Antarctica Cruises 2022-23 | All-Inclusive Luxury

Discover Antarctica, South Georgia, The Falklands & Chilean Fjords in ultra-luxury on a Scenic Eclipse voyage

Let Scenic Eclipse take you to the Earth’s most mysterious and mythical stretches.

Discover a world of exquisite natural beauty, where wildlife is abundant, and each day brings experiences like no other to share with family and friends when you return and indulge in truly all-inclusive luxury on board The World’s First Discovery Yachts^TM. From the Chilean fjords of Patagonia to the historical Falkland Islands, the busy beaches of South Georgia and incomparable Antarctica, our Expedition Voyages in these pristine landscapes will create memories you will treasure forever.

Enjoy unrivalled exploration beneath the surface with a once-in-a-lifetime submarine experience or soar above the horizon in one of two helicopters^ custom designed for a flightseeing. Providing treasured views of tabular icebergs, rugged alpine peaks, ice-caps or navigate the spectacular waterways of Paradise Bay via our fleet of sea-ready Zodiacs.

Take our kayaks for a paddle around blue-tinged icebergs as part of Scenic Freechoice and get the chance to observe minke, humpback and killer whales (orcas) up close during our Antarctica voyages. Or visit the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton in Grytviken, whilst exploring South Georgia.

Why visit the Antarctic Region...

Hidden Gems

Built to Polar Class 6 ice rating, Scenic Eclipse safely navigates waters beyond the capabilities of most ships, to reach Antarctica’s unique destinations: like Snow Hill emperor penguin colony or Vega Island fossil fields in the Weddell Sea; pushing into frozen embayments for a stroll across fast ice, or extending your range with two on-board helicopters^ and a custom-built submarine^.
Step Back in Time

Join enthusiastic Discovery historians on memorable excursions, from the first sealer’s camps in the South Shetland Islands to abandoned whaling stations on South Georgia; Nordenskjold’s Hut on Snow Hill Island to Shackleton’s grave at Grytviken. Be amazed by epic tales of fortitude and passion, from the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration to World War II and beyond.
Awaken your Senses

Breathe in the purest air on Earth and feel your pulse race as you take your first step onto the seventh continent. Take in the delicate sound of paddling through pack ice, while gazing in childlike wonder at the immense icebergs and spectacular landscapes. Be thrilled by a sudden whale blow as a humpback rises close by, and be mesmerised by the rosy blush of alpenglow on soaring mountain peaks.
Garden of Eden

Watch penguin parents swapping eggminding duties and feeding chicks, the ominous hunt of leopard seals patrolling the shore, the courtship flight of light mantled albatross, king penguin colonies a quarter-million strong and blue whales outpacing the ship. Every chance to observe Antarctic’s wildlife unafraid of humans forges a lifetime of memories.

View Gallery (10)

New for 2023 / 24

Fly the Drake Passage

Between South America’s Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula is Drake Passage, the shortest sailing distance and perhaps the world’s most-fickle waterway. Like its namesake (Francis Drake was a pirate to the Spanish, and a hero to the English) it can be ‘Drake Shake’ one day, ‘Drake Lake’ the next.

While Scenic Eclipse’s customised build creates a smooth journey and reduces the time required to reach the frozen continent, these voyages give guests the opportunity to fly over the Drake Passage. Choose from the Antarctica Insights: Fly & Cruise voyage or the Wild Antarctica: Fly the Drake voyage, which allows you to fly both ways and avoid crossing the Drake Passage. Perfect for the time poor or those too excited to arrive to Antarctica swiftly.

Wild Antarctica: Fly the Drake

Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas

9 Days

From (NZD) $ 22,387

Antarctica Insights: Cruise & Fly

Buenos Aires to Punta Arenas

10 Days

From (NZD) $ 24,431

Our Latest Offers

2022/23 Earlybird offers

2023/24 Earlybird offers

Our most popular Antarctica cruises

Antarctica in Depth

Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires

13 Days

From (NZD) $ 21,848

Antarctica & South Georgia

Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires

20 Days

From (NZD) $ 85,870

Into the Weddell Sea

Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires

16 Days

From (NZD) $ 27,215

view all

Why cruise on board Scenic Eclipse?

Discovery Yacht Cruising

Scenic Eclipse caters for up to 200 guests and features an impressive array of indoor and outdoor spaces for an intimate cruising experience. Enjoy up to 10 dining experiences, nine bars and lounges, the indulgent Senses Spa and a dedicated Observation Lounge and Terrace. Be inspired by lectures from our expert Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre.
Tailored on shore Experiences

Scenic Eclipse offers truly all-inclusive curated Scenic Enrich experiences taking you behind the scenes in the most spectacular surrounds with private access and immersive moments. Scenic Freechoice activities are meticulously curated to cater to all interests and fitness levels, including experienced guided walking and bike tours. From a relaxed to active pace, there’s something for everyone.
World-Class Design & Technology

