Scenic has announced a 100% global increase in bookings for Antarctic voyages aboard its expedition yacht, the Scenic Eclipse. According to the cruise company, the surge in demand for these trips shows no signs of slowing; on the contrary, bookings were significantly higher in January compared to the same month last year.
According to a press release, much of this success can be attributed to the announcement of Scenic's return to Antarctic waters in January 2022, as well as the overwhelmingly positive response from its guests. Following this booking success, Scenic has unveiled its full collection of 2023-2024 Antarctic and South American voyages, including details of the company's second yacht, the Scenic Eclipse II, which will double Scenic's capacity in the polar regions. The two expedition yachts will "meet" for the first time when they sail to Antarctica in December 2023.
The highlight of the program, according to Scenic, is the introduction of new trips that include flights during the Antarctic cruise, for passengers who prefer to avoid two consecutive days at sea when the yachts sail through the Drake Passage, either due to lack of time or simply to avoid the passage.
The nine- or ten-day cruise begins (or ends) in Punta Arenas, Chile, with a two-hour flight to/from King George Island. From there, guests join one of the expedition yachts and begin their journey through Antarctica, assisted by Scenic's expedition team of more than 20 members.
Passengers can glide in a kayak or paddleboard around icebergs and seals resting on ice floes, while Zodiacs and landings showcase penguins, seals, and whales in their natural habitat.
Customers who book and pay for their cruise in full 12 months prior to departure will receive a 20% discount on the cruise fare with Scenic's Super Earlybird offer.
The also new 16-day Beyond the Antarctic Circle voyage combines the Antarctic Peninsula with a journey that seeks to reach latitude 66° 33′ south, which according to Scenic, the navigation crosses the Antarctic Circle and witnesses “changes in the landscape”, such as the increase in sea ice and the fauna that lives in the waters with abundant krill.
