Animal experience on the Scenic Eclipse's maiden voyage

Audience with the emperor penguin

On their maiden voyage to Antarctica, guests were able to spot a colony of emperor penguins living in the Antarctic Weddel Sea. Thanks to the Polar Class 6 ice class, it was possible to steer the Scenic Eclipse south towards Snow Hill Island and allow guests to enjoy this rare encounter.

Snow Hill Island is home to a large colony of emperor penguins. Despite this, travelers on expedition ships rarely have the opportunity to observe these animals, as the high ice levels do not usually allow passage to the island. James Griffith, captain of the Scenic Eclipse, explains: "The Weddel Sea is an impressive part of Antarctica, but also a challenge for expedition ships due to the ice. Originally, we only wanted to make a short stop in the north of the Weddel Sea, but due to our highest ice class and the special maneuverability of the ship, it was possible to spend a full 12 hours in the pack ice and get close to the emperor penguins."

Captain James Griffith and his deputy have a special license to navigate expedition vessels through polar waters. Both captains have advanced polar water certification and have already spent several hundred days in high polar areas in the north and south. Due to the equipment with the highest ice class, it is possible to maneuver the ship into icy areas that are difficult to reach.