Anticipation builds as you draw closer to Antarctic waters, where the first icebergs may appear on the horizon.

Your Scenic Discovery Yacht’s advanced cinemascope theatre comes to life with immersive presentations from the Discovery Team, revealing the secrets of Antarctica’s ever-changing landscapes, diverse wildlife, and climate systems. 

Look out for wandering albatross, giant petrels, and perhaps even pods of dolphins or whales from the Observation Lounge or your private verandah. 

Set your own pace today. Indulge in a rejuvenating ESPA facial# at Senses Spa, curl up with a book in the Observation Lounge, or simply gaze out over the endless horizon. This evening, whether you choose contemporary French cuisine at Lumière+ or the fresh Sushi & Saké Bar @ Koko’s, tonight is a celebration of the journey so far.

Scenic Discovery:
Learn from the Discovery Team through engaging lectures on Antarctic wildlife, seabirds, polar exploration, and the continent's striking ice architecture. Meanwhile, scan the horizon from the Observation Deck or your verandah for the sweep of albatross wings, darting petrels, and the sudden spout of a whale.

Remote and otherworldly, Antarctic is irresistible for its spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers, and for the possibility of up-close encounters with marine mammals and the iconic penguins. The Antarctic Peninsula – the main peninsula closest to South America – has a human history of almost 200 years, with explorers, sealers, whalers, and scientists who have come to work, and eventually intrepid visitors coming to enjoy this pristine and remote wilderness. It is a region of protected bays, unscaled snow-capped mountains, vast glaciers and a few places where whalers or scientists have worked. Just as irresistible are the many Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies, the seals basking on ice floes, the whales and orcas.

Spend time on your verandah and out on deck as you enter the Ross Sea, one of the most remote and wildlife-rich regions on Earth. The pristine, iceberg-strewn ocean provides a vital habitat for orcas, seals, penguins and whales.  

Surrounded by sky-scraping mountains, vast ice shelves, ice tongues and drifting sea ice, the Ross Sea offers some of Antarctica’s most dramatic scenery. Over the coming days, your Captain and Discovery Leader will look for the safest and most rewarding opportunities for you to explore the area. 

Over the next few days on Ross Island, at the base of Mount Erebus, you'll have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of legendary explorers Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott.

Return on board and warm up with speciality tea or coffee in the Observation Lounge or indulge in an intimate Night Market @ Koko's+ dinner experience with street-food inspired dishes crafted in front of you by the chef. 

Scenic Discovery:
Today you may have the opportunity to explore this fascinating landscape on the fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards~, guided and self-paced hikes. For a different perspective, you may choose to add an optional flight on one of the two on board helicopters^, all activities being subject to weather, ice conditions and permitting requirements.

Weather and ice conditions permitting, we may explore around Beaufort Island, a remote and rugged volcanic outpost rising dramatically from the icy waters of the Ross Sea. Located near the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf, this isolated sanctuary is home to a thriving Adélie penguin colony, as well as skuas and other seabirds. 

Its steep cliffs and icy shores create a breathtaking landscape, offering a rare glimpse into Antarctica’s untouched wilderness. Being in the vicinity of this scenery is a privilege few people get to experience.

This evening, savour contemporary French fine dining at Lumière+, paired with an exquisite selection of Champagne, or unwind at the Scenic Lounge Bar, where over 100 whiskeys and expertly crafted cocktails await.

Scenic Discovery:
You may have the opportunity to explore this fascinating area by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard~, gaining a fresh perspective on the wildlife and ice-sculpted coastline. Alternatively, and subject to conditions and availability, you may opt for an optional helicopter^ flightseeing experience, offering spectacular aerial views of the Antarctic landscape.

Experience the feeling of sailing at the edge of the world as you cruise along the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest floating ice mass on the planet, with ice cliffs soaring up to 50 metres (160 feet) above the sea. This immense frozen barrier has long captured the imagination of explorers and scientists alike, and its sheer scale is one of Antarctica’s most unforgettable sights.

As the day unfolds, your Captain and Discovery Leader will seek out the best opportunities for exploration, which may include a Zodiac cruise along the towering ice face, or time on deck watching for Weddell and crabeater seals resting on the ice, and penguins gathered near open water leads. Back on board, warm up in the Observation Lounge with a specialty coffee or tea, sharing stories with fellow guests as Scenic Eclipse II glides past this vast wall of ice.

