Rediscovering Antarctica on board Scenic Eclipse

Offering a small-ship cruise experience with capacity for just 200 guests in Polar regions, Scenic Eclipse has pioneered a private-superyacht experience with expert staff and crew, with an unparalleled level of ultra-luxury features. You can experience truly all-inclusive cruising with up to 10 dining experiences, nine bars and lounges, in your luxurious and generously sized veranda suite. Or relax in the extensive indulgent spaces, including the Observation Lounge and Library, state-of-the-art theatre, expansive 550 sq m Senses Spa, gym, and the only yoga and Pilates studio at sea.

Scenic Eclipse also enables guests to soar above and below the horizon – in one of two on board Airbus helicopters^ or by submerging up to 300 metres beneath the surface of the ocean in the on board submarine, Scenic Neptune^. An up to 20-member team of curated experts form the Discovery Team who are highly knowledgeable experts across a range of disciplines, including botany, science, history, glaciology, marine biology and photography.

Please note: ^Flights on board our two helicopters, helicopter experiences and submarines at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather and ice conditions. Helicopters are unable to operate in South Georgia, Svalbard and Russia. Submarine unable to operate in US waters and Svalbard.

Now, with much anticipation, the world is opening up again. Pristine destinations such as Antarctica will be ripe for discovering once more. Our Captain, crew, staff and Discovery Team members on board Scenic Eclipse, many of whom have visited Antarctica multiple times, are as eager as our guests to return once again to witness and share with you the majesty of this unforgettable destination.

Here we chat to Jason Flesher, Expedition Operations Manager of Scenic Eclipse who shares his insights just how comfortable and confident you can feel to travel to this exceptional destination on board Scenic Eclipse.

The world is starting to travel again. Why should I travel as far as Antarctica?  

Antarctica is such a magnificent destination that provides endless experiences every day on every excursion. This season will be like no other, with only a few who will be operating this return season. As there will have been no tourists to have visited Antarctica for nearly two years, I am expecting unbelievable encounters and experiences with the wildlife. Early 2022 will be the season to go to Antarctica. I can assure you that after your trip, the next time you look at a globe or a world map, your eyes will go straight to the bottom and stir up thoughts of when you can be back there again.

The expert Discovery Team forms the core of our Expedition Voyages and are so passionate about this part of the world and they will be ecstatic to be back in Antarctica. Their excitement and love for this region is contagious and is at an all-time high after two years away. They all bring this unique region to life for our guests and enrich the experience with their passion, personal experiences and knowledge.  

Will it be safe to travel to Antarctica? 

While the world may have changed, our commitment to our guests, the guest experience and their health, safety and wellbeing remains our key priority.  
On board Scenic Eclipse, all guests and crew will be fully vaccinated, with negative COVID tests received 72 hours prior to arrival and testing taking place again before boarding Scenic Eclipse for Antarctica. There are increased hygiene practices, state of the art ventilation systems, a medical centre, hand sanitisation stations throughout the ship and we will be practicing social distancing while on board.  

The entire Scenic Group works closely with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), local and international Government Health agencies, to ensure our protocols not only meet but exceed the latest regulatory requirements. In addition, we are implementing the newest insights that help us to safeguard the health and safety of our guests and staff, while ensuring a truly wonderful guest experience. 

We will continuously update our protocols to safeguard both the health and the experience of our guests. 

Learn more about or health and safety protocols here. 

What wildlife can I expect to see in Antarctica? 

When visiting Antarctica, prepare to possibly see up to eight species of penguins, five species of seals, eight species of whales and several species of birds. A fun fact – penguins did not evolve to fly as there are only a few terrestrial predators in Antarctica, so there was no evolutionary need.  

The main Antarctica region is completely devoid of land mammals, but instead, the thrill of Antarctica is in its abundant marine animals, including penguins, seals, orcas, whales such as the blue whale and the newest classified species of Orca in 2021, the Delta Orca.  

I heard that it was possible to pass COVID on to wildlife in Antarctica. Is that true? 

As we all know, COVID-19 can be very unpredictable and while research has been conducted that suggests that seals and birds such as penguins are a very low risk of infection, we will nonetheless be taking all precautions necessary during our excursions in Antarctica to ensure maximum protection of wildlife. All guests and crew will be fully vaccinated and as always, we will be maintaining safe distances from all wildlife.  

Renew your passion for discovery again. Debut your 2022 travels by booking with confidence to visit what many consider the pinnacle of destinations, Antarctica. When you travel in ultra-luxury on board Scenic Eclipse, with her expert Discovery Team and crew, you can rest assured that your safety and wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do – in tandem with facilitating travel memories that will last a lifetime. We are confident that you’ll find that the wait will have been worth it.

About Jason Flesher

Jason has been Expedition Operations Manager since July 2019, overseeing all aspects of the discovery program and team on board Scenic Eclipse. Jason has been committed to all aspects of experiential and wilderness education, guiding and managing programs along with wilderness search and rescue missions on every continent, for more than 35 years.

In 2010, Jason’s professional Polar experience began as an Expedition Guide, becoming the Lead Antarctic Expedition Guide and Program Operations Manager for six years. Prior to joining Scenic, Jason worked with several other Polar Expeditions operators. He was on board Scenic Eclipse as Discovery Leader for her maiden voyage in 2019.

^Helicopter, helicopter excursions and submarine at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, weight restrictions, weather and ice conditions. Helicopters are unbale to operate in South Georgia.