Itinerary
- Day 1
Hobart
You'll arrive in Hobart and board the Scenic Eclipse II, where you're greeted with Champagne and welcomed into your verandah suite. After meeting your butler and checking out the ship's facilities, the vessel heads south toward Antarctica. Settle in and get comfortable before the journey really begins.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Welcome aboard with Champagne reception
- Explore Scenic Eclipse II Discovery Yacht facilities
- Gather on Observation Deck for departure toast
Landmarks Hobart Harbour 
- Day 2
Southern Ocean
Meet the Discovery Team of polar experts and catch an introductory presentation in the theatre about Antarctica's geology, wildlife, and exploration history. As you cross the Southern Ocean heading south, you'll start learning what to expect in the weeks ahead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Introductory presentation by Discovery Leader in theatre
- Meet Discovery Team of polar experts
- Day 3
Southern Ocean
This is a relaxing day at sea with lectures from the Discovery Team in the theatre covering Antarctica's history, environment, and wildlife. The Scenic Eclipse II moves smoothly through Antarctic waters while you take in information about what's coming.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Theatre lectures from Discovery Team on Antarctica's history and environment
- Day 4
Southern Ocean
Spend the day unwinding with yoga or Pilates classes, use the Vitality Pool, and spot wildlife from the Observation Lounge with Swarovski telescopes. Attend enrichment lectures on marine biodiversity and polar history. There's plenty to keep you engaged or completely relaxed depending on your mood.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Yoga or Pilates classes
- Access to Vitality Pool
- Wildlife spotting from Observation Lounge with Swarovski telescopes
- Enrichment lectures on Antarctic marine biodiversity, glaciology, and history
- Day 5
Southern Ocean
Expert-led lectures continue on Antarctic wildlife, ice formations, and early explorers. Pop up to the bridge to learn about the ship's sustainable technology, then choose from up to 10 dining experiences ranging from casual to elegant depending on what sounds good.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Expert-led lectures on Antarctic wildlife, ice formations, and polar exploration
- Open bridge policy to meet Captain and learn about sustainable systems
Optional Activities
- Dining at up to 10 restaurants from casual lunch at Azure Bar & Café to elegant dinner at Elements
- Day 6
Southern Ocean
Check out immersive presentations in the cinemascope theatre about Antarctica's landscapes and wildlife. Spot seabirds and marine mammals from the bridge or your verandah, then head to Senses Spa to relax. This evening you'll have contemporary French cuisine or fresh sushi depending on which restaurant you choose.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Immersive presentations from Discovery Team in cinemascope theatre
- Wildlife spotting from bridge or private verandah
Optional Activities
- ESPA facial at Senses Spa
- Contemporary French cuisine at Lumière or fresh sushi at Sushi @ Koko's
- Day 7
Southern Ocean
As first icebergs appear on the horizon, you'll attend a final expedition briefing covering Zodiac operations, wildlife etiquette, and safety procedures. The Discovery Team hosts interactive discussions about Antarctica's unique wildlife and ecosystems to prepare you for landings ahead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Final expedition briefing on Zodiac operations, wildlife etiquette, and safety protocols
- Interactive discussions from Discovery Team on Antarctic wildlife and ecosystems
- Camera tips for wildlife photography
- Day 8
Ross Sea
You enter the pristine Ross Sea and watch for icebergs, orcas, seals, penguins, and whales from your verandah. The landscape features dramatic sky-scraping mountains, glacial ice tongues, and vast ice shelves. Your Captain and Discovery Leader look for safe opportunities to explore based on conditions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic cruising through Ross Sea
Optional Activities
- Zodiac excursions
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Guided and self-paced hikes
- Helicopter flights on one of two on board helicopters
Landmarks Ross Sea Mount Erebus Ross Island - Day 9
Beaufort Island
Weather and ice conditions permitting, you arrive at remote Beaufort Island, a volcanic outpost home to a thriving Adélie penguin colony. Explore the rugged landscape and towering cliffs by Zodiac, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or helicopter depending on conditions and your preferences.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic cruising around Beaufort Island
Optional Activities
- Zodiac excursions
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Helicopter flightseeing excursion
Landmarks Beaufort Island - Day 10
Cape Bird - Cape Royds
