Ortelius Liveaboard, Antarctica

Excellent crew and service

“the icebergs and minke whales, clear waters beautiful skies”

dolores O, United States United States
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The Ortelius cruise ship offers exciting expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsular from November to March each year. There are a wide range of itineraries to choose from, including the popular 'Basecamp' departures. During these trips all activities are free of charge, including camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering and photo workshops, as well as all the standard shore excursions and zodiac rides. Other trips include exploring the Weddel Sea in search of Emperor Penguins, where you will enjoy helicopter rides in the search. Whichever Antarctic cruise you choose, you will be looked after by the highly experienced expedition specialists, including one expedition leader, one assistant and 6 lecturers/guides. The Ortelius holds the highest ice-class notation available, making her more than adequate for these voyages.

Topside, the 91m Ortelius caters to 108 guests over several decks. There are 53 cabins on board, and options range from Quadruple share to Superior. All cabins have private toilet/shower facilities, desk, chair, flatscreen TV, telephone, hairdryer and ample storage space. The Deluxe and Superior cabins also have a sofa, refrigerator and tea & coffee making facilities. Offering all the comforts of a standard hotel, social areas include the spacious dining room, lounge, bar and lecture room, as well as deck viewing space to offer wildlife spotting opportunities.

The Ortelius liveaboard also offers Polar dive trips to the Antarctic Peninsular in January, February & March each year. Diving the Antarctica and Sub-Antarctic Islands is a unique experience, and not something many people have the opportunity to experience. This region is un-spoilt and divers will have the chance to see penguins, sea lions and maybe even leopard seals underwater. The diving is shallow, around 20m/60ft, and varies from shallow ice diving, shore diving or from a zodiac. Besides diving next to stunning ice floes, there is other interesting marine life such as kelp walls, sea snails, starfish and giant isopods. The dive team leaders aboard the Ortelius are experts in their field, and aim to offer 1 - 2 dives per day, depending on local ice and weather conditions. Divers need to have strong experience in cold water & dry-suit diving.

Spaces for Antarctica cruise expeditions fill up fast aboard the Ortelius, so call us or book online today to reserve your space.

 

 


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Included: VAT, Port Fees, Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Land Excursions, Naturalist Guide, Cabin Towels, Complimentary Toiletries.

Required Extras: Environment Tax, National Park Fees, Visas and Fees.

Optional Extras: Travel Insurance, Gratuities, Airport Transfer, Hotel Transfer, Local Flights, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft drinks, Diving Package (425-800 EUR per trip), Extra Dives, Nitrox Course, Rental Gear, Scuba Diving Courses, Kayaks, Laundry / Pressing Services, WiFi internet.

Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.

* Extra fees are shown per person.

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Boat features

  • Laundry Service
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Audio & video entertainment
  • Library
  • TV in cabins
  • Air Conditioned saloon
  • Aircon Cabins
  • Sun Deck
  • Indoor Saloon
  • Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
  • En-Suite bathrooms
  • Paid Internet
  • Available for Charter

Food & Drinks

  • Western Food
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Buffet style
  • Beer available
  • Vegan Options

If you have any specific dietary requirements whilst on-board your cruise, you can add this to your special requests on step 2 of the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.


Diving

  • Tenders for diving

The crew speaks English.


Boat Specifications

  • Year built 1989
  • Length 90.95 meters
  • Beam 17.20 meters
  • Cruising speed 10.5 knots
  • Engines 6 ZL 40/48 SULZER
  • Max guests 108
  • Number of cabins 53
  • Number of bathrooms 53

Boat Navigation and Safety

  • Radar
  • Depth Sounder
  • GPS
  • Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
  • Emergency Rafts
  • Life Vests
  • Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
  • First Aid Kits
  • Satellite & mobile phones
  • Search light
  • Crew trained in first aid

Ortelius Reviews

  • 6.8 Review score
  1. Vessel
    7.0
  2. Crew
    8.0
  3. Food
    10.0
  4. Diving
    2.0
  5. Value
    7.0
  • 6.4 Review score
  • dolores O
  • United States United States
pretty good except for the lack or tardiness in communication from the leader on daily activities or changes to the activities

the icebergs and minke whales, clear waters beautiful skies

Recommended for
easy to move around, friendliness of passengers and crew
  • 7.2 Good
  • John
  • Australia Australia
The whole experience was sensational.

ONE BIG HIGHLIGHT

Recommended for
1. ANTARCTIC PENINSULA 2. CREW 3. DINING