Antarctica's Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife

Upon arrival in Christchurch, board a comfortable coach transfer to Timaru, where your ship awaits. This coach operates at a set time of approximately 2:00 PM. Nestled along New Zealand’s stunning South Island coast, Timaru provides a welcoming blend of natural beauty and rich heritage to start the trip.

Receive a warm greeting from the Captain and crew while boarding the Scenic Eclipse II. Take time to settle into your spacious verandah suite, meet your dedicated butler, and become acquainted with the world-class facilities of the Discovery Yacht. Afterward, head to the Scenic Lounge Bar to meet fellow guests and raise a toast while preparing to depart New Zealand for the majestic Southern Ocean.

Set sail for Antarctica’s Ross Sea and prepare for a transformative journey that just might change your entire perspective of the world. For a seamless experience, please ensure your flight is booked to arrive in Christchurch prior to 10:30 AM.

The vast Southern Ocean stretches ahead, marking the beginning of your immersive journey. Today, take the opportunity to meet the specialist polar Discovery Team, a group of passionate experts dedicated to bringing Antarctica to life through a profound knowledge of geology, glaciology, wildlife, and exploration history.

Attend an introductory presentation in the state-of-the-art theater, where the Discovery Leader introduces the wonders of the Great White Continent and outlines exactly how the expedition operates in such a remote region.

This experience represents true expedition cruising. The itinerary serves merely as a flexible guide and may unfold in any order, meaning no specific landing sites or wildlife encounters are guaranteed. Due to the extraordinary nature of this environment, Scenic Discovery excursions and the locations visited throughout your Expedition Voyage depend entirely on current weather, sea, and ice conditions. Each day, the experienced Captain and expert polar Discovery Team carefully assess the surroundings, utilizing their expertise to adapt the itinerary and select the safest, most rewarding options to maximize your exploration opportunities.

Enjoy a day to relax, recharge, and deepen your understanding of Antarctica’s remarkable ecosystems. 

Start your morning in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio with an invigorating yoga or stretching class, followed by a tranquil retreat to the Senses Spa# and the soothing warmth of the KLAFS Salt Therapy Lounge. Or savour a barista-made coffee from your suite while gazing out over the vast Southern Ocean. 

The Observation Lounge, with its Swarovski telescopes and floor-to-ceiling windows, is the ideal place to spot sea birds, dolphins, and other marine life. 

Enjoy enrichment lectures from your Discovery Team, who will continue to unveil the secrets of Antarctica’s marine biodiversity, glaciology, and the region’s rich history. 

Scenic Discovery:
Enjoy insightful lectures from the Discovery Team, covering topics such as marine life, seabirds, polar history, ice formations, and Antarctica’s unique ecosystem. Out on the Observation Deck, the Bridge or from your private verandah, keep an eye out for wandering albatross, petrels, and even the occasional whale as you sail south.

As you continue south, the Discovery Team will host further expert-led lectures on Antarctica’s unique wildlife, ice formations, and the daring expeditions of early explorers.

When visiting some of the world’s most fragile ecosystems, a commitment to sustainability and protecting them for future generations is essential. Take advantage of the open bridge policy to meet with the Captain and their team and learn about Scenic Eclipse II’s state-of-the-art technology and sustainable systems designed to minimize environmental impact, protect fragile ecosystems, and leave as small a footprint as possible. 

Later, choose from up to 10 culinary experiences from casual lunch at Azure Bar & Café to an elegant dinner at Elements.  

Scenic Discovery:
Immerse yourself in the wonders of Antarctica with engaging talks from the Discovery Team, exploring subjects such as the region’s diverse wildlife, glacial landscapes, polar exploration, and the delicate ecosystem of the Great White Continent. As you sail south, step out onto the deck or relax on your private verandah to spot soaring albatross, gliding petrels, and perhaps even a whale breaking the surface.

