Ortelius was built in Gdynia, Poland in 1989 and originally served as a research vessel. 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. Ortelius is classed by Lloyd’s Register in London and flies the Dutch flag.

The vessel has the highest ice-class notation (UL1 equivalent to 1A) and is therefore very suitable to navigate in solid one-year sea ice and loose multi-year pack ice. It is a great expedition vessel for travelers looking for a small ship experience and to maximize time on shore. The voyages are primarily developed to offer passengers a quality exploratory wildlife program, trying to spend as much time ashore as possible. As the number of passengers is limited to approximately 108, flexibility assures maximum wildlife opportunities.

The ship offers simple but comfortable cabins and public spaces. There are 6 different cabin categories all with a minimum of 2 portholes or windows per cabin and private facilities (toilet, sink shower). Ortelius offers a comfortable hotel standard, with two restaurants, a bar/lecture room. 

On select voyages into the Weddell Sea the ship will use helicopters to transfer passengers to shore in areas where zodiacs cannot be used.