Following in the Footsteps of History: Scenic Unveils New Expeditions in Remote Antarctic Regions
Scenic has introduced three new voyages in the East Antarctic and Ross Sea region on the Scenic Eclipse II, offering limited numbers of guests the opportunity to explore areas that have traditionally been off-limits to expedition cruise lines. The new itineraries are part of the company's 2024/2025 program, and offer discounts of up to $7,000 per cabin and complimentary economy or business class airfare for guests who book and pay in full at least a year before departure.
“We're excited to offer these new voyages in response to demand for exclusive destinations paired with ultra-luxury experiences,” said Claudius Docekal, Vice President of Ocean Deployment at Scenic. “The Scenic Eclipse II is the newest and most advanced luxury expedition ship operating in the remote East Antarctic and Ross Sea region, and will set the standard for providing once-in-a-lifetime journeys for our guests.”
One of the voyages offered is the 25-day Mawson’s Hut & Commonwealth Bay, Australia’s Antarctic Expedition which departs from the Milford Sound fjord on New Zealand South Island, and ends in Hobart, Tasmania, including a visit to the Mawson’s Huts complex at Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay. The huts, built and occupied by the Australasian Antarctic Expedition of 1911-1914, led by explorer Dr Douglas Mawson, are one of just six surviving from the “heroic era” of Antarctic exploration. Subject to permit, Scenic Eclipse II will also make a landing on Macquarie Island, home to the royal penguins. Prices for the trip start at $39,795 per person, double.
Another voyage is the 24-day Antarctica’s Ross Sea – Majestic Ice & Wildlife, which has two sailings, one from Hobart, Australia to Dunedin, New Zealand and one round-trip sailing from Dunedin. Both itineraries, weather permitting, include a visit to Ross Island, home to Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on Earth, and the historical hut of Sir Ernest Shackleton. On Cape Adare, guests will have the chance to take a Zodiac trip to see the largest Adélie penguin rookery in Antarctica, while the volcanic Franklin Island offers another opportunity to explore the Adélie penguins and otherworldly landscapes such as the Mars-like Dry Valley, only accessible by helicopter. Fares for the trip start at $39,795