Learn about Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on Earth, and the legendary explorers who traveled here. Visit historic explorer huts from Scott and Shackleton expeditions, spot Adélie penguins at Cape Bird (one of the largest colonies), and explore Shackleton's preserved 1908 hut at Cape Royds.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Theatre presentation on Mount Erebus and early explorers Scott and Shackleton
- Wildlife spotting for Adélie penguins
Optional Activities
- Zodiac excursions
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Guided and self-paced hikes
- Helicopter flightseeing excursion
- Excursions to historic explorers' huts
Landmarks Mount Erebus Cape Bird Cape Royds Shackleton's Nimrod Expedition Hut - Day 11
Cape Evans
Weather and conditions permitting, you visit Cape Evans and Robert Falcon Scott's Terra Nova Hut from his 1911-1913 South Pole expedition. Land via Zodiac and walk through the well-preserved hut. Later, Discovery Team historians give a lecture on the rivalry between Scott, Amundsen, and Shackleton.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Zodiac landing at Cape Evans
- Visit to Robert Falcon Scott's Terra Nova Hut
- Theatre lecture from Discovery Team historians on Scott, Amundsen, and Shackleton
Optional Activities
- Zodiac cruises
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Helicopter flightseeing excursion
Landmarks Cape Evans Scott's Terra Nova Hut - Day 12
McMurdo Dry Valleys
If conditions allow, you might experience a helicopter flight over the McMurdo Dry Valleys, one of Earth's driest places, with a possible landing on this otherworldly landscape. For those staying on board, enjoy wildlife spotting and lectures on the region's research stations.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Wildlife spotting in Observation Lounge
- Enrichment lectures on the region's pioneering research stations
Optional Activities
- Helicopter flight over McMurdo Dry Valleys with optional landing
- Zodiac cruises
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
Landmarks McMurdo Dry Valleys - Day 13
Ross Ice Shelf
Cruise along the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest floating ice mass on the planet, towering up to 50 metres above sea level. You'll spot Weddell seals on the frozen landscape. Your Captain and Discovery Leader seek out the best opportunities for Zodiac exploration, or you can add an optional helicopter flight.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic cruising along Ross Ice Shelf
Optional Activities
- Helicopter flightseeing excursion to Ross Ice Shelf with optional landing
- Zodiac cruises
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Guided and self-paced hikes
Landmarks Ross Ice Shelf - Day 14
Inexpressible Island
Visit Inexpressible Island, one of Antarctica's most poignant historical sites where six men from Scott's Terra Nova Expedition spent an unthinkable winter stranded with minimal supplies. Discovery Team historians share their incredible story and you'll spot Adélie penguins and seals. Afterward, unwind at Senses Spa.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Discovery Team historian presentation on Inexpressible Island expedition
Optional Activities
- Zodiac exploration of the coastline
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Helicopter flightseeing excursion
- Senses Spa treatments
Landmarks Inexpressible Island - Day 15
Adare Peninsula
Explore the dramatic Adare Peninsula with its jagged cliffs and 250,000 breeding pairs of Adélie penguins, the largest colony in Antarctica. Visit Carsten Borchgrevink's historic 1899 huts from the first documented Antarctic landing. Relax in the Observation Lounge and enjoy one of up to 10 dining options this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic cruising around Adare Peninsula
Optional Activities
- Zodiac excursions to hut remains
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Guided and self-paced hikes
Landmarks Adare Peninsula Borchgrevink Huts - Day 16
Southern Ocean
Enjoy a relaxing sea day with engaging talks from the Discovery Team on local wildlife and history. Explore Senses Spa with steam rooms, saunas, and thermal lounges, or relax at one of eight bars and lounges, grab a coffee, or curl up reading in the library.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Theatre presentations and talks from Discovery Team on wildlife and history
- Access to Senses Spa facilities (steam rooms, saunas, Salt Therapy Lounge, Vitality Thermal Lounge)
Optional Activities
- Spa treatments
- Cocktails and beverages at eight bars and lounges
- Library reading
- Day 17
South Shetland Islands
You're positioned right where the wildlife action happens. Humpback, fin, and minke whales come through this area and breach fairly close by, while crabeater, Weddell, Ross Sea, and leopard seals haul out on the ice between their swims. You can either join a discovery excursion to get closer or stay comfortable and watch from the observation deck or your private verandah. It's one of those rare spots where you get to see so much marine and ice-dwelling life in one location without having to chase it too hard.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided Zodiac Discovery Excursion
