Watch: Amazing footage of Scenic Eclipse II being freed from pack ice in Antarctica and guests sipped champagne

• The US Coast Guard has freed Scenic Eclipse II from being trapped in pack ice in Antarctica.
• The Coast Guard arrived after a distress call around 11pm on Friday local time.
• The ship was freed and escorted four hours to open water.

Cruisers on Scenic Eclipse II received an extra adventure after the ship was trapped in pack ice near McMurdo Sound in Antarctica.

Stunning video shows the ship being freed by the 50-year-old U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star and helped back to open water. You can watch the ship breaking through the ice in the Ross Sea and creating a path for Scenic Eclipe II to exit through.

In true luxury adventure fashion, guests were served champaign on the observation deck so they could see the action.

Scenic Eclipse II, launched in 2023, is a Polar Class 6 vessel, meaning she is well able to handle the ice of Antarctica.

She carries 200 guests and around the same number of crew in 114 suites.

Scenic is a luxury cruise line, running epic expeditions to less explored corners of the world, and those onboard will have received a peak into what its like to adventure in true wilderness and be at the mercy of the elements.

Expedition ships always have plans in place for emergencies like this and no issues with guests have been reported.

Video compilation from The Independent.

The cruise line said in a statement: “On the evening of 16 January 2026 Scenic Eclipse II was in the Ross Sea near McMurdo Sound operating helicopter flights to the Dry Valleys.

“Due to changes in the pack ice during the day, progress was slower than planned to depart the area and the Captain requested assistance from nearby vessel USCG Polar Star to clear the way together and avoid a longer sailing period at reduced speed.

“The following day, the natural movement of the ice had opened up again, and conditions had normalised. For our guests, the operation became a memorable highlight; champagne was served on the Observation Deck to view a unique shared experience in East Antarctica.

“Scenic Eclipse II is a Polar Code 6 vessel with a strengthened hull and is fully capable of operating safely in these conditions. Captain James Griffiths, Scenic Group’s General Manager Ocean Operations said “We were grateful for the professionalism and co-operation of the crew of USCG Polar Star during our operations in the Ross Sea.

“While Scenic Eclipse II was never in need of rescue services, the co-ordination between both vessels ensured we could navigate the changing pack ice safely and efficiently. This is a great example of the practical, respectful co-operation that exists in the polar regions, where safety, seamanship and shared responsibility always come first.”

Polar Star, the vessel that freed Scenic Eclipse is the USA’s only active heavy icebreak and has been in service for five decades.

Commander. Samuel Blase, Polar Star’s executive officer said: “At 50 years old, Polar Star remains the world’s most capable non-nuclear icebreaker.

“That’s a testament to the crews that have maintained it over the decades. With years of service left to give, Polar Star will continue to guide the way in the high latitudes well into the future.”