Scenic Eclipse Antarctica review: a first-hand expedition report

At a glance: what this Scenic Eclipse Antarctica trip was like

• Ship: Scenic Eclipse
• Itinerary: Antarctica expedition via the Drake Passage
• Duration: 10 nights
• Passenger numbers: Expedition-scale guest numbers with multiple landing groups
• Expedition set-up: Zodiac landings and cruises led by experienced polar guides
• Stand-out moments: Orca sightings from the bow, gentoo penguin encounters, zodiac cruising among icebergs, helicopter flight over the Antarctic Peninsula Best for: Comfort-first travellers who still want proper landings, including first-time Antarctica visitors, photographers and those who value strong organisation alongside luxury

Scenic Eclipse as an expedition ship

Compared with many luxury expedition ships, Scenic Eclipse places more emphasis on space, design and onboard choice, while still operating at a genuine expedition scale with regular landings and Zodiac operations.

The Scenic Eclipse is a purpose-built expedition yacht. Every suite has a balcony and the ship feels modern, calm and well laid out. There are several restaurants, generous public spaces and a wide range of expedition equipment designed for remote regions.

Although the ship was new at the time of my voyage, the expedition team were highly experienced and always present. Questions were answered easily and information was shared naturally throughout the trip. Even the captain, Erwan Le Rouzic, was actively involved. One morning at around 6am he made a gentle tannoy announcement inviting us to the bow. A pod of orcas had just made a kill and seabirds were circling in large numbers. It was one of those moments you never forget.

Crossing the Drake Passage

My itinerary included a crossing of the Drake Passage before reaching Antarctica. This crossing is often talked about with a mix of nerves and excitement, but on this voyage it was well managed and clearly explained by the crew.

If this is your first time heading south, it is worth understanding what the crossing actually involves and how modern expedition ships handle it. Our guide to crossing the Drake Passage for the first time explains this in more detail and is useful reading before you travel.

Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula

We spent 6 days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, with regular landings using Scenic Eclipse's fleet of Zodiacs. These were also used for cruising among icebergs and wildlife spotting from the water.

The landings were exhilarating. Penguins were everywhere and completely unbothered by our presence. Gentoo penguins in particular are very curious. Despite the briefing telling us not to approach wildlife, one little gentoo seemed happy to approach me. He stood quite contentedly between my legs for around fifteen minutes while everyone else took photos. I could not move, but I certainly did not mind.

Wildlife and zodiac cruising

The Zodiac cruises were just as memorable as the landings. We saw humpback whales swimming close to us, seals resting on ice floes and penguins darting through the water at speed.

One Zodiac cruise among the icebergs stands out. The shapes, sizes and deep blue colours were stunning and the silence was striking. We then spotted two leopard seals resting together on a floating iceberg. Our guides were excellent and their explanations about the ice and wildlife added real depth to the experience.

Optional activities: helicopters, submarine and kayaking

Scenic Eclipse carries helicopters, a submarine and kayaks, alongside standard expedition equipment. These activities are optional and subject to weather and timing.

I chose the helicopter flight and would strongly recommend it. The 25-minute flight cost US$695 and gave an entirely different perspective on the Antarctic Peninsula. We flew over icebergs with bright blue pools on top and saw humpback whales travelling below us. From the air, the scale of Antarctica becomes clear and it is genuinely breathtaking.

I did not take the submarine or kayaking options. My knee made the kayaking less appealing and I chose to prioritise the helicopter. Guests who took the submarine enjoyed the experience, but some felt they saw less than expected. From our perspective at Mundy, the submarine tends to be more rewarding in warmer waters with reef life.

A typical day on board Scenic Eclipse

Each day followed a clear and well-run structure, which made it easy to settle into the rhythm of the expedition.

The evening before, there was a detailed briefing covering the following day's plans, landing sites, weather and wildlife conditions. These briefings were relaxed but thorough and helped everyone know what to expect.

When the ship was anchored, days were split between morning and afternoon activity blocks. Designated groups rotated between Zodiac cruises and landings, with time ashore balanced by time on the water. There was also space for kayaking, optional activities and downtime back on board.

If a group was running light on numbers, guests could join another Zodiac outing. I did this a few times and it led to some of the best wildlife moments, especially spotting birds nesting high on the cliffs.

Guides were available throughout the day for questions and conversation. They stayed in constant radio contact during Zodiac operations, so if wildlife was spotted by one group, others were quickly alerted. The landings themselves were graded, with options ranging from gentle walks to more challenging hikes.

Life on board between landings

Between excursions, the ship was amazing. The mud room was sensibly designed for changing boots and gear, and colour-coded landing groups avoided crowding. A welcome touch was the table set up outside with hot drinks when we returned from trips, with whisky available if you wanted it.

The theatre hosted regular talks from the expedition team, which were informative and helped build anticipation for the following day. These talks were well pitched and genuinely engaging.

One of my favourite places was the Observation Lounge. Sitting with a cup of tea, looking through photos and watching the scenery pass by became a daily ritual.

Suites and balconies in Antarctica

I stayed in a Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite on Deck 5. The suite was spacious and modern, with plenty of storage, a large bathroom with a rain shower and a good-sized balcony. There were UK plug sockets and USB points by the bed, a choice of pillows and binoculars provided in the room.

I did not expect to use the balcony much in Antarctica, but I spent a surprising amount of time out there. I saw minke whales pass by while we were at anchor and often spotted penguins from my balcony. Having binoculars to hand made a real difference.

If you are considering Antarctica, I would strongly recommend choosing a ship with all-balcony accommodation.

Dining on Scenic Eclipse

Dining on board was consistently good. Open seating meant you could dine with friends or choose a table for two by the window. The blinds were always open, so you never felt cut off from what was happening outside.

Lumière was my favourite restaurant. I dined there alone one evening and the staff were extremely welcoming. The chef even came out to chat. The food was refined French cuisine served as small dishes, which made it feel like a special occasion.

The Azure Bar and Grill was a regular stop throughout the day for light meals and snacks. It was relaxed and informal, with good views through large windows.

Koko's offered several Asian dining options under one roof. The sushi bar was excellent, while the Teppanyaki experience was well cooked but without heavy theatrics. Elements, the main restaurant, was reliable and easy to access, with good tables by the window.

Spa, wellness and downtime

For a small ship, the spa facilities were impressive. There was a sauna, steam room, polar plunge pool and heated loungers, which were perfect after cold days ashore. Deck space on Scenic Eclipse is more limited than on some ships, but in Antarctica this was not an issue.

Who will get the most from Scenic Eclipse in Antarctica

Scenic Eclipse is particularly well suited to:

• First-time Antarctica travellers who want clear structure and strong briefings
• Photographers and wildlife-focused travellers who value well-run Zodiac operations
• Comfort-first travellers who still want proper landings and time ashore

Final thoughts on Scenic Eclipse in Antarctica

Scenic Eclipse looked striking against the Antarctic landscape and delivered exactly what I hoped for. Days were spent properly exploring Antarctica, with close wildlife encounters and time ashore, followed by comfort and calm back on board.

If you are considering a luxury Antarctica expedition and want a ship that balances serious exploration with genuine luxury, Scenic Eclipse is an excellent choice.

For planning your own trip, our guide to the best time to visit Antarctica is a useful starting point.