After a day of immersive exploration, retreat to your suite for personalised butler service and 24-hour in-suite dining or enjoy a soothing treatment# at the expansive 550sqm Senses Spa.

Scenic Discovery:
Today you may have the opportunity to venture closer to the Ross Ice Shelf on a Zodiac cruise, gaining a new appreciation for the scale, texture, and colour of the ice towering above you. Conditions permitting, your Discovery Team may also look for landing or cruising options around Ross Island, where colonies of Adélie penguins and hauled-out seals can sometimes be seen along the coast.

Today, if conditions allow, the Captain may navigate into McMurdo Sound, gateway to some of Antarctica’s most extraordinary landscapes. Here, towering glaciers, sea ice and volcanic peaks frame one of the world’s most remote regions, home to modern research bases and the legendary McMurdo Dry Valleys.

The Dry Valleys are among the driest places on Earth, a stark, otherworldly landscape often compared to Mars. The only way to glimpse this dramatic area is via an optional flight on one of Scenic Eclipse II’s helicopters^, subject to weather, ice and operational approvals. Where permitted, your pilot may even attempt a landing on this end-of-the-Earth terrain. 

For those staying on board, the day offers enriching experiences, from wildlife spotting in the Observation Lounge to in-depth lectures on the region’s pioneering scientific work.

Scenic Discovery:
Experience the breathtaking McMurdo Dry Valleys from above with an optional helicopter^ flight, offering a rare glimpse of this otherworldly, arid landscape, often compared to Mars.

Alternatively, embark on a Zodiac cruise across pristine Antarctic waters on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard~. Keep an eye out for orcas and Emperor penguins, while your Discovery Team shares fascinating insights into the region’s history.

Weather and ice conditions permitting, step into the world of Antarctic exploration today as your Captain navigates toward Ross Island and its historic sites. At Cape Evans stands Scott’s Terra Nova Hut, the base for his 1910–1913 expedition to the South Pole, preserved much as it was over a century ago. 

Landings at these sites are strictly controlled and never guaranteed; when permitted, they offer one of the most moving experiences in Antarctica, providing a powerful sense of the endurance and ambition of the early explorers.

Back on board join your Discovery Team historians for a fascinating lecture on the rivalry between Scott, Amundsen, and Shackleton, deepening your appreciation for the sheer determination it took to survive in this formidable landscape.

This evening, savour the flavours of Asia at Koko's Asian Fusion or enjoy steak and seafood at Elements, then ease into the night with live music and enriching entertainment in the state-of-the-art theatre or Scenic Lounge Bar.

Scenic Discovery:
Depending on weather and ice conditions, you may have the chance to explore this remarkable landscape in a variety of ways. Take to the water on a Zodiac cruise through icy waters, in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard~, or, for a truly unique perspective, soar above the frozen expanse on an optional exclusive flightseeing excursion by helicopter^. Your expert Discovery Team may take you on enlightening excursions to the historic explorers’ huts.

Few sights in Antarctica are as dramatic as Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on Earth, rising above Ross Island. In the theatre, sit down with your expert polar Discovery Team to learn why Sir James Clark Ross and Sir Ernest Shackleton came here and how their legacy lives on in the historic huts. Both huts are still here today and are classified as an Antarctica historical monument.

Throughout the day, keep an eye out for Adélie penguins. Cape Bird is home to one of the Ross Sea’s largest colonies, where these charming birds nest along its rugged, rocky shores.
Further south, Cape Royds blends history and wildlife and is home to Shackleton’s well-preserved 1908 Nimrod expedition hut.

After a day of remarkable exploration, retreat to the Senses Spa# and unwind in the infrared sauna and steam room, relax on the thermal loungers, or revive under the therapeutic pressure shower.

Scenic Discovery:
Soar over the breathtaking landscape with an optional flightseeing experience on one of the two on board helicopters^.

Alternatively, you may explore this fascinating landscape and spot Ross Sea wildlife on the fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards~, or on guided and self-paced nature walks. Your expert Discovery Team may take you on enlightening excursions to historic explorers' huts.

