Ortelius was originally the Marina Svetaeva. Built in Gdynia, Poland in 1989, it served as a special-purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. Later it was re-flagged and renamed after the Dutch/Flemish cartographer Abraham Ortelius (1527 – 1598), who in 1570 published the first modern world atlas:Theatrum Orbis Terrarum or Theater of the World. At that time his atlas was the most expensive book ever printed. Ortelius is classed by Lloyd’s Register in London and flies the Dutch flag.
Ortelius was built in Gdynia, Poland, in 1989. It was named "Marina Svetaeva", and served as a specialized ship for the Russian Academy of Sciences. The ship's flag was changed and was renamed "Ortelius". The "Ortelius" is classified by Lloyds Register in London and flies under the flag of the Netherlands. Like Plancius, Ortelius was a Dutch / Flemish cartographer. Abraham Ortelius (1527 - 1598) published the first atlas of the modern world, the Theatrum OrbisTerrarum or Map of the World in 1570. At that time, the atlas was the most expensive printed book in history.
On a typical voyage the age of passengers varies between 30 and 80 years - with a majority generally between 45 and 65. Our expeditions attract independent-minded travelers from around the world. They are characterized by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie and spirit that develops on board is an important part of the expedition experience. Many departures have multiple nationalities on board.
Description of M/V Ortelius
Cabins
Also the M / V Plancius is a comfortable boat with a capacity for 108 passengers in 52 cabins:
4 Quadruple Porthole Cabins: Maximum four people, a porthole window, two upper and lower bunk beds, private bathroom with shower and WC, desk and chair, flat screen TV, telephone and internet connection, hairdryer, ample storage space. This cabin is for families traveling with children or passengers that do not require double or more luxurious cabin. They are located on deck 3. They are cabins 341, 342, 343 and 344.
2 Triple Porthole Cabins: Maximum three people, a porthole window, an upper bunk and two lower bunk beds, private bathroom with shower and WC, desk and chair, flat screen TV, telephone and internet connection, hairdryer, ample storage space. This cabin is for families traveling with children or passengers that do not require double or more luxurious cabin. They are located on deck 3 (deck 3). They are booths 337 and 338.
26 Twin Porthole Cabins: Maximum two people, two lower bunk beds, private bathroom with shower and WC, desk and chair, flat screen TV, telephone and internet connection, hairdryer, ample storage space. They are located on deck 3 and deck 4. Of the 26 cabins, only 2 cabins are on deck 3, they are cabins 339 and 340. The other 24 remaining cabins are on deck 4, they are cabins 428, 429 , 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438 and 439 on the right wing of the deck and on the left wing are cabins 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455 and 456.
12 Twin Window Cabins: Maximum two people, a window, two lower bunk beds, private bathroom with shower and WC, desk and chair, flat screen TV, telephone and internet connection, hairdryer, ample storage space. They are located on deck 5. On the right wing there are 6 cabins, 511,512,513,515, 516 and 517. And on the left wing are the remaining 6 cabins, 522, 523, 524, 525, 526 and 527.
2 Double Deluxe Cabins: Maximum two people, two windows, two lower bunk beds, private bathroom with shower and WC, desk and chair, flat screen TV, telephone and internet connection, hairdryer, ample storage space. These cabins are located in the corner and are slightly wider than the porthole cabins or double window cabins. They are on deck 5 heading aft. The cabins are 510 and 528.
6 Superior Cabins: Maximum two people, two windows, a double bed, a sofa bed, private bathroom with shower and WC, desk and chair, flat screen TV, telephone and internet connection, refrigerator,coffee and tea machine, hairdryer, ample storage space. They are located on deck 5. They are cabins 518, 519, 520 and 521 that are contiguous and in the stern are the 2 remaining cabins, cabins 509 and 529.
| Cabin | Window | Deck | Bathroom | Bed or bunk bed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Quadruple Porthole | 2 Portholes | Deck 3 | Private | 2 Upper and Lower Berth |
| 2 Triple Porthole | 1 Porthole | Deck 3 | Private | 1 Upper and Lower Berth & 1 Lower Berth |
| 26 Twin Porthole | 2 Portholes | Deck 3 & 4 | Private | 2 Lower Berths |
| 12 Twin Window | 2 Windows | Deck 5 | Private | 2 Lower Berths |
| 2 Double Deluxe | 2 Windows | Deck 5 | Private | 2 Lower Berths |
| 6 Double Superior | 2 Windows | Deck 5 | Private | 1 Double Bed |
M/V Ortelius Deck and Cabin Plan
Attention!
For more information and an image of the cabins, click the number of each booth or areas
Deck 5, 6 & 7
Deck 4
Deck 3
Superior Twin Deluxe Twin Window Twin Porthole Triple Porthole Quadruple Porthole
Single Bed 
Upper / Lower Berth 
Double Bed 
Toilet / Bathrooms
Technical Data M/V Ortelius
| Number of passengers | 108 passengers in 50 cabins |
| Staff and equipment | 50 |
| Length | 90.95 meters |
| Width | 14.5 meters |
| Project | 5.4 meters |
| Ice class | UL1 (Lloyds 100A1 passenger ship classification, Ice Class 1D with a draft of 5 meters) |
| Displacement weight | 4.090 tonnes |
| Propulsion | 6 ZL 40/48 SULZER |
| Speed | 10.5 knots |
The vessel has the highest ice-class notation (UL1, equivalent to 1A) and is therefor suitable to navigate in solid one-year sea ice as well as loose multi-year pack ice. Ortelius can accommodate up to 108 passengers and has an abundance of open-deck spaces. It is manned by 22 highly experienced nautical crew members, 19 hotel staff, eight expedition specialists (one expedition leader, one assistant, and six lecturer-guides), and one doctor.
General Information about the M/V Ortelius
Travel clothes
Clothing is recommended in keeping with our expedition environment with informality. Bring comfortable and casual clothes for all activities. Keep in mind that much of the spectacular Antarctic landscape can be enjoyed, appreciating it from the deck and considering that it can be slippery is necessary resistant shoes with non-slip soles. It is essential to use layers since it is often very cold on the deck and pleasant temperature inside the boat.
Tips
As a generally accepted guideline, we suggest US $ 8 to US $ 10 per person per day. It's better for the team, if we can give them cash.
Non-smoking policy
On board our ships we have a no smoking policy and it is prohibited: Do not smoke inside the boat (you can smoke on the deck, but do not put the cigarette butt in the sea). Do not smoke on the aft deck in the vicinity of zodiacs, engines and fuel. Do not smoke and please respect the wishes of non-smokers
Health and fitness requirements
It is imperative to be in good general health and you should be able to walk several hours a day. The expedition is based on navigation and does not require physical demands. Although we will be on land as long as possible, you are welcome to stay aboard the ship if you like. To join most trips, you should be able to power down the steep walkway to the water level boat on board the Zodiacs. Staff will help you and it will be progressively easier with practice. On land it can be a rocky and slippery surface. Keep in mind that when traveling to remote areas without access to advanced medical facilities, you must contract good health insurance.
Services on board of M/V Ortelius
Please be aware that a small number of cabins may have a partially obstructed view due to the size of the windows and the design requirements of the ship. For example, some windows may be partly obstructed in the lower half by a gangway. The best view is always on the outer deck or the bridge. Though our voyages are primarily meant to offer our passengers an exploratory wildlife program with as much time ashore as possible, Ortelius offers all the comforts of a standard hotel ― along with a bar and lecture room. Flexibility assures maximum wildlife opportunities. As such, Ortelius carries 10 Zodiacs with 60hp Yamaha engines.