Antarctica in Depth and the Weddell Sea

Welcome to Buenos Aires, where you’ll stay overnight. Perhaps plan to spend some time in the city, nicknamed the ‘Paris of South America’. Resplendent with Belle Époque buildings, sidewalk cafes and green spaces, there’s the fiery passion of Latin America – a collective love for football, flame-cooked meats (asado) and the tango.

Some of the highlights are La Boca, a colourful, creative mecca with a must-do art walk, and San Telmo, a former aristocratic neighbourhood abandoned during a 19th-century epidemic. Mansions were turned into conventillos (shared housing), boutique hotels, antique shops, and tango clubs, exuding a captivating bohemian vibe.

Depart Buenos Aires on an included flight to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica and the world’s southernmost city, nestled on the rugged shores of Tierra del Fuego. The Captain and crew will warmly greet you as you board your ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery Yacht.

Raise a glass of Champagne as you set sail through the legendary Beagle Channel, tracing the path of Charles Darwin’s historic voyage. From your private verandah or the Observation Deck, take in breathtaking views of the snow-capped Andean peaks and pristine Patagonian wilderness — marking the beginning of an unforgettable expedition.

Enjoy breakfast in your suite as your Scenic Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse, navigates the legendary Drake Passage bound for Antarctica. Take in the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean as each moment brings you closer to an unforgettable journey. Join the Discovery Team as they walk you through everything you need to know about your upcoming Zodiac, helicopter^, submersible^ and other Discovery Excursions. You'll also get acquainted with your polar equipment – your expedition kit includes an expedition parka and water bottle to keep, plus specialised polar boots, trekking poles, and any specific gear needed for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding~.

When you're not out exploring, all your outdoor equipment will be stored in a personal locker in the Discovery Centre. The days ahead are delightfully unscripted – your expert team will read the region's ever-changing conditions to craft each day's journey, unlocking experiences that simply cannot be planned. The team will make every attempt to have numerous landings and Discovery Excursions, including Zodiac, kayak and optional helicopter^ flights and submersible^ dives.

Cross into Antarctic waters today, entering a realm of extraordinary beauty. Step onto the Observation Deck in your complimentary polar parka and witness your first iceberg – a moment that will remain with you forever. The Discovery Team will be on hand to share their knowledge as you scan the horizon for whales.

Attend an enriching lecture on Antarctic seabirds and marine life, deepening your connection to this remarkable environment. Tonight, indulge in a culinary experience at Elements, where the chefs prepare Italian specialities, prime steak and fresh seafood to perfection, followed by a drink in the Scenic Lounge with live entertainment.

Wake to the sight of sculpted icebergs and glaciated peaks framed by your suite's floor-to-ceiling windows. Antarctica offers unparalleled birdwatching – watch for wandering albatrosses, shearwaters and giant petrels soaring overhead. Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, Discovery Excursions throughout your Expedition Voyage are dependent on weather and ice conditions. Your experienced Captain and Discovery Leader, who have made countless journeys to Antarctica, will use their expertise to design a bespoke voyage, making the most of your time in this spectacular destination.

Scenic Discovery: Daily experiences may include cruising on Zodiacs, stepping ashore to view vast penguin rookeries or historic huts, and kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding around icebergs. Wherever your voyage takes you, you will have countless “pinch me" moments.

Start your day with freshly squeezed juice, steaming barista-made coffee or tea delivered to your suite by your butler. Then set out on Zodiac excursions to explore breathtaking glaciated bays, tranquil channels and pristine landing sites. As you trek across the Antarctic wilderness, meet the adorable chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins that inhabit this remarkable region. Small groups offer the best way to experience an environmentally sensitive destination like Antarctica.

You will board the Zodiacs according to your designated colour, with our expert polar Discovery Team guiding you, ensuring an unforgettable and unique experience. Visit the open bridge on Deck 7 to meet the Captain and navigational team and gain first-hand insight into a Scenic Discovery Yacht’s state-of-the-art technology from one of the most inspiring vantage points on board.

Various species of penguins can be found in the Antarctic and the sub-Antarctic region, including Adélie, Chinstrap, Gentoo, and the rare Emperor. Guided by your expert Discovery Team, you’ll witness colonies up close; hear their calls and watch as they clumsily waddle along and interact with each other. Whales are another majestic creature you may encounter, including minke whales, humpback whales or orcas.

