Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Welcome to Buenos Aires, where you’ll have an overnight hotel stay. Perhaps plan to spend some time in the city, nicknamed the ‘Paris of South America’. Resplendent with Belle Epoque buildings, sidewalk cafes and green spaces, there’s the fiery passion of Latin America - a collective love for football, flame-cooked meats (asado) and the tango. Some of the highlights are La Boca, a colorful, creative mecca with a must-do art walk, and San Telmo, a former aristocratic neighborhood that was abandoned during a 19th-century epidemic. Mansions were turned into conventillos (shared housing), boutique hotels, antique shops, and tango clubs, exuding a captivating bohemian vibe.

Board your included flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, the main island of Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world. The Captain and crew will warmly greet you as you board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. Toast the start of your once-in-a-lifetime expedition as you depart South America and cruise through the calm and scenic Beagle Channel, named so for the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his five-year discovery journey.

Admire the dramatic views of the Andean mountains from the comfort of your private verandah or from the Observation Deck with its commanding view of the bow. Meals: B. D.

Wake up in your own time as we cruise across the Drake Passage, the infamous waterway that connects South America to Antarctica. Perhaps ask your butler for breakfast to be delivered to your spacious suite or meet fellow guests in the Yacht Club. Today, join an introductory presentation about your polar expedition by the Polar Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theater. Feel the excitement building as they explain how your Zodiac and other Discovery Excursions will work in the coming days. The theater is where you can watch talks, lectures, movies, and documentaries during the day. Enjoy world-class productions from musical theater and cabaret to pop music, dance, and fun interactive game shows at night. Meals: B. L. D.

Remote and sparsely populated, the Falkland Islands are a wildlife lover’s paradise. The world’s largest population of Gentoo penguins is found here, in addition to King, Magellanic and rockhopper penguins. Watch as they waddle along, interacting with each other. You can also find black-browed albatross, plus Cobb’s wren and Falkland’s flightless steamer duck, which are both endemic bird species. Make sure to ask for some wildlife insights from the expert Polar Discovery Team – comprised of up to 20 members, this team of geologists, historians, ornithologists, marine biologists, and glaciologists is at the heart of your Antarctic Voyage.

Discovery: Daily experiences during your expedition voyage may include cruising on Zodiacs, stepping ashore to view vast penguin rookeries or historic huts, and kayaking around icebergs. Meals: B, L, D

While in the Falkland Islands, you will likely visit Stanley, the archipelago's capital. Since its colonization in the 18th century, the ownership of the Falkland Islands has been clouded in controversy between France, Britain, Spain, and Argentina. This town offers a unique British outpost feel. Visit an array of local shops, see the Christ Church Cathedral with its whalebone arch, or share a pint with friendly locals at an English pub. Meals: B, L, D

Freechoice Tour Options:

Walk Stanley: take a walking tour of the small capital with an expert local guide for a closer look at life in this rugged location.

Battlefields a Mountain Perspective: visit Falklands War battlegrounds on a Battlefields Tour while admiring the views of the Island.

Stanley Highlights: this tour by coach offers a thorough introduction to the town's key sights and historical landmarks.

Fitz Roy Farm Tour:  Start at the Jetty Visitor Center with a brief history of the Falklands, then continue to the shearing shed for a live shearing demonstration, followed by a visit to the Farm Manager’s House.

Have you visited the bridge yet? Thanks to the Captain’s open bridge policy, guests are welcome any time to learn more about the technical abilities of The World’s First Discovery Yacht and see it in full operation. The bridge is also one of the best viewing areas on the ship. Make sure you book a treatment at the tranquil Senses Spa before your Discovery expedition ends. Perhaps an ESPA facial or massage or an alternative therapy, including Ayurvedic massage or Japanese shiatsu. Afterwards, hold on to that feeling of calm for a while longer in the Zen-like space of the Vitality Lounge. Meals: B. L. D.

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world, South Georgia was rightfully nicknamed the ‘Galápagos of the Poles’.

Between the 3000-meter mountain range that forms the spine of South Georgia Island, shattered glaciers carve their way through tussock grass to the deeply indented coastline. A possible landing site is Fortuna Bay, which has panoramic views of jagged summit peaks and the remarkable Konig Glacier. You may also visit Salisbury Plain, home to the world’s second-largest King penguin of more than 250,000.

Discovery: Today you may have the chance to explore this fascinating landscape on the fleet of custom-built Zodiacs and kayaks. Your expert Polar Discovery Team will take you on enlightening excursions that put you close to South Georgia’s stunning wildlife and nature. Meals: B, L, D

Beyond its remarkable wildlife, South Georgia Island is steeped in a fascinating human legacy. You may get the chance to pay your respects to Sir Ernest Shackleton, the renowned explorer, at his final resting place in the settlement of Grytviken. Here, you can also see the remnants of old whaling stations, with some ships rustling around the bay.

Discovery: Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions. Cruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations, step onto islands to view vast penguin rookeries and seals. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard around icebergs and hear the ice cracking and whales feeding below. Meals: B, L, D

Prepare to be amazed by the abundant wildlife that calls South Georgia home. With your camera and binoculars ready, you may have the chance to witness incredible scenes unfold before your eyes. At South Georgia’s southern tip, Cooper Bay (subject to weather and operational conditions), watch for giant petrels and brown skuas as they soar above and playful fur seals in underwater kelp forests. Climb a short but steep hill to find a macaroni penguin colony hidden among tussock grasses.

