Scenic Eclipse II, a luxury expedition cruise ship operating near Antarctica, was freed after becoming trapped in dense pack ice with the assistance of the United States’ only active heavy icebreaker.
The Australian-owned Scenic Eclipse II became beset in ice late Friday while sailing in the Southern Ocean, roughly eight nautical miles from McMurdo Sound. Details of the Antarctic operation were shared by the U.S. Coast Guard in a press release on Friday, January 23, 2026.
Based on the report, the vessel contacted the U.S. Coast Guard for assistance at approximately 11 p.m. local time after it was unable to maneuver through the thick ice conditions on its own.
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star, which was already operating in the region, responded to the request.
The icebreaker conducted two close icebreaking passes to free the cruise ship, then escorted Scenic Eclipse II approximately four nautical miles to open water, where it was able to safely continue operations.
“I am constantly amazed at this crew’s tremendous energy and enthusiasm,” said Capt. Jeff Rasnake, the Polar Star’s commanding officer during the operation.
“Despite the many challenges associated with getting and keeping this ship on mission, they remain eternally positive and committed to meeting the high standards we’ve set for ourselves.”
Based on the ship’s current position on CruiseMapper.com, Scenic Eclipse II is now several hundred nautical miles north of Antarctica.
Currently, Scenic Eclipse II appears to be roughly 400–600 nautical miles away from the Antarctic coastline, having already departed the Ross Sea region and begun its northbound transit toward New Zealand.
Icebreaker assists cruise ship during 50th anniversary mission
Polar Star was transiting the Southern Ocean as part of Operation Deep Freeze, the long-running U.S. mission that provides critical logistical support to the U.S. Antarctic Program.
Managed by the National Science Foundation, the operation supports scientific research in Antarctica through airlift, sealift, fuel delivery, search and rescue readiness, and icebreaking operations.
The assistance came on a significant milestone for the cutter. Commissioned on January 17, 1976, Polar Star marked its 50th year of service while freeing the cruise ship—an unusual but notable moment during its 29th deployment to Antarctica.
Polar Star’s primary role during Operation Deep Freeze is to break a navigable channel through miles of dense Antarctic ice, allowing fuel and cargo ships to reach research stations near McMurdo Sound.
The cutter is the nation’s only active heavy icebreaker and routinely operates in some of the harshest maritime conditions on Earth. No injuries were reported, and there was no indication of damage to Scenic Eclipse II following the escort to open water.
As Polar Star continues south toward Antarctica, the rescue highlights both the challenges of polar navigation and the continued importance of heavy icebreakers in supporting scientific, commercial, and safety operations in the region.
Despite being five decades old, Polar Star remains one of the most capable non-nuclear icebreakers in the world.
Scenic Eclipse II is sailing a 23-day Antarctica expedition
The current sailing of Scenic Eclipse II is a 23-day, one-way expedition voyage from Australia to New Zealand, focused on sub-Antarctic and Antarctic exploration.
The journey departs from Hobart on January 6, 2026, before heading deep into the Southern Ocean. After several days at sea, the ship visited Macquarie Island, a remote UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its wildlife and rugged terrain.
From there, the itinerary continued south to Antarctica, including a visit to the Balleny Islands, followed by an extended stay near Ross Island between January 14 and January 21. This portion of the voyage is dedicated to Antarctic exploration, with activities highly dependent on ice and weather conditions.
The expedition concludes in New Zealand, with arrival at Dunedin on January 29, 2026, wrapping up a long-distance polar crossing that spans some of the most remote waters on Earth.
While expedition cruise ships like Scenic Eclipse II are designed for polar environments, operating near Antarctica still carries inherent risks. Pack ice conditions can shift quickly due to wind, currents, and temperature changes, occasionally trapping even ice-strengthened vessels.
The incident underscores why icebreaker support remains essential in polar regions—especially as Antarctic cruising grows in popularity. Unlike traditional cruise itineraries, expedition voyages often operate far from ports, emergency infrastructure, or nearby assistance, making coordination with national icebreaking assets critical when conditions deteriorate.
About Scenic Eclipse II
Scenic Eclipse II is a state-of-the-art luxury expedition ship operated by Scenic, designed specifically for voyages to some of the world’s most remote and challenging destinations, including Antarctica, the Arctic, and the South Pacific.
Launched in 2023, the vessel is a sister ship to Scenic Eclipse and features advanced polar technology paired with high-end amenities more commonly associated with luxury cruising.
Built to Polar Class 6 standards, Scenic Eclipse II is equipped with a reinforced hull, advanced navigation systems, and stabilizers designed to improve comfort in rough seas.
The ship accommodates approximately 228 guests in polar regions (up to 245 elsewhere), allowing for expedition-style landings and a more immersive experience ashore.
Despite its rugged capabilities, Scenic Eclipse II emphasizes luxury at sea. The ship features multiple dining venues, spacious suites with butler service, an expansive spa and wellness area, and onboard expedition tools such as Zodiac boats.
