Antarctica ~
Scenic eclipse

Scenic Eclipse has a Capacity of 228 with crew of 178 but for the Antarctic route they limit themselves to 200 lucky passengers. The crew to guest ratio guarantees sublime personal comfort and impeccable service.

The latest GPS Dynamic Positioning also means the ship maintains its location without dropping anchor onto sensitive sea beds, thereby protecting the fragile environment. This ships environmental credentials and capabilities are important for the environmentalist, wildlife, and expedition team onboard.

We expected first class service and total luxury and that is exactly what we experienced.  The restaurants, bars and lounges are all beautifully appointed offering a modern elegant and tranquil space to relax between expeditions or, to meet with fellow explorer passengers at the infamous Whiskey bar. Keep a lookout for the ice block at the bar, carved from a passing iceberg! The viewing deck library lends armchair comfort and a great space from which to view and photograph the unbelievable sights. James and I related directly with early explorers in awe of our surroundings, all but for the Columbian roast coffee in hand.

One question I needed to be answered before embarking on such an epic trip was, what to pack! The weather changes in a heartbeat. It can be pleasantly warm or very, very cold and you do need proper protective clothing at hand. It’s a dry cold so it’s strangely not uncomfortable, unless you’re one of the hardy souls who takes the legendary iceberg challenge to jump into the arctic waters for a dip! Thin base layers most-times however, a fleece and the Scenic Eclipse lined and waterproof jackets they provide (and you can take home) are enough. Indoors is ski-chalet warm but, waterproofs to go over your trousers, thermal socks, hat, and ski gloves are advisable outdoors and can be booked in advance with the trip. A balaclava or snood is a good idea as are hand warmers – it gets very cold on the zodiacs when moving at speed.  Onboard the dress code is very casual during the day with people dressing up a little for dinner. The Captain’s table is a great treat however, if you get your marker in early.. the Chef’s table is the golden ticket!

Everyday in the auditorium the marine biologist and conservation team give talks on what’s seen and what’s coming – this is doubly interesting, and educational. Much like your own David Attenborough’s on tap. Our ship stopped unexpectedly early hours of the morning to let anyone who wanted, see a pod of Orcas hunting, right next to the boat. Sorry…. I should call it a ship, but it honestly felt like our own private yacht, with friends.

Each day we had 2 expeditions one morning and one afternoon, the zodiacs take 8, on some trips you land and explore the islands and other times you cruise the perimeter ice-face – what I can say is that every time we went out, we had a new experience and saw something awe-inspiring. The helicopter is unique to Scenic Eclipse taking you over the frozen landscape and into the wilds, mountains, icepack and waters. Any other ship experiences only see the edge of land and perhaps 300m in, they can’t explore further. The helicopter takes you over the edge, and the onboard submarine, below it!

One is not allowed to approach the wildlife, but somebody forgot to tell the penguins this rule! So, if you stand still… these charming little characters can’t help their inquisitive nature and their taste for boots! … And then there’s the champagne, smiles and warm towels awaiting your return. Oh! how we suffered in our duty to test such a humbling trip.

On a practical front, there isn’t such a thing as a bad cabin. Set your budget and go for it. Every cabin is external facing, and has a balcony and Butler, and the smallest are still suites by any other standard and, perfectly comfortable should you choose to hole up for the day enroute through the Drakes Passage crossing.

Given the chance, we will go again. Scenic Eclipse also explores the Arctic for those in search of Polar bears. Remember, the Arctic for Polar bears, Antarctica for everything else. We still treasure the privilege to witness the majesty of the frozen wastelands, the remote explorer stations now preserved and frozen in time for posterity and, to fall in love with the planet and its fragility.

Karen Beagrie explored Antarctica aboard the Scenic Eclipse Expedition Yacht in February. The season extends November thru February, and she would be happy to share her photographs and experience” ~ James & Karen