Step aboard our 131-foot Raja Ampat liveaboard and discover unmatched luxury in one of the world’s top dive destinations. This elegant vessel is designed for discerning travelers seeking both comfort and adventure.

Every detail reflects thoughtful design. The ship features spacious decks, plush lounges, and sleek modern architecture. With just a few guests on board, your experience remains personal and unrushed.

Each suite offers a private balcony, allowing you to enjoy sunrise coffee or sunset views in peaceful seclusion. Inside, enjoy refined furnishings, climate control, and en suite bathrooms with full amenities.

Diving is the highlight of your voyage. State-of-the-art facilities include a custom dive deck, camera stations, and gear rinsing areas. A remarkable 4-to-1 diver-to-guide ratio means more personalized underwater adventures.

Whether you’re exploring coral gardens or searching for rare macro life, your guide is never far, helping you spot Raja Ampat’s treasures. From pygmy seahorses to manta rays, every dive brings surprises.

When you’re not diving, relax with onboard spa treatments or enjoy the shaded sundeck and jacuzzi. The staff is always available, offering warm towels, fresh drinks, or helpful service.

Meals are a gourmet experience. Enjoy three chef-prepared meals daily, plus snacks and refreshments between dives. Menus feature fresh seafood, local flavors, and international favorites. Dietary needs are gladly accommodated.

Evenings bring optional presentations on marine life, photography, or local culture. Or, simply unwind under the stars with a nightcap in hand.

This liveaboard is your floating resort, sailing through Indonesia’s most biodiverse marine ecosystem. From luxurious surroundings to thrilling underwater encounters, this is more than a dive trip—it’s the experience of a lifetime.

The 40-meter Palau Siren was built by divers, for divers. Every detail was designed to create the ideal dive experience in Palau’s crystal-clear waters. With spacious decks and lavish interiors, this liveaboard combines comfort, style, and underwater adventure.

Scuba divers aboard the Palau Siren explore remote reefs, coral gardens, and drop-offs teeming with life. You’ll reach pristine dive sites that day boats can’t access. Each evening, return to a floating boutique hotel where comfort meets function.

The yacht accommodates just 16 guests, ensuring a personal and uncrowded atmosphere. Eight generously sized cabins feature en suite bathrooms, individual climate control, and entertainment systems. You’ll have room to stretch out, relax, and recharge between dives.

There’s plenty of space onboard. Lounging areas include shaded outdoor seating, indoor dining spaces, and a cozy salon with media access. Divers also enjoy a dedicated camera station, rinse tanks, and gear storage areas—designed with photographers and tech divers in mind.

The crew of 12 provides attentive, friendly service. From dive guides to chefs, every team member helps create a smooth, unforgettable journey. Daily dive briefings and safety checks ensure each experience is both exciting and secure.

Dining is a treat onboard. Meals are prepared with fresh ingredients and served buffet-style. Special dietary needs are accommodated, and snacks are always available between dives.

Whether relaxing on the sundeck or gearing up for your next underwater adventure, the Palau Siren offers a perfect balance of luxury and exploration. For divers seeking exceptional service, comfort, and access to some of the world’s best dive sites, this liveaboard is a top-tier choice.

We’ve selected the most comfortable and capable vessel in the small ship class for your Svalbard expedition. This ship is built for polar exploration, offering both rugged performance and refined comfort. Its ice-strengthened hull and shallow draft allow access to remote areas other ships can’t reach. Narrow channels, hidden coves, and tight inlets become your exclusive playground.

With a maximum of 12 passengers, the experience feels intimate and personal. You won’t be waiting in long lines or rotating shore schedules. Everyone gets onshore together, maximizing time spent in nature.

Zodiacs are onboard and ready for daily adventures. These inflatable boats provide safe and easy access to beaches, glaciers, and wildlife-rich coastlines. Whether cruising through icy waters or landing onshore, the experience feels immersive and close to nature.

