Scenic Announces New Antarctica Voyages in 2023-24

By Newsdesk Nov 8, 2022 9:38am

Scenic has announced that Scenic Eclipse I and II will embark on an expanded range of new in-depth Expedition Voyages across Antarctica. Departing in 2023 and 2024, these additional dates and voyages, allow maximum time across the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Weddell Sea and Chilean Fjords, with further exploration of smaller islands and wildlife encounters available for the 200 guests on board each of the ultra-luxury Discovery Yachts.

The 20-expert Discovery Team on each yacht provides guests with insights into the wildlife and landscape. The teams lead guests on guided kayak and paddle boarding excursions, nature walks and Zodiac tours with multiple landings each day. Additionally, guests can enjoy exploration with each yacht’s two helicopters and custom-built submarine.

Among the highlights is Scenic’s 13-day "Antarctica in Depth" expedition voyage, roundtrip from Buenos Aires, Argentina. After a flight to Ushuaia, the most southern city in the world, Scenic Eclipse will set sail and cruise through the Beagle Channel with views of the Andean Mountains of Tierra del Fuego. Due to the speed of the yachts and their oversized stabilizers, guests will spend more than six full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.

The highlights of the itinerary include traversing the seven-mile Lemaire Channel, where guests can take in the ample wildlife—seals, penguins and whales in their natural habitat. Along the way there will be visits to the remnants of a derelict whaling station, climbs to the rim of a volcanic crater, paddle boarding, kayaking, Zodiac tours, and more. The on-board Discovery Team and the captain will use their expertise to plan out each day to make the most of the 18 to 20 hours of daylight. The first of eight departures is November 21, 2023; there are also Festive Holiday Collection sailings that include Christmas and New Year’s.

For anyone wanting to maximize their exploration time, Scenic offers the 22-day "Antarctica & Chilean Fjords" itinerary. The journey, beginning in Buenos Aires and ending in Santiago, will visit Antarctica, sail around Cape Horn, and then explore the Chilean Fjords, where travelers will view the Seno Garibaldi and Seno Pia glaciers. The journey will also spend four days sailing the Inner Fjords, which opens up views of the San Valentin Glacier and the renowned beauty of the most spectacular locations in Southern Chile. The itinerary will depart February 21, 2024.

The 19-day "Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands" voyage is designed for guests seeking longer expeditions. Among the highlights of the itinerary is a Scenic Discovery excursion at Gypsy Cove, guests will walk the wildlife trail to see the Magellanic penguin colony, cruise by Zodiac along the two-mile mountain range which forms the spine of the long, narrow island of South Georgia, and visit and learn about Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, and its thriving community. Then there is the wildlife. Travelers will get to see penguins, albatross, fur seals, elephant seals, whales and dolphins in the Falklands; 18 different species of penguins, Leopard seals and Killer whales in Antarctica; and the 39” tall King Penguin in South Georgia, home to the densest agglomeration of wildlife in the world with 30 million breeding birds and half the world’s population of southern elephant whales. The itinerary departs November 4, 2023.

Scenic’s 15- and 16-day "Antarctica & the Weddell Sea" itinerary heads off in search of the elusive Emperor Penguin. The tallest (over four feet) and heaviest (51 lbs) of the penguin species, Emperor Penguins are found along the ice-chocked Weddell Sea, well past the Antarctica Peninsula. Guests can take the optional helicopter excursion to see them in their natural habitat and learn how they survive the -67 degree Fahrenheit winters. Other experiences while spending nine-plus days in Antarctica include the South Shetland Islands, home to gentoo and chinstrap penguins and the site of Ernest Shackleton’s inspirational 1916 survival story; exploring Elephant Island with the Discovery Team on Zodiacs, kayaks or stand-up paddle boards; visiting a working scientific base, unveiling life in the harshest of conditions; and spend each day with new unexpected encounters with the multitude of wildlife. The cruise will depart December 5 and 13, 2023.

Crossing the legendary Antarctic Circle (66°33’S) is a rare feat and Scenic Eclipse II will attempt to explore one of the world’s most seldom-visited regions during the 15- and 16-day "Beyond the Antarctic Circle" itinerary. Guests will get an opportunity to cruise on Zodiacs around icebergs and kayak and stand-up paddleboard on the icy waters of the Antarctic. Scenic’s experienced Discovery Team Leaders, who have made countless journeys to Antarctica, will design daily excursions and experiences, and point out the subtle changes in the Antarctic ice and landscape. The first of three departures is on January 8, 2024, with fares starting at $18,631.

With just 228 guests (200 in Polar regions), Scenic Eclipse Yachts are purpose-built for polar regions, including a strengthened hull and a Polar Class 6-rating that enables safe and comfortable navigation through polar waters. Scenic Eclipse I and II offer an array of indoor and outdoor spaces, such as the 5,920 square feet Senses Spa, up to 10 dining experiences, nine bars and lounges and suites with private verandahs and butler service. All voyages are all-inclusive: Transfers, fine dining experiences, premium branded beverages, gratuities, and excursions are all included in the fair.

Tip: Bookings made between October 1 and December 15, 2022 enjoy savings of up to 20 percent of the fare with Scenic’s "Earlybird" and "Pay in Full" programs.

Scenic Announces New Antarctica Voyages in 2023-24

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