Embark on a 24-day cruise to and from Dunedin aboard the Scenic Eclipse II. This expedition takes you to the Ross Sea Region of Antarctica, a place that will take your breath away. You can witness stunning landscapes, including glaciers, icebergs, and mountain ranges, and experience some of the most prolific wildlife displays on the planet, such as penguins, seals, whales, and orcas. The expedition follows the path of some of the world's greatest explorers, and you're sure to experience the region's unpredictability. The expert team onboard will work with the weather and ice conditions to ensure a fantastic voyage.
Highlights
Witness wandering albatross, icebergs, orcas, penguins, and whales while engaging in various activities
Discover Macquarie Island's wildlife spectacle with penguins, leopard seals, and albatrosses
Experience the remote Balleny Islands and witness humpback, fin, and minke whales
Explore Sturge Island's Important Bird Area with southern fulmars and snow petrels
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
The crew will warmly greet you as you seamlessly board the ship. Settle into your luxurious suite and acquaint yourself with the world-class facilities of your Discovery Yacht. Toast the start of your voyage as you sail away from New Zealand.
Please book your flight to arrive into Dunedin prior to 02:00 PM.
During these several days at sea, meet the expert Discovery Team, who will enrich your experience with their knowledge of various fields. Cross the Southern Ocean and attend daily lectures on ecology and photography. The ship's advanced technology ensures smooth navigation through Antarctica's waters. Be prepared for exciting activities such as Zodiac cruising, kayaking, and optional helicopter and submersible experiences, weather permitting.
Macquarie Island is a place that sparks every sense. First, smell, then sound, then sight. From a distance, Macquarie’s earth appears to be moving. As Scenic Eclipse approaches, you realize that the land is heaving – under the weight of millions of penguins.
Subject to permits, you can see this spectacle of epic proportions, an extraordinary landscape hosting one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Southern Ocean. You may witness countless tuxedoed, bushy-eyebrowed, and golden-crowned penguins – king, rockhopper, Gentoo, and the endemic royal. Or they may greet guests who step ashore with squarks and squeaks. Occasionally, one flops for ice surfing, paddling on its belly like a torpedo-shaped toboggan. The fluffy, impossibly cute youngsters have the gleeful look of children allowed to stay up past their bedtime for a grown-up gathering.
You can likely see leopard seals patrolling the waters, southern elephant seals peeking from tussocked dunes, and sooty albatrosses circling overhead.
It’s time to ease back into your ultra-luxury suite and surrounds for a few days at sea. This might be the day you sleep in, conserving energy for the activities ahead, then spend lazy hours relaxing in your suite because there’s a lot to love about your accommodation.
Almost entirely mantled by ice, Young Island is the northernmost island in the Balleny archipelago, a 160-kilometer-long chain of volcanic islands (some still active) that is a delightful surprise and utterly different from the rest of the Antarctic landscape.
The Balleny Islands are remote and ravishing, their location straddling the Antarctic Circle, leaving them heavily glaciated. Landings aren’t permitted, but in favorable weather conditions, you may have the chance to explore by Zodiac for a front-row seat to one of the greatest convergences of wildlife in the world.
Humpbacks, fin, and minke whales may put on a show while you are nearby, breaching, blowing, and slapping their tails. Crabeater, Weddell, elephant, and leopard seals loll about, sunbaking between swims. And Adélie and chinstrap penguins march and squark, creating a melodic cacophony.
Make sure you head to the Observation Deck for an unbroken view or enjoy the comforts of your private verandah to take in every moment navigating this incredible region.
At the other end of the chain, Sturge is the southernmost island in the Balleny archipelago. Pull out your binoculars or head for the telescopes in the Observation Lounge because BirdLife International has declared this particular slip of land an Important Bird Area (IBA).
Twitchers will rejoice at spotting the enormous breeding colonies of southern fulmars and snow petrels based on the ice-free cliffs along the western and northern coasts. Trust your expert Discovery Team for insights about the region and its rich birdlife.
Over 9 days, explore Antarctica's Ross Sea Region—witness wandering albatross, icebergs, orcas, seals, penguins, and whales. Enjoy kayaking and paddling around Possession Island, or add an optional excursion of flightseeing over the Ross Sea region and deep diving into Antarctic waters in a custom-built submersible. Other activities involve observing wildlife, such as Adélie penguins and Weddell seals, and visiting historical monuments on Ross Island. You can also have the chance to experience the extreme desert landscapes of the McMurdo Dry Valleys.
During these several days at sea, there are opportunities for relaxation, fitness activities, and indulging in the yacht's facilities. You can also learn about the ship's environmentally sustainable systems and enjoy various dining experiences and all-inclusive beverages. You can also have a chance to reflect on the journey and seek final insights from the Discovery Team before disembarking.
Day 24: Dunedin, New Zealand | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Your voyage ends in Dunedin – knowing nothing between you and Antarctica but swathes of icy ocean. After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your intrepid new friends and your incredible Scenic Eclipse crew, who have made your voyage so remarkable.