Wildlife and scenery take center stage from the large, dual-level observation deck at the ship’s front. Inside, expansive windows in the lounge and dining areas offer panoramic views of the Arctic wilderness. There’s never a bad seat on board.

The social lounge is spacious and welcoming. It’s ideal for reviewing photos, relaxing with a hot drink, or enjoying group discussions. Evening lectures from expert naturalists deepen your connection to this incredible region.

Accommodations are comfortable and private. Lower deck cabins come with private use, while main deck cabins may be shared. All include en-suite bathrooms, offering privacy and convenience throughout the journey.

This ship combines the best of both worlds: the reach of a true expedition vessel and the comfort of a boutique experience. If you’re looking for deeper Arctic exploration without the crowds, this is your ideal ship.

The Gallant Lady is a 116-foot luxury dive yacht built for comfort, safety, and style. She carries just 12 guests, offering an exclusive and intimate liveaboard experience. Her steel hull, sea stabilizers, and ISM certification ensure smooth sailing and top-tier safety standards on every voyage.

This yacht blends the feel of a private retreat with the function of a well-equipped dive vessel. Her thoughtfully designed dive deck supports easy and safe water entry. A 32-foot, high-speed, aluminum-hulled inflatable boat carries up to six divers at a time, allowing flexible and efficient dive operations.

Each cabin includes air conditioning, a private bathroom with a hot shower, and either a window or porthole. Guests can stay connected while at sea thanks to onboard Wi-Fi internet access. The ship’s layout provides both privacy and common areas for socializing.

After a full day of diving or exploring, guests unwind in the main lounge and dining area. This cozy space includes soft couches, dining tables, and a fully stocked bar. Evening slide shows, videos, and presentations offer engaging ways to learn and reflect.

Enjoy fresh, handmade cuisine daily. Chefs prepare soups, breads, pastries, and desserts onboard. Guests can choose from multiple entrees and enjoy up to four meals a day. Snacks are always available, ensuring you’re never hungry between dives.

After dinner, head to the deck and soak in the outdoor hot tub beneath the stars. Whether you’re sharing stories or enjoying quiet time, The Gallant Lady provides a perfect end to your day.

This liveaboard offers a rare combination of elegance, adventure, and personalized service—perfect for exploring the Sea of Cortez in style.

Since 1989, MV Bilikiki has been setting the standard for liveaboard diving in the Solomon Islands. She was the first full-service luxury dive vessel to operate in this remote region. Today, she remains one of the most respected liveaboards in the world.

Bilikiki is large, stable, and built for long-range exploration. Her size offers comfort, safety, and plenty of space for relaxation. At over 125 feet in length, she provides smooth sailing even in open waters. Divers appreciate her excellent design, which minimizes movement and maximizes comfort on board.

This steel-hulled vessel was designed with divers in mind. Wide decks and spacious areas for gear make dive prep easy. Between dives, enjoy shaded outdoor lounging or unwind inside with air-conditioned comfort.

Bilikiki’s experienced crew and dive guides bring decades of knowledge to every journey. Their expertise enhances your time on board and in the water. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, they help create a safe, friendly, and unforgettable experience.

Accommodations are simple, clean, and comfortable. Cabins offer private bathrooms, storage space, and daily housekeeping. Meals are freshly prepared and often feature locally sourced ingredients. You’ll enjoy a mix of international and regional cuisine.

Each itinerary includes a variety of dive sites—coral gardens, WWII wrecks, reef walls, and villages. Divers encounter rich marine life, including reef sharks, manta rays, and countless tropical species. With no fixed schedule, Bilikiki’s routes remain flexible to give you the best possible conditions each day.

For over 30 years, MV Bilikiki has delivered world-class diving with exceptional service. She remains a top choice for exploring the untouched beauty of the Solomon Islands. Join her to discover a world far from the ordinary.

The Plancius was originally built for oceanographic research and has since been transformed into a modern, ice-strengthened expedition ship. She blends science-based design with passenger comfort and polar exploration capability.

