Oceanwide Expeditions announced the successful completion of its “Remote Weddell Sea Explorer” voyage onboard the Ortelius.

According to a press release, the expedition delivered an extraordinary experience for guests while setting benchmarks in polar exploration.

The first major milestone of the voyage came with the 116-guest ship reaching the Princess Martha Coast of Queen Maud Land. According to Oceanwide, the region is not visited by any cruise operator due to its remoteness.

“This initial achievement set the tone for what became a series of remarkable accomplishments. From there, the expedition pressed on deeper into the Weddell Sea, culminating in a historic record-breaking moment at 78°03.471’S, the furthest south any non-icebreaker passenger vessel has ever navigated,” the company said.

According to Oceanwide, Captain Remmert Koster and the crew of the Ortelius pushed the boundaries of polar exploration during the trip to the Weddell Sea.

“The Weddell Sea stands as one of Antarctica’s most remote areas, famous for its thick pack ice and harsh conditions that have tested explorers for over 100 years,” the company added.

Oceanwide also highlighted Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, which was trapped in ice only a few miles away from where the Ortelius achieved its record.

“Shackleton’s historic voyage embodies the adventurous spirit that still drives exploration today, inspiring modern-day explorers, including those aboard Oceanwide Expeditions,” the company said.

In addition to exploring on water, Oceanwide’s team put together multiple helicopter operations, offering aerial views of icebergs, sea ice, and the vast wilderness of Antarctica.

The expedition featured a series of eight dives, including a snorkeling and diving experience alongside Emperor penguins.

The journey culminated in another historic achievement, with one of the southernmost dives ever attempted in the Weddell Sea.

Conducted just off the sea ice edge in waters of -1.8º Celsius, the moment is under review to confirm its status as the most southerly dive ever recorded in the region.

Oceanwide Expeditions said it currently is the only cruise operator offering guests the chance to venture deeper into the Weddell Sea. The voyage’s log, along with stunning photos captured during the journey, is available online.