The EXPEDITION ships
THE JOURNEY
Antarctica in Depth with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours.
THE VESSEL
The 114-suite (all with verandahs and views) luxury Scenic Eclipse is a game-changer at sea. The ship has been designed with a rating of Ice Class 1A Super, the highest of any luxury vessel, to operate in tricky ice conditions. Scenic Eclipse packs its own submarine and helicopters to discover the polar regions from every angle. From the generous 32sqm Verandah Suites to the tennis court-sized 245sqm two-bedroom Penthouse Suite all feature elegant furnishings, a separate sleep zone and lounge area, and butler service. With a near 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, attention to detail is paramount. Expect fine toiletries, Egyptian cotton linen and a pillow menu.
THE PORTS
The 12-day, 200-person trip flies out from Buenos Aires, Argentina, joining the Scenic Eclipse at Ushuaia. From here, the vessel sails through Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula where six days and nights will be spent gazing at floating ice towers and incredible wildlife. Wake up to spectacular scenery and ice-filled channels you can explore via Zodiac, helicopter and submarine. Constantly changing weather, landscapes and colours are a photographer’s dream. The trip returns to Buenos Aires via Ushuaia.
THE EXCURSIONS
Scenic’s experienced Discovery Team leaders use their expertise to design the voyage from day to day, making the most of the 18–20 daylight hours. It might be a Zodiac trip around formations, a kayak around icebergs, or a snowshoe on the ice to view penguins. If weather allows, guests can see it all from above by helicopter – or below. Scenic Eclipse’s submarine Scenic Neptune can seat six chairs mounted on a 280-degree swivelling platform, diving an incredible 300 metres. Every excursion yields a new discovery.
ONBOARD ACTIVITIES
Unlike other expedition ships, there’s a large range of dining options onboard with 10 restaurants, and eight bars and lounges. A popular after-dinner spot is The Whisky Bar, stocked with 110 varieties to enjoy, including single malts such as a 25-year-old Glendullan, or a blend such as Ireland’s Jameson Select Reserve Black Barrel. Looking for a wellness opportunity? Book in for a treatment in the spacious Spa Sanctuary or learn the ancient art of Nordic bathing, dipping in and out of temperature-controlled plunge pools. There’s also a gym and a yoga and Pilates studio. scenic.com.au
Once-in-a-lifetime journeys to lands where the natural world reigns are destined to evolve your
explorative and adventure-seeking spirit.
THE JOURNEY
Galápagos seven-night Outer Loop with Celebrity Cruises.
THE VESSEL
Francesca Bucci of New York’s BG Studio International was tasked with executing the interior design concept for the 100-guest Celebrity Flora. Highlighting sustainability, regional materials are used throughout. Think natural textures and colours that reflect the area, as well as art inspired by the flora and fauna of the Galápagos. The standout suites include the ultra-luxe Penthouse, the largest sailing the Galápagos Islands, with a verandah that blurs the boundary between inside and out at the touch of a button and which features an outward-facing spa pool and shower.
THE PORTS
Celebrity Flora visits 12 ports, sailing from Baltra Island where guests can get up close to the unique wildlife. Highlights include Gardner Bay, home to a major colony of sea lions and a nesting site for sea turtles. There’s also a visit to Floreana, the first capital of the Galápagos, where Charles Darwin met the islands’ Governor. Its small lagoon is often home to flamingos, stilts, and white-cheeked pintail ducks. At Moreno Point, guests will have the chance to see marine iguanas, sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, penguins and the flightless cormorant.
THE EXCURSIONS
For experiences off the ship, guests have the use of snorkelling equipment, wetsuits and excursions led by Galápagos National Park certified naturalists. At South Plaza, a small uplifted island just off the northeast coast of Santa Cruz, naturalists lead guests along the low-lying rocky shoreline covered in scrub, colourful saltbush and giant prickly pear cactus. Here, a subspecies of land iguana is found in abundance and can be spotted grazing on the cactus.
ONBOARD ACTIVITIES
Glamping is offered on the top deck with two inviting, luxurious cabanas, one fitted with a double bed for sleeping, and the other set up for dining. A naturalist will be available to highlight the constellations and stars. Cocktails, wine and campfire-inspired cuisine will be curated for the evening. Wake up to a spectacular sunrise with a full breakfast at your bedside. Guests can also enjoy menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, unlimited beverages, wi-fi and room service. celebritycruises.com