The ship offers large, open deck spaces for wildlife viewing and breathtaking scenery. These decks are perfect for spotting whales, seabirds, and dramatic ice formations. Indoors, you can relax in the panoramic observation lounge with a bar. Or, enjoy lectures and meals in the restaurant that doubles as a presentation room. Both areas feature wide windows offering stunning views of your surroundings.

Plancius carries a maximum of 108 guests, but we limit our group to 100. This ensures everyone can land at once under Antarctic and South Georgia visitor rules. No timed landing shifts mean more time ashore, exploring and experiencing the incredible landscapes and wildlife.

All cabins feature a window or porthole, providing natural light and ocean views. Each includes a desk with a chair, a flatscreen TV, a telephone, and a hair dryer. Most cabins have lower berths for easy access. Only triple and quadruple shared cabins use upper and lower bunks.

For off-ship adventures, Plancius is fully equipped. She carries ten Mark V Zodiacs with 60 HP four-stroke engines. These Zodiacs are launched quickly using two gangways on the starboard side, making shore landings efficient.

She cruises at 10 to 12 knots with a diesel-electric propulsion system. This system greatly reduces engine noise and vibration, adding to onboard comfort. Whether you’re inside or out, Plancius offers a stable, quiet platform for exploring the wildest places on Earth.

Designed for adventure and comfort, Plancius is your gateway to unforgettable polar expeditions in Antarctica and the Arctic.

The Ocean Hunter III is a 96-foot, steel-hulled motor yacht designed by divers for the best liveaboard experience in Palau. With comfort and function in mind, this vessel provides everything needed for extended dive adventures.

The yacht accommodates 16 guests in eight air-conditioned cabins. Each room includes a private bathroom with a toilet, hot shower, washbasin, and vanity. The intimate size ensures personalized service and plenty of space for everyone on board.

The main deck features a large, elegant salon where guests can relax between dives. Enjoy a flatscreen TV, a computer station, and a small library. It’s a great place to unwind, socialize, or review photos from the day’s dives.

Meals are served in a spacious dining room connected to a well-equipped galley. Expect fresh and flavorful cuisine with options for all dietary needs. The crew takes pride in providing delicious, nourishing meals that fuel your adventures.

For divers and photographers, the gear room includes a large camera table, charging stations, and individual gear storage bins. The dive deck makes gearing up easy and efficient. Everything has its place, ensuring quick access and organization.

After diving, relax on the upper deck with wide ocean views. Soak in one of two Jacuzzis or stretch out on a lounger. This open space invites sunbathing, stargazing, and quiet moments of reflection.

The Ocean Hunter III is more than a dive boat—it’s your floating home in paradise. Designed by professionals and run by experts, it blends comfort, quality, and world-class diving in Palau. Join an unforgettable journey where every detail enhances your underwater adventure.

The Kapitan Khlebnikov is a polar-class icebreaker built for the brutal winters of Siberia. She was designed to cut through thick sea ice and reach remote polar regions that most ships can’t access.

With a cruising speed of 15 knots in open water, the ship combines strength with speed. She carries up to 110 guests and is supported by a crew of 70 professionals who ensure smooth operations and excellent hospitality.

Every cabin includes a private bathroom, large viewing window, writing desk, and wardrobe. Whether you’re inside or on deck, comfort meets function at every turn.

Onboard, you’ll find a heated indoor swimming pool, an exercise room, and a relaxing sauna. Between landings, join fellow explorers in the theater-style auditorium for expert talks, daily briefings, or film screenings.

Two onboard helicopters unlock access to breathtaking places. Fly above dramatic ice formations, scout routes ahead, or land near emperor penguin colonies for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. These aircraft offer a rare aerial view of one of Earth’s most remote wildernesses.

Although the Kapitan Khlebnikov was built for tough ice, it offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere. You’ll travel through frozen frontiers with stability, safety, and style.

Whether you’re venturing into Antarctica or the Arctic, this ship delivers unmatched access and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Discover landscapes few people ever see. Travel deeper, go farther, and return changed.

