Built in Gdynia (Poland) in 1989, the M/V Ortelius, previously was named Marina Svetaeva. Now an expedition ship to Antarctica, it offers the highest ice-class notation and strong stability in the polar regions. Comfortably accommodating 106 passengers, Ortelius offers spacious outside cabins with private facilities. Accommodation ranges from 4 quad cabins (bunk beds), 2 triple porthole cabins (bunk beds), 25 twin porthole cabin with 2 single lower berths, 10 twin cabins with windows and 2 single lower berths, 6 superior cabins (double beds) with separate day room and 1 suite (double bed) with separate day room. The ships also offers open-deck spaces, two restaurants as well as a bar and lecture room. Furthermore, there are 11 zodiacs and 2 helicopters onboard, allowing plenty of time ashore.
All meals on board including snacks, coffee and tea (B,L,D)
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by zodiac
Program of lectures by naturalists
Free use of rubber boots and snow shoes
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the voyage
Comprehensive pre-departure material
During Weddell Sea and Ross Sea voyages: Ship-to-shore helicopter transfers (no specific amount of helicopter time guaranteed)
HELICOPTERS: For voyages to the Weddell Sea & Ross Sea, the ship will be equipped with a minimum of two helicopters. The helicopters assist in reaching the scheduled landing sites. Providing the conditions are suitable (such as but not limited to ice and weather conditions).
NB: Each ship will offer a slightly different cruise itinerary which may include a flight sector or preembarkation accommodation. Itineraries vary in duration, with more or less time being spent cruising the Falklands, South Georgia or the Antarctic Peninsula. These expeditions will be dependent on local weather and ice conditions.
Today you will cruise towards the Falkland Islands. (B, L, D)
Days 3 - 4Falkland Islands
Explore the Falkland Islands the historic capital, Stanley or take a hike along the shore of Carcass Island to view the Magellanic and Gentoo penguins. (B, L, D)
Days 5 - 6South Georgia
Set sail to South Georgia and enjoy a variety of talks from the ship’s polar experts on Antarctica. (B, L, D)
Days 7 - 10South Georgia
Discover South Georgia with visits to Grytviken, the abandoned whaling village, the largest King penguin rookeries and the nesting grounds of the Wandering Albatross, and visit the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton. (B, L, D)
Day 11South Orkney
Sail into Antarctic waters towards South Orkney Islands. (B, L, D)
Day 12South Orkney
In South Orkney you may visit the friendly Argentine base. (B, L, D)
Days 13 - 15Antarctic Peninsula
Today, sail further south towards the Antarctic Peninsula and enjoy activities exploring the spectacular sights with up to two shore landings and zodiac excursions per day. (B, L, D)
Days 16 - 18Drake Passage
Sail across the Drake Passage and enjoy the company of naturalists and fellow travellers, as you search for whales. (B, L, D)
Day 19Ushuaia
Today you will arrive in Ushuaia, where you will disembark. (B)
The Travel Specialists