Ultra-luxury adventures to East Antarctica
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is taking expedition cruising to the edge of the map in 2028–29, with Scenic Eclipse II returning to East Antarctica’s Ross Sea, one of the most remote and least-visited regions on Earth. Part of Scenic’s largest Discovery Yacht season yet, these voyages give travellers the chance to follow in the wake of polar explorers while enjoying all‑inclusive, six‑star comfort on a purpose‑built ultra‑luxury yacht.
You can explore ship details and polar itineraries via Scenic’s Discovery Yacht pages: Scenic Eclipse II.
Why the Ross Sea is a true once‑in‑a‑lifetime voyage
Unlike the better‑known Antarctic Peninsula, the Ross Sea lies deep in East Antarctica, far from regular cruise routes. This is the realm of vast ice shelves, emperor penguin colonies and historic expedition huts, visited by only a handful of small ships each season. Scenic’s Discovery Yacht programme is designed to get you as close as safely possible to this raw landscape, with Zodiac landings, ice cruising and expert‑led exploration whenever conditions allow.
With capacity for just up to 228 guests and an almost 1:1 staff‑to‑guest ratio, Scenic Eclipse II feels more like a private yacht than a cruise ship, but she carries all the gear you’d expect from a modern expedition vessel – from a strengthened hull for ice to a full expedition team on board.
Life on board Scenic Eclipse II
After days out on the ice, you return to a world of all‑suite accommodation, multiple dining venues and an expansive spa and wellness area. All drinks, meals, Wi‑Fi, butler service and gratuities are included, along with a wide range of shore excursions and Zodiac outings, so you can focus on the experience rather than the bill.
Even during sea days, the journey is rich: you can attend talks from polar experts, watch for whales and seabirds from the Observation Lounge, or simply soak in the heated vitality pools as the Southern Ocean rolls by outside.
Planning your East Antarctica escape
Scenic reports record pre‑registration interest for its 2028–29 Discovery Yacht season, reflecting strong demand from guests who have already sailed on Scenic Eclipse II in Australia and Antarctica. If East Antarctica’s Ross Sea is on your bucket list, it’s worth registering early – not just for the best suite categories, but because departures are limited by the short austral summer and the region’s extreme conditions.
To learn more about Scenic Eclipse II, view sample Ross Sea itineraries and register your interest for 2028–29, visit scenic.cruises or speak with your preferred travel advisor.
