Finish 2024 on a high with Scenic Eclipse, from Antarctica to Fiji
Dreaming of an all-inclusive holiday? There’s still time for an ultra-luxury cruise this year.
By Chris Ashton, July 30 2024
The magnetic pull of an ultra-luxury ocean voyage is impossible to resist, with distinct cultures, remote islands, and the chance to witness rare wildlife – in their natural habitat – just a few reasons it’s no longer a question of if, but when you set sail.
And with availability on extraordinary Scenic Eclipse cruises departing in the latter half of this year and early next, including bucket list journeys to Antarctica, there’s no need to delay any longer.
The world's most enchanting locations are in your reach.
So where can Scenic Eclipse take you and what awaits beyond the horizon?
There are several diverse itineraries to choose from: each offering unrivalled discovery, with visits to the likes of Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, and the World Heritage-listed wonders of New Zealand.
What unites them is Scenic Eclipse II, the 6-star Discovery Yacht, with all verandah suites, butler service, all-inclusive meals at up to ten dining experiences and up to eight bars and lounges, 550m2 Senses Spa# plus only up to 228 guests on board (200 in Antarctica).
Koko’s Asian Fusion is one of the exceptional dining options on Scenic Eclipse.
Scenic Eclipse is even equipped with two helicopters^, alongside Zodiacs and their very own submersible^, so you can take a closer look from above, below and beyond.
Once-in-a-lifetime explorations in Antarctica
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands
Dates: 27 November 2024 and 28 February 2025
Over 22 incredible days, this round-trip from Buenos Aires delivers one icon after the next – King and Gentoo penguins in the Falklands, awe-inspiring frozen landscapes, and key points of Shackleton’s famed Antarctic expedition are just the tip of the iceberg.
Explore the remarkable Antarctic Peninsula.
Your guides for uncovering them all is the dedicated Polar Discovery Team – a group of up to 20 experts including marine biologists, historians and geologists, to name a few.
6-star service is a hallmark of the Scenic experience.
It’s also worth noting, though crossing the infamous Drake Passage (one of the roughest stretches of water in the world) you’ll be assured of safe and comfortable navigation on Scenic Eclipse, with its state-of-the-art technology and stabilisers making for a seamless and faster experience.
Antarctica’s Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife
Dates: 8 January and 31 January 2025
Less visited (but no less spectacular) than the Antarctic Peninsula, East Antarctica’s Ross Sea is the most accessible side of the continent for Australians, being positioned to the south of Tasmania and New Zealand’s South Island.
Feel dwarfed by towering Ross Ice Shelf, the largest ice shelf of Antarctica.
Departing from Hobart or Dunedin and returning to Dunedin, this 24-day journey is all about wildlife and maritime heritage, as it follows in the wake of explorers like Shackleton and Scott, with sightings of Adélie, Chinstrap and Royal penguins – and more.
Visit Cape Adare - home to the largest Adélie penguin colonies in Antarctica.
Unlike those intrepid explorers though, you’ll be doing the trip in genuine comfort and style, as every suite boasts its own verandah, butler service and personalised complimentary minibar refreshed daily.
Cultural odysseys in the South Pacific
Passage through Melanesia: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands & Vanuatu
Date: 1 October 2024
The mysteries and magic, coral reefs and rituals of Melanesia await on this dazzling cultural journey from Cairns to Fiji, which is capped at a maximum of just 228 guests.
Enjoy meaningful interactions with locals along the way.
Over 13 days, it takes in eight eclectic stops, including Guadalcanal (known for its WWII heritage) and Santa Ana Island in the Solomons, plus Vanuatu’s rainforest-clad Espiritu Santo and the black sand beaches of Ambrym Island.
Never miss a moment with your own private verandah.
On the way you’ll fill your soul with tradition, song and dance on visits to local villages, with ample time for a swim or kayak too.
Alternatively, you could take to the skies for next level sightseeing on one of two helicopters^.
Treasures of the Pacific: The Yasawas to New Zealand
Date: 29 October 2024
Travelling from Fiji to Auckland, this 11-day island-hopper combines blissful beaches, historic towns and experiencing diverse cultures, with world-class dining spanning French, Asian and European favourites.
Explore rich island culture in Tanna, Vanuatu.
After embracing ‘island time’ in Fiji, set sail for holiday havens and isolated outposts, such as Tanna Island – in the shadow of Mount Yasur volcano – in Vanuatu, Lifou and the enchanting Isle of Pines in New Caledonia, and Australia’s very own Norfolk Island.
Treat yourself to a little pampering at Senses Spa#.
With three days at sea, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the comforts of the Discovery Yacht, from the indulgent 550m2 Senses Spa# to the gym or yoga and Pilates studio.
Food, wine and historic ports in New Zealand
New Zealand In Depth
Date: 18 November 2024
New Zealand has long fired imaginations. This 18-day voyage – starting in Queenstown and finishing in Auckland – showcases the best the nation has to offer, pairing its most famous sites with its true hidden gems.
New Zealand's subtropical Bay of Islands.
On the map are the scenic Bay of Islands, delightful cities like Dunedin, Christchurch, Nelson, Napier and Wellington, remote Stewart Island (one of the last inhabited outposts before you reach Antarctica), and the majesty of Milford Sound.
Whale watching off the coast of Kaikoura, New Zealand.
Helping you to further immerse in the destinations are included Scenic Freechoice excursions such as bush walks, bird and whale watching, e-biking and Maori cultural performances bringing every stop to life.
Taste of New Zealand: Queenstown to Wellington
Dates: 18 November 2024
If you are after a shorter escape, have you considered the 11-day Taste of New Zealand cruise? Enjoy a pre-night in Queenstown before sailing from Bluff in the far South Island, around to the west coast, before making its way up the east coast to New Zealand’s capital, Wellington.
Cruising along the coast of Akaroa.
The French settlement of Akaroa, known for its bistros plating up bouillabaisse and escargot; the tiny town of Kaikoura, with its resident fur seals and dolphins; and Picton in the captivating Marlborough Sounds are a few of the highlights.
Delight your taste buds at Elements, one of up to 10 dining experiences on Scenic Eclipse.
In a destination as jaw-dropping as this, you’ll want to savour every moment, and thanks to verandahs and binoculars in every suite, plus an observation lounge with Swarovski telescopes, you can.
Sound like your kind of travel? Scenic Eclipse is in a class of its own and it’s not too late to secure your voyage of a lifetime.
To book visit scenic.com.au/deals, call 138 128 or contact your local Travel Advisor.
This article was produced in collaboration with Scenic.
^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, ice and tidal conditions. Helicopter not operational in South Georgia. Submersible not operational in New Zealand. #Spa treatments at additional cost.