There’s nowhere else on Earth quite like it, the sheer expanse of the Antarctic Peninsula means there’s always something new to discover, even for visitors who were fortunate to explore the frozen beauty of the seventh continent before. The sight of the most famous Antarctic resident, the Emperor penguin, playing, swimming and waddling in their natural habitat is a truly life changing experience. At the start of the season, you may chance a sighting of a few penguins coming down to the coastline, but the best way to see them is by visiting Snow Hill Island, discovered in 1843 by British explorer James Clark Ross (of Ross Sea and Ross Ice Shelf fame). The island is known for its unusual blanket of snow, a stark contrast to the rockier islands in the Weddell Sea, and the Emperor penguins gather here every March to mate. They thrive in extreme sub-zero conditions and prefer a frosty surface for breeding and incubating their eggs. This, along with its remoteness, makes Snow Hill Island an ideal breeding ground for these beautiful birds, one of only two of its kind in the Antarctic Peninsula, and a home to around 4,000 breeding pairs.

On a Scenic Eclipse expedition cruise, guests have an exclusive opportunity to journey to this unique location to see this spectacular penguin show in a front-row seat. By taking one of the Discovery Yacht’s two helicopters, guests can experience a landing on Snow Hill Island without disturbing the wildlife. The custom-built Airbus H130’s are the quietest helicopters in the skies, minimising their impact on the surrounding environment. Upon landing, the specialist polar Discovery Team will lead you on a short hike through the snow to a perfect viewing spot for the majestic Emperors and their fluffy chicks. Scenic Eclipse’s resident ornithologist provides deep insights into the behaviour and ecology of Antarctica’s most iconic wildlife, while the dedicated crew ensures all IAATO (The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) and biosecurity protocols are followed.

By November, the start of the Antarctic cruise season, the chicks are at their fluffiest and the sea ice has broken up enough for Scenic Eclipse's helicopters to access Snow Hill Island for a look into this wondrous natural society. For your opportunity to experience this amazing optional Snow Hill Island excursion, select one of the below listed October or November departures. Snow Hill Island helicopter excursions are at an additional cost (about US$1,000 per guest), operate on select voyages, and are subject to availability, regulatory approval, weight restrictions, weather conditions and permit approvals.

Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands
22-days Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
Oct 22 & Nov 22, 2025; Nov 10 & Nov 15, 2026;

Antarctica in Depth
13-days Buenos Aires Roundtrip
November 11, 2025; November 30, 2026;

After a day full of unforgettable discoveries and enriching moments provided by the Eclipse’s Discovery Team, the ship’s 200 guests can retreat to the supreme comfort of their luxury suites, relaxing in some of the highest space-to-guest ratio rooms comparable to 6-star hotels. Whether you select the Veranda Suite at generous 32 square meters in size, the Spa Suite at 50 square meters or the two-bedroom Penthouse Suite at 245 square meters, all guests can indulge in the fresh air and magnificent views from their own private veranda or terrace. Guests staying in Spa, Panorama and Penthouse Suites will also enjoy steam showers, complimentary laundry service, luxurious bath and a one-hour complimentary spa treatment included for each guest. Panorama and Penthouse Suite guests also receive a range of VIP amenities, including an in-suite library with Kindle e-books, access to priority bookings for dining at the ship’s specialty restaurants, and choice of onshore and Scenic Discovery excursions (including Zodiacs and kayaks). Priority bookings are also included for spa treatments, helicopter and submarine experiences, and VIP embarkation and disembarkation.

All Scenic Eclipse voyages are truly all-inclusive, featuring the finest selection of unlimited top-shelf wines and spirits, complimentary Wi-Fi, all tipping on board and onshore, once-in-a-lifetime immersive excursions including a full kayak and stand-up paddle-boarding program, and exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences with unique and exclusively handcrafted encounters. Your expedition kit includes an expedition parka and water bottle that are yours to take home, plus the use of specialised polar boots, trekking poles, personal flotation devices and specific equipment you need for kayak and paddle-board excursions. Between landings, your outdoor gear will be stored in a personal locker in the Discovery Centre.

In addition to the helicopter excursions, you can also choose a deep dive into Antarctic waters in Scenic’s custom-built Triton 660/9 AVA submersible, Scenic Neptune, capable of submerging up to 656 feet below the ocean’s surface (at an extra cost). The undersea and even under-ice landscape of Antarctica can be a technicolour contrast to the monochrome landscape above the water, thanks to a rich marine fauna of the area you are sailing through.

Contact your Travel Professional for full details or visit here.