Anticipation builds as you draw closer to Antarctic waters, where the first icebergs may appear on the horizon.

Your Scenic Discovery Yacht’s advanced cinemascope theater comes to life with immersive presentations from the Discovery Team, revealing the secrets of Antarctica’s ever-changing landscapes, diverse wildlife, and climate systems. 

Look out for wandering albatross, giant petrels, and perhaps even pods of dolphins or whales from the Observation Lounge or your private verandah. 

Set your own pace today. Indulge in a rejuvenating ESPA facial# at Senses Spa, curl up with a book in the Observation Lounge, or simply gaze out over the endless horizon. This evening, whether you choose contemporary French cuisine at Lumière+ or the fresh Sushi & Saké Bar @ Koko’s, tonight is a celebration of the journey so far.

Scenic Discovery:
Learn from the Discovery Team through engaging lectures on Antarctic wildlife, seabirds, polar exploration, and the continent's striking ice architecture. Meanwhile, scan the horizon from the Observation Deck or your verandah for the sweep of albatross wings, darting petrels, and the sudden spout of a whale.

Today, you cross the Antarctic Circle as you journey further south into the remote, seldom-visited East Antarctica. 

Prepare for potential Antarctic landings and Zodiac excursions with a final expedition briefing, ensuring you’re ready for Zodiac operations, wildlife etiquette, and safety protocols. 

The Discovery Team will host interactive discussions, helping you understand the unique wildlife and ecosystems of Antarctica. Along with tips to keep your camera ready as penguins, seals, or even whales may make an appearance. 

After enrichment experiences, recharge in the state-of-the-art POWER: Gym or join a complimentary class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio. This evening, choose from up to 10 all-inclusive culinary experiences on board.

Scenic Discovery:
The Discovery Team will share fascinating insights into this rarely explored region, preparing you for the wonders ahead. Keep watch from the deck or your private verandah, you may catch sight of soaring seabirds or even a whale marking your passage into these legendary waters.

Spend time on your verandah and out on deck as you enter the Ross Sea, one of the most remote and wildlife-rich regions on Earth. The pristine, iceberg-strewn ocean provides a vital habitat for orcas, seals, penguins and whales.  

Surrounded by sky-scraping mountains, vast ice shelves, ice tongues and drifting sea ice, the Ross Sea offers some of Antarctica’s most dramatic scenery. Over the coming days, your Captain and Discovery Leader will look for the safest and most rewarding opportunities for you to explore the area. 

Over the next few days on Ross Island, at the base of Mount Erebus, you can have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of legendary explorers Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott.

Return on board and warm up with speciality tea or coffee in the Observation Lounge or indulge in an intimate Night Market @ Koko's+ dinner experience with street-food inspired dishes crafted in front of you by the chef. 

Scenic Discovery:
Today you may have the opportunity to explore this fascinating landscape on the fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards~, guided and self-paced hikes. For a different perspective, you may choose to add an optional flight on one of the two on board helicopters^, all activities being subject to weather, ice conditions and permitting requirements.

Weather and ice conditions permitting, you may explore around Beaufort Island, a remote and rugged volcanic outpost rising dramatically from the icy waters of the Ross Sea. Located near the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf, this isolated sanctuary is home to a thriving Adélie penguin colony, as well as skuas and other seabirds. 

Its steep cliffs and icy shores create a breathtaking landscape, offering a rare glimpse into Antarctica’s untouched wilderness. Being in the vicinity of this scenery is a privilege few people get to experience.

This evening, savour contemporary French fine dining at Lumière+, paired with an exquisite selection of Champagne, or unwind at the Scenic Lounge Bar, where over 130 whiskeys and expertly crafted cocktails await.

Scenic Discovery:
You may have the opportunity to explore this fascinating area by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard~, gaining a fresh perspective on the wildlife and ice-sculpted coastline. Alternatively, and subject to conditions and availability, you may opt for an optional helicopter^ flightseeing experience, offering spectacular aerial views of the Antarctic landscape.

