Scenic Eclipse

All the way up and forward on Deck 10, the Sky Deck has two hot tubs, padded loungers and a full bar with complimentary drink service, so guests can soak with glaciers or icebergs in the distance. Cabanas line the sides, and they're included too. The backup bridge sits up here as well, a sign of the redundancy expedition ships are built around. Scenic has since added the Sky Deck bar.

Scenic Eclipse carries two Airbus helicopters, each seating six guests with a window view for everyone. Danny explains that operating helicopters in Antarctica requires two, for redundancy. Scenic chose these models for their very low noise and vibration, which is better for wildlife and the environment. Flightseeing and landings cost extra and depend on weather, ice and local rules, and some regions don't allow them, but flying over Antarctic peaks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

At the very front of Deck 5, the Observation Lounge is made for watching scenery and wildlife. Big comfortable chairs face the windows, and there are sofas and tables where the naturalists give talks. You can make your own espresso or brew a Kusmi tea. Doors on each side lead out to the Observation Terrace, a large forward deck that is partly covered. Because the helipad is at the back, the bow is open to guests.

The Yacht Club is the casual spot for breakfast and lunch, plus special dinners. Fresh baked goods greet you at the door, and there's a full bar, a coffee bar and beer on tap. The buffet has charcuterie, salads, a hot line that changes daily and a made-to-order egg station. There's complimentary gelato with new flavors every day, plus a full dessert station. Outside, a shaded aft deck has tables and hanging chairs.

Elements is the main restaurant, with booths along one wall, window tables for two up to eight, and a quiet corner table for celebrations. The menu mixes rotating dishes, often Asian or Italian, with classics that are always available. Inside Elements, the Chef's Table seats a small group with windows into the galley. Guests enjoy more than a dozen wine-paired courses while the chef explains each one. Today Scenic offers the Chef's Table by invitation.

Danny calls Koko's (formerly Cocos) three restaurants in one. There's a sushi bar where guests can sit at the counter, and an Asian fusion restaurant with dishes from Thailand, Singapore, China and Japan. The fusion menu changes every two days, so repeat visits feel new. The Night Market is a private teppanyaki-style table for eight guests, by reservation only, with a choice of themed menus. Like every restaurant on board, it's included in the fare.

At the back of the ship, Azure is the most relaxed place to eat, with a daily buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner and a made-to-order menu of pizzas, pastas and burgers. It also has a coffee bar, a full bar and a large outdoor deck. Lumière is the French fine-dining restaurant, with a window into the galley, a champagne bar and sommelier wine pairings. Both are included in the fare.

At almost 6,000 square feet, the Senses Spa is big for an expedition ship. It has a salon and barber, manicure and pedicure stations, and separate men's and ladies' areas. The spa has saunas (including infrared), steam rooms with ocean views, a cold plunge pool and an experience shower. Aft, the relaxation rooms have heated loungers that look out over the wake. Use of the facilities is included, and treatments cost extra.