On 26 February 2025, M/V Ortelius made history, becoming the first non-icebreaker passenger ship to reach 78°03.471’S - the southernmost point ever recorded by a vessel of its kind in the Weddell Sea. The achievement was more than a navigational milestone. It marked a rare moment in modern polar exploration: an expedition awash with daring, flexibility and a tangible thirst for adventure at the farthest corners of the navigable map.
“This is probably the closest to a true expedition that you’ll ever come,” remarks Sara Jenner, the expedition leader aboard Ortelius during this voyage. Reaching the historic coordinates was a moment of immense relief, having navigated the notoriously unpredictable Weddell Sea. Much to her surprise, on this occasion, everything aligned. “(that day) was one of the most phenomenal weather days,” Jenner recalls with excitement. “We completed helicopter landings and sea ice landings, encountered emperor penguins and were treated to the amazing sunrise and sunset.”
Wildlife aside, this was truly a day of operational triumphs. “It was much more special to me that we could actually get people off the ship," Sara continues. "The weather didn’t stop us, which you could expect at 78 degrees south. That day, everything just aligned perfectly."
Picture by Sara Jenner
Following Shackleton’s Route
The voyage didn't just break records - it embraced the spirit of true exploration, following in the footsteps of legendary figures like Sir Ernest Shackleton. The Weddell Sea, infamous for its dense pack ice and unforgiving conditions, has challenged explorers for over a century. It was here, 110 years ago, that Shackleton’s ship Endurance was caught in pack ice and crushed, ultimately sinking and stranding Shackleton and his men on the Antarctic ice. What followed became perhaps the most iconic survival story in polar history, and a legacy that continues to inspire and draw polar explorers to this day.
The timing of this journey carried deep historical resonance. “At our closest, we were, only 213 nautical miles from where the Endurance sank," explains Sara. A special celebration was held on board to honor this landmark location, while throughout the voyage, other significant dates were marked, such as Shackleton’s birthday and the day the wreck of the Endurance was found, almost 107 years after she sank. This legacy remained central throughout what was a groundbreaking adventure. Guests were immersed in a five-part lecture series dedicated to Shackleton, along with daily historical updates that followed his expedition’s timeline. “It has been a very significant part of the journey,” Sara explains. “It added a whole other layer - especially for the Shackleton fans onboard.”
The voyage began at Shackleton’s grave in South Georgia and concluded at Elephant Island, where his stranded men waited over four months for rescue. That final stop proved to be one of the most emotional. “Some of our guests were really upset and tearful on that last day,” Jenner recalled. “Seeing the bust of Captain Pardo - the man who saved the crew - was the perfect end to the trip.”
Picture by Unknown photographer
Exploring Uncharted Territory & Overcoming Unpredictability
As Ortelius navigated through dense pack ice to explore some of the most pristine and remote areas of Antarctica, passengers were treated to thrilling Zodiac excursions, with one of the most unforgettable moments being an opportunity for a diving group present on the voyage to share the water with emperor penguins. "This was one of the most extraordinary emperor penguin encounters," Sara smiles. "A moment of true connection."
Helicopter operations also played a pivotal role. “It's always a highlight," Sara explains. "It gives us the greatest sense of how small we are in this vast landscape. You can be on Ortelius and think you're in this big ice strengthened ship. But then, you lift up from the helideck, and within seconds, Ortelius looks tiny in a world of white, and you just get that sense of how small and unimportant we are."
In the wild reaches of Antarctica, preparation and flexibility are paramount. “You have to have an open mind and let Mother Nature dictate the itinerary," Sara agrees. "Come with no real expectations - and for sure, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”
Indeed, the nature of this expedition has been one of unpredictability, with Mother Nature ultimately deciding the course of the voyage. This openness to the unknown is at the core of all Oceanwide Expeditions trips. “Every day is different,” says Sara, emphasizing how no two trips to Antarctica are the same. “You can do the same itinerary over and over and not get bored.”
Picture by Sara Jenner
The Bonds That Form in the Ice
The sense of camaraderie formed among guests is another hallmark of this unique expedition. With more than a week’s travel to the farthest points, the journey isn’t just about exploration; it’s about connection - to the environment and to one another. “I always say, look around. This is now your family- whether you know them, whether you like them. Down here, we take care of each other.”
Guests who take part in such adventures not only share in the memories of the extraordinary landscapes and wildlife but also forge lasting bonds with fellow travelers. “We had 11 guests this year who had undertaken the Ross Sea trip with me back in 2022," Sara says. "They all meet up every year - they have a WhatsApp group, and they socialize all around the world.”
Picture by Sara Jenner
For all the raw intensity of the expedition, the lighter, more intimate moments stand out – whether over a quiet cup of cocoa, during excitable dinners, or even special one-off moments such as cheese fondue or even a renewing of wedding vows, guests bond in ways they may not have expected before stepping foot on board and leaving life on land behind.
Those moments aren't all on the itinerary - but they matter. “I try to make it a little more special, a little bit more memorable.” For Sara, that sense of connection was a defining part of the trip. “I can't guarantee weather or ice or what we’re going to see, but if you can make a positive impact on guests and mold their experience, I think that goes a long way."
Picture by unknown photographer
Making History with an Eye on the Future
As the ship returns to civilization, there’s a collective sense of awe and reflection aboard. “I shed a tear yesterday as I lifted my last Zodiac," Sara reveals. "I was so sad to leave. Every day brings a new joy down here. We’re so privileged to work in these amazing environments.”
Indeed, this journey was a historic one - not just for the records set, but for the way it redefined what it means to explore Antarctica, and how visiting such a place impacts the individual. “We can only be humbled that we have the privilege to follow in Shackleton’s footsteps in such comfort," says Sara. "But we have no idea what a true expedition is like. We do it in such comparative comfort and ease.”
"I think the ideal guest for this kind of trip is someone who’s open-minded, adventurous, and truly here for the experience. They’re not ticking off a list. Instead, they’re here to connect, to learn, and to really be present throughout."
Picture by Sara Jenner
While the expedition was successful in its historic achievements, it’s also clear that the future of polar exploration is both exciting and uncertain. “It's always going to be a little bit uncertain, but it's important that people really understand what they’re experiencing down here,” Jenner says. It's also clear that she hopes those visiting Antarctica leave with a deep appreciation of the fine balance of life here, and the importance of preserving this remarkable landscape both for future generations, and for the iconic species that thrive among the ice.
"Once you're exposed to the raw beauty of places like this, you come to understand what truly needs to be preserved," she says. "That's why sharing our knowledge as staff is so important-we hope that guests will go home with a desire to protect these places. While we certainly have a lot of fun, there’s always a deeper message. I think that is crucial." Sara's parting words perhaps sum it up perfectly: “Come with an open mind, trust your crew, and let Mother Nature guide you - you’ll never be disappointed. When this trip runs again next year or the year after, the itinerary will be completely different - That’s the real beauty of an expedition cruise to Antarctica."
Picture by Sara Jenner
Oceanwide Expeditions will return to the Weddell Sea in its 2025-26 and 2026-27 Antarctic seasons. As the only operator currently offering expedition cruises venturing so deeply into the Weddell Sea, the Remote Weddell Sea Explorer itinerary represents an exclusive opportunity to venture into some of the most geographically isolated and untouched regions on Earth. Book your place aboard and secure your place on the polar adventure of a lifetime.
