MV Ortelius
The ice-strengthened vessel Ortelius is an excellent vessel for Polar expedition cruises in the frosty seas of the Arctic and Antarctica providing you with possibilities to adventure remote North Spitsbergen and beyond. It was built in Poland in 1989 and has the highest ice-class notation and is therefore very suitable to navigate in solid one-year sea ice and loose multi-year pack ice. The maximum number of passengers is 106 with lots of open-deck spaces, two restaurants, a lecture room and a sauna. While the ship is very comfortable, the aim of all the expeditions is to spend as much time on shore as possible - you will be using the onboard 11 zodiacs and enjoying the company and knowledge of the nature guides.
The vessel offers basic but comfortable cabins and public spaces. There are five quadruple cabins with bunk beds and private facilities (these can also be used as triple or twin cabins); two twin cabins with two lower single berths and shared facilities; 21 twin cabins with portholes, private toilet and shower and two single lower berths; ten twin cabins with windows, private toilet and shower and two single lower berths; six superior cabins with double beds, private toilet and shower and a separate day room, and one suite with a double bed, private toilet and shower and a separate day room. All cabins are spacious outside cabins with a minimum of two portholes or windows per cabin. Ortelius has 34 highly experienced Russian nautical crew, 15 international catering staff, six guides and a doctor onboard.
PLEASE NOTE: A typical itinerary to North Spitsbergen is illustrated below. This itinerary is for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions, the availability of landing sites and opportunities to see wildlife. The final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.
Day 1: Embarkation and departure from Longyerbyen
We arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there is an opportunity to stroll around this former mining town, whose parish church and Polar Museum are well worth visiting. In the surrounding area of Longyearbyen, more than 100 species of plants have been recorded. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden, where in the mouth of the fjord we may see our first Minke Whale.
Day 2: We sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen
We sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a beautiful fjord dominated by spectacular glaciers and favoured by Ringed and Bearded Seal. The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies and a surprisingly rich vegetation, which flourishes in sheltered spots. Polar bear are often seen here.
Day 3: Cruising near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco Glacier
Depending on the weather we may now sail into Liefdefjorden, crui¬sing near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco Glacier. The waters of the glacier front are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of Kittiwake. As well, Polar Bear have been seen on the glacier, providing wonderful opportunities for photography.
Day 4: We will sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to Bearded Seal
Today we will sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to Bearded Seal, Ringed Seal, Polar Bear, and Ivory Gull. At the entrance there is the possibility to see Blue Whale. We’ll navigate the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in our zodiacs and explore the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with thousands of Brünnich’s Guillemot. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, we’ll attempt a landing at Palanderbukta on Nordaustlandet, home to reindeer, Pink-footed Goose, breeding Ivory Gull, and Walrus.
Day 5: At Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet we will just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole. We will try reach our northernmost point at Phippsøya, in the Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet. Here we will be at 81 degrees north, just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole. Polar Bear inhabit this region, along with Ivory Gull. The ship may sit for several hours in the pack ice, before turning west again.
Day 6: We will retrace our route westwards to keep watch for the Polar Bear
Retracing our route westwards, our route takes us through and along the pack ice, keeping watch for Polar Bear and the elusive Greenland Whale (Bowhead). About 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen we sail along the edge of the continental shelf, where Fin Whale forage in summer in the upwelling’s along the Spitsbergen banks. At the mouth of the Kongsfjorden we have also good chances to see Minke Whale.
Day 7: Sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden
In Forlandsundet at Sarstangen is a haul out place for Walrus. Alternatively we sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden and land at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on its cliffs and Arctic Fox search the cliff base for fallen eggs and chicks, while Spitsbergen Reindeer graze the relatively luxuriant vegetation. At nighttime we arrive in Longyearbyen.
Day 8: The last day of our voyage. We disembark the vessel in Longyearbyen
We disembark in Longyearbyen, the administrative centre of Spitsbergen, for the flights south to Oslo and onward home.