Itinerary

Buenos Aires, At Sea, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, At Sea, Antarctica, Ushuaia / Buenos Aires

Your Ship: Scenic Eclipse

Experience the extraordinary in every way on board Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yachts™. Inspired by the sleek contours of a sailing yacht, Scenic Eclipse has set the benchmark in ultra-luxury ocean cruising.

Designed to deliver the ultimate 6-star ultra-luxury cruise experience of a lifetime for up to 228 guests, with only 200 guests in the Polar regions. Scenic Eclipse’s state-of-the-art technology allows for smooth navigation through all waters due to its Polar Class 6 rating, electronic Azipod propulsion system and oversized stabilisers.

Its GPS Dynamic Positioning also allows the Discovery Yacht to maintain location without dropping anchors onto sensitive sea beds. This dedication to your safety, environmental protection and world-class innovation has allowed us to design the most inspiring and exciting itineraries possible.

Explore above, below and beyond the horizon by helicopter^, submarine^, Zodiac or kayak. From nature to cultural encounters, and historic cities to ancient monuments, a Scenic Eclipse voyage is sure to leave with you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Latin passion and European romance define the beautiful city of Buenos Aires, a dynamic city known for its wide-ranging architectural styles, contemporary and historical arts, and culinary experiences. The crew will warmly greet you as you seamlessly board Scenic Eclipse. Settle into your luxurious suite and acquaint yourself with the world-class facilities of your Discovery Yacht. Toast the start of your voyage as you sail away from South America. 

Day 2

As we begin sailing towards the subantarctic islands, enjoy a sleep-in as you get comfortable with the rhythm of the ocean. The experienced crew are available to assist you with whatever you need. Join an introductory presentation by the Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre – as you get ready for your first landing, they will share with you their excitement about what's to come, along with practical information about your polar expedition. Relax and enjoy the bars, lounges, dining, and wellness facilities as you cruise towards Antarctica.  

Day 3

Make yourself at home on board Scenic Eclipse and be immersed in unsurpassed luxury. Settle in at any one of the nine spacious bars and lounges to enjoy your beverage of choice. Relish French Champagne at Lumière’s Champagne Bar, indulge in an aged whiskey at the Scenic Lounge Bar or sip on a cocktail in your cabana near the Panorama Bar. In the quiet of the Observation Lounge and Library, you can read a book or play board games as you enjoy a specialty tea or coffee. Take a closer look at landscapes and wildlife as you cruise by, through the Swarovski telescopes.

Day 4

As you cruise south, wildlife spotting opportunities abound; your expert Discovery Team will be with you out on the deck looking for albatross, prions, and petrels that follow the ship. Enjoy lectures on the history and geology of the Falkland Islands and the Southern Ocean in the state-of-the-art on board theatre. 

Day 5

Remote and sparsely populated, the Falkland Islands are a wildlife lover’s paradise. You will visit several of the outer islands, where large colonies of penguins and albatross thrive. Fur seals and elephant seals roam sandy beaches, while the surrounding waters are home to whales and dolphins.

During your time in the Falkland Islands, you will also be likely to visit Stanley, the capital of the archipelago on East Falkland. Since its colonisation in the 18th century, the ownership of the Falkland Islands has been clouded in controversy between French, British, Spanish and Argentina. In 1982, the Falklands War resulted in this remote outpost and the islands remain part of the British Commonwealth.

This town offers a unique British outpost feel as you meander through its central streets. . Visit an array of local shops and see incredible landscapes such as the Christ Church Cathedral with its whalebone arch, or maybe even stop in at an English pub to share a pint with the friendly locals.

Day 6

Throughout your time in the Falkland Islands, you will see why it is considered one of the wonders of the far Southern Hemisphere. Admire the windswept green hills and clear waters that lap the white sand beaches that could be mistaken for a much more tropical location. Walk along beautiful beaches, wander through tussock grass or sit atop a cliff and ponder the views. The photographer in you will feel the joy as your camera gets a workout.

Overflowing with natural beauty, the Falkland Islands is home to an army of penguins and birdlife. The world’s largest population of Gentoo penguins  is found here, in addition to other penguin species such as King, Magellanic and rockhopper penguins. Sit on the beaches and watch as they waddle along, interacting with each other.

You can also find the black- browed albatross, plus the Cobb’s wren and the Falkland’s flightless steamer duck which are both endemic bird species. Your expert Discovery Team, comprised of biologists, historians, geologists and other leading specialists, will be sure to educate you on the local flora and fauna, making the most out of your time in the Falklands.

Freechoice: Take a walking tour of the small capital with an expert local guide for a closer look at the Islanders' daily life in this rugged, remote but beautiful location. Alternatively, visit the key sites of the Falklands War on a Battlefields Tour, delving into the events that led up to the 1982 battle while admiring the views of the Island.

