One of many variables from which to choose when booking a trip to Antarctica is the ship which will take you there. For some people, the ship is one of the most important parts of the trip. Though they vary in size, in luxury level and passenger numbers, they all share one very important detail: they’re all well-suited for the Polar Regions.
The M/V Ortelius was built in Gydnia, Poland in 1989 and began her life as the Marina Svetaeva under the Russian flag. In 2011, she was re-fitted, re-flagged and re-named Ortelius after the Dutch cartographer Abraham Ortelius. Ortelius published the first modern world atlas, the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (Theatre of the World) in 1570.
As far as ships go, the M/V Ortelius cruises on the more basic end of the spectrum. At just under 300 feet long, she is one of the smaller ships to sail to Antarctica but is ranked in the highest ice class. Comfortable rather than luxurious, the Ortelius offers a more family-style journey to Antarctica. The dining room is cozy and features window views and mouthwatering meals. The bar is often occupied and lively - offering board games, an espresso bar, a selection of constantly stocked cookies and , of course, a wide selection of beverages. The bar also serves as one of the locations for the numerous lectures and entertainment on board.
Despite her basic nature, I was not left wanting anything the Ortelius could not provide and it was a feeling I got from all passengers on board. We booked the Ortelius seeking adventure rather than comfort, and adventure was delivered in spades.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.