M/V Ortelius is an excellent ice-strengthened expedition ship for voyages throughout the Arctic and Antarctica. Aqua-Firma's in-house polar team have guided and lectured onboard and know the ship in-depth.

Ortelius has a unique combination of being one of the smallest expeditionary ships (108 passengers) with a high Lloyds 1A ice rated hull, giving her an advantage over other vessels. Her flexibility and strength facilitate exploration of some of the most challenging locations on the Planet. A broad portfolio offers everything from Classic Expedition cruises to Adventure Basecamp voyages where activities such as snow shoeing, kayaking, camping and photo workshops are included. On certain departures she carries 2 helicopters for exploring the Emperor  colony in the Weddell Sea and for Antarctic Semi-Circumnavigation Voyages.
 

Contact our Polar Team to discuss ship options

Please click on any side photo to view ships gallery.

Ortelius was built in 1989 for the Russian Academy of Science, but has since been refurbished and renamed. Ortelius was a Dutch cartographer who in 1570 published the first modern world atlas of the World-which at that time was the most expensive book ever printed.

She boasts plenty of open-deck spaces (including the bow) and a superb panoramic bridge which is accessible to passengers and a wonderful vantage point to stand beside the captain as he navigates through the ice. Ortelius offers comfortable all en suite accommodation, a restaurant, a bar and lecture room.  Her voyages aim to offer  our passengers a quality exploratory wildlife program,  with a first class natural history team, endeavouring to spend as much time ashore as possible. She carries 11 zodiacs (60hp Yamaha), 9 of which are in use, while the remaining 2 are on reserve.

A considerable number of quadruple, triple and twin cabins offer attractive lower starting prices for our Polar voyages. Meanwhile, superior cabins offer greater space and more amenities for those seeking a higher standard  accommodation.   All cabins are spacious outside cabins with a minimum of two portholes or windows per cabin and all offer en-suite bathroom facilities.

Client review:

"..the expedition team was first class, we enjoyed their insights, knowledge, lectures and personalities tremendously. The food!!!!…. All spectacular.  The Captain with his open bridge policy- a superlative experience- heavily influenced by the incredible staff on board. 

It was the trip of a lifetime, and I wouldn’t hesitate recommending it to anyone…. I will look no further than booking here again."   

C Pretorius (Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula Voyage)