Plancius Sets Sail for Antarctica as Oceanwide Launches 2026 Expedition Season

Plancius of Oceanwide Expeditions leaves for south Norway to Antarctica The season of the expedition cruise in 2026-27 is drawing near. The expedition vessel Plancius cast off from her homeport in the Netherlands today following the Arctic program as well as resupply and service work.

The ship is departing Falklands for 24 October 2026 departure to Puerto Madryn, Argentina. And, in company brochure, Oceanwide announces a 20-night, 21-day sail to Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Peninsula with the port of disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina, on 13 November.

Photography is another highlight of the trip too, with wildlife encounters up close and polar landscapes at the programme’s centre. However, while every effort is made to stick to a schedule, the programme is not set in stone penguin colonies, ice conditions, weather and other factors often influence the itinerary.

Plancius Opens Oceanwide’s Southern Expedition Programme

The repositioning marks the transition from northern polar operations towards Oceanwide’s new Antarctic programme.

After reaching Puerto Madryn, Plancius will begin its scheduled journey through three major expedition regions. Oceanwide’s current programme identifies the voyage as PLA21-26, covering the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula.

The journey runs from 24 October to 13 November 2026. Puerto Madryn serves as the embarkation point, while Ushuaia serves as the final port.

The route offers travellers access to some of the Southern Ocean’s major wildlife environments. The planned expedition focuses heavily on photography, giving passengers opportunities to observe and photograph seabirds, penguins, marine mammals and dramatic polar scenery.

Wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed at particular locations or times. Expedition teams must adjust operations according to conditions and environmental requirements.

Why Ushuaia Remains Critical for Antarctica Travel

Ushuaia continues to play a major role in expedition cruising because of its position at the southern end of Argentina.

Argentina’s National Ports and Navigation Agency describes the port as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most active passenger-transfer centres and highlights its importance for expedition voyages towards Antarctica. The port normally handles more than 500 international cruise calls and around 250,000 visitors annually.

The 2026–27 season is particularly significant. Argentine authorities reported in September that more than 590 passenger-vessel calls had already been confirmed for the season. Authorities have also undertaken infrastructure, maintenance, lighting, safety and passenger-service improvements at the port.

Oceanwide plans additional Antarctic operations with Hondius and Ortelius, extending its programme across the southern cruising season.

Wildlife Encounters Come With Strict Responsibilities

Antarctica’s wildlife may provide the strongest attraction for many expedition passengers, but visitors must follow strict environmental rules.

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators advises visitors not to touch, feed or handle birds and seals. Travellers should also avoid approaching wildlife in ways that alter natural behaviour. Visitors must minimise noise and avoid damaging vegetation.

Biosecurity matters just as much. Seeds, soil and other biological material carried on clothing, footwear or equipment can introduce non-native organisms.

IAATO has published specific 2026–27 avian influenza protocols alongside biosecurity and wildlife guidance for travellers preparing for Antarctic expeditions.

Passengers should follow expedition-leader instructions during every landing and wildlife encounter.

What Should Travellers Know Before Booking an Antarctica Cruise

An Antarctic expedition requires more preparation than a conventional cruise.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises travellers to obtain insurance that specifically covers Antarctica. Passengers should also have access to funds for unexpected medical evacuation. Medical facilities remain extremely limited, while search-and-rescue assistance can take days to reach a vessel during difficult weather.

Travellers should:

• Check expedition-specific insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage.
• Review onboard medical facilities before booking.
• Discuss existing medical conditions with the operator when necessary.
• Pack suitable waterproof and insulated clothing for rapidly changing conditions.
• Follow biosecurity procedures for boots, clothing and equipment.
• Keep flexible travel arrangements around embarkation and disembarkation.
• Follow expedition leaders during landings and Zodiac operations.

The FCDO also recommends researching the operator, planned activities and destination risks before travelling.

Why Antarctic Itineraries Can Change Without Warning

Use published landing sites as planned stops rather than as guaranteed stops.

Changes in route Many factors, such as sea ice, wind and swell, wildlife and adverse weather, may cause your expedition team to change plans. The IAATO recommends that you be prepared for the effects of extreme and unpredictable weather and join in your group’s decision-making and planning.

That flexibility is a key feature of expedition travel.

Plancius’ outbound passage to the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula sets the start to a long southern cruise for Plancius guests before they arrive in Ushuaia. Its departure also represents the start of another large-scale Antarctic season coming to life, as the Argentinean ports of the south brace themselves for hundreds of ship calls and thousands of polar visitors.