The 116-foot Nautilus Explorer is a purpose-built liveaboard designed for serious diving expeditions. She carries just 25 passengers, offering an intimate and focused experience. As the world’s first and only fully SOLAS-certified dive boat, she meets the same safety standards as major cruise ships.

Built with a steel hull and reinforced superstructure, the Nautilus Explorer offers durability and dependability in remote waters. Sea stabilizers keep the ride smooth and comfortable, even in rougher seas. Her top cruising speed of 12 knots ensures efficient travel between dive sites and remote anchorages.

This tough yet beautiful vessel balances industrial strength with thoughtful design. It’s made for divers who expect both performance and comfort. Onboard, guests enjoy cozy lounges, delicious meals, and open-air decks for relaxation between dives.

Dive operations are streamlined and safe. The ship carries two submersible cages and two surface cages, designed for observing marine life up close. Each cage includes easy-entry ladders to ensure safe access to the water. At any one time, up to 12 guests can be diving or observing underwater activity.

The Nautilus Explorer excels in delivering face-to-face encounters with iconic marine species like great white sharks, giant mantas, and schooling hammerheads. Whether diving deep or staying closer to the surface, every guest gets quality time in the water.

Small group sizes enhance both safety and enjoyment. You’ll avoid crowded decks, rushed dive times, or long waits between activities. Experienced crew and dive guides support you at every step, ensuring comfort, confidence, and maximum underwater adventure.

For divers seeking world-class marine wildlife experiences in a stable, expertly outfitted ship, the Nautilus Explorer offers an unforgettable platform. It’s more than a dive boat—it’s your gateway to remote underwater wilderness.

The Ioffe is a 98-passenger expedition ship purpose-built for polar exploration. She is engineered for stability, safety, and comfort in remote and icy environments. Her fast cruising speed of 13.5 knots gives you more time ashore and better flexibility when weather conditions shift.

Designed with both adventure and relaxation in mind, the Ioffe offers a wide array of guest amenities. You can attend educational lectures in a comfortable presentation room or unwind in the fitness and spa centers. The ship also features a bar, gift shop, and spacious lounge for socializing or relaxing between landings.

Enjoy outdoor views and fresh air from multiple observation decks and a dedicated BBQ area. Whether watching passing icebergs or gathering under the open sky, these decks offer an immersive connection to the landscape. The open-bridge policy allows you to visit the navigation area and speak with the ship’s officers, adding a unique behind-the-scenes experience.

For off-ship adventures, the Ioffe carries ten sturdy Zodiacs. These boats are used for daily excursions to remote beaches, glaciers, and wildlife-rich coastlines. They allow guests to explore close-up environments unreachable by the main vessel.

Accommodations are comfortable and designed for restful nights after active days. Every cabin includes either a window or porthole, offering natural light and outside views. Whether you’re enjoying a deluxe suite or a standard cabin, the atmosphere remains quiet, private, and welcoming.

The Ioffe blends expedition performance with thoughtful comfort. She’s ideal for travelers who want an immersive polar journey without the crowds. With expert guides, a skilled crew, and a well-equipped ship, your experience in the Arctic or Antarctic will be both thrilling and deeply rewarding.

The Vavilov is a 98-passenger expedition ship built specifically for travel in the harsh and beautiful polar regions. Her rugged design ensures stability, comfort, and performance in remote environments. With a cruising speed of 13.5 knots, she offers more time ashore and better flexibility when weather shifts.

Guests aboard the Vavilov enjoy a wide range of amenities that enhance both comfort and engagement. These include a presentation room for lectures, a fitness center, spa, bar, and gift shop. The lounge offers a relaxed setting to socialize, enjoy a drink, or review the day’s adventures. Guests can also unwind on the outside BBQ deck or take in the views from multiple observation points.

The open-bridge policy invites passengers to visit the command center of the ship. You’ll have opportunities to observe navigation and interact with officers, gaining insights into polar operations.

