The Arctic offers some of planet Earth’s most spectacular scenery, with a rich, vibrant cultural history, and amazing wildlife punctuating the incredible lands. Even at the top of the world, Scenic is committed to pushing the boundaries of exploration, taking you further into the Arctic Circle than any other cruise line. With Scenic, you are free to explore parts of the world that, until now, have been untouchable to the ordinary traveler. Take in the frozen tundra and icy peaks of Svalbard as part of our Arctic in Depth itinerary, a near-mythic archipelago whose indigenous wildlife outnumbers its human population, and is famed for its majestic remoteness. Or take to the skies and soar above Greenland’s gorgeous glaciers in our on board helicopter, a Scenic Freechoice exclusive available on our Iceland and Greenland Explorer.
The Svalbard Archipelago's rugged glaciers and frozen tundras are a fragile and remote area of vast environmental significance, while Spitsbergen is the largest island. Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, the sailing and expedition schedule is flexible. Your experienced Captain and Discovery Leader will use their expertise to design this section of your voyage from day to day. Making the most of the long hours of daylight, weather and ice conditions to give you the best experience possible in this extraordinary part of the world.
Your Scenic Eclipse voyage is in a prime time for wildlife spotting, and there will be opportunities to be on the lookout for the dominant predators of the region including the Polar bear. Marine species include the carefully protected walrus with its characteristic tusks and several species of whales. Once hunted almost out of existence in a region now transformed into a dedicated conservation area, your encounters with these giants of the sea will be a memory to treasure.