Experience the feeling of sailing at the edge of the world as you cruise along the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest floating ice mass on the planet, with ice cliffs soaring up to 50 meters (160 feet) above the sea. This immense frozen barrier has long captured the imagination of explorers and scientists alike, and its sheer scale is one of Antarctica’s most unforgettable sights.

As the day unfolds, your Captain and Discovery Leader will seek out the best opportunities for exploration, which may include a Zodiac cruise along the towering ice face, or time on deck watching for Weddell and crabeater seals resting on the ice, and penguins gathered near open water leads. Back on board, warm up in the Observation Lounge with a specialty coffee or tea, sharing stories with fellow guests as Scenic Eclipse II glides past this vast wall of ice.

After a day of immersive exploration, retreat to your suite for personalized butler service and 24-hour in-suite dining or enjoy a soothing treatment# at the expansive 550sqm Senses Spa.

Scenic Discovery:
Today you may have the opportunity to venture closer to the Ross Ice Shelf on a Zodiac cruise, gaining a new appreciation for the scale, texture, and colour of the ice towering above you. Conditions permitting, your Discovery Team may also look for landing or cruising options around Ross Island, where colonies of Adélie penguins and hauled-out seals can sometimes be seen along the coast.

Today, if conditions allow, the Captain may navigate into McMurdo Sound, gateway to some of Antarctica’s most extraordinary landscapes. Here, towering glaciers, sea ice and volcanic peaks frame one of the world’s most remote regions, home to modern research bases and the legendary McMurdo Dry Valleys.

The Dry Valleys are among the driest places on Earth, a stark, otherworldly landscape often compared to Mars. The only way to glimpse this dramatic area is via an optional flight on one of Scenic Eclipse II’s helicopters^, subject to weather, ice and operational approvals. Where permitted, your pilot may even attempt a landing on this end-of-the-Earth terrain. 

For those staying on board, the day offers enriching experiences, from wildlife spotting in the Observation Lounge to in-depth lectures on the region’s pioneering scientific work.

Scenic Discovery:
Experience the breathtaking McMurdo Dry Valleys from above with an optional helicopter^ flight, offering a rare glimpse of this otherworldly, arid landscape, often compared to Mars.

Alternatively, embark on a Zodiac cruise across pristine Antarctic waters on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard~. Keep an eye out for orcas and Emperor penguins, while your Discovery Team shares fascinating insights into the region’s history.

Weather and ice conditions permitting, step into the world of Antarctic exploration today as your Captain navigates toward Ross Island and its historic sites. At Cape Evans stands Scott’s Terra Nova Hut, the base for his 1910–1913 expedition to the South Pole, preserved much as it was over a century ago. 

Landings at these sites are strictly controlled and never guaranteed; when permitted, they offer one of the most moving experiences in Antarctica, providing a powerful sense of the endurance and ambition of the early explorers.

Back on board join your Discovery Team historians for a fascinating lecture on the rivalry between Scott, Amundsen, and Shackleton, deepening your appreciation for the sheer determination it took to survive in this formidable landscape.

This evening, savour the flavours of Asia at Koko's Asian Fusion or enjoy steak and seafood at Elements, then ease into the night with live music and enriching entertainment in the state-of-the-art theater or Scenic Lounge Bar.

Scenic Discovery:
Depending on weather and ice conditions, you may have the chance to explore this remarkable landscape in a variety of ways. Take to the water on a Zodiac cruise through icy waters, in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard~, or, for a truly unique perspective, soar above the frozen expanse on an optional exclusive flightseeing excursion by helicopter^. Your expert Discovery Team may take you on enlightening excursions to the historic explorers’ huts.

Few sights in Antarctica are as dramatic as Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on Earth, rising above Ross Island. In the theater, sit down with your expert polar Discovery Team to learn why Sir James Clark Ross and Sir Ernest Shackleton came here and how their legacy lives on in the historic huts. Both huts are still here today and are classified as an Antarctica historical monument.

