Exploring the Polar Regions with Scenic Eclipse in Style – From Emperor penguins in Antarctica to polar bears in Norway’s Fjords

IMAGINE STANDING AMONG a waddle of majestic and proud Emperor penguins, thousands of them, the only sight for miles aside from pristine white snow and ice. The low whistle of the wind is the accompaniment to their trumpetting calls. Some may start to dance, inspiring you to move with them; others will flap their flippers and bob their heads to the beat. They’re inviting their female counterparts to join them in this mating ritual.

Snow Hill, a snow-capped island off the east coast of the Antarctic Peninsula and home to over 4,000 pairs of breeding Emperor penguins. Photo: Scenic Eclipse

This is just one moment among many that can be had while sailing on Scenic Eclipse discovery yacht to Antarctica. Experiences that are beyond bucket-list, but truly once in a lifetime. On early season voyages, and as part of its discovery program that also includes South Georgia and The Falkland Islands, Scenic Eclipse traverses the Antarctic waters of Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea, where the Emperor penguin colony – one of two of the largest in the Antarctic Peninsula – can be reached via helicopter.

If you thought the only way to see the Antarctic was having to cross the notorious Drake Passage south of Chile, you’ll want to know about the Scenic difference. With Scenic Eclipse, you can explore the world from many unique angles. Take, for example, the company’s East Antarctica expedition voyages that set sail on Scenic Eclipse II in December 2025. Begin your journey in New Zealand’s south island, then cross the Southern Ocean – where you may also spot whales – before making stops along the eastern Antarctic coastline, ending in Hobart, the capital of Tasmania.

As you embark on a Scenic Eclipse ultra-luxury cruise to Antarctica, you can witness breathtaking marine wildlife, including majestic whales.

The remote quiet of the north has always held a fascination for adventurers. Traversing the northwest passage through the Arctic was a dream and ambition for many explorers in history, but now the idea of the Arctic has expanded. The Fjords regions of Norway offer an unspoiled and up-close opportunity to tour one of the world’s longest and most stunning coastlines, offering a different perspective of this Scandinavian country from the sea. Along the way, you may have a pinch-me moment while spotting polar bears and walrus in their natural habitat. But it’s not just the Norwegian coastline – after a flight from the country’s capital, Oslo, you’ll board Scenic Eclipse at Longyearbyen on the Svalbard archipelago and circle one of the most northern reaches on the planet.

The sky over these remote waters is a wonder. From polar eclipse to solar eclipse – the starry skies during August sailings in 2025 may reveal the Northern Lights. But why stop there? In August 2026, guests will have the chance to experience the Solar Eclipse on a special themed departure, the 15-day Wonders of the High Arctic: Greenland & Iceland Solar Eclipse Cruise, on the Scenic Eclipse, the world’s first discovery yacht.

Scenic Eclipse’s state-of-the-art technology, sophisticated design and world-class crew set the benchmark for 6-star ultra-luxury expedition cruising.

“Scenic Eclipse uniquely blends ultra-luxury with the pinnacle of ship design and polar expedition technology,” says Captain James Griffiths, Scenic Group’s General Manager, Ocean Operation. “Delivering an unparalleled discovery experience with the most advanced, efficient yachts in the industry, we take immense pride in our exceptional crew and expert polar Discovery Team, who consistently deliver world-class service.” Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II both have a Polar Class 6 rating, meaning they can carve through a few feet of ice with ease, and both feature helicopters, a submersible, a staff to guest ratio that is almost 1:1 (Scenic welcomes no more than 200 guests on its Arctic and Antarctic sailings – a luxury in its own right).

On a Scenic Eclipse Expedition Voyage, you’ll enjoy truly all-inclusive exploration led by an expert Discovery Team as you glide through the waters of Antarctica on a stand-up paddleboard.

And, every step of the way, guests are guided by some of the most knowledgeable and experienced industry experts. “For more than five years, Scenic has been the pioneer in ultra-luxury polar exploration,” says Jason Flesher, Director of Discovery Operations for Scenic. “The Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yachts remain the only expedition cruise ships in the world that offer flightseeing experiences with two on board helicopters and submersible dives, alongside all-inclusive kayaking, standup paddle boarding, Zodiac cruises and shore excursions simultaneously.

Together with our guests’ sense of wonder, we’re able to achieve these one-of-a-kind experiences.” Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t give a nod to the on-board experience. The all-verandah suites are serviced by highly trained butlers; you’ll never go hungry with up to 10 dining and drinking options; and the Senses Spa is a 550 sq.m. oasis of rejuvenation, with its infrared sauna, steam room, therapeutic showers and salt therapy options. And the state-of-the-art gym also offers a yoga and Pilates studio, or take a dip in one of the ship’s vitality pools.

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