Antarctica's Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife

Summary

Port Chalmers is the port for the city of Dunedin, the oldest European settlement in New Zealand, which was founded in 1848. Sitting at the end of a long, fiord-like inlet off the south-eastern tip of the South Island, Dunedin is New Zealand’s most Scottish town – in fact, Dunedin is the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh.

Today, step on board your 6-star, ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht and be warmly welcomed by the crew. Meet your butler and settle into your spacious suite. Meet your fellow guests over a glass of chilled Champagne in the Observation Lounge, toasting to the start of a wonderful journey.

Please book your flight to arrive into Dunedin prior to 02:00 PM.

Summary

Be sure to stay close to your verandah as you enter the Ross Sea – wandering albatrosses are a common sight, and icebergs will begin to pop up around you as well. The pristine, nutrient-rich ocean is popular among orcas, seals, penguins and whales.

This rugged and remarkable body of water is surrounded by sky-scraping mountains and carved by glacial ice tongues, vast ice shelves and drifting sea ice. Some of the most famous Antarctic explorers – Scott, Shackleton, Amundsen and Borchgrevink among them – used it as a gateway on their quest to the South Pole.

The conditions here can be quite extreme, with the weather and ice influencing your daily plans. Your Captain and Discovery Leader will seek out the safest opportunities for you to explore the area.

Over the next few days on Ross Island, at the base of Mount Erebus, you'll walk in the footsteps of legendary explorers Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott. These pioneers chose Cape Royds and Cape Evans as the sites for their base camps, where they prepared for their iconic Antarctic expeditions.

Discovery:
An opportunity today to fly on one of the two on board helicopters^ to the McMurdo Dry Valleys. This area is one of the world’s driest and coldest deserts, devoid of snow, revealing a stark, moon-like landscape. Guided by your Discovery Team, marvel at rare archaeological sites while treading lightly to preserve this delicate ecosystem.

Today you may have the opportunity to explore this fascinating landscape on the fleet of custom-built Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboarding, guided and self-paced hikes. Your expert Discovery Team can take you on enlightening excursions to historic explorers’ huts.

Summary

Cape Royds, on the western edge of Ross Island, is famed for Ernest Shackleton's Hut, a well-preserved landmark from his 1907–1909 Nimrod Expedition. This iconic site offers a rare glimpse into the golden age of Antarctic exploration. Cape Royds is also home to one of the southernmost Adélie penguin rookeries, where penguins thrive thanks to nearby polynyas, providing easy access to fish.

Later in the evening, Champagne in hand, your expert polar Discovery Team will regale you with stories of the birds you have seen as this is a designated Important Bird Area (IBA).

Discovery:
Another opportunity to fly on one of the two on board helicopters^ to the McMurdo Dry Valleys, one of the most spectacular places on earth, mirroring conditions found on Mars.

Alternatively, you may have the opportunity to explore this fascinating landscape on the fleet of custom-built Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboarding, guided and self-paced hikes, and submersible^ explorations dives. Your expert Discovery Team can take you on enlightening excursions to historic explorers’ huts.

Summary

Weather plays an important role in deciding if and when you land on Ross Island, but even if you have to stay on the ship you’ll be amazed by its natural drama. The landscape is dominated by Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on Earth and the second-highest volcano in Antarctica.

Sit down with your expert polar Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre to learn why Sir James Clark Ross and Sir Ernest Shackleton came here on their polar expeditions, and how they built their huts. Both huts are still here today and are classified as an Antarctica historical monument.

Discovery:
An exciting opportunity to take one of the two on board helicopters^ to the breathtaking McMurdo Dry Valleys, known of the Martian-like landscape.

Alternatively, you may have the opportunity to explore this fascinating landscape and spot orcas and Emperor penguins on the fleet of custom-built Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboarding, guided and self-paced hikes, and submersible^ explorations dives. Your expert Discovery Team can take you on enlightening excursions to historic explorers’ huts.

Summary

A row of largely snow-free valleys, the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Ross Island comprise one of the world's most extreme deserts, plus the saline Lake Vida and the Onyx River, a meltwater stream and Antarctica's longest river. The only way to glimpse this dramatic landscape is by adding an optional excursion on one of Scenic Eclipse II’s helicopters^ – weather permitting, your pilot may even land on this end-of-the-Earth landscape.

Back on board, explore some of the indulgent spaces, from the welcoming Observation Lounge to the expansive Senses Spa#. Soothe your muscles in the sauna or rejuvenate in the Salt Therapy Lounge, join a yoga or Pilates class. Choose one of up to 10 world-class on board dining experiences tonight.

Discovery:
Book the helicopter^ for a flight to the McMurdo Dry Valleys, one of the world’s driest deserts with a stark, moon-like landscape.