Throughout the day, keep an eye out for Adélie penguins. Cape Bird is home to one of the Ross Sea’s largest colonies, where these charming birds nest along its rugged, rocky shores.
Further south, Cape Royds blends history and wildlife and is home to Shackleton’s well-preserved 1908 Nimrod expedition hut.

After a day of remarkable exploration, retreat to the Senses Spa# and unwind in the infrared sauna and steam room, relax on the thermal loungers, or revive under the therapeutic pressure shower.

Scenic Discovery:
Soar over the breathtaking landscape with an optional flightseeing experience on one of the two on board helicopters^.

Alternatively, you may explore this fascinating landscape and spot Ross Sea wildlife on the fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards~, or on guided and self-paced nature walks. Your expert Discovery Team may take you on enlightening excursions to historic explorers' huts.

Wake up to a truly magical Christmas morning on the pristine shores of the Ross Sea, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica. Start the day at your own pace — perhaps with breakfast delivered by your butler to your spacious suite. Then, bundle up in your complimentary polar parka and step out onto the Observation Deck, where the breathtaking icy landscapes provide a once-in-a-lifetime backdrop for this special day of exploration. Festive dining and entertainment throughout the day will ensure a celebratory spirit on board — this will be the whitest Christmas you’ve ever experienced. Relax in the inviting lounges of your ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery Yacht, sharing stories and holiday cheer with fellow guests as you take in the beauty of your surroundings.

Today may be reserved for further exploration around Ross Island and nearby coastal sites, with the exact locations chosen by the Captain and Discovery Leader according to conditions. Possible areas include additional viewpoints of Mount Erebus, further perspectives on Cape Bird or Cape Royds, or other landing and cruising sites in the region.

This flexible approach allows your Scenic Discovery Yacht to take full advantage of the weather and ice, seeking out the best opportunities for wildlife encounters, historic insights and breathtaking scenery. Every day in the Ross Sea is unique, and your Captain and Discovery Team will tailor each experience to what nature allows.

On board, perhaps enjoy a warm speciality coffee or tea at the Observation Lounge or make use of the Swarovski telescopes, borrow a book from the library, or settle in with a game.

Scenic Discovery:
You may have the opportunity to explore this fascinating landscape on the fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards~. Alternatively, conditions permitting, you may choose to experience an exclusive optional flightseeing excursion on one of the two on board helicopters^, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Antarctic wilderness.

Dependent upon weather and ice conditions, you may visit Inexpressible Island today, one of Antarctica's most poignant historical sites. Here, six men from Robert Falcon Scott's Terra Nova Expedition (1910–1913) spent an unthinkable winter, stranded with almost no supplies.

Your Discovery Team historians will bring their story to life, recounting tales of sheer resilience and determination that remain among the most incredible feats in polar history. Beyond its historical significance, Inexpressible Island is also a haven for wildlife. Adélie penguins are known to breed in this region, and the surrounding waters are often frequented by Weddell and crabeater seals. If conditions allow, you may explore the dramatic coastline by Zodiac.

Back on board, you might choose to unwind at the Senses Spa, indulging in a soothing treatment# and reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of the past days.

Revisit the open Bridge to reconnect with the navigation team, gaining further insight into life on a Scenic Discovery Yacht and enjoy some of the most inspiring views on board.

Scenic Discovery:
Today, you may have the opportunity to explore this fascinating landscape on the fleet of Zodiacs, by kayak or stand-up paddleboarding~. You may also have the opportunity to experience this incredible landscape from the air by taking an exclusive optional helicopter^ flight.

Conditions permitting, you may approach remote Coulman Island, a dramatic volcanic island rising from the icy Ross Sea and recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) for its immense emperor penguin colony. The island is home to one of the largest known emperor penguin breeding sites in the world, where tens of thousands of birds gather on the sea ice to raise their chicks each season.

