Oceanwide Expeditions Redefines Polar Adventure for 2026 Antarctica Season

Oceanwide Expeditions is taking guests far beyond the standard expedition cruise routes in Antarctica for the 2026 Antarctic season, with two unique itineraries offering those with an adventurous spirit the opportunity to chart the farthest edges of the Weddell Sea or plunge into the poorly charted Antarctic Peninsula in search of mysterious islands. 

Remote Weddell Sea Explorer

Oceanwide Expeditions’ Remote Weddell Sea Explorer itinerary, departing 22 January 2026 and ending on 18 February 2026, allows guests to retrace portions of Shackleton’s Endurance route & chart the farthest reaches of the spectacular Weddell Sea, one of the most remote locations on Earth, across 27 unforgettable nights.  

Aboard m/v Ortelius, modern adventurers have the chance of venturing far beyond the standard cruise routes and entering a world of unknowns, ever-changing ice conditions, and iconic polar wildlife. Along with the destinations and historical relevance, a Shackleton expert lecturer will be joining the trip to bring the tale of the Endurance expedition to life. It’s a must-do for Shackleton enthusiasts!

In South Georgia, guests can pay their respects to the graves of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his right-hand man, Frank Wild, and explore the relics of a now-gone whaling past. The itinerary is set to visit the South Sandwich Islands and Queen Maud Land before aiming to get as far south as possible, visiting the Riiser-Larsen, Brunt, and Filchner-Ronne ice shelves. In February 2025, this itinerary set a record for the farthest south ever reached by a non-icebreaker vessel in the Weddell Sea.

Ortelius is capable of carrying helicopters, which will be used on this voyage to access locations otherwise beyond the limits of water-based navigation. For the truly adventurous, this is one of the most pioneering itineraries currently available in the expedition cruise industry. 

Antarctica – Uncharted Island of the Deep South

Offering guests the chance to explore the stunning Antarctic Peninsula and venture far below the Antarctic Circle is their 14-night Antarctica – Uncharted Island of the Deep South trip, departing on 18 February and returning on 4 March 2026. The jewel in the crown of this voyage is a potential visit to the mysterious Glinka Islands, poorly mapped and understood. Several may be entirely undocumented!

This unique, one-off trip is set to take guests to some of the most beautiful locations on the Peninsula, including Adelaide Island, The Gullet, and the iceberg graveyard of Lazarev Bay, where charts are inaccurate and each day brings new unknowns and adventure. Navigation in this region relies on aerial photographs taken in the mid-20th century, and this trip offers the tantalizing opportunity to be part of a voyage that may add fresh insight to Antarctica’s history and write a new chapter in our understanding of this remote part of the White Continent. 

Berths are still available on both itineraries, but are rapidly filling up. For those seeking the ultimate Antarctic immersion, the authentic, small-ship approach of Oceanwide Expeditions, along with its expert crews and expedition staff, offers something truly unique in the industry, at the very edges of the Earth.

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.

Contact My Journey Begins Travel to book your 2026 Antarctica adventure with Oceanwide Expeditions.