Oceanwide Expeditions has successfully completed its groundbreaking Remote Weddell Sea Explorer voyage aboard the M/V Ortelius, with the pioneering expedition setting new standards in polar exploration.

One of the expedition’s key milestones was Oceanwide Expeditions’ arrival at the Princess Martha Coast of Queen Maud Land, an area so isolated that no other cruise operator has ventured there. This accomplishment was followed by an even more remarkable feat: the voyage pressed deeper into the Weddell Sea, achieving a historic record at 78°03.471’S, marking the furthest south any non-icebreaker passenger vessel has ever travelled.

“Captain Remmert Koster and the expert Ortelius crew pushed the boundaries of polar exploration,” the company said, offering guests an unprecedented opportunity to explore remote regions of the Weddell Sea.

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The Weddell Sea, known for its harsh conditions and thick pack ice, has long been a challenge for explorers. Just 110 years ago, Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition was trapped in ice near the same area. Shackleton’s historic adventure continues to inspire modern-day explorers, including those aboard this mission.

The voyage also included a series of aerial operations, with helicopter flights offering stunning views of Antarctica’s frozen wilderness. A significant highlight was a landing near Vahsel Bay, allowing guests an unmatched perspective of the region. Below the surface, the expedition featured eight dives, including one of the southernmost dives ever attempted in the Weddell Sea. “This extraordinary moment is now under review to confirm its status as the most southerly dive ever recorded,” the company shared.