Please book your flight to depart out of Dunedin after 12:00 PM.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$57,7902-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
D Verandah
344-366 sqft. Verandah Suites, located on Deck 5, provide a spacious and comfortable introduction to ocean cruising with the finest appointments and amenities including a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
DA Deluxe Verandah
344-366 sqft. Deluxe Verandah Suites located on Deck 5, provide a spacious and comfortable introduction to ocean cruising with the finest appointments and amenities including a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
DB Deluxe Verandah
344-366 sqft. Deluxe Verandah Suites located on Deck 5, provide a spacious and comfortable introduction to ocean cruising with the finest appointments and amenities including a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
DD Grand Deluxe Verandah
409-430 sqft. Choose a Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite, located on Deck 5, which provides additional room to relax. Amenities include a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
C Verandah
344-366 sqft. Verandah Suites, located on Deck 6, provide a spacious and comfortable introduction to ocean cruising with the finest appointments and amenities including a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
CA Deluxe Verandah
344-366 sqft. Deluxe Verandah Suites located on Deck 6, provide a spacious and comfortable introduction to ocean cruising with the finest appointments and amenities including a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
CD Grand Deluxe Verandah
409-430 sqft. Choose a Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite, located on Deck 6, which provides additional room to relax. Amenities include a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
GP Grand Panorama
344-366 sqft. Verandah Suites, located on Decks 5, 6, 7 or 8, provide a spacious and comfortable introduction to ocean cruising with the finest appointments and amenities including a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
B Verandah
344-366 sqft. Verandah Suites, located on Decks 5, 6, 7 or 8, provide a spacious and comfortable introduction to ocean cruising with the finest appointments and amenities including a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
BA Deluxe Verandah
344-366 sqft. Deluxe Verandah Suites located on Decks 6, 7 or 8 provide a spacious and comfortable introduction to ocean cruising with the finest appointments and amenities including a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
BD Grand Deluxe Verandah
409-430 sqft. Choose a Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite, which provides additional room to relax. Amenities include a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
A Verandah
344-366 sqft. Verandah Suites, located on Decks 5, 6, 7 or 8, provide a spacious and comfortable introduction to ocean cruising with the finest appointments and amenities including a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
AA Deluxe Verandah
344-366 sqft. Deluxe Verandah Suites located on Decks 6, 7 or 8 provide a spacious and comfortable introduction to ocean cruising with the finest appointments and amenities including a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
AD Grand Deluxe Verandah
409-430 sqft. Choose a Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite, which provides additional room to relax. Amenities include a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
S Spa
495-538 sqft. Located on the higher decks, luxurious Spa Suites include a luxurious king-sized bed, spa bath, steam shower, butler service, and additional features and services that will
P Panorama
1,184sqft. Located at the front of the yacht on Deck 8 these opulent suites feature spacious curved terraces, a king-sized bed, full bath with steam shower and additional features and services.
SA Spa
495-538 sqft. Located on the higher decks, luxurious Spa Suites include a luxurious king-sized bed, spa bath, steam shower, butler service, and additional features and services
SB Spa
495-538 sqft. Located on the higher decks, luxurious Spa Suites include a luxurious king-sized bed, spa bath, steam shower, butler service, and additional features and services
OP Owner's Penthouse
2,099sqft. The oversized Owner’s Penthouse Suites are the ultimate indulgence. Located on Deck 9 and elegantly appointed with spacious curved terraces featuring a private Jacuzzi and the best views onboard, you will never want to leave.
Notes
All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy.
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Visa or Mastercard. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
23 Breakfasts, 22 Lunches, 23 Dinners
23 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Wifi
Porterage
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities
Complimentary beverages
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Select drinks including a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits are not included in the package and may be available at an additional charge
Passport or Visa fees
All travel invoice risks. We strongly recommend you to take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurance company to cover you against risks associated with your tour. Including cover for loss of luggage, medical expense, and cost and expenses incurred due to cancellations, delays, or other disruptions
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.9 | 326 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 326 reviews on
2 months ago
Adventure Life has a great team. They were very knowledgeable and responsive and helped us choose the right Arctic Expedition for us. We would recommend them.
Kbear
3 months ago
Friendly representative, ease of booking and bountiful information along the way.
Gary Brodarick
3 months ago
Erin was really helpful during the booking process! She met with me, answered all my questions and made the booking process really easy!
Adrianne Trogden
5 months ago
This was a life changing trip of a lifetime and exceeded my expectations. No details were left out during the planning of this trip by Adventure Life. The entire crew on the ship could not have been more helpful and kind. Everyone went out of their way to make this trip as pleasurable as possible.
Charles DeVito
6 months ago
The team at Adventure Life is amazing. From the planning process to the support once on the road, it's flawless. Highly recommend that you use them to plan and support your trip of a lifetime!
