Incredible experiences you can only have by helicopter
Travel is all about exploring new horizons, but when you set sail with Scenic Discovery Yachts, you can take that literally.
This article is sponsored by Scenic.
You’ve arrived on Scenic Eclipse’s deck to watch as one of the Discovery Yacht’s two state-of-the-art Airbus H130-T2 helicopters is manoeuvred into place on the helipad two decks below. Before long, the pre-flight checks are complete, the powerful turboshaft engine whirs to life and the trio of blades starts spinning.
Climbing into one of the gleaming black helicopters feels like stepping into an action movie. It’s as sleek inside as it is outside, with a wrap-around windscreen, black leather seats, four-point seatbelts and noise-cancelling Bose headsets. Smiling crew members help you settle in – each helicopter has two pilots in the front, with up to four guests in the back – and before you know it, you’re gently lifting off.
Scenic’s Discovery Yachts have elevated six-star cruising to unrivalled heights. Its fleet comprises two ultra-luxury ships, Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II, with the newest addition, Scenic Ikon, set to sail from 2028. All three Discovery Yachts offer worldwide voyages combined with exceptional service and unforgettable moments.
They deliver a unique “four-dimensional” experience, exploring destinations from above via helicopter, below via submersible^, on the water with discovery excursions, and by land with all-inclusive excursions.
These are the experiences you don’t want to miss.
- Visit an emperor penguin colony
Snow Hill Island, near the Antarctic Peninsula, is accessed by helicopter – and while the views are incredible, they’re not the best bit. After a short flight from the ship, you’ll make your way about 1km across the ice to see the tallest and largest penguins on Earth. There are more than 4000 breeding pairs here and it’s an incredible opportunity to see these spectacular birds, with their tuxedo-like feathers, in their natural habitat. This life-changing excursion, led by experts from Scenic’s Discovery Team, is something only a handful of people on the planet will ever experience. - Otherworldly landscapes
The McMurdo Dry Valleys in East Antarctica’s Ross Sea region are a fascinating contrast to the rest of the White Continent. The north faces of the region’s rugged peaks are made of brown rocks, noticeably free from ice and snow as they absorb the endless sunshine of the summer. These are the world’s driest and coldest deserts; the stark and moon-like landscape spans across three main valleys. The area is a hub for scientific research aimed at understanding the nature of Mars, and it too is only accessible by helicopter. Soak in the solitude and enjoy insights from the Discovery Team as you explore the end of the earth. - Gastronomic delights
Of course, helicopter flights aren’t just for the outdoor lovers – food enthusiasts are also in for a treat. Exceptional dining is, after all, one of the central pillars of the Scenic Discovery Yachts experience. If your travel style is more indulgent than intrepid, you can be flown to a local restaurant for a sumptuous culinary experience you’ll never forget. This option is available in a range of destinations (subject to any necessary flight permits), providing guests with incredible views over countries where the helicopters are authorised to fly, such as Spain and Portugal. - Explore mode
Scenic Discovery Yachts are infinitely more manoeuvrable than regular cruise ships, which means they can whisk you away to places other vessels can’t go. Pair that with a helicopter, however, and you can truly unleash your inner explorer – discovering places beyond the coastline, such as the glaciers and volcanoes of Iceland. This also means that from time to time, flight experiences are offered spontaneously (once the pilots have scoped out the flight plans and completed reconnaissance trips to the landing sites). - Different perspectives
The helicopters are incredibly impressive, but in the world of ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery Yacht cruising, they’re just the beginning. Scenic Eclipse also features a submersible, for you to explore the world up to 100m below the water’s surface with acrylic spheres designed for optimum views. You’ll also be able to take in your surroundings via Zodiac cruises, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards~.
The helicopters are just one element of the unrivalled discovery experience awaiting guests while indulging in all-inclusive ultra-luxury. The four-dimensional approach to cruising ensures you can make the most of every opportunity, while enjoying multiple perspectives on the incredible horizons you experience on board.
^Experiences on board the helicopters and submersibles are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, tide and ice conditions.
~Kayak and stand-up paddleboards are not available in all locations.
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Now is the time to experience a Scenic Discovery Yacht voyage. To book, visit Scenic, call 138 128 or contact your local travel advisor.
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