(Monaco – November 4, 2018) Before the start of the Antarctic season, 12 members of Silversea's Expedition Team spent four days in a training camp in the Chilean Andes. Between October 29 and November 3, the team of expedition specialists carried out a series of educational activities to expand their skills and enrich the offerings for Silversea guests. In its tenth season of voyages to Antarctica, Silversea is making a significant investment in the training and development of its team of expedition experts.
The four-day, three-night camp, located near the stunning El Morado in Chile, was the site of the skills-based and leadership development courses. These included a challenging ropes course, snow and ice awareness workshops, orienteering sessions, a first aid refresher, and an emergency evacuation drill, as well as various team-building activities.
After completing this extensive and complex program of activities, the team members prepared to welcome Silversea Expeditions' guests. Eight of the 12 expedition specialists who participated in the training embarked on the Silver Explorer to participate in this season's Antarctic expedition.
“This pre-season camp has been a success. These training sessions are important for providing instruction that will ultimately enrich our guests' experiences,” said Kit van Wagner, Silversea's Director of Expeditions and People Development. “This training reflects Silversea's commitment to pushing the boundaries of expedition cruising. Silversea's industry-leading expedition team delivers lectures and workshops onboard and leads excursions in every destination. Through these types of training events, their expertise is enhanced, and consequently, our guests' experiences are improved.”.
The skills of Silversea's Expeditions Team will be put to the test on several immersive trips to Antarctica. Here are some highlights:
- 1925 – Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
The Silver Cloud will begin its 2019 Antarctic season, departing from the vibrant city of Buenos Aires for Ushuaia on November 24. This 16-day voyage will immerse guests in the authentic beauty of Antarctica on a unique itinerary, showcasing the most luxurious expedition ship in Puerto Madryn, New Island, West Point Island, Stanley Island, Elephant Island, the Antarctic Sound, the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands, and the Drake Passage. During this Antarctic journey, visitors will have the opportunity to spot penguins and other wildlife, discover where Sir Ernest Shackleton and his men were trapped for four months, and navigate through large icebergs in Zodiacs, among other experiences. Fares start from €13,320 per person, based on double occupancy, with a 10% discount for early booking.
- 1927– Ushuaia to Ushuaia
Starting December 20, 2019, the Silver Cloud will reveal a series of new Antarctic highlights to guests on this 15-day round-trip voyage from Ushuaia. This journey offers a memorable New Year's celebration in a magnificent land of ice. After a day at sea, guests will arrive at West Point Island, from where they will travel to Saunders Island, Stanley Island, Elephant Island, the Antarctic Sound, the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands, and the Drake Passage. Incorporating enriching experiences on the Antarctic Peninsula, the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia, this extraordinary itinerary promises an unforgettable expedition. Fares start from €14,940 per person, based on double occupancy, with a 10% early bird discount.
- 7004– Ushuaia to Ushuaia
Aboard the intimate Silver Explorer, guests will traverse the legendary Drake Passage to explore the Antarctic Peninsula on this classic 12-day round-trip itinerary from Ushuaia. Beginning February 21, 2020, the cruise will take guests to the Antarctic Strait via the Drake Passage, but before reaching it, they will visit the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Four nights on the Antarctic Peninsula will allow guests to sail in Zodiacs while witnessing colonies of penguins, seals, whales, and rare birds, as well as icebergs and historical sites. Fares start from €12,060 per person, based on double occupancy.
Onboard Silversea ships, passengers can travel to the world's most remote destinations in ultimate luxury. In addition to onboard lectures and standard shore excursions included in the fare, guests enjoy ocean-view suites, gourmet cuisine, and personalized butler service. To further enhance the experience, guests can enjoy all-inclusive amenities such as complimentary premium wines and spirits, specialty coffees, bottled water, juices, and soft drinks served throughout the ship; an in-suite minibar stocked with guests' preferences; 24-hour room service; and complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi (location permitting).
Silversea's trips to Antarctica:
https://www.silversea.com/destinations/antarctica-cruise.html
