6 minute read
Beyond the Horizon
Scenic Eclipse Expert Discovery Team
The Scenic Eclipse Discovery Team is at the core of our Discovery and Expedition Voyages. From historians, geologists, archaeologist, and naturalist, each are leading experts in their fields.
Meet some of our Antarctica and South America Discovery Team experts
Spenser Halterman
Kayak Guide
A passion for water and ice has led me from an aerospace engineering degree to become the Discovery Team kayak guide. It isn’t just about sharing powerful nature experiences in wild places. Seeing Scenic guests kayak to what feels like the edge of earth, and then getting close to incredible wildlife really is an unrivalled experience. Many feel confident to jump straight in and paddle the icy waters here, while others might need gentle encouragement. What each individual understands by the end of their experience is that the view from the water, moving under your own power, provides a totally unique perspective of the natural world we sail in.
Jonathan Fuhrmann
I’ve worked on expedition cruise ships on all seven continents since 2015, my love for the Polar regions and great mountain ranges has deepened beyond belief. Wanting to know more about the earth hadn’t always been my journey. I initially started an Economic degree, but soon switched focus to Geography, completing a MPhil in Glaciology at the Scott Polar Research Institute. Today, I enjoy speaking on subjects ranging from glaciology and geology to astronomy, volcanology and photography. I hope to give Scenic guests a deeper understanding of the beautiful wild landscape, and its importance to our planet.
The Discovery Team will provide enduring insights and safely guide you every step of the way. They’ll ensure you really get to the heart of the region you are exploring. From on board lectures in the state-of-the-art theatre, to guided kayak excursions and nature walks, coasting on Zodiacs in front of enormous glaciers, or stand-up paddleboards feeling the thrill of slicing your own oar blade through the pristine waters. The Discovery Team will share with you their passion for, and knowledge of, the magnificent Antarctica and South America regions.
Alice Forrest
Watching guests fall in love with nature as they snorkel with tiger sharks, kayak with dolphins and see eye-to-eye with humpback whales is undoubtedly my favourite experience in my line of work. As a marine biologist, I’ve worked extensively in marine tourism, connecting people to the wonder and value of the ocean in my home country of Australia and all over the world. The connection you witness, between humans and creatures in the natural world, is magic. There really is nothing like it. As a researcher but also a diver and free diver, I’m a firm believer in the need to communicate the science as well as the intrinsic value of the ocean and what’s beneath the surface.
Dr. Terence Christian
Historian, Archaeologist, Discovery Leader
My first adventure took me across Scandinavia and through the historic Russian capitals. From that moment, I was bitten by the travel bug and have since explored the majority of the world’s continents and oceans as an expedition leader, expedition guide, zodiac driver and even as a bear guard. As an archaeologist and military historian, I examine remnants of the past. My extensive archaeological research focuses on history and archaeology of the 18th- to early 21st-century with particular interest in global conflict, historic preservation, aviation archaeology, experimental archaeology, and historic ballistics. Getting beneath the surface of a region is like stepping back in time, and truly knowing its journey to today.
Scenic Eclipse A day in Antarctica
Antarctica is a land of pristine beauty, breathtaking wildlife and invaluable importance. Each day will be unique, with expedition experiences enveloped in 6-star ultra-luxury on board Scenic Eclipse.
Zodiac excursion, Cierva Cove, Antarctica
Awaken
Wake to the whisper of Scenic Eclipse, its hull gently peppered by ice floes enticing you from your cosy Scenic Slumber Bed. At the suite’s floor to ceiling window, catch your breath at the stunning views, as your butler serves a coffee of your choice. Take in the early morning sunlight illuminating ice-clad mountains that soar above.
Morning exploration
Excitement builds as you travel away from Scenic Eclipse. Its size and unique design allows you to explore places that larger vessels can’t reach. What will it be today? Perhaps a landing near the largest gentoo penguin colony on the Antarctic Peninsula, where some 6,500 noisy pairs raise chicks; a cruise through a sculpture garden of exquisitely eroded icebergs, or a snow hike to an island summit for stunning views.
Morning
After a delicious breakfast, put on your complimentary Polar parka and proceed to the Discovery Center where your insulated boots await. Join your group at the Marina entrance and board a Zodiac for your morning excursion. With only 200 guests in Polar regions, disembarkation goes smoothly and enables multiple landings each day.
Late morning
No two excursions are alike. Your Discovery Leaders are alert to changing opportunities, from humpback whales suddenly breaching to leopard seals hunting just offshore – and flexible enough to get you there. Monitoring weather, sea state and ice, they will safely guide and share their insights into the region’s environment, wildlife and history. Add our next level exploration on board our custom-built helicopters^ or submarine^.
Zodiac excursions Helicopter flightseeing^
Discovery excursion, South Georgia
Afternoon exploration
Scenic Eclipse’s limited guest numbers means multiple landings a day, and soon it’s time to set off again. From fascinating historic huts, to seabird colonies, pods of whales to the thrill of calving glaciers, your Discovery Guides will interpret what unfolds before your eyes. Ignite the explorer within, joining an all-inclusive guided kayaking or paddleboard trip, sharing protected waterways with curious crabeater seals, porpoising penguins or navigate through the diamond glisten of brash ice. Enjoy from up to 10 dining experiences
After-dinner
What better way to finish the day than with the entertainment on board or enjoy a nightcap in one of our all-inclusive nine bars and lounges, as alpenglow tinges the passing summits outside.
Lunch
By midday, return to the ultra-luxury of your Discovery
Yacht. Choose lunch at one of several dining experiences, from the casual Azure Bar & Cafe to the Yacht Club’s grill, to contemporary fine dining. While you eat, rest and take in the sights, Scenic Eclipse repositions to a new location for another excursion, holding its place using its GPS Dynamic Positioning
System, without dropping anchor onto sensitive seabeds.
Afternoon rejuvenation
Back on Scenic Eclipse, visit our expansive 550m2 Senses Spa for the pure indulgence of rejuvenating treatments+, soak in our Vitality Spa or outdoor pool, or stretch tightening muscles in our gym, or yoga and Pilates studio. Join your Discovery Leader for an illustrated recap of the day and learn what is planned for the next.
