Fewer than 100,000 people visit Antarctica each year — a fraction of global tourism, and a reminder of just how inaccessible this continent remains. Governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, which prioritises environmental protection and scientific research, access to the region is strictly controlled. The result is an experience that is not only rare, but also highly curated - shaped as much by what is protected as by what is seen.

Scenic Cruises is among a growing number of operators offering expedition-style voyages to the region, but distinguishes itself with a design-forward vessel purpose-built for polar conditions. Scenic Eclipse carries no more than 200 passengers, enabling it to meet environmental guidelines while providing greater access to remote landing points and a high level of onboard comfort.

A Purpose-Built Approach to Polar Travel

Scenic Eclipse combines the profile of a superyacht with the engineering credentials of an expedition vessel. Its technical features include GPS Dynamic Positioning, a Polar Class 6 hull, custom stabilisers, and advanced propulsion systems - allowing for smoother crossings through notoriously difficult passages such as the Drake and ensuring minimal environmental disruption at sensitive landing sites.

Capped at 200 guests, each voyage is structured to maximise time off-ship, with multiple landings daily via Zodiac, kayak, or paddleboard. The vessel’s size allows access to some of Antarctica’s more restricted locations, which are otherwise out of reach for larger cruise ships.

Life On Board Scenic Eclipse

Accommodation consists exclusively of all-verandah suites, and the onboard experience leans more towards understated elegance than ostentation. There are up to ten culinary experiences offering a range of international cuisines, a 550m² spa with treatment rooms, steam facilities and plunge pools, and butler service for every suite. The ethos is one of considered luxury, rather than excess - a calm retreat between excursions.

A Region Best Seen from All Angles

Scenic itineraries cover not only the Antarctic Peninsula but also South Georgia, the Ross Sea region, and East Antarctica - routes made possible by the vessel’s enhanced capabilities and polar rating.

For those looking to explore beyond the ice edge, Scenic Eclipse carries two Airbus H130-T2 helicopters, which allow access to otherwise unreachable sites such as Snow Hill Island. Here, guests may have the rare opportunity to observe emperor penguins in their natural habitat, a colony of over 4,000 breeding birds accessible only by air.

The ship is also equipped with a pressurised submersible, capable of descending 100 metres, offering a different perspective on Antarctic marine life - from delicate corals to sponge gardens shaped by extreme conditions.

More traditional expedition methods are equally well supported. Guests can join guided kayak tours through iceberg-dotted bays, or take to Zodiacs to observe whales and other marine species in close proximity. In the Ross Sea region, sailings include time near Mount Erebus, Earth’s southernmost active volcano, and trace the historic routes of early explorers such as Shackleton and Scott.

Science, Conservation and True Exploration

Voyages are led by a Polar Discovery Team composed of marine biologists, glaciologists, historians and naturalists—who provide interpretation and scientific context throughout the journey. Some itineraries are tied to active research projects, including a NASA-affiliated study on antimicrobial resistance and climate change, giving guests insight into ongoing scientific efforts in the region.

Select sailings also include time with real-life expedition leaders. Onboard the 24-day Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife itinerary, for example, guests may encounter Sentinel Explorers Major Scott Pallett and Bill Kwok FRGS, who are scheduled to summit Mount Erebus during the voyage.

2025/26 Details and Departures for Victor Members

Scenic offers a number of extended itineraries for the 2025/26 season.

• 22-Day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands, departs Buenos Aires 22 Oct 2025 – from £20,744pp (was £21,348pp)

• 23-Day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands, departs Buenos Aires 24 Feb 2026 – from £20,744pp (was £23,043pp)

• 25-Day Mawson’s Antarctica: Along the East Coast, departs Hobart 13 Dec 2025 – from £20,753pp (was £24,816pp), ends in Queenstown

• 24-Day Antarctica’s Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife, departs Hobart 6 Jan 2026 (with Sentinel Explorers) – from £22,996pp (was £25,012pp), ends in Christchurch

• 24-Day Antarctica’s Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife, departs Christchurch 29 Jan 2026 (with Sentinel Explorers) – from £22,515pp (was £24,756pp), round trip

VICTOR members can access exclusive savings (T&Cs apply) on these departures using

Promocode: VICTOR2025

Select departures include a complimentary helicopter flightseeing experience (up to 30 minutes). For full itineraries, availability and exclusive offers, visit Scenic or contact info@flyvictor.com