1. Extraordinary wildlife encounters
2. The experience on board Scenic Eclipse
3. Facing the elements: Drake Passage Antarctic weather
4. Why choose Scenic for Antarctica (and why it matters)
5. The true value of all-inclusive

Rick has seen the world, but nothing prepared him for the wildlife encounters in Antarctica.

“The wildlife encounters are unmatched,” he explains. “Humpback whales surfacing mere feet from our Zodiac. Orcas are swimming alongside the ship. Curious penguins waddling right up to investigate us. Bubble-net feeding whales have been captivating us for over an hour.”  

These immersive moments in one of the most pristine ecosystems on Earth are a highlight of a Scenic Eclipse Antarctica cruise. Add to that the scenery of “towering glaciers calve into pristine waters” and “fjords that dwarf anything I’ve seen elsewhere,” and it’s clear why Antarctica feels so powerful. 
 
Rick admits that on paper, the continent seems almost minimal: “A limited colour palette of white, blue, and black. A sparse variety of wildlife. No cities. No crowds.” And yet, he says, “it may be the most visually powerful and emotionally moving place on Earth.” 

Life on board your Scenic Discovery Yacht is as memorable as the landscapes beyond the ship’s windows.  

“One of my favorite moments is opening those blackout curtains each morning with absolutely no idea what's waiting outside,” Rick says. “Will it be a towering glacier? A pristine fjord? Snow-capped mountains surrounding a tranquil bay?”  

Every day brings a new sense of awe - not just from the scenery, but from the comfort and luxurious inclusions Scenic provides. With spacious, all verandah suites, having this kind of space in Antarctica is more than just a luxury - it’s practical.

“Antarctica gear is bulky. Parkas, insulated pants, waterproof layers... They consume serious space.” Having room to organise, dry, and prepare between excursions makes a real difference.  

The verandahs are equally important. “When the ship's announcement crackles over the speaker - ‘Orcas outside of your suite’ - you'll be grateful you can simply step outside quickly with your camera.”  

Scenic’s expedition equipment also stands out. “Their expedition jackets, boots, and life vests are genuinely high-end and designed for comfort, not just compliance,” Rick says. “When you're standing among thousands of penguins for hours, that superior fit and insulation make a real difference.” 

One of the most common concerns about travelling to Antarctica is the infamous trip to get there - “But what about the Drake Passage?” Rick often hears. 
 
After four crossings over his two visits to the White Continent, he offers a clear perspective. “Scenic Eclipse is one of the few ships to feature advanced and oversized stabilisation technology that transforms the experience.” Combined with “a simple motion sickness patch,” even travellers who are prone to seasickness - including Rick himself - managed the journey comfortably. “Not a single person with the patch became ill during my four crossings, of which three would be labelled the ‘Drake Shake.’” 
 
Some travellers consider flying instead, but Rick points out that “weather-related cancellations and delays are far too common,” often disrupting the entire journey, not to mention the added expense. 
 
Then there’s the cold - “Won't I freeze?” is another frequent question he hears. 

During the Summer, temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula range between 0°C and 2°C, with some warmer days reaching up to 10°C. Rick reassures travellers that, with proper gear, “no one complains about being cold,” and many guests even remove layers during excursions. 
 
“The only time I was genuinely cold,” he laughs, “was when I took the polar plunge into the Antarctic Sea.” That's, of course, an optional experience - but highly recommended as a true rite of passage of having been in one of the world's most extreme places. 

Life on board your Scenic Discovery Yacht is as memorable as the landscapes beyond the ship’s windows.  

“One of my favorite moments is opening those blackout curtains each morning with absolutely no idea what's waiting outside,” Rick says. “Will it be a towering glacier? A pristine fjord? Snow-capped mountains surrounding a tranquil bay?”  

Every day brings a new sense of awe - not just from the scenery, but from the comfort and luxurious inclusions Scenic provides. With spacious, all verandah suites, having this kind of space in Antarctica is more than just a luxury - it’s practical.

“Antarctica gear is bulky. Parkas, insulated pants, waterproof layers... They consume serious space.” Having room to organise, dry, and prepare between excursions makes a real difference.  

The verandahs are equally important. “When the ship's announcement crackles over the speaker - ‘Orcas outside of your suite’ - you'll be grateful you can simply step outside quickly with your camera.”  

Scenic’s expedition equipment also stands out. “Their expedition jackets, boots, and life vests are genuinely high-end and designed for comfort, not just compliance,” Rick says. “When you're standing among thousands of penguins for hours, that superior fit and insulation make a real difference.” 

Yes, Antarctica is an investment - but Scenic ensures that everything truly is included. 

“Every shore excursion. All lectures from up to 20 Discovery Team experts. Unlimited Wi-Fi. Premium drinks. Port charges. Even your gratuities,” lists Rick, highlighting how guests can focus simply on the experience and the discovery of this spectacular destination. 
 
Scenic also gives you the option to add unique experiences like helicopter flights and submersible dives, so you can choose to take your discovery of this exclusive part of the world even further. 
 
“Travellers enjoy access to up to nine world-class restaurants, all included, which you share with just 200 guests. In fact, many guests disembark without seeing any additional charges,” Rick comments. 
 
For him, it’s not just about indulgence. “It's about maximising every moment in the most remote place on Earth, without the distractions of budgeting, waiting, or compromise,” he summarises. 
 
“If Antarctica has ever been on your ‘someday' list, I can tell you firsthand: it is worth it. And while the phrase ‘trip of a lifetime' gets overused, in this case, it truly fits. Antarctica isn’t just another destination - it’s an experience that stays with you long after you return home. And honestly, words don't do it justice”. 

Learn more about Scenic Discovery Yachts’ Antarctica expeditions here.