Our Antarctica Experience onboard Scenic Eclipse

From distant dream to living reality — our personal Antarctic expedition story aboard Scenic Eclipse in the late October 2025.

Antarctica had always seemed like a dream, but in late October it became reality aboard Scenic Eclipse. Our expedition began in the Falkland Islands, where rockhopper penguins and albatrosses introduced us to the region’s rich wildlife. South Georgia followed, astonishing us with vast colonies of king penguins, elephant seals and dramatic mountain landscapes, along with a visit to historic Grytviken and Sir Ernest Shackleton’s resting place.

Crossing into Antarctic waters felt surreal, with towering icebergs, endless blues and profound silence. We explored by Zodiac, stepped onto the ice among Gentoo and Adélie penguins, and experienced rare adventures including helicopter flights, paddle boarding through ice and a thrilling polar plunge. Sending postcards from Port Lockroy added a human touch to the remote setting.

The ultimate highlight was descending in a submersible beneath the Antarctic ice, revealing a hidden underwater world. Combining adventure, comfort and discovery, Antarctica proved to be a truly life-changing experience.

Throughout the journey, Scenic Eclipse proved to be the perfect expedition vessel. These elegant discovery yachts combine cutting-edge exploration with exceptional comfort. Personalised service exceeded every expectation, showing that adventure and luxury can coexist seamlessly. And despite common misconceptions, Antarctica isn’t unbearably cold — with the right layers, temperatures around 0°C felt surprisingly comfortable.

Iryna is a cruise expert and owner of Cruise Addict - travel agency based on the Central Coast, NSW. With over 1,100 days at sea, cruising all seven continents and visiting almost 70 countries, she shares real-life experiences to help travellers explore the world with confidence.