For off-ship exploration, the Vavilov carries a fleet of ten Zodiacs. These sturdy boats allow quick and safe landings on remote shores, where you can explore glaciers, fjords, and wildlife habitats. The Zodiacs also allow for closer encounters with icebergs, whales, and seabird colonies.

Accommodations are well-lit and comfortable. Each cabin includes either a window or porthole, bringing in natural light and offering ocean views. The cabins range from simple and efficient to more deluxe, meeting various travel preferences.

Whether you’re attending a wildlife briefing, soaking in polar landscapes, or cruising icy bays, the Vavilov supports your experience. She combines scientific capability with traveler comfort, making her one of the best vessels for polar adventure.

September 30, 2015

11:29 pm

Adam Walter

https://cheesemans.com/ship/turks-and-caicos-explorer-ii

Turks & Caicos Explorer II

The Turks and Caicos Explorer II is the top platform for whale watching adventures on the Silver Bank. At 124 feet long, this stable, ocean-ready ship provides both comfort and access for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

This vessel serves as your floating home during the trip, offering a relaxed and supportive environment for nature lovers. With two fast, maneuverable tenders on board, you can quickly reach areas where humpback whales gather and play. These tenders bring you eye-level with whales in calm, shallow waters.

Each day, the ship anchors on the reef near the Silver Bank, a sanctuary for North Atlantic humpback whales. From here, you’ll travel by tender to explore, observe, and sometimes even snorkel with these gentle giants.

The ship’s size allows for smooth sailing and ample space while keeping group sizes small and personal. This setup helps minimize waiting time and maximizes your hours in the water. Whale encounters often happen just a short ride from the anchored ship.

Back on board, you’ll enjoy comfortable cabins, warm meals, and daily briefings from experienced guides and crew. You’ll have time to relax, share stories, and review photos from the day’s close-up encounters.

The Turks and Caicos Explorer II is more than a vessel—it’s your basecamp for meaningful interaction with humpbacks in the wild. With the right combination of location, crew, and small-group access, this expedition delivers unmatched whale watching in the Caribbean.

If you dream of floating near breaching whales or hearing their haunting underwater songs, this ship brings that dream to life. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, made possible by the design and purpose of the Explorer II.

The Hans Hansson began her life as a Norwegian lifeboat, built strong and steady for rough seas and remote rescue missions. In 2005, she received a complete interior refit, transforming her into a comfortable expedition vessel for twelve adventurous travelers.

Today, The Hans Hansson combines workboat strength with expedition comfort. She’s designed for extended voyages in challenging environments anywhere in the world. Whether you’re crossing the Southern Ocean or hugging Arctic coastlines, she delivers unmatched safety and performance.

Inside, guests enjoy a cozy main salon that doubles as a lounge and library. It’s a quiet, inviting space for relaxing, socializing, or reading between outings. The warm atmosphere encourages camaraderie while maintaining personal space and downtime.

This vessel carries two dependable Zodiacs, used for wildlife watching, shore landings, and exploratory cruising. They launch quickly, offering spontaneous access to hidden coves, beaches, and icy bays. The Hans Hansson also comes equipped with enough sea kayaks to accommodate six people at a time. When weather allows, you can paddle close to nature, silently exploring stunning, rugged coastlines.

With only twelve passengers aboard, every experience feels personal. Smaller groups mean faster landings, longer wildlife encounters, and greater flexibility in daily plans. You won’t miss a moment due to crowds or wait times.

The Hans Hansson is perfect for those who seek deep immersion in nature without sacrificing comfort. Her solid build, thoughtful layout, and expert crew create a unique platform for polar and oceanic exploration. Whether navigating Antarctic channels or kayaking beside glaciers, she brings you close to the wild in a way few ships can.

The Sea Spirit is a luxurious, all-suite expedition vessel built for polar exploration. Her ice-strengthened hull and retractable fin stabilizers provide smooth, stable sailing in icy waters. She offers both comfort and capability for adventurous travelers seeking an immersive Arctic or Antarctic experience.

