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 starting January 7, 2022.
Scenic’s 13-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 seven-mile-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 favorable, the opportunity to cross the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66°33’ South.
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 experiences, guests are welcome aboard the yacht’s custom-built six-guest submarine, Scenic Neptune, which offers inspiring journeys deep below the ocean surface with 280° views of nature and rich marine life in their true habitat. Or they may wish to soar above the horizon in one of two state-of-the-art, six-guest Airbus helicopters that offer vistas not seen by any other method.
Scenic Eclipse offers multiple indulgent spaces and experiences on board. Lectures and education programs from the expert Discovery Team in the yacht’s state-of-the-art theater, and entertainment produced by “B My Guest” are interspersed with time enjoying many of the on-board luxuries. The expansive 5,920ft² Senses Spa offers a host of 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 choices on board, the reimagined Yacht Club offers spacious and casual dining experiences – with an extended indoor dining area, alfresco outdoor dining, and staff-served food islands. 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 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 internationally recognized ESPA, 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.
Guests can cruise with complete confidence knowing that Scenic Group’s dedicated Health & Safety Steering Committee ensures all guests’ wellbeing and safety is taken care of to the highest standard. All guests and crew must be fully vaccinated. On embarkation, all guests are given a Rapid Antigen test (no additional cost) and temperature checks are ongoing. Social distancing and use of face masks when moving around public spaces is asked of the guests. Scenic Eclipse’s near 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio means attentive and personalized service and the status of having up to 10 dining experiences and nine bars and lounges ensures plenty of open space. State-of-the-art HVAC systems provide 100% fresh air through a three-stage air purification process to the spacious all-balcony suites and public areas, while advanced HEPA filtrations, and rapid response protocols to any COVID-19 positive test contribute to the safety of all aboard.
Scenic Group works closely with relevant bodies, including CLIA and the local government authorities, to ensure operations adhere to all necessary guidelines. Details on the increased health and safety protocols can be found at www.scenicusa.com/assurance-oceans.
In celebration of the return to Antarctica, Scenic is offering 2-for-1 business class flights and up to 20% off select 2022 Antarctica sailings when the booking is paid in full within 12 months of sailing or 48 hours (if booked with less than 12 months before departure). Scenic is also offering a book three suites and get one free when you book select Jan-Mar 2022 Antarctica & South America sailings. Scenic’s Flexible Booking Policy allows guests to defer their travel plans or cancel up to 60 days prior to departure with no additional booking fees (third party fees may apply). Visit www.scenicusa.com for offer details.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has grown over its 35-year history to include award-winning, truly all-inclusive river and ocean cruises and handcrafted land journeys that take guests to many of the world’s most fascinating destinations. In 2019, Scenic introduced Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht™. Hosting just 228 guests (200 in polar regions), the Discovery Yacht offers a 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio, butler service, up to10 dining experiences, a 5,920 ft² luxury Senses Spa, yoga and Pilates studio, Vitality Pools and nine bars and lounges, two state-of-the-art helicopters, a six-guest submarine and an up to 20-member expert Discovery Team. Offering an extraordinary 6-star ultra-luxury experience for guests at destinations throughout the world. Scenic will launch a second Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, planned to launch in 2023. Scenic is part of Scenic Group, which includes Emerald Cruises, Mayflower Cruises & Tours and Evergreen Tours.
Scenic can be found on Twitter at @ScenicLuxury, on Facebook as ScenicCruises and on Instagram as Scenic.luxurycruisestours.
Additional information on these and other cruises, brochures and reservations can be obtained via travel advisors; or in the US: www.scenicusa.com, phone (844) 788-7985, info@scenicusa.com. Brochures can also be downloaded directly from the websites.