Day 7

Spend the day at leisure exploring the various amenities of your luxurious Discovery Yacht. Tempt your palate at one of the dining experiences or unwind in Senses Spa.

Day 8

Sailing towards South Georgia gives you time to slow to the rhythm of the sea. Enjoy your time to relax and be entranced by the many seabirds you’ll encounter on your way. You may decide to join the avid whale watchers hoping to get a glimpse of one of these giant mammals or simply contemplate the vastness of the ocean from your private verandah while your butler pours you your favourite drink.

Day 9

South Georgia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world. During your time here , the expert team on board Scenic Eclipse will design a unique itinerary around weather and ice conditions toshow you South Georgia's immense wildlife and stunning landscapes.

A 3,000-metre mountain range forms the spine of the long, narrow island. Between the mountains, shattered glaciers carve their way through tussock grass to the deeply indented coastline. Despite being such a small outpost in the vastness of the South Atlantic, the sea around South Georgia is one of the liveliest areas on Earth. While it remains permanently uninhabited by humans, it is home to an abundance of wildlife, including king penguins, albatross, as well as elephant and fur seals.

With nicknames including ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ and ‘Galápagos of the Poles’, South Georgia is a top spot for wildlife photographers from all over the world. Recognised for being home to some of the world’s largest concentrations of king penguins, South Georgia will leave you in awe  . Look along the black sand beach and witness a sea of black, white and bursts of yellow and orange, admiring as they stand, squabble, and curiously investigate. Listen as they loudly sing to each other.

In addition to king penguins, you will also find gentoo, Macaroni penguins, and other glorious birdlife like the majestic wandering albatrosses, which you can see gliding on gusts of wind, over the choppy waves. One day you may see rookeries with hundreds of thousands of pairs of king penguins waddling on a beach, and the next day you may visit another beach dotted with thousands of fur or elephant seals. You'll be stunned by the numerous wildlife you'll see.

Discovery: During the days spent in South Georgia, the Discovery Team plans to go ashore at several possible places to take you closer to the incredible wilderness and wildlife. They will also explain how important the landscape is for the breeding and survival of different species on the island.

Day 10

Weather and ice conditions permitting, while in South Georgia, you may also explore the settlement of Grytviken.

Encircled by steep rugged mountains Grytviken was previously a haven for hunting whales, but due to overhunting, whale stocks around this region rapidly diminished. You can still see the remnants of the old whaling stations, with some ships left rusting around the bay and other abandoned outposts.  Now that hunting is history, these islands have remarkable ecological recovery, with wildlife populations rebounding.

Grytviken is also the final resting place of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. As you stand in the cemetery, you'll feel the emotional connection to this legendary character  , as if history came alive. Visit his grave, learn about his famous expedition and make a toast, paying respects to the great explorer.

Fortuna Bay is another possible landing site in South Georgia, subject to weather and ice conditions.  Offering both teeming wildlife viewing and a wonderful panorama from its beach of jagged summit peaks and the remarkable expanse of the Konig Glacier, it is home to a large population of king penguin, Antarctic fur seal, elephant seal, brown skua, giant petrel, and Antarctic tern. This site’s varying tundra and curious penguins and seal pups will likely provide some of the best pictures of your voyage.

In Salisbury Plain, visit the world's second largest king penguin colony, with more than 250,000 of them. The impressive sights and sounds that you will experience are beyond any photo or video. Be in awe before the amphitheatre of snowcapped mountains looking down on the colony, as the penguins put on a show nesting, breeding and moulting on the shores. Large amounts of elephant and fur seals are also found along the 3km long pebble beach, moving between the clusters of wildlife. The basin is framed by tussac-covered hills and bluffs on one side and the Bay of Isles on the other, but it’s Grace Glacier and Lucas Glacier on each end that give Salisbury Plain its visual appeal.

Another must see is the deserted whaling village of Stromness, the saving grace for Sir Ernest Shackleton and his companions. After a gruelling 36-hour hike through the South Georgia Mountains, Shackleton was helped by the Norwegian whaling station manager at this remote outpost of civilisation. Listen as your expert Discovery Team leader shares stories from the past as you admire the structures from afar. Discovery: Equipped with a fleet of custom-built Zodiacs and kayaks, your discovery excursions will take you to the places of you could only dream of before.

Day 11

Your expedition of South Georgia could also visit some of the below locations.

The small cove of Gold Harbour is regarded as one of the most beautiful areas in the region. Framed by the glacier-covered peaks of the Salvesen Range, Gold Harbour summarises South Georgia's wildlife and scenery in one place. King penguins, gentoos and elephant seals are the major players in this all-natural amphitheatre.

