 Leaving Buenos Aires on 14 August 1899, she sailed for home, arriving at Boulogne-sur-Mer on 30 October and Antwerp on 5 November, sparking national celebrations in Belgium.Following her return to Belgium in 1901, "Belgica" was again used for whaling.In 1902, "Belgica" was sold to N C Halvorsen, and then later that year to Philippe, Duke of Orléans.