The Plancius became the first ship to start a repositioning voyage to Antarctica ahead of Oceanwide Expeditions’ season in the region.

Having completed its summer schedule in the Arctic, the expedition vessel departed from the Netherlands in late September.

Oceanwide celebrated the milestone with a social media post, wishing a “bon voyage” to the 116-passenger vessel.

“After a short resupply and maintenance period, we waved her off from her home port of Vlissingen, restocked and raring to go,” the company said.

The Plancius is currently on its way to Puerto Madryn, Argentina, where it is scheduled to arrive on October 24, 2026.

The 1979-built ship will then welcome guests for a 20-night expedition to destinations in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula.

While a specific itinerary for the exploration cruise depends on ice and weather conditions, Oceanwide plans to sail to wildlife-rich locations.

The company describes the cruise, which will feature a special expedition team, as an opportunity for professional photographers and photography enthusiasts.

According to Oceanwide, guests will be able to spot six different species of penguins, as well as an array of different birds, whales, dolphins and more.

The planned itinerary features visits to destinations like Half Moon Island, Deception Island, Salisbury Plain and Fortuna Bay before ending in Ushuaia, Argentina.

In addition to the Plancius, Oceanwide’s 2026-27 season in Antarctica will include expeditions onboard the Hondius and the Ortelius.

The ships will also sail from Ushuaia for a series of exploration cruises in the region, including the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, the Weddell Sea, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

The company’s season in the region runs through early April, when the vessels are scheduled to return to the Northern Hemisphere for expeditions to the Arctic.