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January 10, 2026

Scenic makes exploring Antarctica possible: in a setting characterized by vast ice expanses, remote islands, and unpredictable weather conditions, Scenic Discovery Yachts allow guests to experience the polar world safely and sustainably, without compromising respect for the environment.

The Scenic Eclipse, the flagship of the fleet, is specifically built to withstand the rigors of polar seas. With its Polar Class 6 rating, sophisticated navigation systems, and Dynamic Positioning GPS, the ship can maneuver precisely without anchoring on sensitive seabeds, minimizing environmental impact.

This level of control allows access to locations that would otherwise be unreachable, while ensuring both guest safety and the protection of the fragile ecosystem.

Two Airbus H130-T2 helicopters onboard, designed to be among the quietest in the sky, provide direct access to Snow Hill Island, overcoming the limits imposed by ice and geography.

The presence of helicopters enables guests to fly over a constantly changing ice landscape, composed of ridges, cracks, and snow banks, to a carefully selected landing point that avoids disturbing the emperor penguin colony.

At the heart of every Scenic polar cruise is the Discovery Team, made up of up to twenty specialists including biologists, ornithologists, glaciologists, and naturalists. This team does not act as a simple tour guide but as a cultural and scientific intermediary between guests and the Antarctic ecosystem.

Their presence ensures not only safety but also a unique level of insight: they explain the emperor penguins’ survival strategies, the role of the sea in their reproductive cycle, and the organization of the colony, allowing guests to observe wildlife without interfering with natural life.

Excursions are diverse and purposeful: beyond helicopter landings, guests can explore the coasts by Zodiac, navigate fjords by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, and in some cases even dive in submarines to discover marine life and ice structures from within.

Each activity is designed to alternate moments of observation with active discovery, maintaining a balance between exploration and respect for the surrounding environment.

Snow Hill Island is one of the last outposts of the White Continent to maintain an almost absolute level of inaccessibility. Its emperor penguin colony, consisting of over 4,000 breeding pairs, is among the most studied in the world, yet remains a nearly legendary location for many.

The sea ice surrounding the island prevents access by sea, and only the most sophisticated vessels, equipped with helicopters, can approach safely.

The short trek across the snow, guided by Scenic experts, allows guests to reach a carefully calibrated observation point, away from the colony, ensuring that encounters with penguins occur without disturbing the animals. The silence accompanying the walk, broken only by the rustle of the wind and the footsteps of visitors, conveys the fragility and majesty of the territory.

The colony appears as a perfectly organized microcosm: adults defend their territory, chicks navigate the snow, and groups huddle together to keep warm, offering a natural spectacle that needs no further narration.

Although it is a true expedition, Scenic cruises do not compromise on luxury. Suites with private verandas allow guests to observe the ice expanses even on rough seas, while common areas host briefings, lectures, and opportunities for interaction between guests and experts.

Scenic does not stop at offering access to Snow Hill Island. Upcoming itineraries in East Antarctica and the Ross Sea will allow visits to historic sites such as Mawson’s Huts and the McMurdo Dry Valleys, through unique helicopter landings made possible only by the combination of advanced technology, Discovery Yacht design, and crew expertise.

These experiences underline Scenic’s role as a leader in polar tourism: a company capable of making remote locations accessible without compromising their fragility.

In an era of growing polar tourism, Scenic cruises demonstrate that exploration is possible without exploiting the environment. Ships are designed to move in harmony with nature, activities are calibrated to minimize impact, and the presence of experts ensures that every observation is made consciously.

The allure of Antarctica lies not in conquering the territory, but in understanding and respecting it. Snow Hill Island’s colony perfectly embodies this approach: a remote, fragile, and extraordinary place, accessible only through technology, expertise, and respect for natural limits.

Observing it is an experience etched in memory not only for the majesty of the emperor penguins but especially for the way Scenic combines luxury, exploration, and environmental responsibility.

Ultimately, choosing a Scenic cruise in Antarctica means embarking on not just a vacation, but a meticulously planned adventure, where every movement, activity, and observation is designed to offer a mindful and profound connection with one of the planet’s most extraordinary and complex regions.

Antarctica, with its beauty and fragility, becomes accessible without compromise: an exclusive, safe, and unforgettable experience made possible by the vision of Scenic Discovery Yachts.

Stay updated with the latest news from Scenic Luxury Cruises on our Cruising Journal website.

Mara Di Dio

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