Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has unveiled its 2022 – 2023 Arctic program for its ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse.
Described by the company as the world’s first discovery yacht, Scenic Eclipse offers a unique combination of world-class luxury with the capacity for unrivaled exploration in some of the world’s most pristine, remote, and unique polar destinations.
The 2022 – 2023 season will see Scenic Eclipse heading to four new Arctic destinations, including the Russian Far East, Japan, the Northeast Passage, and Alaska, where its ability to offer extraordinary expedition experiences will shine.
The new destinations for 2022 – 2023 compliment Scenic’s existing program that takes guests to the heart of the Arctic and allows them to explore the majestic fjords of Norway, Greenland’s mighty glaciers, and the intriguing geology of Iceland. Scenic Eclipse’s unique exploration experiences are made special by two state-of-the-art helicopters, a custom-built submarine capable of diving to 1,000 feet, and a fleet of Zodiacs, as well as the expertise of the 20-strong Discovery Team, which includes geologists, marine biologists, naturalists, and glaciologists.
Russian Arctic – the Northeast Passage
The ultra-luxury yacht will traverse nine time zones across the top of Siberia and Russia on a 26-day journey through the ice-laden waters of the legendary Northeast Passage that departs on August 6, 2023. Guests take in remote Arctic islands rarely, if ever, visited by humans, cruise past the vivid landscapes along the planet’s greatest migration paths, and observe polar bears and walrus lounging on ice floes. Local cultures play a large part in the trip as guests meet and learn from Chukchi reindeer herders, Inuit fishermen, and Russian scientists. Guests can explore more of Alaska by combining this cruise itinerary with Scenic’s seven-day “Wilds of Alaska” luxury escorted land journey, which takes in Alaska’s frontier towns, rich Inuit culture, and stunning landscapes.
The Russian Far East
During the 14-day Jewels of the Russian Far East voyage, departing Anchorage for Vladivostok May 26, 2023, Scenic Eclipse will trace the Pacific Ring of Fire from Alaska to Chukotka (Russia’s eastern-most federal subject), traveling south along the Kamchatka Peninsula to the Kuril Islands, on an exploration of Siberia’s unique and unspoiled eastern coastline. In Chukotka, guests will take in magnificent fjords before stepping ashore and exploring stunning alpine lakes on guided walks. Kamchatka, where guests can soak in one of its many hot springs, boasts more than 120 volcanoes, many of which are active. In the Kuril Islands, the Discovery Team’s resident historian will reveal abandoned listening posts and submarine bases, Soviet-era fish processing plants, and Japanese World War II fortresses.
Japan
Guests will discover a unique side of Japan on Scenic’s 12-day Japan: A Journey Through Time voyage, departing June 9, 2023. This all-encompassing experience explores this land of ancient, well-preserved cultures and amazing history, from its ancient samurai traditions to its feudal history and prehistoric archaeologist sites, cutting-edge metropolises, and large regions of untouched natural scenery. This exploration of Japan’s less-visited west coast begins in the bustling seaport of Sapporo. Guests will journey to Hakodate to uncover the Western-style architecture of bygone days, before visiting the incredible archaeological dig of Sannai Maruyama – the largest and best-preserved from the Jomon era. Visits to Maizuru, Kyoto’s port on the Sea of Japan, will be followed by a sailing to South Korea for a relaxing day in Busan with its urban beaches and delicious street food culture.
Arctic
The vast wilderness of the Arctic has drawn explorers for millennia, whether for the diversity of its wildlife, its sun-drenched landscapes, or the tranquility of its remoteness. Scenic Eclipse is purpose-built for exploring these pristine polar destinations and offers unrivaled exploration in the Arctic region. Guests can soar over the cascading waterfalls of the Norwegian fjords in one of the yacht’s two six-guest helicopters, kayak between enormous floating icebergs in Svalbard, discover Arctic marine life during a submarine dive in Greenland, and witness the vast Arctic wildlife paradise of Northeast Greenland National Park, a sanctuary that’s larger than all but 29 of the world’s countries.
The 15-day “Arctic Islands: Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland” voyage, departing July 11, 2023, takes guests to Svalbard (Spitsbergen), Greenland, and Iceland, taking in unique scenery and Arctic wildlife in search of the elusive polar bear during an extraordinary voyage into the Land of Fire and Ice.
Scenic Eclipse’s 2022/23 Artic adventures complement the ship’s season in Antarctica, more details of which can be found here.
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