Built in Gdynia on Poland’s Baltic Coast, the Ortelius started life as the Marina Svetaeva – a special purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. It was later renamed after famous cartographer Abraham Ortelius, and today sails under Oceanwide Expeditions on fascinating expeditions to both the Arctic and Antarctica.

Boasting the highest ice-class notation, the Ortelius is able to navigate solid one-year sea ice as well as loose multi-year pack ice, allowing it to reach the more secluded locations that other vessels can’t. Whilst expeditions tend to be more adventurous – camping, kayaking, skiing and mountaineering are frequently on the menu – the vessel also enjoys all the comforts you would expect from a hotel including two restaurants and a bar as well as private showers and toilets in all the cabins.