One other choice: Passengers might select, “In search of the emperor penguin.” That was my sailing, the one earning the nickname, “The Little Ship that Could.” Ushuaia. Those opting for high octane thrills can choose a voyage with the chilly challenge of overnight camping. On the other end of the earth, Antarctica voyages include multiple shore visits via Zodiacs (motorized rubber rafts) to penguin colonies and historic sites. Or you could choose a high adventure voyage such as polar bear spotting or ski mountaineering. Its Arctic voyages include mild activity such as shore walking and whale watching. Ortelius was refurbished by Oceanwide following its purchase from Russia in 2011. A fourth new-build ship launches in 2019. Ortelius is one of three polar explorers owned by Dutch company, Oceanwide Expeditions, which only sails the Arctic and Antarctic. But for adventurers, Ortelius feels authentic to the goal of polar exploration. Passengers looking for a polar expedition featuring cruise ship-style amenities won’t find them here. And though Ortelius is a hero of a ship, she’s not a princess. Passengers were treated to a rare Antarctic sight thanks to savvy navigation and Ortelius’ ice-strengthened hull. Two onboard helicopters did their part as well. Polar explorer m/v Ortelius could be called, “The Little Ship that Could.” Certainly, it was hats off to the ship, captain and crew when a tricky Antarctic mission met with success on my November, 2017 sail. Oceanwide Expedition’s Ortelius, docked in Ushuaia, Argentina. Writer Anne Chalfant contributed this story to Avid Cruiser.

Ortelius cruise ship