Each cabin features a private en-suite bathroom, lounge area, and ample storage space. Guests also enjoy a television with DVD player and unobstructed exterior views through portholes, picture windows, or private balconies. These thoughtful touches ensure comfort, relaxation, and connection to the surrounding environment.

Sea Spirit’s interior spaces offer places to relax, learn, and socialize. The ship includes a well-equipped gym, a cozy library, a game room, and a lounge for casual gatherings. The bar, staffed by a professional bartender, and the elegant dining lounge serve chef-prepared meals daily.

For learning and enrichment, a presentation room hosts onboard lectures by expert guides and guest speakers. Internet access is available for staying connected during the journey, depending on satellite availability.

Sea Spirit carries a fleet of ten Zodiacs, ready for daily excursions to explore wildlife-rich coastlines and ice-filled bays. Our experienced expedition leaders pilot the Zodiacs, ensuring safety and insightful exploration. Located at the rear, the Zodiac boarding area provides a sheltered, stable spot for embarking.

When weather allows, a fleet of sea kayaks adds another level of adventure. Guests can paddle quietly along shorelines or through glassy coves, gaining a new perspective on the polar environment.

The Sea Spirit combines small-ship intimacy with luxurious accommodations and true expedition spirit. Her design, amenities, and crew make her the perfect platform for exploring the polar regions in comfort, safety, and style.

The Samba is a 78-foot steel-hulled motor yacht, built strong and stable to explore the Galápagos Islands in comfort. With her graceful European Dutch design, she combines performance, charm, and reliability for travelers seeking an intimate, immersive experience.

Her classic lines and high bow help her cut smoothly through ocean swells, ensuring a steadier ride in open waters. A stabilizing sail adds further balance, reducing motion while enhancing fuel efficiency and sailing performance. These features make the Samba ideal for reaching remote island shores and navigating with precision.

Designed for long-range ocean travel, she blends rugged construction with warm, welcoming interiors. Guests can relax and enjoy both safety and style on board. The yacht’s thoughtful layout provides excellent visibility from multiple vantage points, allowing for wildlife viewing throughout the journey.

The Samba hosts just 14 passengers, offering an exclusive, small-group experience far from crowded cruise ships. With fewer guests, the crew delivers personalized service, deeper exploration, and more time ashore. Her size and agility allow landings on smaller beaches and access to isolated coves.

Her decks provide great space for photography, birdwatching, and simply taking in the views. You’ll find comfortable cabins, cozy shared spaces, and opportunities to socialize or enjoy solitude.

Every element of Samba’s design supports the expedition spirit. Her hull handles ocean swells with ease, while her stabilizing sail keeps the voyage smooth. She’s a top choice for travelers who value sustainability, close wildlife encounters, and meaningful adventure.

Whether watching marine iguanas sunbathe or snorkeling alongside sea lions, your Galápagos experience will feel personal and profound aboard the Samba. It’s not just a cruise—it’s an intimate voyage through one of Earth’s most iconic natural wonders.

Discovery blends comfort, utility, charm, and classic style in a ship thoughtfully designed for immersive exploration. Her size and layout create an inviting space, perfect for both relaxation and adventure in Alaska’s wildest regions.

The lower deck features six cozy cabins that sleep twelve guests. Each offers a comfortable place to rest after full days outdoors. You’ll also find crew quarters, two bathrooms with hot showers, and generous storage for gear and personal items.

This vessel is ideal for photographers, naturalists, and travelers who value quiet, low-impact exploration. Guests can easily enjoy panoramic views from Discovery’s full walk-around deck. Whether spotting humpback whales or watching glaciers calve, the deck offers uninterrupted scenery.

Large windows in the dining and lounge areas also frame Alaska’s dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife. You’ll stay visually connected to the environment, even while indoors enjoying meals or warm drinks.

