by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 3:45 PM ET, Tue January 27, 2026
The U.S. Coast Guard recently stepped in to help an expedition cruise ship navigate Antarctica’s changing pack ice.
The incident occurred on January 17, as the Scenic Eclipse II was sailing in the Ross Sea near McMurdo Sound. According to the cruise line, the Scenic Group ship was making slower progress than planned because of changes in the pack ice. So, the vessel’s captain requested assistance from a nearby U.S. Coast Guard vessel called the Polar Star.
According to the cruise line, the ships cleared the area together so the Scenic Eclipse II could avoid a longer sailing period at reduced speed. The next day, the pack ice opened up again and conditions normalized.
For guests, the operation was a “memorable highlight,” according to the company.
“Champagne was served on the Observation Deck to view a unique shared experience in East Antarctica,” according to a statement
“We were grateful for the professionalism and cooperation of the crew of USCG Polar Star during our operations in the Ross Sea,” said Captain James Griffiths, general manager of ocean operations for Scenic Group. “While Scenic Eclipse II was never in need of rescue services, the coordination 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.”
In November, Polar Star departed Seattle for its 29th deployment to Antarctica for Operation Deep Freeze, which provides logistical support for the U.S. Antarctic Program, which is managed by the National Science Foundation.
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