The U.S. Coast Guard came to the rescue recently when an expedition cruise ship encountered heavy pack ice during a voyage in Antarctica.

As reported by USA Today, Scenic Eclipse II became temporarily stuck in ice on Jan. 17 while navigating the Ross Sea, prompting the vessel to request assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star. The ship was located approximately eight nautical miles from McMurdo Sound at the time.

In a Jan. 23 statement, the Coast Guard confirmed that “Polar Star’s crew conducted two close passes to break the vessel free, then escorted it approximately four nautical miles to open water.”

Scenic Group told USA Today that shifting ice conditions in the area had slowed the ship’s progress. The captain called for assistance to “clear the area together and avoid a longer sailing period at reduced speed,” noting that the vessel was not in distress.

During the operation, guests aboard Scenic Eclipse II were able to observe the ice-breaking manoeuvres from the ship’s Observation Deck, where champagne was served. Scenic Group said conditions returned to normal by the following day and the itinerary continued as planned.

Scenic Eclipse II departed Hobart, Tasmania, on Jan. 6, according to CruiseMapper. The expedition is scheduled to conclude in Dunedin, New Zealand, on Jan. 29.

Scenic shared the following statement with Travelweek: “On January 16, 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 in the evening 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 normalized. 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 stuck or 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.”

Scenic also shared this feedback from a guest onboard Scenic Eclipse II: “On the Scenic Eclipse II now, finishing our Ross Sea expedition. The ship was not stuck, but we were moving quite slowly in the PC6 ship through the ice. The US Coast Guard was in the area and sped up the process for us. Scenic took the opportunity to celebrate the icebreaker assistance by having a champagne party outside as the ship sailed by and broke the ice for us. It was a lovely time and there was never any danger or drama.”

Source: Travelweek