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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

  • Most Memorable Experience: “The Awesome Beauty of a Sunny Antarctica!”

    AW, Nottingham Dec 2012
  • 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
  • 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
  • Antarctica “Best holiday we have ever had.”

    MR, West Malling Dec 2012
  • 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
  • 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
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Our Expert's Opinion

Finn Clennett
Finn Clennett - Travel Expert

Papagaio

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • 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.

  • Chris
    Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

    Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

  • Rosie profile
    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

  • 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!

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