A hidden gem located at the southeastern-most extremity of South Georgia, Cooper Bayoffers various inlets and crevices along the rocky shores. Explore by Zodiac while watching for Giant petrels and brown skuas as they soar around above, or look into the kelp forests for playful fur seals. Onshore, admire the many seals as you climb a short but steep hill to find a macaroni penguin colony hidden among tussock grasses.  Drygalski Fjord is one of the most scenic areas of South Georgia. The narrow channel is a reminder of the powerful glacier that shaped this land. Sheer, snow-covered walls lined the fjord on either side as icebergs and bergy bits gently float by Scenic Eclipse as you watch from the Observation Terrace. The Risting Glacier looms at the end of the fjord, so make sure you listen for a thundering crack that indicates a huge block of ice is falling into the water. Drygalski Fjord is also the main breeding area in South Georgia for snow petrels, so use your binoculars to find these as they blend into the white cliffs.

Discovery: Enjoy all-inclusive discovery excursions on Zodiacs and kayaks guided by your Discovery Team specialist.

Day 12

After days of exploration take a moment to yourself in your luxuriously-appointed suite. Marvel at wildlife from the observation deck as your butler brings you an afternoon tea. Then delve into an insightful conversation with one of our Discovery Team members after an educational lecture in the world-class theatre. Or simply watch as the world slips by as you rug up and relax in your cabana on Deck 10.

Day 13

Today we will enter Antarctic waters, and the excitement starts to build as you search for icebergs. Put on your complimentary polar parka and head out on the Observation Deck to watch for seabirds, such as the wandering albatross with the largest wingspan of any flying bird. Alternatively, watch for the blow of a whale in the distance. Your palate will be delighted as you explore the extensive range of dining options on board, from casual to fine dining, including private in-suite meals served by your butler.  

Day 14

Arriving in Antarctica for the first time is unlike anything you have experienced before. Welcome to a challenging, unpredictable, and stunningly beautiful environment that always finds a way to surprise you. Open your floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and step out onto the private verandah of your suite. See icebergs of different shapes and sizes sculpted by nature, majestic, glaciated mountains towering out of the ocean thousands of meters tall and enjoy the search for spotting penguins, seals, and whales.  A truly unique way to wake up and start your day of discovery.

At the heart of your Antarctic Voyage is the Scenic Eclipse Discovery Team. With up to 20 members, all leading experts in their fields with diverse qualifications, from in science to geology, botany, history, photography, archaeology, anthropology, marine biology, and glaciology. They will answer your most curious and technical questions and be with you throughout every moment of your journey.

Included in your Expedition Voyage are incredible activities such as Zodiac excursions, landings, and hikes. You can also go kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, 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 guide is with you for any questions you may have, although it is the perfect time to embrace the silence and be in the moment.

Day 15

Board your Zodiac and feel the fresh, crisp air on your face as you cruise towards the 7th continent. Hear the snow crunch under your boot as you prepare for what the landing has in store. Each new encounter will fill you with awe. Witness wildlife in their natural habitat, with no fear of humans, or see historic sites scattered on the shoreline. Antarctica is truly a land of wonder.

Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, a host of choices throughout your Expedition Voyage are open and dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Your experienced Captain and specialist 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.

Discovery: Continue exploring the Antarctica with your experienced team. Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions. Cruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations, step onto shore to view vast penguin rookeries and seals. Kayak or stand-up paddle board around icebergs and hear the ice cracking and whales feeding all around.

Day 16

Remarkable wildlife encounters await during your time exploring Antarctica.

Eight species of penguins can be found in Antarctic and the sub-Antarctic region, with around twelve million penguins living on the Peninsula. Going on shore to witness a penguin colony is an unforgettable experience. Close your eyes to get the full experience as you approach. Smell will be the first sense to be awakened, with the not-so-sweet odour announcing that you are nearby. Hear their mighty calls getting louder as you get closer to shore. Watch on as they go about their day, clumsily waddling along and interacting with each other. Penguins that you may see on the Peninsula include Adélie, Chinstrap, Gentoo, and the very rare Emperor penguins.

Whales are another powerful creature that you may encounter during your voyage, and you'll find their gentle movement calming and impactful. Feel the anticipation of the first sighting of the blow of water shooting into the air, to finding where the second will come from, and seeing their giant body surface for another breath. It could be the back of a minke, the hump on a humpback or the dorsal fin of an Orca. You may be on Scenic Eclipse, watching from the comfort of the Observation Lounge, in a Zodiac with an experienced Discovery Team member, or lucky enough to experience this from their level in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

Antarctica is also a birdwatcher's paradise, drawing more than 40 different species. Keep your eyes peeled for wandering albatrosses, shearwaters, giant petrels, storm petrels, blue-eyed shags, diving petrels, cormorants, sheathbills, skuas, gulls and terns.