While landings are rarely possible due to sea ice and weather, simply cruising off Coulman Island is an extraordinary experience. Keep watch from the Observation Deck or your private verandah as your Discovery Team helps you look for lines of emperor penguins on the ice, distant penguin calls, or the blow of whales moving through these rich waters.

This evening, savour contemporary French fine dining at Lumière+, paired with an exquisite selection of Champagne, or enjoy the exquisite flavours of the Sushi & Saké Bar @ Koko's.

Scenic Discovery:
If conditions are favourable, you may explore the surrounding pack ice on a Zodiac cruise, gaining a closer, low-level perspective on the dramatic sea-ice landscapes that Emperor penguins rely on. Depending on sea and ice conditions, your Discovery Leader may instead choose to focus on viewing from the Scenic Discovery Yacht, with time on deck and in the Observation Lounge to search for seabirds, seals and, with the right conditions, emperor penguins on the ice edge.

Today is a flexible exploration day in the Ross Sea Region, with your Captain and Discovery Leader selecting the best experiences based on weather, ice and wildlife opportunities. This remote and rarely visited part of East Antarctica is a stronghold for Adélie and Emperor penguins, as well as Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, and several whale species.

You may find yourself cruising past sculpted sea ice, tracing the coastline of Victoria Land, or exploring bays and headlands that have inspired generations of polar explorers. 

Consider joining a complimentary class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio between outings, or recharge in the state-of-the-art POWER: Gym. This evening, linger over a crafted beverage in the Scenic Lounge Bar as you reflect on your extraordinary time in the Ross Sea, or savour the vibrant street-food inspired dishes at Night Market @ Koko's+. 

As you begin your journey northward, leaving the Ross Sea and East Antarctica behind, take time to reflect on the extraordinary landscapes and wildlife you have encountered. The Southern Ocean once again surrounds the yacht, and the horizon stretches in every direction, a reminder of just how remote this region is.

As you sail through one of the world’s most fragile and pristine environments, pause to consider the importance of conservation and the role marine protected areas like the Ross Sea play in safeguarding penguins, whales, seals and seabirds. Scenic Eclipse II is designed with advanced technology to minimize environmental impact, supporting a responsible, low-impact exploration of this remarkable region.

This evening, you might choose to enjoy contemporary French fine dining at Lumière+ with new friends, or share a relaxed final toast to Antarctica in one of the eight bars and lounges on board. Stay up late in the bar or retreat to the Observation Lounge library for a quiet moment of stargazing or reading before bed.

Sea days on board your Scenic Discovery Yacht offer a perfect opportunity to unwind, connect with fellow guests and delve deeper into the stories behind this captivating part of the world. The Discovery Team will deliver engaging talks and presentations on the local wildlife, history and science of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. 

Alternatively, step into the tranquil Senses Spa# on Deck 6 with its steam rooms, saunas, Salt Therapy Lounge featuring heated loungers and therapeutic sensory showers designed for deep relaxation. Stop for a coffee or a cocktail at one of the eight bars and lounges on board or curl up with a book in the library of the Observation Lounge.

With days of expeditionary experiences behind you, today is the perfect opportunity to expand your knowledge of Antarctica’s wildlife, glaciology, and history. The state-of-the-art theater will host a series of engaging talks from the Discovery Team offering deeper insight into this fascinating region. 

Immerse yourself in the cinema-like experience, where advanced cinemascope technology and a 270-degree viewing screen bring the Antarctic wilderness to life in stunning detail. 

You might indulge in another ESPA treatment# at Senses Spa, with options ranging from rejuvenating facials to Ayurvedic massage or Japanese Shiatsu.

As the evening unfolds, enjoy a performance in the theater or retreat to your suite with a nightcap in hand, savouring the quiet luxury of your ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery Yacht.

