Discover Antarctica through the eyes of Experts in 2027

How Scenic Discovery Yachts takes you further into the White Continent

Your Antarctica in Depth expedition voyage begins in Buenos Aires with an included flight to Ushuaia, at the southern tip of South America, where you embark to cross the Drake Passage towards the Antarctic Peninsula. Purpose-built with a Polar Class 6 rating, strengthened hull and oversized stabilisers, Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II are designed to provide a smoother journey and reduce transit time, so you spend more time immersed in the White Continent. 

Once you arrive, you’ll  be inspired by a world of towering glaciers, sculpted icebergs and dramatic, snow-covered peaks, with days exploring highlights such as Deception Island and Paradise Bay. Your expedition voyage includes a range of all-inclusive Scenic Discovery excursions from Zodiac cruising among icebergs to guided hikes on the seventh continent, paddling by kayak or stand-up paddleboard through pristine polar landscapes. 

Meet the scientists joining Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II

In February 2027, selected Antarctica in Depth departures will host members of the Polar Pathogen and Microbial Ecosystems team from Federation University Australia, bringing Antarctic science directly on board. Associate Professor Andrew Greenhill and Dr Ashley Olson are scheduled to sail on Scenic Eclipse on the 6 and 17 February 2027 voyages, while Dr Meagan Dewar and Dr Louise Emmerson will be on board Scenic Eclipse II on the 14 and 25 February 2027 departures. 
 
Throughout these voyages, the scientists will collaborate with the Scenic Discovery Team to deliver interactive talks, informal discussions and engaging insights on deck and ashore, adding another layer of enrichment to the guest experience. Dr Louise Emmerson has previously travelled with Scenic three times in the remote East Antarctica and Ross Sea region, bringing her expertise in seabird ecology and experience translating science into accessible stories for guests. 

What their research means for your wildlife encounters

The PPME team studies how microbes, including bacteria, viruses and parasites, and environmental change influence the health of Antarctic wildlife such as penguins, seals and flying seabirds. During expeditions, they collect samples from different species and use advanced genetic tools to understand disease risks and how shifting conditions affect diet, food-web dynamics and ecosystem stability. 

For Scenic guests, this means every encounter with bustling penguin colonies, elephant seals or seabirds circling overhead is framed by deeper scientific context, revealing how Antarctic wildlife survives and adapts in a rapidly changing environment. As you stand on shore or cruise by Zodiac, you can hear first-hand how Antarctica acts as an early warning system for global environmental change.

Why science at sea matters

Scenic's Director of Discovery Operations, Jason Flesher, has led many polar expeditions; in fact, he has visited Antarctica more than 100 times. He oversees the Discovery Team that delivers daily experiences in Antarctica. Reflecting on the addition of the PPME scientists to Antarctica in Depth in February 2027, he explains why this collaboration is so significant for guests. 
 
"Bringing an active research team on board the Scenic Discovery Yachts lets guests see Antarctica through the eyes of the people studying it every day," says Jason. "You're not just visiting a pristine landscape, you're stepping into a living laboratory, where every whale sighting, penguin colony or seabird fly-over becomes a chance to understand the bigger story of our planet." 
 
He adds, "Alongside our Discovery Team, these scientists deepen the meaning behind each excursion, whether you're cruising in a Zodiac or enjoying a quiet moment on your private verandah. It's an opportunity to be part of exploration and discovery in real time, and that's what makes these 2027 voyages so special."

Life on board your Scenic Discovery Yacht during an expedition voyage

On board Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II, you will enjoy an all-inclusive ultra-luxury experience with state-of-the-art technology for polar exploration. All-verandah suites with butler service, a nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, and a choice of up to 10 culinary experiences, with no surcharges for specialty dining, create a refined and restorative haven from which to explore one of the most remote regions on Earth. 
 
On your Antarctica in Depth expedition voyage, your days are guided by the Scenic Discovery Team, with Zodiac cruises, shore landings, kayaking and stand-up paddleboard excursions all included as part of your journey. For an even more expansive perspective, you can choose optional helicopter^ flights or submersible^ dives to soar above sculpted ice or reveal Antarctica's underwater world for a multi-dimensional experience. 
 
After a day of discovery, return to the warmth and comfort of your Scenic Discovery Yacht. Rejuvenate in the tranquil 550sqm Senses Spa or settle into one of the bars and lounges with a premium beverage as you reflect on the day’s extraordinary encounters. When exploring one of the world's most remote destinations, having this depth and variety of included experiences makes all the difference. 
 

^Subject to additional cost and regulatory approval. 

Learn more about these Antarctica in Depth voyages

If you’re ready to experience Antarctica alongside leading scientists and Scenic’s expert Discovery Team, explore the Antarctica in Depth itineraries now. You’ll find detailed day‑by‑day information, departure dates, including the February 2027 sailings featuring the PPME team, and current offers for expedition voyages.