Scenic Eclipse sets the standard in ocean cruising. Designed with an unwavering commitment to safety and excellence in design, ensuring the highest international safety standards. Scenic Eclipse features customised stabilisers that are 50% larger than those of other ships and will provide greater stability as it navigates the waters. An Advanced Wastewater Treatment System, electronic Azipod propulsion system and a GPS Dynamic Positioning allows the vessel to maintain its location without dropping anchor onto sensitive seabeds.
6-Star Ultra-Luxury

Watch the world go by from your private verandah suite in 6-star luxury. A dedicated Butler service is available for every guest, along with an almost 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio. The Comfort Class 1 notation, features the lowest passenger ship noise and vibration throughout all public spaces and luxury suites. With the highest rating as per the marine class society Bureau Vista.
Two Helicopters^ & a Submarine^

Venture beyond the horizon, with two state-of-the-art Airbus H130-T2 helicopters on board Scenic Eclipse, custom-designed for optimal flightseeing and excursions. Dive below the ocean for the most luxurious experience on board by submarine, custom-built for optimal sightseeing excursions of crystal-clear waters and all that lies in them.
Unrivalled Viewing & Relaxation

Scenic Eclipse has an abundance of space, spanning across 10 luxurious decks, from outdoor areas, to the Sun Terrace on the top deck offering sweeping views, to the spacious Observation Terrace overlooking the front of the yacht. The Senses Spa and Pool Terrace provides a relaxing vantage point to spot incredible landmarks and wildlife, ensuring you never miss a moment.
Specialist Discovery Team

The Scenic Eclipse Discovery Team are experts in their fields. They will share their insights into the environment, history and culture of each region and their personal highlights, so you are ready to explore the many new horizons that await onshore.

^Helicopter, helicopter experiences and submarine at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather and ice conditions. Helicopters are unable to operate in South Georgia.

Your peace of mind

Small Ship Experience

Experience the benefits of small ship river cruising and ocean discovery voyages

Flexible Booking

Defer or cancel your travel plans up to 60 days prior to departure with our Flexible Booking Policy available on river and ocean cruising.

Travel with Confidence

Our commitment to each guest and crew’s health, safety and well-being remains our key priority.

learn more

The World's First Discovery Yachts

We invite you on board Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yachts™. Explore the far horizons of the globe led by a team of experts whose passion and enthusiasm will help you unlock all the wonders of the destinations to which you are travelling, and the sheer enjoyment of travelling on this world-class ultra-luxury yacht.

Scenic Eclipse is unlike any other cruise ships in the world. They are essentially mega-yachts, designed and looking far more like yachts than any traditional cruise ship. Yet one of the most technologically advanced vessels to be found in the world today.

Perfectly designed for safe navigation through all waters and sensitive marine environments. An advanced Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system operates throughout the ships and guest’s suites, providing 100 per cent fresh air through both UVC and HEPA filter treatments, meaning that there is no recirculated air passing between suites and public spaces. These advanced features are also coupled with state-of-the-art technology and ships design, GPS dynamic positioning system, forward bow thrusters and an electronic Azipod propulsion system.

The on board technology allows us to operate efficiently in compliance with and in excess of all of the current environmental regulations in each port we visit around the world, where we leave a very small footprint.

The Expedition Voyage Experience

Enjoy unrivalled exploration of extraordinary Antarctica on a Scenic Expedition Voyage with:

Up to 200 guests on board, to maximise landings Polar regions
Up to 20-member specialist Polar Discovery Team
Engaging lectures and education program with on board experts
Scenic Discovery Excursions by Zodiac

Full kayak program and stand-up paddleboarding
Complimentary expedition parka and water bottle, plus use of special polar boots

The Expedition Experience (Click to expand)

A Scenic Eclipse ultra-luxury Expedition Voyage is in a class of its own. Your truly all-inclusive Scenic Discovery Excursions will be led by an expert Discovery Team of up to 20-members. Your custom parka and polar boots will be professionally fitted in the Discovery Centre, before you are guided by the Discovery Team on land and sea. Learn about polar wildlife and landscapes during enriching lectures and education programs, hosted in the Discovery Yacht’s impressive state-of-the-art theatre.

The Benchmark in Ultra-Luxury Expedition Cruises (Click to expand)

The Scenic Eclipse Discovery yachts have been purpose-built for Expedition Voyages into these ecologically spectacular destinations. Designed with a Polar Class 6-classification, the Scenic Eclipse's state-of-the-art technological features include a strengthened hull, forward bow thrusters and an electronic Azipod propulsion system that enables comfortable and safe expeditions. The GPS Dynamic Positioning system allows the ship to maintain its location without dropping anchor onto ecologically sensitive seabeds. With only 200 guests on board, you will enjoy multiple shore landings via Zodiac onto ice beds, making the most of your precious stops in these once-in-a-lifetime locations.

The Discovery Team ((Click to expand)

The Discovery Team is the core of our Expedition Voyages, with up to 20 expert members who will guide you and enrich your understanding of each destination. With credentials and qualifications that span such disciplines as science, geology, botany, history, photography, archaeology, anthropology, marine biology, and glaciology – each guest will feel like they have their own personal expert guide to answer the most curious and technical questions.

