East Antarctica is a land of extremes — towering glaciers, vast icebergs, and wildlife thriving in one of the most remote places on Earth. Penguins waddle across frozen landscapes, humpback whales breach in icy waters, and leopard seals bask on drifting ice floes. This is nature at its most raw and spectacular — and it’s a destination few ever get to experience.
If you are seeking a rare expedition into this frozen wilderness, an ultra-luxury ocean cruise is the way to go. Enter Scenic Eclipse II, the world’s first discovery with three exclusive voyages (hosting 200 guests each over three departures from December 2025 to February 2026) following the paths of great explorers like Mawson, Shackleton and Scott. From enriching Zodiac and kayak excursions to exclusive helicopter flights, each day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in East Antarctica and the Ross Sea.
The ultimate expedition yacht
Scenic Eclipse II redefines ultra-luxury exploration. Purpose-built for the world’s most extreme environments, it combines the sleek sophistication of a superyacht with industry-leading technology. This ensures guests experience the utmost comfort and can travel further than others.
With unrestricted global navigation, a Polar Class 6 rating (the highest ice-class rating for passenger ships), extended stabilisers, a strengthened hull, Advanced Azipod Propulsion and GPS Dynamic Positioning, Scenic Eclipse II delivers unrivalled access to East Antarctica’s most remote and majestic landscapes, like the McMurdo Dry Valleys and Mawson’s Huts.
Wildlife encounters
Rather than shore excursions or port calls, Scenic Eclipse II allows you to get up close and personal with the landscape — and wildlife — by sea. Join guided Zodiac and kayak excursions led by the specialist Discovery Team of up to 20 polar experts to gain deep insights into the history of the region, see vast tabular icebergs and unique wildlife, such as penguin colonies, humpback whales and leopard seals, in their pristine natural habitat.
Soaring above East Antarctica
As the only ship to offer twin-engine helicopters in this region, Scenic Eclipse II provides exclusive access to locations others can’t visit in East Antarctica. On the Mawson’s Antarctica voyage in December 2025, guests can enjoy an included flightseeing tour to visit Mawson’s Huts, which is inaccessible from the coastline.
Or on the Ross Sea voyages in January and February 2026, visit the McMurdo Dry Valleys by helicopter. One of the most unusual landscapes in Antarctica, the ice-free valleys are also some of the driest places in the world. It’s an experience that’s as surreal as it is exclusive.
Ultra-luxury at sea
After a day of exhilarating discovery, unwind in ultra-luxury. Scenic Eclipse II features up to 10 casual and fine-dining options, eight stylish bars and lounges, and the rejuvenating 550sqm Senses Spa. Every detail is designed for indulgence, with a world-class crew catering to your every need. This is not just an ocean cruise — it’s a six-star expedition voyage in a class of its own.
Choose a tailored itinerary
There are two distinct itineraries available to explore the next frontier region of Antarctica. Departing from Christchurch and returning to Hobart, the 25-day ‘Mawson’s Antarctica: Along the East Coast’ voyage retraces the journey of explorer Sir Douglas Mawson with an exclusive visit to his huts on an included helicopter shuttle. Expect to see the vast ice shelves and dramatic glacial formations of East Antarctica alongside the continent’s incredible wildlife.
For further exploration, the 24-day ‘Antarctica’s Ross Sea: Majestic Ice and Wildlife’ itinerary which departs from Hobart or Christchurch is an expedition to the Ross Sea region that follows in the footsteps of explorers Shackleton and Scott. Accessing one of the most remote and pristine corners of Antarctica including the McMurdo Dry Valleys by helicopter, this voyage is like nothing else on Earth.
Experiences on board the two helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, tide and ice conditions. Helicopters are not operational in South Georgia. Submersible is not operational on the Mawson’s Antarctica departure in December 2025 #Spa treatments at additional cost. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard may not be possible in all destinations.
Brought to you by Scenic. Now is the time to secure your voyage of a lifetime with Scenic Eclipse with bonus offers included in Queenstown or Christchurch. To learn more visit scenic.com.au/oceans, call 138 128 or contact your local travel advisor.
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