Seeing a solar eclipse is always a spectacular event. Taking a truly all-inclusive Antarctica cruise aboard a luxurious yacht is a trip that offers lifetime memories. How about both at the same time? Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is taking these two bucket-list experiences and combining them into one – and then upping the ante. The 200 guests aboard the World’s First Discovery Yacht™, Scenic Eclipse, will step beyond a solar eclipse to view a total solar eclipse, when the luxury yacht is purposefully positioned at Antarctica’s South Sandwich Island archipelago on December 4, 2021. A total solar eclipse–when the sun is completely blocked to the viewer and a crescent of light circles the moon — is only able to be viewed within a 50-mile land radius during an eclipse event.
The 20-day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands with Solar Eclipse, departing Nov. 21, 2021, is an amazing itinerary – even without the total solar eclipse. Taking in some of the world’s most pristine landscapes, guests view wildlife unseen elsewhere and learn about a variety of topics from true experts. Scenic’s on board Discovery Team of more than a dozen leading experts will be joined by two former NASA scientists and a world-renowned astrologer for this adventure: Dr Karen Knierman, a lecturer in Astrophysics at the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University, will relate her experience working with the Hubble Space Telescope studying star formation in colliding galaxies; Dr Patrick Young, an Associate Professor of Astrophysics and Astrobiology also from the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University, explains the life and death of stars; and Rachel Frances Gordon, an internationally recognized intuitive consultant, educator, and speaker, who has been providing astrological and intuitive consultations since 1980.
Adding to the opportunity to learn from these leaders in their fields are the unique exploration amenities aboard Scenic Eclipse. The yacht’s two state-of-the-art helicopters allow guests the opportunity to take in views of Antarctica not often seen while its six-guest submarine, Scenic Neptune, is the first permitted submersible to operate in South Georgian waters, and is capable of diving to 1,000 feet, opening up the world below the horizon where an abundance of rich marine life thrives in their own environment. Guests can hear the songs of the seals while paddling by kayak, witness history in the making as majestic glaciers calve during a Zodiac ride or get up close to the ice or wildlife on an immersive stand-up paddle board experience. Large bustling penguin rookeries and lazing seal colonies welcome guests upon landfall, as whales breach off shore.
Scenic is also offering special Super Earlybird savings of up to 20% on this sailing when fares are paid in upon booking. All bookings are covered by Scenic’s flexible booking policy, enabling guests to defer their cruise to another travel date or itinerary up to 60 days prior to departure, and come with Scenic’s Deposit Protection Plan included or guests can choose to upgrade to the company’s new Risk-Free Platinum Protection Plan, providing for changes or cancellations up to15 days prior to departure.
Inspired by the sleek contours of a billionaire’s 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. Scenic Eclipse has the highest Polar Class 6 rating and uses custom-built stabilizers that are 50% larger than those of other ships to provide greater stability. The GPS dynamic positioning allows the ship to maintain location without dropping anchor onto sensitive water beds and the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems, plus the highly efficient engines will reduce emissions, noise and vibrations, for minimal disturbances to the marine life environment.
A voyage of discovery with Scenic Eclipse is truly all-inclusive luxury without exception. With a maximum of 228 guests (200 in polar regions), ship features include spacious all verandah suites from 345² to nearly 2,600², 10 dining experiences, butler service for all guests, two on-board six-guest helicopters and a six-guest submarine capable of diving nearly 1,000 feet, a comprehensive choice of shore excursions, exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences, Scenic Discovery excursions, Discovery Specialists and guides, full use of the Senses Spa and gym, and much more.
All voyages are truly all-inclusive, meaning all flights, shore excursions, meals with up to 10 dining experiences, premium beverages, and even the in-suite mini-bar are included as standard. An expert Discovery Team of up to 20-members is on board to lead the Scenic Discovery excursions and to host engaging lectures and education programs. Complimentary expedition parkas, water bottles and use of polar boots are available for all guests while in the polar regions.
Scenic Group has grown over its 35-year history to include award-winning, river and ocean cruises and handcrafted land journeys that take guests to many of the world’s most fascinating destinations covering all 7-continents. Since 2008, Scenic has offered truly all-inclusive luxury river cruises in Europe, SE Asia and Russia on its 15 Scenic Space-Ships and Egypt on a luxury charter. In 2019, Scenic introduced the 228 guest Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht™.
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; or www.emeraldcruises.com, phone (844) 428-8389; in Canada: www.scenic.ca; phone (866) 689-8611; or email: info@scenic.ca; or www.emeraldcruises.ca, phone (844) 626-4303. Brochures can also be downloaded directly from the websites