Discovery: When enjoying daily Scenic Discovery excursions, ask for your expert Discovery Leader for photography tips and guidance on how to spot the wildlife around you. They will help you immortalize these incredible moments while cruising on the Zodiacs, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding around impressive ice formations. Meals: B, L, D

Cruising to South Georgia, there is plenty of time to indulge in the ultra- luxury of your Discovery Yacht and reflect on the magic moments you’ve experienced in the Southern Ocean. Freshly squeezed juice, steaming barista-made coffee or tea delivered to your door by the butler will help start your day. Head to the gym for an invigorating workout or the studio for a Pilates class, some guided stretching or aerial yoga. In the evening, settle in at the spacious Scenic Lounge Bar to enjoy your beverage of choice, whether it be aged whiskey or a glass of wine. With Scenic’s signature all-inclusive ultra-luxury philosophy, indulge in top-shelf spirits, over 130 whiskeys, a premium wine list, and French champagne. Meals: B. L. D.

Slide open the floor-to-ceiling doors of your verandah suite to see icebergs sculpted by nature and glacial mountains rising thousands of meters from the ocean. Antarctica is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 40 different species, so keep your eyes peeled for wandering albatrosses, which have the largest wingspan of any flying bird, as well as shearwaters, giant petrels, and more.

Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, excursions throughout your Expedition, Voyages are dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Your experienced Captain and specialist Discovery Team, who have made countless journeys to Antarctica, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, making the most of the 18-20 hours of daylight. Don’t worry about sleeping with all the light as your suite is equipped with blackout curtains. Meals: B. L. D.

Discovery: Daily experiences may include cruising on Zodiacs, stepping ashore to view vast penguin rookeries or historic huts, and kayaking or paddle boarding around icebergs. Wherever your voyage takes you, you will have countless “pinch me” moments.

Portal Point – a former British refuge hut – may be a potential landing site during your voyage. Or, you may visit Deception Island as part of your itinerary. Nestled in the South Shetland Islands archipelago, it is one of the only places in the world that ships can sail directly into the center of a submerged caldera of an active volcano. With her world-class design and state-of-the-art technology, Scenic Eclipse can sail through a rocky gap into the horseshoe-shaped harbor. The island is also home to a few small scientific outposts and hundreds of thousands of chinstrap penguins. Tonight could be the night you enjoy Sushi @ Koko’s with your new friends. Stay up late in the bar or retire to the library for a moment of blissful solitude before bed. Meals: B. L. D.

Be sure to pack your swimming suit because you could be going for a swim today. For many, the Polar Plunge is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a rite of passage on an expedition to Antarctica. Once throughout your voyage, the Scenic Eclipse will stop, and the team will set up the marina ready for the brave people who want to jump into the freezing Antarctic waters. Excitement will spread through the Discovery Yacht, and you will start hearing the contagious nervous laughter. As you stand on the edge, ready to jump, you will feel the adrenaline rush while you second-guess whether this is a good idea. When you jump, the moment before you hit the water will feel like it goes forever, but soon, an invigorating, exciting, and surprisingly refreshing sensation will take over.

If you choose to skip the polar plunge, make sure you find a good viewing location as you feel the chills of everyone coming out of the water. Join them for a cup of hot chocolate or toast with a glass of whiskey. Meals: B. L. D.

Discovery: When enjoying daily Scenic Discovery excursions, ask for your expert Discovery Leader for photography tips and guidance on how to spot the wildlife around you. They will help you immortalize these incredible moments while cruising on the Zodiacs, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding around impressive ice formations.

Lemaire Channel, renowned for its picturesque views and often referred to as ‘Kodak Alley’, could be our next exciting destination. If during your voyage the Scenic Eclipse weaves through this channel, make sure you set your alarm and embrace the cool air from the Observation Terrace. Pass through the narrow channel and be amazed at the dramatic rocky mountains and glowing blue icebergs so close to the ship. In between Scenic Discovery experiences, enjoy a specialty tea or coffee in the Observation Lounge and watch the world float by through Swarovski telescopes. Meals: B. L. D.

In the distance on a clear day, you can see Mount Francis standing tall as Anvers Island’s highest peak, showcasing the rugged beauty of Antarctica. Every day is unique, you might get the chance to hike or spend time on the pebbled beach, enjoying the view surrounded by curious penguins.

Back on board, explore some of Scenic Eclipse’s indulgent spaces, from the welcoming Observation Lounge to the expansive Senses Spa. Soothe your muscles in the sauna or heated therapy lounge, or join a yoga or Pilates class.

Choose one of up to 10 world-class dining experiences on board tonight. Meals: B. L. D.

This is your final day on board your Discovery Yacht, so take the time to return to your favourite spots. That might mean one last treatment# in the luxurious Senses Spa or stretching out in a class at the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio.

Sit down for lunch with your new friends as you recall your favourite memories from your time on the seventh continent. Tonight, raise a glass to an unforgettable voyage at the spacious Scenic Lounge Bar. Enjoy your beverage of choice, whether it be aged whiskey or a glass of wine. Scenic Eclipse will arrive in Ushuaia, the main island of Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world, late this evening. Meals: B,

Your voyage ends this morning as you farewell the crew and fellow guests. Disembark after breakfast, taking away memories of a truly unforgettable experience. Please book your flight to depart from Buenos Aires after 9:30 pm.

Your flight lands in North America.