A Christmas in Antarctica cruise is the ultimate way to escape the crowds, the cold drizzle and the commercial chaos of a typical December. Instead, imagine waking on Christmas morning to a world of pristine white, where the only traffic is a parade of penguins, and the silence is broken only by the distant crack of a glacier.
A Christmas in Antarctica expedition cruise is the very definition of a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. And when you sail aboard Scenic Eclipse, the World’s First Discovery Yacht™, you’re not simply visiting the White Continent, you’re experiencing the ultimate white Christmas in uncompromising 6-star, all-inclusive luxury.
With festive departures carrying a limited number of guests and demand consistently exceeding supply, planning for Christmas 2026 and 2027 is the most effective way to secure your preferred suite and itinerary.
Why Choose a Christmas in Antarctica Cruise?
December sits at the heart of the Austral summer, making it the most rewarding time of year to explore Antarctica.
A Christmas in Antarctica cruise combines peak wildlife season, near-constant daylight and world-class expedition comfort, creating one of the most exclusive festive holidays on the planet.
The Midnight Sun
With nearly 24-hour daylight, the Antarctic summer creates an almost surreal atmosphere. Glaciers glow under the polar sun late into the “night”, and from your private verandah, you can enjoy uninterrupted scenery long after Christmas dinner, an experience found nowhere else on Earth.
Peak Wildlife Encounters
December is a magical period for Antarctic wildlife. Whale activity reaches its peak, while penguin colonies come alive as chicks begin to hatch. Witnessing a fluffy grey penguin chick take its first steps against a backdrop of ice is a festive memory that far surpasses any traditional Christmas celebration.
Choose Your Sleigh: Festive Antarctic Itineraries for 2026 & 2027
Scenic offers a select number of Festive Departure itineraries, each providing a unique way to experience Christmas at the bottom of the world.
1. The Classic White Christmas in Antarctica Cruise (2026)
Voyage: Antarctica in Depth (Voyage 101S)
Ship: Scenic Eclipse
Departure: 17 December 2026
Duration: 13 days
This is the quintessential Antarctic expedition. After crossing the legendary Drake Passage, you’ll explore the Antarctic Peninsula, navigating the breathtaking Lemaire Channel, often called Kodak Gap for its dramatic scenery, and visiting historic Port Lockroy, home to the southernmost post office in the world.
With a maximum of just 200 guests in polar regions, Scenic Eclipse offers multiple Zodiac landings each day, allowing you to walk among penguin colonies and experience Antarctica up close on Christmas Day.
2. A Deeper Christmas in Antarctica Cruise: The Weddell Sea (2026)
Voyage: Antarctica & the Weddell Sea (Voyage 501S)
Ship: Scenic Eclipse II
Departure: 22 December 2026
Duration: 16 days
For travellers seeking a deeper, more adventurous expedition, this voyage ventures into the legendary Weddell Sea aboard Scenic Eclipse II. Famous for its colossal tabular icebergs and storied exploration history, this is true Shackleton territory. The region is also home to some of Antarctica’s largest Adélie penguin rookeries.
You’ll celebrate Christmas surrounded by vast ice formations before welcoming the New Year during your return journey.
3. Future Festive Voyages (2027)
Voyage: Festive Antarctica Voyages
Ship: Scenic Eclipse & Scenic Eclipse II
Departures:
- 16 December 2027
- 21 December 2027
Early release festive departures for 2027 allow you to plan a milestone Christmas or New Year celebration well in advance aboard Scenic’s newest Discovery Yacht.
Scenic Eclipse vs Scenic Eclipse II: Unrivalled Polar Luxury
While Santa relies on a sleigh, your Christmas journey will unfold aboard the most advanced expedition yachts in the world. Both ships accommodate a maximum of 200 guests in polar waters, but there are subtle distinctions worth considering.
Scenic Eclipse
The original game-changer in luxury expedition cruising. Purpose-built for polar regions with a Polar Class 6 rating, Scenic Eclipse features custom-built stabilisers that are 50% larger than those on standard ships, delivering a noticeably smoother Drake Passage crossing.
Scenic Eclipse II
The newest addition to the fleet introduces refined enhancements throughout. On Deck 10, the hot tubs have been replaced by a large Vitality plunge pool, complemented by a new Sky Bar with cabanas. The spa has been expanded to include KLAFS infrared seats and a salt therapy lounge.
Guests booking a submarine experience will also benefit from the Scenic Neptune II, featuring a larger panoramic acrylic sphere and seating for eight guests.
The Ultimate Stocking Fillers: Helicopters & Submarines
Why limit your perspective when Antarctica can be explored from every angle?
Both Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II are equipped with two Airbus H130-T2 helicopters, offering breathtaking aerial views of glaciers, fjords and ice fields inaccessible from the water.
For a truly rare experience, descend beneath the ice aboard the Scenic Neptune submersible, diving up to 100 metres to explore the Antarctic Ocean, an unforgettable way to spend Boxing Day.
Helicopter and submarine excursions are available at an additional cost and are subject to weather and ice conditions.
A Festive Feast at the End of the Earth
Dining aboard Scenic Eclipse is as extraordinary as the destination itself. With up to 10 all-inclusive dining experiences, every festive meal is effortlessly taken care of.
- Christmas Dinner: Enjoy contemporary French fine dining at Lumière, premium steak and seafood at Elements, or Asian fusion at Night Market @ Koko’s.
- All-Inclusive Beverages: Fine wines, Champagne, cocktails and over 100 varieties of whisky are included throughout your journey.
What “All-Inclusive” Truly Means with Scenic
A Christmas in Antarctica with Scenic includes:
- Personal butler service for every suite
- All tipping and gratuities, onboard and onshore
- An expert Discovery Team of up to 20 specialists, including biologists, geologists and historians
- Daily Zodiac landings, kayaking and guided shore excursions
- A complimentary Scenic expedition parka and water bottle to keep
- Use of specialist polar boots
Planning your festive expedition? Our expert guide on what to pack for an Antarctica cruise covers everything you’ll need, from essential layering tips to specialist accessories for polar conditions.
Everything is included, allowing you to focus entirely on the experience.
Secure Your Antarctic White Christmas
Festive departures are limited and consistently sell out early.
Available Christmas Departures:
- 17 December 2026 – Scenic Eclipse
- 22 December 2026 – Scenic Eclipse II
- 16 & 21 December 2027 – Scenic Eclipse & Scenic Eclipse II
Swap the fireplace for glaciers and create a festive tradition unlike any other.
Enquire with Paramount Cruises today to secure your suite aboard Scenic Eclipse for the ultimate white Christmas.
📞 020 7947 0270
📧 info@paramountcruises.com
