Allow your butler to bring you breakfast in bed after perusing the comprehensive 24-hour in-suite dining menu or head to the Yacht Club before looking for wildlife in the pristine Arctic scenery that’s gliding by. During your voyage, there will be opportunities to see polar bears, walruses, whales, Arctic foxes, seals and seabirds, along with possible sightings of Svalbard reindeer and Arctic rabbits. Be sure to always keep the binoculars provided in your suite with you or use the Swarovski telescopes on the Observation Lounge for a closer look at the Arctic wildlife.
Possible landing sites include Ny Ålesund, home to the world’s northernmost post office, where few are lucky enough to have traveled. Learn about this quaint town’s rich history in the Kings Bay Museum and hike Arctic trails with your Discovery Team to ensure your safety in polar bear country.
Join the Captain on the bridge as we sail through an Arctic wonderland. The open bridge policy provides an opportunity to learn about the technical abilities of your Discovery Yacht as well as join the captain and Discovery Team in spotting wildlife from one of the best vantage points on the ship. See how the Captain navigates through Polar regions where ice and weather conditions can rapidly change plans before your eyes. The unpredictability of an Arctic voyage is all part of the journey and adds to the excitement for the guests and the crew. Spotting the Arctic’s elusive wildlife might be a chance of luck, but thanks to the eagle-eyed, experienced crew, your chances are greatly increased on board Scenic Eclipse. You can also always look for the Discovery Team experts to answer any questions you may have about this frozen world and expedition experiences – they are always on hand to share with you their knowledge and passion for this remarkable destination.
Open the midnight sun relieving blackout curtains in your ultra-luxury suite and step onto your private verandah to take in the inspiring view. Every day brings a new magical vista, from magnificent glaciers in iceberg dotted waters to jagged snow topped mountains towering over green slopes of tundra. Today our journey may take us to the North East Svalbard Nature Reserve, the area’s highest population of polar bears and walrus, or to the North West Spitsbergen National Park, where we can cruise through spectacular fjords and see the vast wall of ice known as the Monaco Glacier. Join the Discovery Team in Zodiac excursions around nature’s floating ice sculptures. Listen out for the loud crack of a glacier calving as you soak in the scenery from the Observation Deck and cabanas near the Sky Bar and keep your eyes peeled for movement on the ice and in the water for possible wildlife sightings.
Be sure to pack your swimmers for the ultimate icy experience. For many, the polar plunge is an exhilarating rite of passage and while the day may change, your Discovery Team will always look for a special place to set up the Discovery Yacht’s marina so that you can leap into the icy water below. Feel the adrenaline build as you prepare to jump, then a moment that seems to stretch forever before you splash into the coldest water of your life. The polar plunge is an invigorating and refreshing shock to the system that you’ll be talking about for years to come. If you’d rather watch than jump in, you can enjoy the fun with a cup of hot chocolate from one of the spacious viewing areas.
After the plunge, warm up with a drink of your choice, from a specialty tea to aged whiskey, or head to the infrared saunas in the Senses Spa for some relaxation.