Max Passengers: 106
Ship Type: Expedition Cruise Ship
Operated by: Oceanwide Expeditions

With over 25 years of experience exploring the world's polar seas, the Ortelius is the ultimate polar vessel for any Arctic or Antarctic journey. Crushing through solid ice and pack ice is no problem for this icebreaker, rated at the top of the ice classification scale. Ortelius' ice-strengthened hull gives it access to previously unreachable polar locations.

Ortelius was formerly known as Marina Svetaeva. It was built in 1989 in Gdynia, Poland, as a special-purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. Later, it was renamed and re-flagged in honor of Dutch/Flemish geographer Abraham Ortelius (1527–1588), who published the first modern global atlas in 1570, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, or Theater of the World. His atlas was the most expensive book ever printed at the time. Lloyd's Register in London classifies Ortelius, which flies the Dutch flag.

Ortelius has a maximum passenger capacity of 108 and an abundance of open deck space. It is staffed by a 22-strong maritime crew, 19 hotel employees, eight expedition professionals (one expedition leader, one assistant, and six lecturer-guides), and one doctor.

Ortelius Cabins, Staterooms & Suites 

Cabins aren't quite luxurious, but they are undoubtedly cozy. A porthole or a window can be found on every selection of cabins on each deck. Due to the size of the windows and the ship's shape, a few cabins may enjoy partial views. A gangway, for example, may partially block some windows.

The Ortelius features five distinct cabin classifications spread across three decks. Cabins range in size from straightforward quadruple, triple, or double rooms to more spacious deluxe and superior cabins with view windows. Each cabin comes with a basin, private shower and toilet, hairdryers, desk and chair, adequate storage space, and a minimum of two portholes or windows. See the Ortelius deck plan and cabin photos below.


Ortelius Dining

Dinners are plated affairs consisting of three courses of meat, fish, or vegetarian fare. Buffet-style breakfasts and lunches are available. While coffee, tea, and water are covered, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are not.

Ortelius Onboard Amenities & Activities

Oceanwide Expedition cruises are designed to provide passengers with an exciting wildlife program that includes as much time ashore as possible. Ortelius consists of all of the amenities of a typical hotel, as well as a bar and lecture room where the expedition leader and his team of guides will inform you of the day's events. Passengers are also welcome to use the bridge's ample space. The best views are from the bridge or outer deck.

Numerous naturalist cruises include exploratory itineraries designed to maximize time ashore and ensure wildlife encounters. Ortelius operates a fleet of 10 Zodiacs equipped with 60-hp Yamaha engines. The Ortelius is an activity-focused ship that provides quality supplies and equipment for safe, enjoyable exploration. Depending on the cruise, activities include kayaking, snowshoeing, mountaineering, skiing, scuba diving, hiking, camping, and photography courses. Helicopters are available on some Ortelius voyages.

Ortelius Ship Speifications

Passengers:108 passengers in 50 cabins
Staff & crew:Crew 44 | Guides 8 | Doctor 1
Length:90.95 meters
Breadth:17.20 meters
Draft:5.4 meters
Ice class:UL1 (Equivalent to 1A)
Displacement:4090 tonnes
Propulsion:6 ZL 40/48 SULZER
Speed:10.5 knots average cruising speed