As night falls, celebrate the arrival of the New Year in true ultra-luxury style. Join fellow guests for an elegant evening of fine dining, live entertainment, and festive toasts.   

Perhaps start your New Year’s Day with an invigorating workout in the state-of-the-art POWER: Gym, a guided Pilates session, or a moment of relaxation in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio, then enjoy a sumptuous breakfast delivered to your suite by your butler.

As you sail away from East Antarctica’s Ross Sea toward New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands, take in the ever-changing seascape and reflect on the incredible experiences of the past days. The Discovery Team will continue to enhance your journey with engaging enrichment lectures, offering deeper insights into Antarctica’s ecosystems, climate, and the pioneering explorers who braved these waters.

Keep your binoculars ready, as this stretch of ocean is home to wandering albatross, petrels, and possibly even pods of whales making their way through these remote waters. From the Observation Lounge or your private verandah, watch as the vast Antarctic ice fades into the open Southern Ocean, knowing that new wildlife encounters await around New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands.

Savour a leisurely lunch at Azure Bar & Café, where you can graze throughout the day as you take in spectacular ocean views. This evening, enjoy a glass of Champagne at Lumière's Champagne Bar, or choose from a range of distinct culinary experiences, before settling into an evening of thoughtfully curated entertainment.

Today, you enter the wild, windswept world of New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands, a remote sanctuary recognized for its extraordinary birdlife and rich, thriving ecosystems. Rugged cliffs, green-topped plateaus and surf-lashed shorelines reveal a landscape shaped by powerful Southern Ocean swells and persistent winds.

Conditions permitting, your Captain and Discovery Leader will seek out the best opportunities to explore this remarkable region, perhaps cruising by Zodiac beneath towering sea cliffs or watching for penguins porpoising through the water near the ship. From the decks and Observation Lounge, have your in-suite binoculars ready for albatrosses, petrels and other seabirds that wheel effortlessly overhead.

Order in-suite dining through your personal butler and savour a leisurely meal in the privacy of your spacious all-verandah suite as the scenery drifts quietly by.

Scenic Discovery:
Depending on weather and conditions, you may have the opportunity to explore by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard~, gaining a close-up view of the islands’ dramatic coastlines and abundant wildlife. Your Discovery Team will be on hand to interpret the scenery and introduce you to the unique plants and animals that make these remote islands such a special part of the Southern Ocean.

On your final full day at sea, take time to savour the relaxed rhythm of life on board and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past weeks. Perhaps spend the morning organizing photos, editing videos, or adding the finishing touches to your travel journal so the small details of your journey are never forgotten. 

Indulge in one last moment of relaxation at the Senses Spa#, where you might book an ESPA facial or choose from alternative therapies such as an Ayurvedic massage or Japanese Shiatsu. Later, browse the boutique, enjoy afternoon tea, or join a final enrichment session with your Discovery Team.

As evening falls, raise a glass at the Scenic Lounge Bar, where over 130 whiskeys and expertly crafted cocktails await, and toast to an extraordinary voyage in East Antarctica & the Ross Sea. 

Your Scenic Discovery Yacht returns to Timaru, a charming South Island port town framed by rolling hills and a picturesque coastline. With an overnight stay in port, you can ease gently back into everyday life, enjoying the comfort of your suite and the yacht’s facilities while continuing to savour your time on board.

Depending on your interests, you may choose to join an included shoreside experience or simply take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront to soak up Timaru’s relaxed Kiwi atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy one last dinner on board and a final night’s sleep in your ultra-luxury suite before disembarkation the next day.

Your voyage ends in Timaru, a charming port town known for its coastal scenery and friendly New Zealand hospitality. After one last luxurious breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to new friends and the Scenic Eclipse II crew, taking home stories for life.

You can join a standard transfer from Timaru to Christchurch. Please book your flight to depart out of Christchurch after 02:00 PM.