Scenic has announced three new Scenic Eclipse II voyages in the East Antarctic and Ross Sea region, giving a limited number of guests the chance to explore regions traditionally unavailable to expedition cruise lines, the company said in a press release.

The new itineraries are part of Scenic’s 2024/2025 program and offer savings of up to $7,000 per cabin and free economy or business class airfare to those who book and pay in full at least 12 months prior to departure.

“We have introduced these new voyages in response to travellers’ demand for exclusive destinations combined with ultra-luxury experiences,” said Claudius Docekal, vice president of ocean deployment. “Scenic Eclipse II will be the newest and most modern luxury expedition ship operating in remote East Antarctica and the Ross Sea region, setting the benchmark in providing once-in-a-lifetime journeys for our guests.”

The 25-day Mawson’s Hut & Commonwealth Bay, Australia’s Antarctic Expedition sails from the Milford Sound fjord on New Zealand South Island to Hobart, Tasmania and includes a visit to the Mawson’s Huts complex at Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay. The buildings at the site were built and occupied by the Australasian Antarctic Expedition of 1911-1914, led by geologist and explorer Dr Douglas Mawson, and are one of just six surviving from the “heroic era” of Antarctic exploration. Subject to permits, Scenic Eclipse II will also make a landing on Macquarie Island, home to the endemic royal penguins. Prices for the trip start at $39,795 per person, double.

The 24-day Antarctica’s Ross Sea – Majestic Ice & Wildlife has two sailings, one from Hobart, Australia to Dunedin, New Zealand and one round-trip sailing from Dunedin. Both itineraries, weather permitting, include a visit to Ross Island, home to Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on Earth, and the historical hut of Sir Ernest Shackleton. On Cape Adare, guests will have the chance to take a Zodiac trip to see the largest Adélie penguin rookery in Antarctica, while the volcanic Franklin Island offers another opportunity to explore the Adélie penguins and otherworldly landscapes such as the Mars-like Dry Valley, only accessible by helicopter. Fares for the trip start at $39,795.