Scenic offers amazing Arctic expeditions on world’s first Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse

Scenic Offers Amazing Arctic Expeditions Aboard the World's First Discovery Yacht – Scenic Eclipse Vancouver & Boston, October 2018 -- From the unexplored Russian White Sea and the majestic fjords of Norway to the Arctic Islands of Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland, and the epic Northwest Passage, a cruise in the Arctic region offers a rare opportunity to take in the immensity and pristine environment of this vast wilderness. The world's first Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse, one of the most luxurious and state-of-the-art vessels ever to sail the seas (launching January 2019), opens a new world of wonder for guests in these and other remote areas, imparting memories of a lifetime. "The Arctic and the Fjords of Norway are regions of extremes: extreme landscapes, extreme seasonal changes, and extreme weather," said Kara Weller, Head Expedition Leader, Scenic Eclipse. "They sit at the top of the world, ice bound for much of the year —a landscape seemingly made up of vast desert-like landscapes and huge jagged mountains. Yet, at the same time teeming with wildlife – from the myriad of bird life, to the best polar bear viewing in the world, down to the tiniest, most delicate of insects – all surviving in these harsh conditions. This is what makes the Arctic region so fascinating." Highlights include several itineraries that allow guests to discover the mysteries and magic of Greenland, the world's largest island, whose transformation from frozen tundra and coastline to an island of massive ice calving and melting has been the focus of many of the world's leading environmental scientists. "Greenland is the most incredible combination of native culture set against a beautiful landscape," said Ms. Weller. "Colorful little villages, rich with culture, nestled at the foot of huge jagged mountains. In certain locations, you will come across vast quantities of ice and massive icebergs, which are impressive even for me as someone who has spent so much time in Antarctica." Scenic's Pristine Greenland 11-day cruise departs Reykjavik, Iceland August 5, 2020, and spends nine days exploring southern Greenland's wilderness where some of the world's most spectacular and unspoiled scenery exists, coupled with a rich culture, history and rarely-seen geology. From the fjords along the east coast to the capital city of Nuuk to Disko Bay, site of one of the world's fastest moving glaciers, Ilulissat Icefjord, guests will have the opportunity to understand why this magnificent untouched Arctic wilderness, with its natural wonders, wildlife and Viking history, is so important. For those looking to adventure to places few have ever gone, the 21-day Across the Northwest Passage cruise, departs August 15, 2020. Traversing from Greenland to Alaska, guests encounter wild and remote fjords, glaciers, harbors and uninhabited islands that dot the archipelago of Canada's High Arctic. This once ice-bound itinerary was not possible until just a few years ago, and the Scenic Eclipse is truly one of the few able to make the journey through the region's pristine landscapes, worlds away from modern civilization. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has grown over its 31-year history to include award-winning, all-inclusive escorted tours that take participants to many of the world's most fascinating destinations; two award-winning river cruise lines – Scenic and Emerald Waterways; and, launching January 2019, the world's first Discovery Yacht – Scenic Eclipse. Emerald Waterways' seven Star Ships offer deluxe cruises in Europe, and the Mekong, while Scenic's 15 Space Ships offer truly all-inclusive, five-star river cruises in the same destinations as well as the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar.