Whether you’re visiting Antarctica or the Arctic and Fjords for the first time or the second, there is a Scenic Eclipse journey to suit your preferences and travel desires. Custom-designed for the Polar regions, Scenic Eclipse’s innovative technology, two helicopters^, a submersible^ and an expert Discovery Team will take you further than others.
With Scenic, it’s truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury cruising, in a class of its own.
The Scenic Difference
When we began cruising to Antarctica in 2019, we were committed to do things differently. 2023/2024 will mark our fifth season cruising the White Continent, as well as the first Antarctic season for our newest Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse II. That means we can offer our guests the most immersive, adventurous and luxurious Antarctic expeditions. Our new voyages will take you to the remote and seldom-explored regions of East Antarctica and the Ross Sea, the world’s largest protected marine park.
RIGHT: Captain Erwan, Scenic Eclipse
The Scenic Difference
When we began cruising to Antarctica in 2019, we were committed to do things differently. 2023/2024 will mark our fifth season cruising the White Continent, as well as the first Antarctic season for our newest Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse II. That means we can offer our guests the most immersive, adventurous and luxurious Antarctic expeditions. Our new voyages will take you to the remote and seldom-explored regions of East Antarctica and the Ross Sea, the world’s largest protected marine park.
ABOVE: Captain Erwan, Scenic Eclipse
Truly unrivalled discovery
Step off Scenic Eclipse and into the pristine Antarctic environment on our fleet of high-tech water toys. Join the Discovery Team on a Zodiac cruise across the glassy waters to spot penguins diving from an ice shelf. Paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard beside soaring glaciers, hearing the ice crackle in the sun. Take your ultra-luxury experience to the next level with an unforgettable journey below the surface on our custom-built submersible^, Scenic Neptune, or go beyond the horizon in one of our two on board helicopters^.
Each excursion is led by the Discovery Team, guiding you through remarkable moments that will stay with you forever. Consisting of a team of 20 experts in Antarctica, each Discovery Guide is a specialist in their field, including marine biologists, ornithologists, archaeologists, historians, geologists and more. They’ll also share their knowledge in informative lectures and fascinating workshops on board.
LEFT: Zodiac excursion, South Georgia
Truly unrivalled discovery
Step off Scenic Eclipse and into the pristine Antarctic environment on our fleet of high-tech water toys. Join the Discovery Team on a Zodiac cruise across the glassy waters to spot penguins diving from an ice shelf. Paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard beside soaring glaciers, hearing the ice crackle in the sun. Take your ultra-luxury experience to the next level with an unforgettable journey below the surface on our custom-built submersible^, Scenic Neptune, or go beyond the horizon in one of our two on board helicopters^.
Each excursion is led by the Discovery Team, guiding you through remarkable moments that will stay with you forever. Consisting of a team of 20 experts in Antarctica, each Discovery Guide is a specialist in their field, including marine biologists, ornithologists, archaeologists, historians, geologists and more. They’ll also share their knowledge in informative lectures and fascinating workshops on board.
ABOVE: Zodiac excursion, South Georgia
The most innovative Antarctic exploration
Scenic is at the forefront of Antarctic exploration, pushing the boundaries to take our guests further than ever before. In 2022, Scenic Neptune completed the first commercial submersible dive in the waters of South Georgia. Seating up to eight guests, our custom-designed submersibles dive to 100 metres, showcasing an underwater world that few people ever get to see and, with two Airbus H130-T2 helicopters on board, we offer the most extensive helicopter program in Antarctica. We can take guests to see remarkable locations that are only visible by air, like the mysterious McMurdo Dry Valleys in East Antarctica.
RIGHT: Scenic helicopter, Antarctica
The most innovative Antarctic exploration
Scenic is at the forefront of Antarctic exploration, pushing the boundaries to take our guests further than ever before. In 2022, Scenic Neptune completed the first commercial submersible dive in the waters of South Georgia. Seating up to eight guests, our custom-designed submersibles dive to 100 metres, showcasing an underwater world that few people ever get to see and, with two Airbus H130-T2 helicopters on board, we offer the most extensive helicopter program in Antarctica. We can take guests to see remarkable locations that are only visible by air, like the mysterious McMurdo Dry Valleys in East Antarctica.
ABOVE: Scenic helicopter, Antarctica
State-of-the-art technology
Scenic Eclipse is purpose-built for polar exploration, with the Polar Class 6 rating ensuring the safest journey. Its strengthened hull, forward bow thrusters, advanced propulsion system and customised stabilisers – that are 50% larger than those on other vessels – make for smooth cruising across the roughest seas. The advanced sonar technology, for detecting ice and underwater obstacles on the seafloor, strengthens our Discovery Yachts' safety.
Featuring a GPS Dynamic Positioning system, Scenic Eclipse can maintain location without dropping anchor onto sensitive seabeds. Besides helping protect this pristine environment, this allows us to stabilise the ship for swift embarkation and disembarkation of Zodiacs.
LEFT: Scenic Eclipse and helicopter, Antarctica
State-of-the-art technology
Scenic Eclipse is purpose-built for polar exploration, with the Polar Class 6 rating ensuring the safest journey. Its strengthened hull, forward bow thrusters, advanced propulsion system and customised stabilisers – that are 50% larger than those on other vessels – make for smooth cruising across the roughest seas. The advanced sonar technology, for detecting ice and underwater obstacles on the seafloor, strengthens our Discovery Yachts' safety.
Featuring a GPS Dynamic Positioning system, Scenic Eclipse can maintain location without dropping anchor onto sensitive seabeds. Besides helping protect this pristine environment, this allows us to stabilise the ship for swift embarkation and disembarkation of Zodiacs.
ABOVE: Scenic Eclipse and helicopter, Antarctica
Seamless experience
Ease is one of the hallmarks of the ultra-luxury experience, as we strive to make every step of your Antarctic voyage seamless. Our Zodiacs are stationed mid-ship and, when combined with the GPS Dynamic Positioning system, make for an effortless boarding process every time. Our world-class technology enables us to take just 30 minutes to get all our expedition equipment (Zodiacs, kayaks, helicopters^ and submersibles^) out and operating (faster than any other ships in the region). This means guests can enjoy more time to explore during multiple daily landings.
We’ll also ensure that you are comfortable at all times, regardless of the weather. Each guest is given an expedition parka (theirs to keep) and is fitted for polar boots, personal flotation devices and specialised equipment for excursions.
RIGHT: Zodiac excursion, Antarctica
Seamless experience
Ease is one of the hallmarks of the ultra-luxury experience, as we strive to make every step of your Antarctic voyage seamless. Our Zodiacs are stationed mid-ship and, when combined with the GPS Dynamic Positioning system, make for an effortless boarding process every time. Our world-class technology enables us to take just 30 minutes to get all our expedition equipment (Zodiacs, kayaks, helicopters^ and submersibles^) out and operating (faster than any other ships in the region). This means guests can enjoy more time to explore during multiple daily landings.
We’ll also ensure that you are comfortable at all times, regardless of the weather. Each guest is given an expedition parka (theirs to keep) and is fitted for polar boots, personal flotation devices and specialised equipment for excursions.
ABOVE: Zodiac excursion, Antarctica
The most luxurious way to explore
The World’s First Discovery YachtsTM set the benchmark in ultra-luxury cruising in Antarctica. You’ll be cruising with just 200 guests, staying in the ships’ exquisite all-verandah suites. Every accommodation has a separate lounge and sleep area, elegant furnishings, and our signature Scenic Slumber bed. Your butler is on hand to cater to your every desire, from a morning coffee to evening cocktails and freshly pressed laundry.
Choose from up to 10 extraordinary all-inclusive dining experiences, from the Yacht Club's relaxed grill and expansive buffet, to elegant French fine dining and authentic Japanese sushi. Up to nine bars and lounges mean there’s always the perfect spot to enjoy a specialty coffee, glass of fine wine or whisky nightcap. Enjoy entertainment and enriching lectures in the state-of-the-art theatre. Be revitalised with a session in the yoga and Pilates studio (the only one of its kind at sea), or relax with a treatment in the expansive 550m2 Senses Spa. With an almost 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio on board, you can sit back and create stories for life.
LEFT: Chef's Table, Scenic Eclipse
The most luxurious way to explore
The World’s First Discovery YachtsTM set the benchmark in ultra-luxury cruising in Antarctica. You’ll be cruising with just 200 guests, staying in the ships’ exquisite all-verandah suites. Every accommodation has a separate lounge and sleep area, elegant furnishings, and our signature Scenic Slumber bed. Your butler is on hand to cater to your every desire, from a morning coffee to evening cocktails and freshly pressed laundry.
Choose from up to 10 extraordinary all-inclusive dining experiences, from the Yacht Club's relaxed grill and expansive buffet, to elegant French fine dining and authentic Japanese sushi. Up to nine bars and lounges mean there’s always the perfect spot to enjoy a specialty coffee, glass of fine wine or whisky nightcap. Enjoy entertainment and enriching lectures in the state-of-the-art theatre. Be revitalised with a session in the yoga and Pilates studio (the only one of its kind at sea), or relax with a treatment in the expansive 550m2 Senses Spa. With an almost 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio on board, you can sit back and create stories for life.
ABOVE: Chef's Table, Scenic Eclipse
Why design matters
When it comes to ultra-luxury expedition cruising; design and technology is everything. The sleek design and technical features of Scenic Eclipse mean the Discovery Yachts can reach destinations that are inaccessible to larger vessels. We can venture further into Antarctica, going beyond the traditional routes and into remote areas of the Weddell Sea and East Antarctica. We are also one of the only operators with full access to the pristine islands of South Georgia.
In Antarctica, regulations stipulate that only 100 cruise passengers are permitted to be onshore at one time. With just 200 guests on board Scenic Eclipse and multiple daily landings, you’ll be able to go ashore at least once a day. Our seamless embarkation processes also give you more time at each landing site. The expert Captain and crew have the flexibility to make changes to the itinerary, so we can adapt landings according to the weather. And with two helicopters^ and a submersible^, the sky (and sea) is the limit for immersive excursions.
RIGHT: South Georgia
Why design matters
When it comes to ultra-luxury expedition cruising; design and technology is everything. The sleek design and technical features of Scenic Eclipse mean the Discovery Yachts can reach destinations that are inaccessible to larger vessels. We can venture further into Antarctica, going beyond the traditional routes and into remote areas of the Weddell Sea and East Antarctica. We are also one of the only operators with full access to the pristine islands of South Georgia.
In Antarctica, regulations stipulate that only 100 cruise passengers are permitted to be onshore at one time. With just 200 guests on board Scenic Eclipse and multiple daily landings, you’ll be able to go ashore at least once a day. Our seamless embarkation processes also give you more time at each landing site. The expert Captain and crew have the flexibility to make changes to the itinerary, so we can adapt landings according to the weather. And with two helicopters^ and a submersible^, the sky (and sea) is the limit for immersive excursions.
ABOVE: South Georgia
Q&A
with Jason Flesher, Scenic's Director of Discovery Operations
How does Scenic Eclipse differ from other ships?
As a Polar Class 6 classified ship, Scenic Eclipse’s design and state-of-the-art technology allows us to take our guests further into Antarctica such as the Weddell Sea or the Ross Sea, and even have the potential for walks on sea ice. Our sustainability features also help to reduce our impact and protect these pristine environments.
Why do small guest numbers enhance the cruise experience?
