1. What makes East Antarctica and the Ross Sea so unique and historically significant?
2. What are the top six reasons to explore East Antarctica?
3. When is the best time for an Expedition Voyage to East Antarctica & the Ross Sea?
4. How does Scenic deliver an ultra-luxury voyage in a class of its own to East Antarctica and the Ross Sea?
5. Featured itineraries

Named after the British explorer James Clark Ross, who first visited the area in 1841, the Ross Sea has long been a hotspot for expeditions. One of the most notable periods is the "Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration,” which saw legendary explorers like Scott and Shackleton use the Ross Sea as a gateway for their expeditions to the South Pole. The region's relatively accessible waters made it an ideal starting point for their daring journeys that stand as a testament to human endurance.

Everything in East Antarctica is on a grand, extreme and spectacular scale. It is ecologically vital and a crucial area for scientific research, particularly climate studies. The Ross Ice Shelf, the largest ice shelf in Antarctica, is renowned in the region and serves as a habitat for species like the Adélie penguins. The rugged landscapes are home to myriad penguin, seabird, orca, whale and seal species.

Truly immersive in nature, a voyage on Scenic Eclipse II will be the journey of a lifetime for many reasons. Here are just a few:

1. Discover Antarctica from a convenient port closer to home.

These voyages depart from ports in New Zealand and Tasmania - Christchurch, Queenstown and Hobart. This eliminates the need for up to three-days in transit to Ushuaia (Argentina) from Australia required to join an Expedition Voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula. Each of these three itineraries are also slightly different to make the most of the local conditions at the time of the voyage.

2. The Ross Ice Shelf.

Marvel at the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest in Antarctica and encounter wildlife from penguins to whales, albatrosses and seals. Cruise alongside the towering ice cliffs with magnificent 50 metre-high walls of ice. You may have the opportunity to explore this and all the fascinating landscape by Zodiacs alongside your expert polar Discovery Team. 

3. McMurdo Dry Valleys.

On the Ross Sea voyages discover one of the world’s driest and coldest deserts; stark, moon-like and without snow. Consisting of the three main valleys: Victoria, Wright and Taylor, the Mars-like McMurdo Dry Valleys are one of the most extraordinary environments on Earth. This area is a hub for scientific research aimed at understanding life’s potential on Mars and other planets. These valleys can only be accessed by helicopter^ from Scenic Eclipse II to Taylor Valley, the most easily visited location.

4. The historic sites of great explorers.

Scott, Shackleton, Amundsen, and Borchgrevink were the first to navigate the remote bays and coves of this region. Subject to local weather conditions, you may see preserved huts that remain frozen in time, such Shackleton's Hut at Cape Royds, a well-preserved landmark from his 1907–1909 Nimrod Expedition. As the site of Mawson’s Hut at Cape Denison is currently only accessible by helicopter, Scenic Eclipse II guests will enjoy an exclusive included shuttle on the Mawson’s Antarctica: Along the East Coast voyage in December 2025. The Adare Peninsula was the site of the first documented Antarctic landing in 1895, and Norwegian explorer Carsten Borchgrevink’s two 1899 huts remain to this day.

5. Gain Deeper Insights with our Guest Experts and Discovery Team

During days at sea, the theatre comes alive with captivating lectures led by our expert Discovery Team. Using advanced Cinemascope technology and a stunning 270-degree multi-screen setup, each presentation offers an immersive, unforgettable experience.

For the 2025/26 season, we’re thrilled to welcome back Ian Godfrey, Head Conservator of the Mawson’s Foundation, who will be joining us on the Mawson’s Antarctica: Along the East Coast, Antarctica's Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife and the Antarctica's Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife. We’re also honoured to be joined by Sir Robert Swan - the first person to walk to both the North and South Poles - and his son, fellow explorer Barney Swan. The father-son duo will sail with us on the Antarctica's Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife, departing 29 January 2026.

6. Maximise your time immersed in the ultra-luxury and 6-star service of Scenic Eclipse II.

You might wish to relax with breakfast in bed brought to your suite by your butler and enjoy all the comforts of your floating 6-star haven. Relax in the Observation lounge with a book from the library, spot wildlife with the Swarovski Telescopes or embark on a culinary journey with new friends at up to 10 world-class dining experiences and eight bars⁺ and lounges. Prepare for days of exploration with a yoga or Pilates session or recover and unwind after exploring with indulgent wellness^# experiences, such as massages, facials, body wraps, scrubs, manicures and pedicures.

The peak season in East Antarctica is from December to February. This period offers the most favourable weather and ice conditions, allowing easier navigation and wildlife sightings. The temperatures are milder and daylight hours long. The landscape is more accessible, as the sea ice is retreating, opening more areas for exploration.

Because of the extreme ice and weather conditions, the season is more limited than the Antarctic Peninsula, making it a more exclusive destination – there are only three more planned Scenic Eclipse II departures in 2025/26 for just 200 guests each.

It all comes down to the design and facilities of Scenic Eclipse II, your Discovery experiences and your expert polar Discovery Team.

The World’s First Discovery Yachts™ are purpose-built to face the polar conditions. Spacious and modern, Scenic Eclipse II is built to the highest standards for unrestricted global navigation, featuring a Polar Class 6 rating and the latest technologies, such as zero speed stabilisers and GPS Dynamic Positioning. Because of the remoteness of the region, days at sea and the length of the voyage, guests will spend more time on board the ship; hence a dedicated hotel team and unrivalled ultra-luxury experiences are a must. Scenic Eclipse II's expansive 550 sqm Senses Spa^# and wellness area, up to 10 culinary experiences, eight bars and lounges are unlike any other at sea.

Your world-class Discovery Team of up to 20 experts will ensure you get the most out of the destination with Scenic Discovery excursions and enriching lectures. This expert team have been exploring the world’s most remote reaches for years and many are returning to East Antarctica. They will fascinate you with facts and stories beyond anything you can find in guidebooks or websites. Scenic Eclipse II remains the only ship in the region to offer guests an abundance of included exploration via Zodiac, helicopter^, submersible^, kayak and stand-up paddleboard^~.

Our exclusive Expedition Voyages are carefully planned by the Scenic Eclipse leadership team and operated by our expert crew who sailed in this region in the 2024/25 season. With over 102 visits to Antarctica, Jason Flesher, Director of Discovery Operations, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and Senior Captain Erwan le Rouzic and Discovery Leader Jonathan Fuhrmann have expertly navigated ships through East Antarctica.

On board, guests will gain invaluable insights from special guest experts Dr Louise Emmerson, Seabird Ecologist of the Cape Denison Seabird Research team and conservation consultants from the Mawson’s Huts Foundation. Ian Godfrey, Head Conservator has been part of the Mawson’s Hut Foundation for more than 20 years, leading expeditions to Antarctica to monitor the stability and condition of the 112-year-old buildings at Cape Denison.

An important note: Due to the extraordinary nature of this region, Discovery excursions throughout your Expedition Voyage are dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Your experienced Captain and specialist Discovery Team, who have made countless journeys to Antarctica including East Antarctica, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, making the most of your time in this spectacular destination.

Are you ready to explore East Antarctica and the Ross Sea? Book your Scenic Eclipse voyage today and discover all that this magnificent destination has to offer.

Learn more about Antarctica & The Ross Sea in the Scenic Eclipse - Polar Destination Discovery Guide.