Discover the realm of the polar bear & chart northern oceans
Across 9 nights, prepare to explore southern Spitsbergen, the largest island in Svalbard and home to a plethora of Arctic wildlife. From walrus haul-outs and encounters with the king of the Arctic, you'll glimpse the drama of life in one of Earth's most extreme environments. Then, visit remote Bear Island as you voyage to Norway's beautiful far north beneath aurora-filled night skies.



Across 9 nights, prepare to explore southern Spitsbergen, the largest island in Svalbard and home to a plethora of Arctic wildlife. From walrus haul-outs and encounters with the king of the Arctic, you'll glimpse the drama of life in one of Earth's most extreme environments. Then, visit remote Bear Island as you voyage to Norway's beautiful far north beneath aurora-filled night skies.

A beautiful sound in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard

Part of the South Spitsbergen National Park, the Hornsund is a fjord found on the west side of Spitsbergen, on the southern tip of the island.

Saved from the brink of extinction by dedicated recovery programs, these small reindeer have a dramatically variable birth rate

Spending two thirds of their lives in the water, these "tooth-walking sea horses" cuddle their calves in the same fashion as human mothers
Before the cruise
Day-by-day stops
After the cruise

Oceanwide Expeditions
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.
Children under 3 are not permitted on expedition voyages. Children 3-15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Children: 3–15 years Child discount: 75%
We offer a 25% child discount for one child when at least two full-paying passengers share the same cabin. The third person must share existing bedding, as no extra bed is provided in standard cabins. Triple cabins are available upon request. Child discount: 75%
Default rate: 1.7× Inside: 1× Single supplement (1.7x the shared rate) applies to all twin cabin categories.
120+ days before departure: 20% penalty 90–119 days before departure: 50% penalty 0–89 days before departure: 100% penalty Cancellation must be received in writing. Refunds processed within 14 business days. Name change fee: $100 USD
Excluded: The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (suggest USD10-12 per person per day).
Complimentary basic Wi-Fi in public areas. Premium plans available onboard.
Your booking is made with Gvoya — the terms shown above are the Gvoya platform terms applied to this voyage. Full details: Booking Terms·Cancellation Policy
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