Scenic opens 2025/26 bookings for ultra-luxury exploration of Antarctica

HOLLYWOOD, FL – In response to the high demand for once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica expedition voyages, Scenic has announced the early release of the 2025/2026 Antarctica program. Walking in the footsteps of the world’s greatest explorers, guests will venture to the most remote parts of this region as the Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yachts are the only ultra-luxury ships to offer such a range of exploration options. With site landings restricted to 100 people at a time by IAATO, the Scenic Eclipse yachts carry only 200 guests on board while in Antarctica to maximize opportunities for multiple landings each day with extended time on shore. The Polar Discovery Team of up to 20 experts use their knowledge to design the voyages each day, making the most of the 18–20 hours of daylight, and lead guests on guided kayak and paddleboarding excursions, nature walks and Zodiac tours.

Ken Muskat, Managing Director, Scenic Group USA, commented: “Our exclusive voyages to East Antarctica and the Ross Sea were introduced in response to requests from guests who have already experienced Antarctica and were looking for more once-in-a-lifetime polar journeys. Scenic Eclipse II will be the newest and most modern ultra-luxury expedition ship operating in this remote region and will be entering areas that are rarely visited. Exclusive experiences include exploring the McMurdo Dry Valleys, a landscape that has been compared to the surface of Mars and is only accessible by helicopter.”

Antarctica Highlights – Perfect for first time visitors

The 13-day Antarctica in Depth, runs roundtrip from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Scenic Eclipse sets sail from Ushuaia and cruises through the Beagle Channel as guests enjoy views of the Andean Mountains of Tierra del Fuego from the comfort of their private verandahs or the heated plunge pool on Deck 10. The week that follows is spent exploring the Antarctica Peninsula. Multiple Zodiac landings and explorations each day offer guests up close views of unique wildlife, and the opportunities to visit the remnants of a derelict whaling station, stand ashore as penguins traverse back and forth on their ‘penguin highways,’ or climb to the rim of a volcanic crater – among others. Five departures run between November 2025 and February 2026, with fares starting at $19,225 per person, double.

Explore Further – Designed for those who want to explore the region for longer

The 20/23-day Antarctica, South Georgia, and Falkland Islands voyage is designed for guests seeking a longer expedition. After a night in Buenos Aires, Argentina, guests join Scenic Eclipse in Ushuaia and set sail, stopping in Montevideo, Uruguay, before visiting the Antarctica Peninsula, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. Highlights include a Scenic Discovery excursion at the Falkland’s Gypsy Cove, walking the wildlife trail to see the Magellanic penguin colony; Zodiac cruises along the 10,000-foot mountain range which forms the spine of the long, narrow island of South Georgia; walking tours of the thriving community of Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands; and five full days taking in much of what Antarctica has to offer.

Ultimate Expeditions – For adventure seekers wanting to venture deep into the Polar region

Scenic’s 16-day Antarctica in Depth combines the splendor of the Antarctic Peninsula and some of its most popular sites with a journey that seeks to reach latitude 66° 33’ south (and beyond). The December 21, 2025 departure offers the whitest of Christmases as guests venture where few people have explored before by crossing the Antarctic Circle. Guests witness dramatic changes in the landscape, such as an increase in sea ice, and wildlife living off the krill-rich waters. Scenic Discovery excursions visit areas abundant with penguins, seals, and whales, a deserted British base and derelict whaling station, and summit the seventh continent on the rim of a volcanic crater.

Heading out from Queenstown, New Zealand on the 25-day Mawson’s Antarctica: Along the East Coast, guests discover the wild east coast of Antarctica, a region that abounds in dramatic windswept landscapes, legendary history, and wildlife. This journey follows in the footsteps of Douglas Mawson’s Antarctic expedition – the South Australian geologist who accompanied Ernest Shackleton during the Australasian Antarctic Expedition of 1911–14. This highlight-packed sailing includes navigating through the icy landscapes to Mawson’s Hut at Cape Denison, one of six still surviving from the ‘heroic era’ of Antarctic exploration; the remote Balleny Islands, heavily glaciated and rarely visited since their discovery in 1839, it is teeming with diverse wildlife, including humpback, fin and minke whales along with crabeater, Weddell, elephant, and leopard seals. Departing on December 13, 2025, guests will enjoy Christmas and New Years in one of the most remote areas of the world, before ending in Hobart.

Discover Antarctica’s elusive Ross Sea region on board Scenic Eclipse II as it heads out on the 24-day Antarctica’s Ross Sea: Majestic Ice and Wildlife. Sailing from Hobart to Dunedin on Jan. 6, 2026 and roundtrip from Dunedin on Jan. 29, the itineraries (weather permitting) include a visit to Ross Island, the ultimate Antarctica experience. On a clear day, guests can view Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on Earth and visit the historical hut of Sir Ernest Shackleton. On Cape Adare, guests will take in the largest Adélie penguin rookery in Antarctica. The volcanic past of Franklin Island offers another opportunity to explore the penguins and otherworldly landscapes such as the Mars-like Dry Valley, only accessible by helicopter.

Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II are purpose-built to navigate the Antarctica region and with a Polar Class 6 rating, oversized stabilizers and Azipod engines, provide efficient and comfortable navigation to remote locations that few ships can reach. GPS Dynamic Positioning maintains the Discovery Yacht’s location without dropping anchor onto sensitive seabed, allowing for quick embarkation and disembarkation.

The ultra-luxury Discovery Yachts have an impressive selection of indoor and outdoor space for total relaxation and sightseeing. The spacious suites, which range from 345 ft² to 2,659 ft², feature elegant furnishings and state-of-the-art amenities with personalized butler service. For wellbeing, the expansive 5,920 ft² Senses Spa offers a range of holistic therapy sessions, yoga, and Pilates classes. From exquisite cuisine to relaxed dining, Scenic Eclipse yachts cater to every taste, preference, and mood with 10 truly all-inclusive dining experiences, and nine bars and lounges. Guests can choose to take to the skies in one of two state-of-the-art helicopters or venture below the ocean’s surface in a custom-built.

All Scenic Eclipse voyages are truly all-inclusive: Internal flights, transfers, fine dining experiences, premium branded beverages, once in-a-lifetime immersive excursions. Gratuities, etc. are all included. Helicopter and submarine excursions are additional as are any Spa services such as massages or hairstyling.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has grown over its 35-year plus 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. Since 2008, Scenic has set the benchmark for truly all-inclusive, luxury five-star river cruises in Europe and Southeast Asia as well as luxury cruises on Russia’s Volga River on board Scenic Tsar and on Egypt’s Nile on board a private luxury charter. In 2019, Scenic introduced Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht, a 228-guest ultra-luxury ship, and plans to deliver a second yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, in 2023. Scenic is part of Scenic Group, which includes Emerald Cruises, Mayflower Cruises & Tours and Evergreen Tours.

The article Scenic opens 2025/26 bookings for ultra-luxury exploration of Antarctica first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.