Where we travel in Antarctica

Antarctica
A destination like no other. Raw, powerful and exquisite, Antarctica supercharges the senses with grand ice and landscapes, a palpable history of exploration, wildlife untamed, weather that dictates and a silence so profound it sings.

South Georgia

The perfect staging post for nature lovers and Antarctic explorers like Shackleton. Trigger point for the Falklands War, today a wildlife oasis like no other including albatross, penguins, fur and elephant seals, burrowing petrels, snipe and pipits.

Falkland Islands
More British than England, home to endemic geese and ducks, a host of penguin species, sea lions and elephant seals that battle for harems across white sand beaches, all prove the Falklands were worth fighting for

Chilean Fjords

An enchanted world carved by the Patagonian Ice Cap and home to descendants of seafaring Yaghan people, bohemian street artists, winemakers, fishermen and gauchos. Playful dolphins share waterways with whales, fur and elephant seals along it's pristine coastline.

Scenic Eclipse in video

Discover the extraordinary wonders of the world in truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury on board Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yachts™.

Inspired by the sleek contours of a sailing yacht and custom-built with an unwavering commitment to safety and excellence in design, Scenic Eclipse combines a wealth of world-class facilities with the opportunity for unrivalled exploration. Our handcrafted itineraries are full of rare moments and extraordinary experiences, from the sublime beauty of the polar regions and the magnificent Norwegian Fjords, to the sun-drenched Caribbean and the history and cultures of the America, and the Mediterranean. From exploring remote destinations such as Australia’s Kimberley coastline and Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands of Indonesia to the spectacular regions Polynesia and the Pacific Islands. Watch our Scenic Eclipse video collection and get ready to discover the next generation of ocean cruising.

Looking for inspiration?

We answer your questions about cruising in Antarctica

Q. What should I pack for an Antarctica cruise?

A. A trip to Antarctica is an incredible and exciting experience, particularly if it is your first time. However, knowing what to pack for Antarctica can be somewhat difficult, with many first time polar travellers typically over packing, because they are uncertain about what to bring. Read our Essential Packing Checklist for our top recommendations of what to pack for an Antarctica cruise.

Q. What wildlife could I see in Antarctica?

A. The Antarctic Peninsula is home to an abundance of wildlife with vast colonies and species of penguins, seals and pods of whales. The amount of wildlife guests have the opportunity to observe on an Antarctica cruise is what sets this destination apart from any other place in the world and what makes it so utterly unique. To find out all the wildlife species you could see on an Antarctica cruise, read more here.

Q. What is the difference between Antarctica and the Arctic?

A. Antarctica and the Arctic are positioned at opposite ends of the world, and there are many differences between these two Polar Regions. Kara Weller, Discovery Team Leader for Scenic Eclipse provides her top ten differences between Antarctica and the Arctic here.

Q. Is an Antarctica cruise safe?

A.

Your safety is our highest priority and Scenic Eclipse has been built to ensure the highest international safety standards. Scenic Eclipse uses custom-built stabilisers that are 50% larger than those of other ships and will provide greater stability as it navigates the waters.

With a Polar Class 6 rating, forward bow thrusters and an electronic Azipod propulsion system, Scenic Eclipse is able to safely navigate through Arctic and Antarctica waters. This dedication to your safety, environmental protection and world-class innovation has allowed us to design the most inspiring and exciting itineraries possible.

Q. When is the best time to travel to Antarctica?

A. With exceptionally cold winters, no sunlight and treacherous winds during April to September, the only time accessible for humans to explore the last great wilderness of Antarctica is during the warmer months of late October to March. This is when the sea ice starts to melt, allowing ships to cruise through its pristine waters. Read more about the highlights of each month to help you decide when to travel to Antarctica >

Q. What destinations will I visit on an Antarctica cruise?

A. Our Antarctica cruises not only take you to this extraordinary continent, we also cruise to two intriguing archipelagos. Little islands with big tales to tell, South Georgia Island is one of the most unique and important bio-diverse places on Earth and the Falkland Islands offer up plenty of natural beauty, along with an intriguing history. Read more about where you will visit on an Antarctica cruise >

Q. What can I expect on an Antarctica cruise?

A. If you’re not an explorer or a scientist what can you do in Antarctica? What’s the weather like? What do I need to do to prepare? Will there be much wildlife? Knowing what to expect from your Antarctica cruise is key to helping you get the most out of your trip - read our guide on what to expect when cruising to Antarctica here >

Q. What is Antarctica?

A. Covering an area of 14 million square kilometres, almost twice the size of Australia and home to 90% of all ice on earth, it’s easy to see why Antarctica is known as “the land of snow and ice”. One of the least explored continents on earth, and considered to be the coldest, windiest and driest places on Earth, no humans permanently reside here. Read more about what Antarctica is here >