VANCOUVER — Scenic is heading back to Antarctica, with the Scenic Eclipse set to resume expedition voyages from Jan. 7, 2022.
As one of the first cruise lines to return to Antarctica after nearly two years of no visitors, Scenic is anticipating an exciting season filled with “unbelievable encounters and experiences with wildlife,” says Jason Flesher, Expedition Operations Manager – Scenic Discovery Yachts.
Scenic Eclipse’s 13-day ‘Antarctica in Depth’ voyage will depart from Ushuaia, Argentina with a maximum of 200 guests onboard. Highlights vary, depending on weather conditions, and may include the 11-kilometre-long Lemaire Channel, a visit to a working scientific base, exploring an abandoned whaling station, climbing to the rim of a volcanic crater, and the opportunity to cross the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66°33’ South.
Included daily excursions run the gamut, from cruising among ice formations in Zodiacs, to kayaking, paddleboarding and hiking with expert marine biologists and geologists.
For a truly unique experience, guests are welcome aboard the yacht’s custom-built, six-guest submarine, Scenic Neptune, which offers journeys below the ocean surface with 280-degree views. They can also board one of two state-of-the-art, six-guest Airbus helicopters that offer vistas not seen by any other method.
In celebration of the return to Antarctica, Scenic is offering complimentary roundtrip business class flights and up to 20% off when the booking is paid in full by Dec. 15, 2021, on January to March 2022 sailings. The company is also offering its Flexible Booking Policy, which allows guests to defer their travel plans or cancel up to 60 days prior to departure with no additional booking fees (third party fees may apply).
To sail with Scenic, all guests and crew must be fully vaccinated. On embarkation, guests are given a rapid antigen test (at no additional cost) and temperature checks are ongoing. Other safety protocols include social distancing and mask wearing in public spaces, while state-of-the-art HVAC systems that provide 100% fresh air, and advanced HEPA filtrations have also been installed. For more information on health and safety protocols go to www.scenic.ca/assurance-oceans.