Discovery’s small size is one of her greatest strengths. While massive cruise ships pass through popular channels, she accesses hidden fjords and lesser-traveled inside passages. This flexibility means more intimate wildlife sightings and a deeper sense of solitude.

Zodiacs on board allow close-up excursions along shorelines and into quiet bays. These small boats help bring you closer to seals, otters, birds, and remote beaches. The experience is personal, educational, and deeply enriching.

Onboard, the relaxed atmosphere encourages community and connection. Enjoy informal talks, shared meals, or quiet moments with your camera. The journey feels less like a cruise and more like a private expedition.

Discovery’s thoughtful design and modest capacity ensure a meaningful adventure—one focused on nature, not crowds. If you crave wild beauty, expert guidance, and true immersion, Discovery delivers an unforgettable Alaskan experience.

We choose Ortelius for this voyage because she performs exceptionally well in both open seas and icy polar waters. Her impressive stability makes travel smooth and enjoyable, even in challenging ocean conditions. Ortelius carries only 100 passengers, offering a comfortable and uncrowded onboard experience throughout the journey.

Despite her capacity, Ortelius remains compact enough to explore remote locations inaccessible to larger vessels. Her size and maneuverability allow for unique itineraries and more time in pristine, off-the-beaten-path areas. You’ll enjoy a deeper connection with nature thanks to these rare opportunities.

Built for polar exploration, Ortelius holds the highest ice-class rating for passenger vessels: UL1, equivalent to 1A. This rating enables her to navigate solid first-year sea ice and broken multi-year pack ice. You’ll venture into rugged, ice-draped regions few other ships can reach.

In recent years, Ortelius underwent significant upgrades that enhance comfort, safety, and performance. Her engineers overhauled key internal systems and improved her engine efficiency and reliability. Passenger areas also received thoughtful renovations, offering a modern yet cozy atmosphere.

You can relax in the inviting lounge, attend expert-led lectures, or enjoy breathtaking views from the open decks. Her design supports immersive wildlife observation and photography at sea and along ice-strewn coastlines. Zodiacs provide access to shore excursions and up-close wildlife experiences.

Ortelius is ideal for travelers seeking small-group polar exploration without compromising stability, safety, or comfort. Every element—her build, crew, and itinerary—supports a true expedition spirit. Whether you dream of Arctic glaciers or Antarctic wildlife, Ortelius offers a memorable and rewarding voyage.

We chose the most well-equipped and comfortable vessel in the small ship class to ensure an exceptional experience. This ship offers both comfort and rugged capability, ideal for travelers seeking intimate exploration with top-tier amenities. Its ice-strengthened hull and shallow draft allow access to channels and inlets larger ships simply can’t reach. These features enable rare wildlife encounters and amazing photo opportunities in remote, less-traveled areas.

A fleet of sturdy Zodiacs takes you ashore and into narrow bays for close-up exploration. Guides launch these boats quickly for flexible, safe, and exciting off-ship adventures. Wildlife viewing thrives on the large, dual-level observation deck positioned perfectly at the bow. You’ll spot whales, seabirds, and glaciers in comfort, thanks to the ship’s stable and open viewing areas. Inside, you’ll enjoy panoramic views through large windows in the social lounge and dining areas.

The spacious lounge invites you to relax, edit photos, and attend talks by our expert naturalist guides. After excursions, guests often gather here to share stories, learn, and review the day’s experiences. Each guest stays in a private lower-deck cabin or shared main-deck cabin with private bathroom facilities. Cabins are cozy, quiet, and well-designed for comfort throughout the voyage.

Only twelve passengers join each departure, creating a personal and peaceful expedition. Small group travel allows more time ashore, better wildlife experiences, and a closer connection to nature. This ship explores quiet, hidden places far from commercial cruise routes. You’ll find the experience deeply rewarding, both in scenery and in connection with fellow travelers. Expect exploration, comfort, and close-up access that large ships simply can’t deliver. Every element—ship size, expert crew, and flexible itinerary—makes this voyage ideal for adventurous nature lovers.