Wake up to a truly magical Christmas morning on the pristine shores of the Ross Sea, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica. Start the day at your own pace — perhaps with breakfast delivered by your butler to your spacious suite. Then, bundle up in your complimentary polar parka and step out onto the Observation Deck, where the breathtaking icy landscapes provide a once-in-a-lifetime backdrop for this special day of exploration. Festive dining and entertainment throughout the day will ensure a celebratory spirit on board — this will be the whitest Christmas you’ve ever experienced. Relax in the inviting lounges of your ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery Yacht, sharing stories and holiday cheer with fellow guests as you take in the beauty of your surroundings.

Today may be reserved for further exploration around Ross Island and nearby coastal sites, with the exact locations chosen by the Captain and Discovery Leader according to conditions. Possible areas include additional viewpoints of Mount Erebus, further perspectives on Cape Bird or Cape Royds, or other landing and cruising sites in the region.

This flexible approach allows your Scenic Discovery Yacht to take full advantage of the weather and ice, seeking out the best opportunities for wildlife encounters, historic insights and breathtaking scenery. Every day in the Ross Sea is unique, and your Captain and Discovery Team will tailor each experience to what nature allows.

On board, perhaps enjoy a warm speciality coffee or tea at the Observation Lounge or make use of the Swarovski telescopes, borrow a book from the library, or settle in with a game.

Scenic Discovery:
You may have the opportunity to explore this fascinating landscape on the fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards~. Alternatively, conditions permitting, you may choose to experience an exclusive optional flightseeing excursion on one of the two on board helicopters^, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Antarctic wilderness.

Dependent upon weather and ice conditions, you may visit Inexpressible Island today, one of Antarctica's most poignant historical sites. Here, six men from Robert Falcon Scott's Terra Nova Expedition (1910–1913) spent an unthinkable winter, stranded with almost no supplies.

Your Discovery Team historians will bring their story to life, recounting tales of sheer resilience and determination that remain among the most incredible feats in polar history.Beyond its historical significance, Inexpressible Island is also a haven for wildlife. Adélie penguins are known to breed in this region, and the surrounding waters are often frequented by Weddell and crabeater seals. If conditions allow, we may explore the dramatic coastline by Zodiac.

Back on board, you might choose to unwind at the Senses Spa, indulging in a soothing treatment# and reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of the past days.

Revisit the open Bridge to reconnect with the navigation team, gaining further insight into life on a Scenic Discovery Yacht and enjoy some of the most inspiring views on board.

Scenic Discovery:
Today, you may have the opportunity to explore this fascinating landscape on the fleet of Zodiacs, by kayak or stand-up paddleboarding~. You may also have the opportunity to experience this incredible landscape from the air by taking an exclusive optional helicopter^ flight.

Conditions permitting, we may approach remote Coulman Island, a dramatic volcanic island rising from the icy Ross Sea and recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) for its immense emperor penguin colony. The island is home to one of the largest known emperor penguin breeding sites in the world, where tens of thousands of birds gather on the sea ice to raise their chicks each season.

While landings are rarely possible due to sea ice and weather, simply cruising off Coulman Island is an extraordinary experience. Keep watch from the Observation Deck or your private verandah as your Discovery Team helps you look for lines of emperor penguins on the ice, distant penguin calls, or the blow of whales moving through these rich waters.

This evening, savour contemporary French fine dining at Lumière+, paired with an exquisite selection of Champagne, or enjoy the exquisite flavours of the Sushi & Saké Bar @ Koko's.

Scenic Discovery:
If conditions are favourable, you may explore the surrounding pack ice on a Zodiac cruise, gaining a closer, low-level perspective on the dramatic sea-ice landscapes that Emperor penguins rely on. Depending on sea and ice conditions, your Discovery Leader may instead choose to focus on viewing from the Scenic Discovery Yacht, with time on deck and in the Observation Lounge to search for seabirds, seals and, with the right conditions, emperor penguins on the ice edge.

Today is a flexible exploration day in the Ross Sea Region, with your Captain and Discovery Leader selecting the best experiences based on weather, ice and wildlife opportunities. This remote and rarely visited part of East Antarctica is a stronghold for Adélie and Emperor penguins, as well as Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, and several whale species.

You may find yourself cruising past sculpted sea ice, tracing the coastline of Victoria Land, or exploring bays and headlands that have inspired generations of polar explorers. 

