The 2025-2026 Antarctic expedition cruise season has officially begun as Oceanwide Expeditions launched its first voyage departing Puerto Madryn, Argentina, embarking on a Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Antarctica Photographic Special itinerary. This milestone marks the start of an ambitious season that will see all three of Oceanwide’s motor expedition vessels—m/v Hondius, m/v Ortelius, and m/v Plancius—transporting guests from South American shores across sub-Antarctica and deep into the Antarctic Peninsula and farthest reaches of the Weddell Sea. The season features both returning guest-favorite itineraries and several unique new voyages, including the record-breaking Remote Weddell Sea Explorer expedition and a one-off Uncharted Islands of the Deep South itinerary exploring poorly mapped regions surrounding the Glinka Islands and Lazarev Bay. For travelers seeking the ultimate polar adventure, these Antarctica cruises 2025-2026 promise authentic, immersive experiences that push boundaries of expedition cruising.
Oceanwide Expeditions Fleet and Capabilities
Three Expedition Vessels Ready for Antarctic Season
Oceanwide Expeditions operates three specialized expedition cruise ships designed specifically for polar environments. Each vessel offers distinct characteristics while maintaining the company’s commitment to authentic expedition experiences:
M/V Hondius: The newest addition, this vessel features ice-strengthened hull classification and modern amenities while accommodating approximately 170 passengers. Its first departure of the season leaves from Ushuaia, Argentina—the world’s southernmost city and traditional gateway to Antarctica.
M/V Ortelius: This ice-strengthened vessel accommodates around 116 passengers and has proven track record navigating challenging Antarctic waters, including the Weddell Sea.
M/V Plancius: Accommodating approximately 116 passengers, this vessel begins its season with departure from Stanley, Falkland Islands, offering alternative embarkation point for travelers.
For those asking what ships does Oceanwide use for Antarctica, these three vessels represent the company’s entire fleet, each specifically chosen and outfitted for polar expedition cruising rather than conventional cruise operations.
2025-2026 Season Itineraries
Classic Antarctica Expedition Routes
Oceanwide continues offering its renowned classic itineraries that have built the company’s reputation among serious expedition travelers:
Falkland Islands – South Georgia – Antarctica Voyages: These comprehensive expeditions visit three distinct regions, each with unique wildlife, landscapes, and historical significance. The Falkland Islands offer seabird colonies and British colonial history, South Georgia features massive king penguin rookeries and explorer history, while the Antarctic Peninsula delivers classic Antarctic landscapes and wildlife.
Antarctica Learning and Discovery Trips: These focused expeditions emphasize educational components, with expert lecturers and specialized activities designed for travelers seeking deeper understanding of Antarctic ecosystems, climate science, and polar history.
For travelers researching best Antarctica cruise itineraries, these classic routes consistently rank among the most popular for combining wildlife viewing, scenic beauty, and expedition activities.
Weddell Sea: The Ultimate Antarctic Challenge
The Weddell Sea represents one of Antarctica’s most challenging and rewarding regions, characterized by heavy pack ice, remote locations, and extraordinary wildlife opportunities. Oceanwide’s focus on Weddell Sea expeditions during the 2025-2026 season includes several remarkable itineraries.
Remote Weddell Sea Explorer: Record-Breaking Expedition
The Remote Weddell Sea Explorer itinerary, departing January 22, 2026, represents Oceanwide’s most ambitious offering. This 27-night expedition ventures into the far southern reaches of the Weddell Sea, an area rarely visited by passenger vessels due to ice conditions and remoteness.
During the previous Antarctic season, this itinerary set a new farthest south record in the Weddell Sea for a non-icebreaker passenger vessel—a significant achievement demonstrating both vessel capability and crew expertise. The expedition seeks emperor penguin colonies, navigates pack ice, and explores regions where few humans have ventured.
For expedition enthusiasts asking how far south can cruise ships go in Antarctica, this voyage pushes boundaries of what’s possible for non-icebreaker vessels while maintaining passenger safety and comfort.
Uncharted Islands of the Deep South
A one-off expedition planned for early 2026 will explore the poorly mapped region surrounding the Glinka Islands and Lazarev Bay. This unique itinerary appeals to travelers seeking true expedition experiences rather than following established routes.
The phrase “poorly mapped” underscores the authentic exploration nature of this voyage—modern satellites have imaged these areas, but detailed hydrographic surveys and on-the-ground knowledge remain limited. Such expeditions contribute to geographical and scientific knowledge while offering passengers genuine discovery experiences.
Deep South Basecamp: Activity-Focused Adventure
The new Deep South Basecamp itinerary debuts this season, offering immersive, activity-focused voyages for active travelers. The “basecamp” concept involves establishing temporary activity bases that allow multiple excursions—camping, kayaking, mountaineering, and extended zodiac cruises—from semi-permanent positions.
