The Ortelius makes for an excellent ship for active-, adventure- and wildlife-minded modern explorers as she is designed for travelers to spend as much time ashore as possible. Please read our review below then contact our polar cruise experts to compare the Ortelius with other Antarctica ships and small cruise ships sailing Arctic cruises and Antarctica cruises.Ĭhoose the Ortelius for exploring the polar regions on a small, stable ship that offers passengers a quality exploratory wildlife program. Our polar experts have been aboard the Ortelius firsthand. Ortelius ReviewĪdventureSmith Explorations’ Ortelius review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Refurbishments included upgrades to cabin beds, wardrobes, desks and chairs, as well as new carpets, ceilings, piping and wallpaper throughout the ship. A $1.5 million cabin reconfiguration in 2014 (Deck 5) and 2016 (Deck 4) completed the vessel’s refurbishment program, creating a modern, clean design similar to her sister vessel Plancius. In Summer 2019, one of Ortelius’s engines was replaced and an extra engine was added, ensuring swift and secure operations. At only 116 passengers and 53 cabins, she assures a flexible polar experience with maximum wildlife opportunities. The M/V Ortelius is an ice-strengthened small ship designed for polar expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica.