Antarctica & the Weddell Sea

Welcome to Buenos Aires, where you’ll have an overnight hotel stay. Perhaps plan to spend some time in the city, nicknamed the ‘Paris of South America’. Resplendent with Belle Epoque buildings, sidewalk cafes and green spaces, there’s the fiery passion of Latin America – a collective love for football, flame-cooked meats (asado) and the tango. Highlights include La Boca, a colourful, creative mecca with a must-do art walk, and San Telmo, a former aristocratic neighbourhood that was abandoned during a 19th-century epidemic. Mansions were turned into conventillos (shared housing), boutique hotels, antique shops, and tango clubs, exuding a captivating bohemian vibe.

Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, the main island of Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world. The Captain and crew will warmly greet you as you board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. Toast the start of your once-in-a-lifetime expedition as you depart South America and cruise through the calm and scenic Beagle Channel, named so for the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his five-year discovery journey. Admire the dramatic views of the Andean mountains from the comfort of your private verandah or from the Observation Deck with its commanding view of the bow.

Wake up in your own time as you cruise across the Drake Passage, the infamous waterway that connects South America to Antarctica. Perhaps ask your butler for breakfast to be delivered to your spacious suite or meet fellow guests in the Yacht Club. Today, join an introductory presentation by the polar Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre as they explain how your Zodiac and other Discovery Excursions will work in the coming days. The theatre is where you can watch talks, lectures, movies and documentaries during the day. At night, enjoy world-class productions and fun interactive game shows.

Today you will enter Antarctic waters, an unpredictable but stunningly beautiful environment. Put on your complimentary polar parka and head to the Observation Deck to spot icebergs for the first time.  While Scenic Eclipse sails through Antarctica, we may have the opportunity to visit various locations over the following days. Such as Deception Island, where ships can sail into the centre of a submerged caldera of an active volcano, and Brown Bluff, a stunning ice-capped volcanic cliff. Additionally, take a Zodiac cruise past the breathtaking Devil Island or go ashore at Telefon Bay to see penguins, seabirds, and seals. Discovery: Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, Discovery excursions throughout your Expedition Voyage are dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Your experienced Captain and specialist polar Discovery Team, who have made countless journeys to Antarctica, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, making the most of 18–20 hours of daylight.

Put on your complimentary polar parka and head out on the Observation Deck to watch for seabirds, such as the wandering albatross, which have the largest wingspan of any flying bird, as well as shearwaters, giant petrels and more. Alternatively, look for the blow of a whale in the distance and be amazed by the stunning display of colossal tabular icebergs as you cruise through the renowned Antarctic Sound. The  Discovery Team will help you prepare for your first landing on the White Continent, offering insight and inspiration as well as giving you practical information about your polar expedition. Discovery: Daily experiences may include cruising on Zodiacs, stepping ashore to view vast penguin rookeries or historic huts, and kayaking or paddle boarding around icebergs. Wherever your voyage takes you, you will have countless “pinch me" moments.

Remarkable wildlife encounters await during your time exploring Antarctica, with around twelve million penguins living on the Peninsula. Going ashore to visit a penguin colony is an unforgettable experience. Watch the sea for humpback, blue, fin and minke whales, as well as the distinctive black and white orcas. For a truly unique and exclusive experience, book a helicopter excursion^ to visit Snow Hill Island, one of only two Emperor penguin colonies of its kind in the Peninsula. Departing by helicopter from your Discovery Yacht in the Weddell Sea, you’ll land on Snow Hill Island and walk 1.5 kilometres with your Discovery Team to see the colony. The Emperor penguins are only present at this location at the start of the Antarctica season and there are only a couple of voyages with this experience. Discovery: Explore by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with possible shore landings (weather and ice permitting). To see Antarctica from above or below the horizon book a helicopter^ or a submersible^ experience.

The mesmerising Weddell Sea is best known as the location where Ernest Shackleton’s expedition to cross the Antarctic came to a crushing end, when his ship Endurance was trapped in ice. Today, it’s one of the most pristine and intact ecosystems on Earth. On board your Discovery Yacht will wind through the dense ice floes and tabular icebergs. From your verandah, listen for the ghostly call of the Weddell seal welcoming you to their kingdom. They are one of the toughest mammals on the planet, permanently living further south than any other mammal. Discovery: Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions. Cruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations, step onto islands to view vast penguin rookeries and seals. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard around icebergs and hear the ice cracking and whales feeding below.

Included in your Expedition Voyage are immersive activities such as Zodiac excursions, landings, and guided hikes. You can also go kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, which will become some of your favourite activities in Antarctica. Gliding along the water is peaceful and being at the same level as the icebergs is both a humbling and powerful experience. An expert polar Discovery Team guide will be with you for any questions you may have, although it is the perfect time to embrace the silence and be in the moment.

Your discovery experiences are elevated by your relaxing time on board. Take some time to explore your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, from the Sky Bar on Deck 10 to the tranquil Senses Spa# on Deck 6. Join the polar Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre for engaging lectures and learn more about Antarctica. Explore more of the up to 10 all-inclusive dining experiences today, sampling fine French cuisine at Lumière or vibrant Asian fusion at Koko’s. Alternatively, choose to dine in your suite and have your butler bring an evening nightcap from a range of premium wines, beers and spirits. Discovery: Explore by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with possible shore landings (weather and ice permitting). To see Antarctica from above or below the horizon book a helicopter^ or a submersible^ experience.

Slide open the floor-to-ceiling doors of your suite to see icebergs and glacial mountains rising from the ocean. Antarctica is also a birdwatchers paradise, with more than 40 different species. Keep your eyes peeled for wandering albatrosses, shearwaters, giant petrels and more.  Whales are another majestic creature you may encounter, whether a minke, a humpback or an Orca. Watch them from the comfort of your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, in a Zodiac with an experienced Polar Discovery Team member, or from their level in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard – a breathtaking experience. Discovery: When enjoying daily Scenic Discovery excursions, ask for your expert Polar Discovery Leader for photography tips and guidance on how to spot the wildlife around you. They will help you immortalise these incredible moments while cruising on the Zodiacs, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding around impressive ice formations.

Lemaire Channel^^ renowned for its picturesque views and often referred to as Kodak Alley, could be you next exiting destination. If during your voyage your Discovery Yacht weaves through this channel, make sure you set your alarm and embrace the cool air from the Observation Terrace. Pass through the 11-kilometre-long channel, just 700 metres wide at its narrowest point, and be amazed at the dramatic rocky mountains and glowing blue icebergs so close to the ship. In between Discovery experiences, enjoy a specialty tea or coffee in the Observation Lounge and watch the world float by through Swarovski telescopes.

The polar plunge is a rite of passage on an expedition to Antarctica. Once throughout your voyage, Scenic Eclipse will stop, and the team will set up the marina ready for the brave people who want to jump into the freezing Antarctic waters. As you stand on the edge ready to jump, you’ll feel the adrenaline rush. The moment before you hit the water will feel like it lasts forever, but soon an invigorating, exciting and surprisingly refreshing sensation will take over. Afterwards, return to the ship for a cup of hot chocolate or toast with a glass of whiskey. 

After days of enriching discoveries, it’s time to reflect on your journey. Ask the butler to bring your morning coffee, then enjoy a complimentary yoga or Pilates class followed by a deeply healing Tibetan Sound Bowl Meditation session. Sit down for lunch with your new friends, sharing photos and travel experiences as you recall your favourite memories from these awe-inspiring days on the seventh continent. Later tonight, raise a glass to an unforgettable voyage at the spacious Scenic Lounge Bar. Enjoy your beverage of choice, whether it be aged whiskey—there are over 130 varieties—or a glass of wine. Discovery: Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions. Cruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations, step onto islands to view vast penguin rookeries and seals. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard around icebergs and hear the ice cracking and whales feeding below.

Cruising the Drake Passage back to South America, there is plenty of time to indulge in the ultra-luxury of your Discovery Yacht and reflect on the magic moments you’ve experienced in the Southern Ocean. Freshly squeezed juice, steaming barista-made coffee or tea delivered to your door by the butler will help start your day. Enjoy an al fresco lunch at the Yacht Club with your fellow voyagers and spend the afternoon nestled into one of the cabanas on Deck 10. Tonight, enjoy world-class, engaging performances in the state-of-the-art theatre before a nightcap brought to your suite by your butler.

Have you visited the bridge yet? Thanks to the Captain’s open bridge policy, guests are welcome any time to learn more about the technical abilities of The World’s First Discovery Yacht and see it in full operation. The bridge is also one of the best viewing areas on the ship. Make sure you book a treatment# at the tranquil Senses Spa before your Discovery expedition ends. Perhaps an ESPA facial or massage or an alternative therapy including Ayuverdic massage. Afterwards, hold on to that feeling of calm for a while longer in the Zen-like space of the Vitality Lounge.

Your voyage ends this morning as you farewell the crew and fellow guests. Disembark after breakfast in Ushuaia, Argentina for your included transfer flight to Buenos Aires where your journey concludes, taking away memories of a truly unforgettable experience. Please book your flight to depart out of Buenos Aires after 09:30 PM. ^^Subject to weather and operational conditions. Sightings cannot be guaranteed. ^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, ice and tidal conditions.  #Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Speciality restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.