Discovery: Explore Antarctica with your expert Discovery Team. Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions. Cruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations, step onto shore to view vast penguin rookeries and seals. Kayak or stand-up paddle board around icebergs and hear the ice cracking and whales feeding all around.  

Day 17

Ice is one of the first things that comes to mind when you think of Antarctica, but you will soon find out that it is much more than an endless white landscape. Portal Point is a potential landing site. Previously a British refuge hut, you will get the opportunity to walk up to see panoramic views from the snow-covered mountains surrounding you, looking over the ice filled ocean back to the ship that made all this possible. Sit down in the snow and take a moment to be still.

Lemaire Channel is an iconic location in Antarctica, so photogenic it was nicknamed ‘Kodak Alley’. If your voyage is able to weave through the channel, make sure you set your alarm and embrace the cool air on 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 rising beside the ship and icebergs passing by close enough to see them glowing blue under the surface.

Nestled in the South Shetland Islands archipelago, Deception Island is full of history, and is also one of the only places in the world that ships can sail directly into the centre of a submerged caldera of an active volcano. Scenic Eclipse can squeeze through a rocky gap into the peaceful waters of the horseshoe-shaped harbour. The island is also home to a few small scientific outposts and hundreds of thousands of chinstrap penguins. Walk along the ash-covered beaches.

Standing at the entrance of Fournier Bay is Mount Francis, the tallest mountain in Antarctica. There may be the chance to visit a working scientific base and discuss life in these harsh conditions with the staff. You can also explore the remnants of a derelict whaling station and a vacant British base or climb to the rim of a volcanic crater.

Enjoy the chance to visit areas alive with wildlife such as penguins, seals, and whales. If conditions are favourable, there may be the opportunity to cross the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66°33’ South.

Wherever your voyage takes you, you will have countless “pinch me" occasions when the scenery is so impressive, you'll have to be reminded that this dream came true. Congratulations, you have made it to Antarctica.

Discovery: Continue exploring the Antarctica with your experienced team. Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions. Cruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations, step onto shore to view vast penguin rookeries and seals. Kayak or stand-up paddle board around icebergs and hear the ice cracking and whales feeding all around.

Day 18

Be sure to pack your swimmers. For many, the polar plunge is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and a rite of passage for people 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.

Excitement will spread through the Discovery Yacht, and you will start hearing the contagious nervous laughter. As you stand on the edge ready to jump, you will start to feel the adrenaline rush while your second guessing whether this was a good idea. When you jump, the moment before you hit the water will feel like it goes forever, just before you feel the cold water travelling up your body. This chilly dip will be invigorating, exciting, and surprisingly refreshing. 

If you choose not to do the polar plunge, make sure you find a good viewing location with a cup of hot chocolate as you feel the chills of everyone coming out of the waters.  

Discovery: Enjoy a Scenic Discovery excursion, perhaps going with a group of new friends to cruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations, kayak, or stand-up paddle board in search of the impressive wildlife. 

Day 19

Everywhere you go in Antarctica you are surrounded with endless opportunities to capture images on camera. Whether getting up close to seals by zodiac, walking through penguin colonies or onboard Scenic Eclipse cruising past spectacular glaciers, be sure to have your camera ready to capture these amazing moments.

For an additional cost, today could be the day you take your seat in our custom-built submarine^ and delve below the ocean waters in a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. You could also choose to soar above in one of two on board helicopters^ for a unique view of this spectacular region.

Discovery: When enjoying daily Scenic Discovery excursions, ask for your expert 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 paddle boarding around impressive ice formations.

Day 20

Farewell your adventure in the icy lands and set sail heading north to the continent of South America. Share memories of your experiences with new-found friends.

Day 21

Cruising the Drake Passage back to the tip of South America, there is plenty of time to indulge in the ultra-luxury of your Discovery Yacht and reflect on the magic of the Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home.

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Buenos Aires, 27 November 2024 - Buenos Aires, 18 December 2024

In South Georgia, photograph the impressive jagged mountain vistas and walk through some of the world’s largest king penguin colonies. Summer comes to Antarctica and South Georgia like a revelation. Penguins nest, and voraciously hungry chicks grow quickly as their parents work hard feeding them. The waters are teeming with whales feasting on krill, orcas hunt in packs and elephant seal beachmasters are busy guarding their harem. In the Falkland Islands, we explore the historic town of Stanley and the wildlife endemic to the region.