This expansive voyage explores one of the most remote, scenic, wildlife-filled regions on Earth: the great Weddell Sea
This adventurous expedition explores one of the least-visited areas on Earth, Antarctica's amazing Weddell Sea. During our visit to South Georgia, we may have the opportunity to visit sites closely associated with the life and legend of Sir Ernest Shackleton, including Stromness, Fortuna Bay, and his grave in Grytviken. Then, it's onwards to the mighty Weddell Sea, where iconic wildlife such as the beautiful emperor penguin and colossal tabular icebergs await. Helicopter transfers During these voyages, we transfer our passengers to shore using Zodiacs and operate helicopters in areas where Zodiacs cannot be used. If conditions allow for helicopter transfers, we will attempt landings on both land and sea ice. Our plan is to make helicopter landings when possible, though we cannot guarantee a specific amount of helicopter time in advance. Helicopters provide a great advantage in reaching certain landing sites that are otherwise almost inaccessible, but local conditions (weather, ice, and other forces of nature) determine the final itinerary. These conditions may change rapidly, impacting our ability to use helicopters. Please understand and accept this. Safety is our greatest concern, and no compromises can be made. The vessel is equipped with three helicopters. One helicopter always needs to be supported by a second functioning helicopter. No guarantees can be given, and in no event will claims be accepted. Remote Weddell Sea Explorer Starting in South Georgia after leaving Ushuaia, we will be on the trail of famed polar explorer Ernest Shackleton and his ship Endurance, experiencing the Weddell Sea’s amazing wildlife and tabular icebergs before returning via Elephant Island. The continental borders of the Weddell Sea are formed by huge floating sheets of ice. These ice shelves produce the massive tabular icebergs that are so abundant in the Weddell Sea. Scientists have declared the waters of the Weddell Sea to be the clearest water of any sea on Earth. The tabular icebergs and other ice formations offer fantastic landscapes and unique photo opportunities. Especially on the east side of the Weddell, the chance of landings can be limited due to these ice formations. Zodiac cruises and possible ice landings are wonderful alternatives, if conditions allow. The Weddell Sea is home to a large number of orcas, humpbacks, and minke whales as well as leopard, Weddell, and crabeater seals. Several penguin species can be seen there too. On the ship, our structured educational program will complement other activities. You will have the opportunity to attend several lectures on a variety of topics, such as wildlife, landscape, history, and more.



This adventurous expedition explores one of the least-visited areas on Earth, Antarctica's amazing Weddell Sea. During our visit to South Georgia, we may have the opportunity to visit sites closely associated with the life and legend of Sir Ernest Shackleton, including Stromness, Fortuna Bay, and his grave in Grytviken. Then, it's onwards to the mighty Weddell Sea, where iconic wildlife such as the beautiful emperor penguin and colossal tabular icebergs await. Helicopter transfers During these voyages, we transfer our passengers to shore using Zodiacs and operate helicopters in areas where Zodiacs cannot be used. If conditions allow for helicopter transfers, we will attempt landings on both land and sea ice. Our plan is to make helicopter landings when possible, though we cannot guarantee a specific amount of helicopter time in advance. Helicopters provide a great advantage in reaching certain landing sites that are otherwise almost inaccessible, but local conditions (weather, ice, and other forces of nature) determine the final itinerary. These conditions may change rapidly, impacting our ability to use helicopters. Please understand and accept this. Safety is our greatest concern, and no compromises can be made. The vessel is equipped with three helicopters. One helicopter always needs to be supported by a second functioning helicopter. No guarantees can be given, and in no event will claims be accepted. Remote Weddell Sea Explorer Starting in South Georgia after leaving Ushuaia, we will be on the trail of famed polar explorer Ernest Shackleton and his ship Endurance, experiencing the Weddell Sea’s amazing wildlife and tabular icebergs before returning via Elephant Island. The continental borders of the Weddell Sea are formed by huge floating sheets of ice. These ice shelves produce the massive tabular icebergs that are so abundant in the Weddell Sea. Scientists have declared the waters of the Weddell Sea to be the clearest water of any sea on Earth. The tabular icebergs and other ice formations offer fantastic landscapes and unique photo opportunities. Especially on the east side of the Weddell, the chance of landings can be limited due to these ice formations. Zodiac cruises and possible ice landings are wonderful alternatives, if conditions allow. The Weddell Sea is home to a large number of orcas, humpbacks, and minke whales as well as leopard, Weddell, and crabeater seals. Several penguin species can be seen there too. On the ship, our structured educational program will complement other activities. You will have the opportunity to attend several lectures on a variety of topics, such as wildlife, landscape, history, and more.

Take flight above the breathtaking Antarctic wilderness, visiting locations inaccessible by any other means

Named both for its elephant-head shape and the seals that once populated its shores, this icy-peaked island lies near the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula

An impressive remnant of early 20th-century whaling, Grytviken is a well-preserved former station abandoned by Norwegian hunters after they had exhausted the local whale population

The spectacular Weddell Sea is a world dominated by ice and unique weather and meteorological phenomena

Explore the last true wilderness of our planet on foot, and absorb the beauty of the polar regions at your own pace

By Zodiac you will explore the polar world, getting up close to icebergs, glaciers, and iconic wildlife

Second in size only to the emperor penguin, these colorful divers look so different than their own chicks that they were once thought to be a different species

These hygienic divers are the only penguin species whose population is currently increasing along the Antarctic Peninsula
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.
1 promotion applies to this voyage. Click any offer for full terms.
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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