Scenic Unveils Antarctic Voyages From Australia And New Zealand

Scenic has introduced three new East Antarctic and Ross Sea itineraries for the ultra-luxurious Scenic Eclipse II as part of its 2024/25 Antarctica brochure collection.

Travellers may now trace the routes of legendary explorers like Dr. Douglas Mawson, Robert Scott, and Sir Ernest Shackleton with the help of these suggested itineraries.

Only a limited number of visitors will be able to purchase them. Travellers are encouraged to book and prepare, utilising the limited-release Special Early bird deals, since there are only three departures of 200 people each year (Christmas, New Year’s).

Scenic’s fifth season in Antarctica will be in 2024/25, and the three new itineraries will open up previously unknown locations inaccessible to many expedition cruise companies. Guests will be among the first to explore seldom-seen landscapes, historical monuments, and isolated Islands rich with seabirds, penguins, whales, and seal species.

“We launched these new excursions in response to the demand for exclusive polar destination experiences,” stated Claudius Docekal, Scenic Group Vice President Ocean Deployment.

“Scenic Eclipse II will be the most contemporary and newest ultra-luxury expedition ship operating in remote East Antarctica and the Ross Sea region, setting the standard for offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences for our passengers.”

“We are the only operator offering various exploration options, including helicopter, submarine, Zodiac, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard. Guests may enjoy unique experiences like visiting the McMurdo Dry Valleys, which have been likened to the surface of Mars and are only accessible by helicopter.”

Disembark in Commonwealth Bay and travel across the ice landscapes to Mawson’s Hut at Cape Denison, one of just six remaining from the ‘heroic period’ of the Antarctic expedition.

Explore the isolated Balleny Islands, which are severely glaciated and have had few human visitors since their discovery in 1839. They are teaming with humpback, fin, minke whales, crabeater, Weddell, elephant, and leopard seals.

Prices start at $39,995 per person based on a Deluxe Verandah Suite, with a Super Early bird discount of $7,000 per person.

Discover Antarctica’s mysterious Ross Sea region on board Scenic Eclipse II on one of the world’s premier Expedition Voyages, the 24-day Antarctica’s Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife. This 24-day cruise, departing from Hobart to Dunedin on January 8, 2025, or from Dunedin to Dunedin on January 31, 2025, will let guests thoroughly immerse themselves in this magnificent and pristine region.

Both itineraries feature a visit to Ross Island, the ultimate Antarctic experience (weather allowed). The Ross Sea Ice Shelf is the world’s biggest floating body of ice, believed to be the size of France, with cliffs up to 50 metres high and ice spreading for 800 kilometres.

On a clear day, visitors may see Mount Erebus, the world’s southernmost active volcano, and Sir Ernest Shackleton’s historical hut. Guests will also marvel at the largest Adélie penguin rookery in Antarctica on Cape Adare.

At the same time, Franklin Island’s volcanic past provides another opportunity to explore the penguins and bizarre landscapes, such as the Mars-like Dry Valley, which is only accessible by helicopter.

Departing from Hobart on January 8, 2025, or Dunedin on January 31, 2025, with fares beginning at $39,995* pp based on a Deluxe Verandah Suite, including a Super Early bird discount of $7,000 pp.