had the vegetarian fare and thought the food was excellent as well. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2017
Christine & Rollence Patugan - United States Of America
Review:
Voyages aboard Ortelius
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
4.8 out of 5
Onto the Antarctic Ice
With three medium-sized expedition ships to pick from and regular departure dates throughout the season, this well-priced voyage is a popular option. Across striking landscapes and icy seas, your company includes penguins, seals, whales and skuas. For the adventurous, optional…
- 10-13 Days
- $6,300
4.6 out of 5
South of the Antarctic Circle
By including optional kayaking and diving, these late season voyages offer the chance to maximise your polar crossing experience by exploring Antarctica both on and under the water. Travelling at that time provides excellent photographic and whale watching conditions, alongside…
- 12, 13 or 14 Days
- $7,700
Setting sail early in the season, be aboard one of the first ships to head south as the Southern Ocean reopens for business. It's a special time in South Georgia as the beaches are packed with breeding elephant seals, while…
- 21 Days
- $14,250
4.5 out of 5
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Adventure
With a good choice of departure dates through the season across three medium-sized ships, this 19-22 day trip stands out for its value for money and the broad range of cabin categories available, including Quads, which are…
- 19-22 Days
- $14,500
4.5 out of 5
Antarctic Basecamp Adventure
The ultimate Antarctic adventure, this trip is specifically for the active traveller. Spend 7 days kayaking, hiking, camping, mountaineering and snowshoeing, all included in the price. A medium-sized expedition ship acts as your floating ‘basecamp’. An excellent deal backed up…
- 13 Days
- $9,700
4.6 out of 5
Quest for the Emperor Penguins of Snow Hill Island
The iconic emperor penguin is the goal of this expedition for wildlife enthusiasts, as your ice-strengthened ship sails into Antarctica’s challenging and little-visited Weddell Sea. Delve deep into historically significant and ice-laden waters, heading for the remote emperor rookery…
- 11 Days
- $12,900
An innovative itinerary exploring some of Antarctica’s most inaccessible locations by ship, zodiac and helicopter. The most extensive expedition of its kind, this voyage takes in the wildlife paradise of South Georgia and rarely visited South Sandwich Islands. True adventurers…
- 28 Days
- $24,700
This must be one of the world’s last great sea voyages - sailing from Antarctica up through the South Atlantic Ocean, visiting remote islands en route. Departing mid-March, it’s a 33 or 42 day long voyage depending on whether you…
- 23-37 Days
- $14,800
4.5 out of 5
Falklands, South Georgia & The Polar Circle
Visit one of the last untamed areas on Earth. Explore ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife on board an elegant and modern 4* vessel. Optional activities include photo and video workshops with experts, as well as polar…
- 23 Days
- $16,700
Alex says
What I like about The Ortelius is the unmistakable tang of her original working ship roots as soon as you board, in spite of extensive recent refurbishment throughout. The pleasing result is the feeling of being on a real expedition, but without the traditional discomfort and months at sea.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica
Your Antarctic vessel
Out on the deck of the Ortelius
Observation lounge
Ortelius dining room
The bar in the Observation Lounge
The dining room
Your vessel in Antarctic waters
Your Antarctic vessel
Onboard communications & facilities
Upon boarding the ship you will receive an internet voucher, giving you access to a daily allowance of 1.5 GB of free internet connectivity, which resets every 24 hours. Should you require additional data beyond what's included, supplementary internet vouchers will be available to purchase on board at the following prices:
- 5GB: EUR25
- 10GB: EUR50
You can also choose from the options below:
- Telephone card: EUR25/ approx. 25 mins depending on destination you are calling.
- Ship-based email: EUR5 set up fee + EUR15 for a 7-10 day trip; EUR20 for a 11-12 day trip; EUR25 for an 18 day trip; EUR50 for a 30 day trip.
Please note that the internet access is only for light data traffic and that the above prices are only approximate.
Other facilities include:
- Plugs: European 220V two-round-pinned sockets
- Towels, toiletries and hair dryers
- Laundry service (additional cost)
Why our customers love Swoop
The Antarctic Experts.
No Compromises
Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost
Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist
We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct
We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.
Find Your Antarctic Ship
Choosing the right ship is crucial, given the amount of time you'll spend on board. Swoop is experienced at helping match our customers to exactly the right ship.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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