Alternatively, you may have the chance to explore this fascinating landscape and spot orcas and Emperor penguins on the fleet of custom-built Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboarding, guided and self-paced hikes, and submersible^ explorations dives. Your expert Discovery Team can take you on enlightening excursions to historic explorers’ huts.

Summary

Today enjoy a breathtaking Ross Ice Shelf cruise to the remote Cape Crozier, where adventure meets history and nature in the heart of Antarctica. Sail alongside the towering ice cliffs of the world’s largest ice shelf, with its awe-inspiring walls of ice rising 50 metres (160 feet) above the ocean. As you journey to Cape Crozier, famous for its Adélie penguin colony and rich Antarctic history, you’ll experience the raw beauty of the frozen continent like never before.

Discovery:
Depending on conditions, you may have the opportunity to fly on one of the two on board helicopters^ to the Ross Sea Ice Shelf. On this unforgettable optional flightseeing excursion, see the spectacular ice shelf from above and possibly land on it.

Alternatively, enjoy lectures from the expert polar Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre or look for the region’s unique wildlife using your suite’s binoculars or Swarovski telescopes in the Observation Lounge.

Summary

Journey to Terra Nova Bay, where cutting-edge science meets timeless exploration. To the north, discover the Italian and South Korean research stations, while to the south lies the ancient Drygalski Ice Tongue, an awe-inspiring natural feature stretching 70 km from the David Glacier. On Inexpressible Island, step into history and uncover the incredible tale of six men from Robert Falcon Scott's Terra Nova Expedition (1910–1913), who endured an Antarctic winter in an ice cave—now a designated historical monument.

Visit Adélie Cove, a thriving sanctuary for Adélie penguins, offering unforgettable wildlife encounters. Nestled along the rugged coastline, it’s a spectacular spot to witness these charming creatures in their natural habitat, adding a touch of wildlife wonder to your Antarctic expedition.

Discovery:
Today, you may have the opportunity to explore this fascinating landscape on the fleet of custom-built Zodiacs.

Summary

You might visit Inexpressible Island, where a group of six men from the Terra Nova expedition, led by Robert Falcon Scott (1910-1913), endured a harsh winter in a cave carved into the ice — now a designated historical monument.

Indulge in a treatment# at the tranquil Senses Spa. Perhaps an ESPA facial or an alternative therapy including Ayuverdic massage or Japanese shiatsu. Afterwards, hold on to that feeling of calm for a while longer in the Zen-like space of the Salt Therapy Lounge.

Discovery:
Today, you may have the opportunity to explore this fascinating landscape on the fleet of custom-built Zodiacs.

Summary

All jagged cliffs and ink-black escarpments backed by the towering Admiralty Mountains, the Adare Peninsula is a postcard of natural drama. Much of the spectacle comes courtesy of the 250,000 breeding pairs of Adélie penguins – the largest colony in Antarctica – that call the region home.

This is a place that has drawn avid expeditioners for centuries. It was the site of the first documented Antarctic landing on the continent in 1895, and Norwegian explorer Carsten Borchgrevink’s two 1899 huts remain on land.

Sip specialty teas and aromatic illy coffee in the Observation Lounge, where you can read books and play board games in between wildlife watching. In the evening, up to 10 extraordinary dining experiences await. From contemporary French fine dining at Lumière to the freshest Japanese at Sushi @ Koko’s, you'll experience a remarkable culinary journey.

Discovery:
Weather and conditions permitting, you may have the opportunity to explore the hut remains with your Discovery Team.

Summary

Weather and ice conditions permitting, you'll have the opportunity to explore several of the region's iconic sites. Alongside Adélie penguins, you might encounter other wildlife such as seals and seabirds, making it a prime spot for wildlife enthusiasts. Experience the dramatic landscapes of Cape Adare, featuring striking ice formations, breathtaking views and fantastic photo opportunities.

Or today could be the day to brave the polar plunge – a rite of passage for polar explorers. You’re going to feel invigorated at the end of this split second, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The cold plunge is exhilarating, and the shared experience with your fellow Antarctica ‘plungers’ immensely bonding. That hot drink or whiskey as you emerge is restorative and reviving. This is an unmissable opportunity, whether enjoyed today or throughout your voyage in Antarctic waters.

Discovery:
Weather and conditions permitting, you may have the opportunity to explore the hut remains with your Discovery Team.

Summary

Your voyage ends in Dunedin (Port Chalmers), on the southeastern tip of New Zealand’s South Island.

After one last luxurious breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your new friends and crew, taking memories for a lifetime.

You will join a standard transfer from Port Chalmers to Dunedin.

Please book your flight to depart out of Dunedin after 12:00 PM.

^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, ice and tidal conditions. #Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Locations listed within East Antarctica are subject to weather and operational conditions. Sightings cannot be guaranteed. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.