Antarctica cruise briefly trapped in ice, Coast Guard steps in

Jan. 26, 2026Updated Jan. 27, 2026, 9:28 a.m. ET

A cruise ship became stuck in ice during a voyage to Antarctica on January 17.
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star assisted the ship, breaking it free from the ice.
The cruise line stated the ship was never in need of rescue but called for assistance to clear the area safely.

The U.S. Coast Guard responded to a cruise ship after it became “beset” in ice during an Antarctica voyage.

Scenic Eclipse II contacted Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star for help, authorities said in a Jan. 23 news release. The vessel was about eight nautical miles from McMurdo Sound at the time of the Jan. 17 incident.

“Polar Star’s crew conducted two close passes to break the vessel free, then escorted it approximately four nautical miles to open water,” the Coast Guard said. Scenic Group told USA TODAY that changes in the pack ice slowed the ship’s progress.

The captain called for assistance from Polar Star “to clear the area together and avoid a longer sailing period at reduced speed,” the company said in an emailed statement. The cruise ship served champagne on its Observation Deck, where guests could view the operation, and conditions had normalized by the following day.

“We were grateful for the professionalism and cooperation of the crew of USCG Polar Star during our operations in the Ross Sea,” Captain James Griffiths, Scenic Group’s General Manager Ocean Operations, said. “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.”

The ship departed from Hobart, Tasmania, in Australia on Jan. 6, according to CruiseMapper. The voyage is scheduled to end in Dunedin, New Zealand, on Jan. 29.

What is the weather like on Antarctica cruises?

Antarctica cruise itineraries can be unpredictable.

Extreme weather conditions can make the remote region difficult to navigate and force ships to change plans on short notice. Some parts of the journey are infamous for potentially rough conditions: The Drake Passage, which many ships travel from South America to reach the White Continent, can be especially treacherous (though travelers could also get a smooth “Drake Lake” depending on when they sail).