Consider joining a complimentary class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio between outings, or recharge in the state-of-the-art POWER: Gym. This evening, linger over a crafted beverage in the Scenic Lounge Bar as you reflect on your extraordinary time in the Ross Sea, or savour the vibrant street-food inspired dishes at Night Market @ Koko's+. 

Remote and otherworldly, Antarctic is irresistible for its spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers, and for the possibility of up-close encounters with marine mammals and the iconic penguins. The Antarctic Peninsula – the main peninsula closest to South America – has a human history of almost 200 years, with explorers, sealers, whalers, and scientists who have come to work, and eventually intrepid visitors coming to enjoy this pristine and remote wilderness. It is a region of protected bays, unscaled snow-capped mountains, vast glaciers and a few places where whalers or scientists have worked. Just as irresistible are the many Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies, the seals basking on ice floes, the whales and orcas.

Today, you enter the wild, windswept world of New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands, a remote sanctuary recognised for its extraordinary birdlife and rich, thriving ecosystems. Rugged cliffs, green-topped plateaus and surf-lashed shorelines reveal a landscape shaped by powerful Southern Ocean swells and persistent winds.

Conditions permitting, your Captain and Discovery Leader will seek out the best opportunities to explore this remarkable region, perhaps cruising by Zodiac beneath towering sea cliffs or watching for penguins porpoising through the water near the ship. From the decks and Observation Lounge, have your in-suite binoculars ready for albatrosses, petrels and other seabirds that wheel effortlessly overhead.

Order in-suite dining through your personal butler and savour a leisurely meal in the privacy of your spacious all-verandah suite as the scenery drifts quietly by.

Scenic Discovery:
Depending on weather and conditions, you may have the opportunity to explore by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard~, gaining a close-up view of the islands’ dramatic coastlines and abundant wildlife. Your Discovery Team will be on hand to interpret the scenery and introduce you to the unique plants and animals that make these remote islands such a special part of the Southern Ocean.

Situated almost equidistant between Christchurch and Dunedin, Timaru has oft been overlooked by those just needing to get from one city to another but more fool them! The town’s name comes from the Māori name Te Maru, meaning ‘place of shelter’ and the pretty town reveals not only stunning Middle Earth landscape and views to write home about, but an intact Victorian / Edwardian shopping precinct with many of the building being built in local volcanic bluestone. Understandably, beach life is very important here and the long ribbons of white sandy beaches and clean seas are perfect for a swimming, sunning and spoiling yourself! Voted one of New Zealand’s top 10 most loved beaches, Caroline Bay is simply a treasure. Built on the rolling hills created from the lava flows of the extinct Mt Horrible volcano, Timaru is a melting pot of culture, history, adventure and dramatic scenery. Art lovers too will not be left wanting as the city’s art gallery holds the third largest public art collection in the South Island. Walking enthusiasts will not want to miss one of the many walks along the coast or rivers that vary from short paved paths – ideal for pushchairs and wheelchairs to longer, more strenuous hikes. Well signposted and maintained, these tracks are especially beautiful in the autumn when the leaves are turning colour. And do not forget to be on the lookout for penguins, which will happily waddle alongside you some of the way!

Situated almost equidistant between Christchurch and Dunedin, Timaru has oft been overlooked by those just needing to get from one city to another but more fool them! The town’s name comes from the Māori name Te Maru, meaning ‘place of shelter’ and the pretty town reveals not only stunning Middle Earth landscape and views to write home about, but an intact Victorian / Edwardian shopping precinct with many of the building being built in local volcanic bluestone. Understandably, beach life is very important here and the long ribbons of white sandy beaches and clean seas are perfect for a swimming, sunning and spoiling yourself! Voted one of New Zealand’s top 10 most loved beaches, Caroline Bay is simply a treasure. Built on the rolling hills created from the lava flows of the extinct Mt Horrible volcano, Timaru is a melting pot of culture, history, adventure and dramatic scenery. Art lovers too will not be left wanting as the city’s art gallery holds the third largest public art collection in the South Island. Walking enthusiasts will not want to miss one of the many walks along the coast or rivers that vary from short paved paths – ideal for pushchairs and wheelchairs to longer, more strenuous hikes. Well signposted and maintained, these tracks are especially beautiful in the autumn when the leaves are turning colour. And do not forget to be on the lookout for penguins, which will happily waddle alongside you some of the way!