Netherlands, Norway
The Ortelius is a small ship designed to explore the polar regions for active, adventurous, and wildlife-minded explorers.
Overview
The M/V Ortelius is an ice-strengthened ship designed for polar expedition cruises. Nameded after the Dutch cartographer Abraham Ortelius, this ship navigates some of the Polar region's most challenging waters. The vessel has the highest ice-class notation and is able to maneuver in extreme sea ice maximizing wildlife opportunities.
Overview
- Constructed: 1989
- Remodeled: 2014 - 2016
- Length: 300 feet
- Draft: 19 feet
- Beam: 58 feet
- Passengers: 108
- Passenger cabins: 50
Decks/cabins
- Seven decks total
- Three passenger decks
The Ortelius has five cabin categories located on three decks. Cabins range from simple quadruple, triple, or twin rooms with portholes to more spacious deluxe and superior cabins with windows.
All cabins are spacious outside cabins with private bathrooms, hairdryers, desk, chair, ample storage space, and a minimum of two portholes or windows per cabin. All cabins are fitted with flat-screen TV.
Deck 3
- 2 twin cabins with portholes (145 sq ft)
- Desk and chair
- 2 triple cabins with portholes with two twin beds and one bunk (142 sq ft)
- Desk and chair
- 4 quadruple bunk bed cabins with portholes (140 sq feet)
- Desk and chair
- Lecture room
- Galley
Deck 4
- 24 twin cabins with portholes (145 sq ft)
- Desk and chair
Deck 5
- 6 superior doubles with at least two windows (209 sq ft)
- Refrigerator, coffee, and tea maker
- Sitting area
- 2 deluxe twins with three windows (190 sq ft)
- Refrigerator, coffee, and tea maker
- Sitting area
- 12 twins with two small windows (180 - 190 sq ft)
- Small sofa
- Dining room
- Medical office
- Lobby/reception
- Observation deck
Deck 6
- Bar
- Observation lounge
- Captain's quarters
Deck 7
- Bridge
Life on Board
There are several public areas on board this ship including two dining areas that accommodate all passengers at the same time, a bar/observation lounge with six large windows, a theater-style lecture room, and several observation areas on multiple decks. The bridge is open to all guests.
The Ortelius’s design and expert crew allow for supreme maneuverability into the arctic waters, speedy disembarkation for land excursions, and flexible itineraries assuring maximum wildlife opportunities. As an activity-focused ship, the Ortelius offers quality equipment and supplies to create safe, fun, and comfortable exploration experiences.
Dress on board is informal. Bring comfortable adventure clothing for all activities. Sturdy shoes with no-slip soles are a must and please plan on dressing in layers! Though it is comfortably warm aboard the ship, it can be quite cold on deck and out exploring.
Wifi can be purchased onboard but it is extremely limited. The internet arrives via a satellite signal, which is often weak and shared by too many at once.
Sustainability
The Ortelius is equipped with a new low-emission engine, complying with all the latest environmental legislation and low-sulfur marine gas oil is used.
Onboard waste production is offset by recycling and a ban on single-use plastics. There is an onboard water treatment system and desalination system that uses reverse osmosis, eliminating the need for plastic water bottles onboard.
Photos
Tours