- Kayak Discovery Excursion
- Stand-up paddleboard Discovery Excursion
- Wildlife viewing from Observation Deck
- On-board lecture and education program
Landmarks South Shetland Islands Antarctic Circle - Day 18
Southern Ocean to Snares Island
Sail away from the Ross Sea toward Snares Island, reflecting on incredible experiences while enjoying enrichment lectures from the Discovery Team. Keep binoculars ready to spot wandering albatross, petrels, and pods of whales in these remote waters.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Theatre presentations and enrichment lectures from Discovery Team on Antarctica's ecosystems, climate, and exploration history
- Day 19
Southern Ocean
Sail through one of the world's most fragile and pristine environments. Visit the bridge via the open bridge policy to meet the Captain and learn about innovative technology and sustainable systems. This evening, enjoy contemporary French fine dining at Lumière with new friends or retire to the library.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Open bridge policy to meet Captain and learn about ship's innovative technology and systems
Optional Activities
- Contemporary French fine dining at Lumière
- Bar experience
- Library time
- Day 20
Southern Ocean
Expand your knowledge with engaging talks from the Discovery Team and special guest experts in the state-of-the-art theatre. Experience Antarctica's wildlife, glaciology, and history through advanced cinemascope technology with a 270-degree viewing screen. Enjoy a performance or retire to your suite.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Theatre lectures from Discovery Team and special guest experts on Antarctic wildlife, glaciology, and history
- Cinemascope theatre experience with 270-degree viewing screen
- Theatre performances
- Day 21
The Snares
Arrive at The Snares, pristine subantarctic islands closest to New Zealand and completely uninhabited. While landings aren't permitted, join the Discovery Team on a Zodiac cruise along the sheltered eastern coast to spot endemic Snares Crested Penguins, Snares Island Tomtits, elusive Fernbirds, and nesting Sooty Shearwaters.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Zodiac cruise along The Snares eastern coast with Discovery Team
Landmarks The Snares - Day 22
Southern Ocean
On your final day at sea, reflect on unforgettable experiences and organize your photos or finish your travel journal. Get a final spa treatment at Senses Spa or relax in the Salt Therapy Lounge. This evening, raise a glass in the Scenic Lounge Bar to toast an extraordinary journey with fellow travelers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Access to Senses Spa facilities
Optional Activities
- ESPA facial or alternative spa therapy
- Salt Therapy Lounge
- Scenic Lounge Bar for evening toast
- Day 23
Timaru
Welcome to Timaru, a charming port town with ocean views, golden beaches, and rich heritage. Explore the Bay Hill promenade, visit the South Canterbury Museum, and admire the Aigantighe Art Gallery. Choose from multiple Scenic Freechoice activities including Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo, Erewhon Sheep Station, Oamaru and Moeraki Boulders, or a Town and Coastal Discovery Walk.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Included in Mt. Cook and Lake Tekapo excursion (buffet lunch), Erewhon Sheep Station excursion (mountain picnic lunch), and Oamaru and Moeraki Boulders excursion (lunch at Riverstone Kitchen). Included with Town and Coastal Discovery Walk (morning tea on Bay Hill).), Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice excursion (one of four options)
Optional Activities
- Mt. Cook and Lake Tekapo excursion with Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and buffet lunch
- Erewhon Sheep Station and Clydesdales excursion with sheep-shearing demonstration, Hereford cattle, deer, wagon ride, and mountain picnic lunch
- Oamaru and Moeraki Boulders excursion including Riverstone Castle and lunch at Riverstone Kitchen
- Town and Coastal Discovery Walk with morning tea on Bay Hill
- Explore Bay Hill promenade independently
- Visit South Canterbury Museum
- Visit Aigantighe Art Gallery
Landmarks Lake Tekapo Church of the Good Shepherd Mount Cook Lake Pukaki Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Erewhon Station Lake Clearwater Edoras Moeraki Boulders Riverstone Castle (Dot's Castle) Riverstone Kitchen Bay Hill promenade South Canterbury Museum Aigantighe Art Gallery Benvenue Cliffs Te Ana Maori Rock Art - Day 24
Timaru to Christchurch
Enjoy your final luxurious breakfast and bid farewell to new friends and crew. Transfer by coach to Christchurch airport for your departure flight, ending an extraordinary expedition to Antarctica.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Final breakfast on Scenic Eclipse II