This format maximizes time in specific locations rather than constantly moving between sites, appealing to travelers who prefer depth over breadth in their Antarctic experiences.
Departure Points and Logistics
South American Gateway Cities
Oceanwide Antarctica cruises depart from several South American ports:
Ushuaia, Argentina: The primary embarkation point for most Antarctic Peninsula expeditions, this city offers restaurants, hotels, and last-minute shopping opportunities before departure. Most international travelers reach Ushuaia via Buenos Aires.
Puerto Madryn, Argentina: Located on Argentina’s Atlantic coast, this departure point serves longer expeditions that include Falkland Islands and South Georgia before continuing to Antarctica.
Stanley, Falkland Islands: Some itineraries begin in the Falklands, allowing travelers to explore these islands before continuing south.
For those planning how to get to Antarctica cruise, understanding that virtually all passenger expeditions depart from South America (primarily Argentina) helps with flight and accommodation planning.
What Makes Oceanwide Expeditions Different
Authentic Expedition Philosophy
Oceanwide Expeditions positions itself within the expedition cruise segment rather than conventional cruising. The company’s Antarctic Program Manager Franklin Braeckman emphasizes this: “We look forward to welcoming our guests on board and pursuing the authentic, immersive polar experience for which we have become known throughout the industry.”
This philosophy manifests in several ways:
Smaller vessels: With maximum capacities around 116-170 passengers, Oceanwide ships offer intimate expedition experiences compared to larger cruise ships carrying thousands Flexible itineraries: Weather and ice conditions dictate actual routes, embracing unpredictability inherent to polar exploration Activity focus: Zodiac landings, wildlife viewing, and optional activities like camping and kayaking take priority over onboard amenities Expert staff: Expedition leaders, naturalists, and historians provide educational depth
Wildlife and Landscape Opportunities
Antarctica expeditions with Oceanwide prioritize wildlife encounters and landscape appreciation. Typical experiences include:
Penguin colonies: Multiple species including gentoo, chinstrap, Adélie, and potentially emperor penguins Seal sightings: Weddell, crabeater, leopard, and elephant seals Whale encounters: Humpback, minke, and orca whales frequent Antarctic waters Seabirds: Albatross, petrels, skuas, and other Southern Ocean species Ice formations: Icebergs, glaciers, and pack ice create constantly changing seascapes
Planning Your Antarctica Expedition
Season Timing Considerations
The Antarctic cruise season typically runs from November through March, corresponding to the Southern Hemisphere summer. Oceanwide’s 2025-2026 season follows this pattern, with different periods offering distinct advantages:
Early season (November-December): Pristine snow, courtship behaviors, sea ice still present Mid-season (December-January): Best weather, most wildlife activity, penguin chicks hatching Late season (February-March): Whale activity peaks, penguin chicks fledging, dramatic light
Booking and Preparation
Antarctica expedition cruises require significant advance planning. Popular itineraries like the Remote Weddell Sea Explorer often sell out months ahead, while last-minute deals occasionally appear for less popular dates.
Travelers should prepare for:
Physical requirements: While not extremely demanding, Antarctic expeditions involve zodiac boarding, uneven terrain, and variable weather Gear: Proper clothing layers, waterproof outerwear, and photography equipment Investment: Antarctica cruises represent significant financial commitments, typically ranging from $8,000-$25,000+ depending on itinerary length and cabin category
The Appeal of Antarctic Expedition Cruising
Antarctica remains one of Earth’s last true wilderness destinations, visited by only about 75,000 tourists annually compared to millions at tropical destinations. This exclusivity, combined with extraordinary wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and exploratory history, creates powerful appeal for adventurous travelers.
The 2025-2026 Oceanwide season launch represents opportunities for travelers to experience this remarkable continent with a company known for authentic expedition approaches. Whether joining classic Falklands-South Georgia-Antarctica voyages or pushing boundaries on Weddell Sea expeditions, these trips promise transformative experiences far removed from conventional tourism.
At The Inspiring Insight, we celebrate travel experiences that challenge, educate, and inspire through genuine exploration of our planet’s most remarkable places. Oceanwide Expeditions’ Antarctica season exemplifies expedition travel at its finest—embracing unpredictability, prioritizing authentic experiences over comfort, and connecting travelers with landscapes and wildlife that exist nowhere else on Earth. Whether you’re considering your first Antarctica cruise, planning a return voyage to explore new regions, or simply dreaming of polar adventures, understanding what makes these expeditions special enhances appreciation for both the destination and operators committed to responsible Antarctic tourism. For more polar expedition coverage, adventure travel guides, and resources that help you plan extraordinary journeys to the world’s most remote destinations, explore our complete collection designed for travelers who seek experiences beyond the ordinary.