Watch them up close in a kayak or a Zodiac with your Discovery Team or observe them from the comfort of your ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery Yacht. Whichever way you see them, it’s a breathtaking experience. This evening, elevate your dining experience at Lumière+, where contemporary French cuisine meets an exquisite selection of Champagne – a perfect pairing to celebrate your Antarctic discoveries.

Scenic Discovery: Ask your expert Discovery Team for photography tips so you can best capture the incredible wildlife and landscape around you.

Antarctica has drawn explorers for over a century. Today, follow in the footsteps of Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen as you explore the Peninsula's most historic and visually striking locations. Cruise past dramatic ice formations before landing by Zodiac. Extended time ashore allows you to fully immerse yourself in the polar environment. Back on board, settle into the Observation Lounge with a specialty tea or coffee, or visit the Senses Spa. Unwind on thermal loungers in the Salt Therapy Lounge, designed to restore and rejuvenate.

Experience Antarctica's rare soundscape – the chatter of penguins debating territory, the crack of calving glaciers sending new icebergs into the sea. These are sounds few will ever hear. Witness ice formations breaking away from towering glacier faces, a humbling reminder of nature's power and beauty.

On board, perhaps enjoy a speciality coffee or tea at the Observation Lounge, looking out to the white landscape, or make use of the Swarovski telescopes, borrow a book from the library, or settle in with a game. Choose from a distinct range of culinary experiences tonight. Koko's Asian Fusion delivers bold flavours, whilst Azure Bar & Café offers relaxed all-day dining.

On your ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery Yacht, every moment is crafted for both comfort and connection. The Scenic Lounge Bar provides the perfect setting to share stories with fellow guests. With over 130 varieties of whiskey and an expert bartender, it's an ideal retreat after a day of exploration. For those seeking an exhilarating experience, the Polar Plunge offers an unforgettable rush.

Under the careful supervision of the Discovery Leader and Captain, take the plunge into Antarctic waters – an experience reserved for the bold. If you prefer to stay warm, find a prime viewing spot and enjoy the spectacle as fellow guests take the plunge, then join them for a toast with a glass of whiskey or a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

Scenic Discovery: Glide past towering icebergs on a zodiac, step onto untouched white snow, and soar over vast mountain ranges. This is one of the world's few remaining pristine wildernesses, awaiting your exploration.

As Scenic Eclipse returns across the Drake Passage, settle into the rhythms of life on board. With the expedition behind you, this is a day to reflect on extraordinary moments whilst indulging in a Scenic Discovery Yacht's refined comfort. Begin with an invigorating workout in the POWER: Gym or find stillness in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio.

Throughout the day, savour meals at the diverse culinary experiences on board. Azure Bar & Café provides relaxed all-day dining with ocean views or choose to dine in your suite with 24 hour in-suite dining. As evening falls, gather in the Scenic Lounge Bar. Toast your voyage with aged whiskey – there are over 130 varieties to explore – fine wine or French Champagne, all part of the truly all-inclusive philosophy.

Travel isn’t just about where you go; it’s about how you feel along the way. Days at sea on Scenic Eclipse offer something rare: the chance to slow down, reflect and embrace the beauty of the ocean. It’s not a pause, it’s part of the adventure. Make sure you book a final treatment# before disembarkation.

The Senses Spa offers ESPA facials and massages, Ayurvedic therapies and Japanese shiatsu. Afterwards, rest in the Salt Therapy Lounge, letting the minerals work their restorative magic. For your final dinner, explore the offerings at Koko’s Asian Fusion – watch chefs at work at the Sushi & Saké Bar, or experience the Night Market @ Koko's+. In-suite dining offers a more private farewell, available any time.

This morning, bid farewell to your expert crew and fellow travellers as your extraordinary journey comes to an end. After a final indulgent breakfast on board, disembark in Ushuaia and board your flight to Buenos Aires, carrying with your memories of a truly unforgettable Expedition Voyage in the pristine landscapes of Antarctica.

#Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates.

+All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.

^Experiences on board our two helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather and ice conditions.

~Kayak and stand-up paddleboard not available in all locations. Subject to weather and operational conditions. Sightings cannot be guaranteed.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.