Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Thu September 11, 2025
Oceanwide Expeditions is gearing up for an extraordinary season in Antarctica, inviting intrepid travelers to venture far beyond the conventional cruise routes. With two exclusive itineraries, adventurers can explore the less-traveled expanses of the Weddell Sea or delve into the enigmatic Antarctic Peninsula, uncovering mysterious islands along the way.
Shackleton’s grave, Grytviken, South Georgia (Photo Credit: Dietmar Denger/Oceanwide Expeditions)
Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
The Remote Weddell Sea Explorer itinerary, setting sail on January 22, 2026, and concluding on February 18, 2026, promises an immersive experience that retraces elements of Shackleton’s legendary Endurance expedition. This journey spans 27 remarkable nights, navigating through the stunning yet remote landscapes of the Weddell Sea—one of the most secluded spots on Earth.
Aboard the m/v Ortelius, modern explorers can venture off the beaten path, experiencing unpredictable ice conditions and encountering iconic Antarctic wildlife. This voyage also features a Shackleton expert lecturer, who will vividly narrate the historical significance of the Endurance expedition, making it a must for fans of polar history.
During the journey, organizers plan to visit South Georgia, where guests can pay homage to the graves of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his first mate, Frank Wild, while exploring the remnants of a bygone whaling era. The expedition will navigate through the South Sandwich Islands and Queen Maud Land, aiming for the southernmost reaches of the Weddell Sea to see the Riiser-Larsen, Brunt, and Filchner-Ronne ice shelves. Remarkably, this itinerary set a record in February 2025, reaching the furthest south ever accomplished by a non-icebreaker vessel.
The Ortelius is uniquely equipped to carry helicopters, enhancing the expedition’s scope by providing access to areas that are otherwise unreachable by traditional vessels. For those with a spirit of adventure, this itinerary stands as one of the most pioneering choices in the expedition cruise sector.
Lazarev Bay (Photo Credit: Sara Jenner/Oceanwide Expeditions)
Antarctica – Uncharted Island of the Deep South
The second offering, the 14-night Antarctica – Uncharted Islands of the Deep South, departs on February 18, 2026, and returns on March 4, 2026. This unique voyage allows participants to explore the breathtaking Antarctic Peninsula and venture well below the Antarctic Circle. A highlight of the trip is the potential visit to the largely uncharted Glinka Islands, which are not adequately documented and might even include entirely unknown territories!
Travelers on this journey will discover some of the most majestic locations on the Peninsula, including Adelaide Island, The Gullet, and the mesmerizing iceberg graveyard of Lazarev Bay. This area presents navigational challenges, relying on mid-20th century aerial photographs, turning each day into an opportunity for exploration and discovery.
The expedition is not just a breathtaking adventure; it offers the chance to contribute to the historical narrative of Antarctica itself by potentially adding new insights into its geological and biological makeup. Each voyage may provide valuable data, helping to write a new chapter in our ongoing understanding of this remote and awe-inspiring part of the world.
With berths still available for both itineraries, interested travelers should act quickly, as availability is limited. For those yearning for an authentic and immersive experience in Antarctica, Oceanwide Expeditions’ small-ship approach, along with its expert crews and expedition staff, offers a unique, unparalleled opportunity at the very edge of the Earth.
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