Ortelius
Ortelius
MV Ortelius began life as a research vessel for the Russian Academy of Sciences and now sails for Oceanwide Expeditions with that same spirit of discovery. Her ice-strengthened UL1 (1A) hull and fleet of 10 Zodiacs let just 108 guests venture deep into pack ice. A wrap-around Observation Lounge, open bridge, and daily expert briefings turn the ship into a floating field station, while practical comforts—private-bath cabins, hearty meals, and a welcoming bar—provide a cozy base camp between landings.
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Ship Statistics
2010
Launch Year
10944
Gross Tonnes
142
Length
18
Width
EUR
Currency
14
Max Speed (Knots)
264
Capacity
145
Crew
132
Cabins
Facilities
Accommodation
Cabins favor function over frills: clean Baltic-birch finishes, ample gear storage, and an outside view in every room. All 50 cabins include en-suite bathrooms, writing desk, individual climate control, and daily housekeeping.
Stateroom & Suite Categories
- Superior Cabins (≈ 18–20 m² / 194–215 ft²) — Two large windows, double bed plus sofa, coffee/tea set-up.
- Twin Deluxe (≈ 18 m² / 194 ft²) — Twin or double beds, two windows, small sitting area.
- Twin Window (≈ 17 m² / 183 ft²) — Twin beds, picture window, mid-ship stability.
- Twin Porthole (≈ 11–15 m² / 118–161 ft²) — Twin beds, two round portholes on Deck 3.
- Quad Porthole (≈ 12–14 m² / 129–151 ft²) — Two upper and two lower berths; ideal for families or budget travelers.
Dining
Culinary Philosophy
The galley’s “taste-of-place” approach pairs expedition-sized buffets at breakfast and lunch with three-course plated dinners highlighting regional fare—think Arctic char or Patagonian lamb—plus fresh-baked bread every day.
Restaurants & Bar
- Main Restaurant — open seating, panoramic windows, casual layers welcome.
- Bar & Lecture Lounge — espresso at breakfast; wildlife recaps and cocktails by night.
Onboard Facilities
Light woods and cool grays keep the focus on the ice outside, while generous deck space invites 24-hour wildlife watching.
Indoor & Outdoor Spaces
- Observation Lounge — 270° windows, library alcove, and fully stocked bar.
- Lecture Theater — tiered seating, twin screens for science talks.
- Open Bridge — guests welcome to watch navigation through the floes.
- Mudroom — lockers and boot dryers beside dual Zodiac doors.
- Helicopter Deck — used on emperor-penguin itineraries in the Weddell Sea.
- 360° Outer Decks — perfect for photography, whale blows, and midnight sun.
Deck Plans
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More Information About Ortelius
Ship Overview
Entertainment & Onboard Activities
Health, Fitness & Wellness
Family, Kids, and Special Traveler Services
Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship
Testimonials & Passenger Reviews
Brand Heritage
Oceanwide Expeditions has specialized in small-ship polar voyages since 1993. Ortelius—rebuilt for passengers in 2011 and named for 16th-century cartographer Abraham Ortelius—embodies the line’s wildlife-first philosophy.
Design Description
Originally a research vessel, Ortelius carries a UL1/1A ice rating, shallow 5.4 m draft, and robust Sulzer engines that cruise at about 10.5 knots. Guest spaces cluster mid-ship for stability, while wide open decks maximize viewing angles.
Unique Features
- Helicopter operations on select Snow Hill emperor-penguin voyages.
- 10 Zodiacs for fast, flexible landings.
- On-board lab supporting citizen-science projects.
- Ice-Class UL1 hull built for first-year and multi-year pack ice.
Ortelius´s itineraries
Emblematic Antarctica
Discover the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula on this 10-night luxury expedition aboard L’Boreal.
- 8 days
- Le Boréal
