Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht, will be one of the first cruises to return to Antarctica when it resumes sailing its ultra-luxury expedition voyages from January 6, 2022.
Scenic Group COO Rob Voss expanded on the announcement, “Our crew and staff are so delighted to be able to welcome guests back on board our world-class yacht, Scenic Eclipse. Besides the opportunity to be one of the first cruise lines to return to Antarctica after nearly two years of no visitors, we are also excited to showcase several enhancements on board Scenic Eclipse – a number of which were driven by our guests’ feedback.”
To celebrate the return, Scenic is currently offering a complimentary one-way Business Class Flight upgrade with world-renowned British Airways on selected Antarctica voyages departing in January, February or March 2022. New bookings will also benefit from generous savings of up to 20 per cent, alongside free private door-to-door chauffeur-driven transfers. New bookings will be offered additional payment flexibility with full balance due just 60 days before departure. All new bookings are covered by Scenic’s Deposit Protection Plan and Flexible Booking Policy – meaning plans can be deferred up to 60 days prior to departure without any fees. Should guests be unable to travel due to further Covid 19 travel restrictions, Scenic is offering a complete money back guarantee.
Scenic’s 16-day “Antarctica in Depth” voyage takes in the endless, pristine landscapes of Antarctica and its unique wildlife, as awe-inspiring and unchanged as the day that man first set eyes upon them. And after nearly two years of no cruise visitors, Scenic is eager to share these treasured moments. Departing Ushuaia, Argentina, guests spend six full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, often with multiple shore visits per day made possible by the limit of 200 guests on board Scenic Eclipse. Highlights vary, depending on weather conditions, and may include navigating the stunning 11-kilometre-long Lemaire Channel where steep cliffs hem in the iceberg-filled passage, the chance to visit a working scientific base and discuss life in these harsh conditions with the staff, exploring an abandoned whaling station, climbing to the rim of a volcanic crater, and, if conditions are favourable, the opportunity to cross the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66°33’ South.
“This 2022 season will be like no other, with only a few expedition lines operating,” offered Jason Flesher, Expedition Operations Manager – Scenic Discovery Yachts. “Antarctica will have had no tourists for nearly two years, so we are expecting unbelievable encounters and experiences with the wildlife. Our expert Discovery Team members’ passion for this part of the world will help bring this unique region to life for our guests.”
Included daily excursions range from active to awe-inspiring: cruising among the ice formations in Zodiacs, navigating kayaks or paddleboards amongst icebergs while whales feed below, stepping ashore to view (and photograph) the vast penguin rookeries and seals, and taking hikes with expert marine biologists and geologists on pristine paths – to name a few.
For a truly unique experience, explore beneath the surface with the yacht’s custom-built six-guest submarine, Scenic Neptune^, with inspiring journeys deep below the ocean surface where guests enjoy 280° views of nature and rich marine life in their true habitat. Or soar above the horizon in one of two state-of-the-art, six-guest Airbus helicopters^ that offer vistas not seen by any other means.
Scenic Eclipse offers many indulgent spaces and experiences on board. Lectures and education programmes from the expert Discovery Team in the yacht’s state-of-the-art theatre, and entertainment produced by “B My Guest”, are interspersed with time enjoying many of the on board luxuries. The expansive 5,920ft² (550m²) Senses Spa offers a host of indulgent spaces for relaxation and wellbeing, while the dedicated PURE: yoga and pilates studio and POWER: gym, help maintain fitness and wellness.
With up to 10 dining experiences on board, the reimagined Yacht Club offers spacious and casual dining options – with an extended indoor dining area, alfresco outdoor dining and new food islands served by the Scenic Eclipse crew. The Night Markets @ Koko’s takes inspiration from the night markets and street food from around Asia, India and the Middle East, and Sushi @ Koko’s, the authentic Japanese restaurant, has added window seating to increase capacity due to its popularity. Deck 10, the yacht’s top level, has a new Panorama Bar, with deck chairs and lounges as well as new cabanas with lounges and privacy curtains – all with easy access to two of the yacht’s Vitality Pools and unfettered views of the world.
Other enhancements throughout the yacht include temperature-controlled plunge pools on the Spa deck, a new partnership with ESPA, an internationally recognised spa provider, and recent refinement of the Senses Spa area with additional manicure and pedicure areas. The PURE: Yoga & Pilates studio, with its serene interiors, offers guests a selection of included classes and new additions to holistic therapy, sessions from Aerial Yoga, TRX, Mindfulness meditation and unique Tibetan sound bowl healing classes.
