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Ortelius

  • Ortelius Oceanwide Cruise
  • ANT_Ortelius, Superior – OKF07651.jpg_Olaf Kramer_OCEANWIDE
  • Lounge area at Ortelius Oceanwide Cruise
  • ANT_Ortelius, observation lounge and bar (1) _ Christophe Gouraud – Oceanwide Expeditions.jpeg_Christophe Gouraud.jpeg_OCEANWIDE
  • Lounge at Ortelius Oceanwide Cruise
  • ANT_Ortelius, Quadruple Porthole – OKF07392.jpg_Olaf Kramer_OCEANWIDE
  • ANT_Ortelius, Twin Porthole – OKF07678.jpg_Olaf Kramer_OCEANWIDE
  • ANT_ortelius in antarctica.png__OCEANWIDE
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Ortelius offers niche expeditions to visit Emperor Penguins or explore the Ross Sea.

This vessel has a real expeditionary feel, having been formerly operated by the Russian Academy of Science, and she has a mostly Russian nautical crew. Her high-grade ice-strengthened hull makes her well-suited to expeditions which penetrate deeper into Antarctica, including to the Ross Sea. She’s a good option for multinational, independent-minded guests seeking an expedition-style experience.

There’s a range of cabins to accommodate up to 108 guests from quadruples to superior suites. All cabins have private facilities. The large bridge welcomes guests.

Ortelius offers really creative itineraries, with some departures focussed on wildlife and others on adventure activities; the superb expedition team and policy of flexibility will ensure you disembark to explore Antarctica’s shoreline as often and for as long as possible. She also offers activity-led basecamp expeditions where camping, kayaking, snowshoeing and mountaineering are included in the programme.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • Highlights: “Setting foot on Antarctica and seeing the wildlife in its natural habitat.  The first part had always been an ambition of mine”

    SM, Dennie Jan 2010
  • Antarctica “Best holiday we have ever had.”

    MR, West Malling Dec 2012
  • The whole experience of sailing across Antarctica was amazing, but being able to visit Scott's at Cape Evans was probably the pinnacle of the trip.

    JW, Bedford Jan 2020
  • Highlights were South Georgia – amazing king penguin colony, bathing in thermal pool and cooling off in Whalers Bay on deception island, the open air party as we left Paradise…

    HG, Surbition Feb 2010
  • Most memorable experience: "The whales in Wilhelmina Bay. Our expedition leader said that this was the best he had seen in his 19 years of leading these trips."

    RW, Teddington Feb 2014
  • Every bit was memorable from the rough sea crossings to the wonderful remoteness of the destination and the absolutely fantastic wildlife.

    HD, London Feb 2015
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Our Expert's Opinion

Hannah
Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

  • Alex
    Alex Walker - Travel Expert

    A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

  • Lina
    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

  • Rosie profile
    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

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