With only up to 200 guests in Antarctica, and 228 in the Arctic and Fjords, our guests can enjoy more daily excursions, longer time onshore and more personal interactions with the Polar Discovery Team. This is particularly important in Antarctica, where IAATO limits guests on shore to 100 at a time as well as ships over 200 guests from reaching a number of pristine sites in South Georgia. Weather and conditions permitting, we run two excursions a day for all guests, with the option of both landings and Zodiac cruises, so each guest has more opportunities to enjoy discovery experiences.
How efficiently can guests set out on Discovery excursions?
With the GPS Dynamic Positioning System, we can quickly stabilise the ship without dropping anchor and deploy all Discovery equipment, including Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, helicopter^ and submersible^. Guests can disembark within 30 minutes of arriving at a location. This is at least 15-45 minutes faster than other ships.
LEFT: Jason Flesher
How does Scenic Eclipse differ from other ships?
As a Polar Class 6 classified ship, Scenic Eclipse’s design and state-of-the-art technology allows us to take our guests further into Antarctica such as the Weddell Sea or the Ross Sea, and even have the potential for walks on sea ice. Our sustainability features also help to reduce our impact and protect these pristine environments.
Why do small guest numbers enhance the cruise experience?
With only up to 200 guests in Antarctica, and 228 in the Arctic and Fjords, our guests can enjoy more daily excursions, longer time onshore and more personal interactions with the Polar Discovery Team. This is particularly important in Antarctica, where IAATO limits guests on shore to 100 at a time as well as ships over 200 guests from reaching a number of pristine sites in South Georgia. Weather and conditions permitting, we run two excursions a day for all guests, with the option of both landings and Zodiac cruises, so each guest has more opportunities to enjoy discovery experiences.
How efficiently can guests set out on Discovery excursions?
With the GPS Dynamic Positioning System, we can quickly stabilise the ship without dropping anchor and deploy all Discovery equipment, including Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, helicopter^ and submersible^. Guests can disembark within 30 minutes of arriving at a location. This is at least 15-45 minutes faster than other ships.
ABOVE: Jason Flesher
What sets Scenic Eclipse's helicopters apart from standard helicopters in terms of suitability for Antarctica exploration?
Airbus H130s are made for flightseeing with the largest field of view, all seats facing forwards and the most windows, as well as luxury leather seats, climate controlled and Bose headphones. They have been modified to be even quieter than normal, to minimise impact on shore, on the water and on the ship. Heli flights give our guests the opportunity to experience and explore their surroundings from above, giving them a majestic bird’s eye view of Antarctica that so few have ever seen.
How do the unique Scenic Eclipse submersibles enhance the Antarctic experience for guests?
Being able to explore the ocean beneath the waves and see what lives on the Southern Ocean floor, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Scenic Neptune is 100% battery powered, so there’s no risk that hazardous fluids could leak into the environment and we adhere to the highest safety standards. The submersible is certified, resurveyed annually and given a major resurvey every five years by an international governing body.
RIGHT: Scenic Neptune
What sets Scenic Eclipse's helicopters apart from standard helicopters in terms of suitability for Antarctica exploration?
Airbus H130s are made for flightseeing with the largest field of view, all seats facing forwards and the most windows, as well as luxury leather seats, climate controlled and Bose headphones. They have been modified to be even quieter than normal, to minimise impact on shore, on the water and on the ship. Heli flights give our guests the opportunity to experience and explore their surroundings from above, giving them a majestic bird’s eye view of Antarctica that so few have ever seen.
How do the unique Scenic Eclipse submersibles enhance the Antarctic experience for guests?
Being able to explore the ocean beneath the waves and see what lives on the Southern Ocean floor, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Scenic Neptune is 100% battery powered, so there’s no risk that hazardous fluids could leak into the environment and we adhere to the highest safety standards. The submersible is certified, resurveyed annually and given a major resurvey every five years by an international governing body.
ABOVE: Scenic Neptune
^Flights on board our two helicopters, helicopter experiences and submarine at an additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather and tidal conditions. Submarine unable to operate in the Kimberley region.
Start planning today
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