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Ortelius

Customer Ratings
This is a Satisfaction Rating based on our own customer feedback

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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.

What our clients say

97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.

  • 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

  • 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

  • Antarctica “Best holiday we have ever had.”

    MR, West Malling

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

    AW, Nottingham

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

    HD, London

  • 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 Bay, walking f the frozen Weddell sea 

    HG, Surbition

  • 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

  • This was a trip of a lifetime. The scale of the natural beauty of Antarctica is overwhelming.  The icebergs, penguins ,mountains and sunshine which reflected it all in the clear water was breathtaking.  I feel privileged to have been able to experience it thank you.

    AW, Stanmore

  • Most memorable experience: "A hard question to answer, but probably being able to walk on the continent, and not just strolling along the shore line, but fairly serious walking on snow and ice up onto the local ridges."

    HW, New Romney
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Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for 40 years. We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.

Evie Oswald
Evie Oswald - Travel Expert

It's hard to believe that Evie has had time to cram so much in to her life so far. Having lived as a child in the Americas and Europe she found herself immediately attracted to Latin America.

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Real Latin America Experts

  • Paul Winrow Giffen
    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

  • Mary Anne Nelson
    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

  • Evie Oswald
    Evie Oswald - Travel Expert

    It's hard to believe that Evie has had time to cram so much in to her life so far. Having lived as a child in the Americas and Europe she found herself immediately attracted to Latin America.

  • Hannah Waterhouse
    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

  • Lina Fuller
    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.

  • Sophie Barber
    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.

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