For the first time in the cruise line's history, Silversea guests recently crossed the iconic Northeast Passage. Between August 10 and September 5, 2019, guests traveled 5,019 miles between Nome, Alaska, and Tromsø, Norway, stopping at 27 incredible destinations in three countries. They journeyed aboard the Silver Explorer in superlative comfort, following the route taken by famous explorers of yesteryear. Among the many highlights of the voyage were several polar bear sightings with their cubs; two passages through Arctic sea ice, escorted by an icebreaker; a unique culinary experience in the remote Ostrov Isachenko; and a polar dive above 80°N latitude.
“It was a life-changing trip,” says Stefan Kredel, Silversea’s Expedition Leader for this particular passage of the Northeast Passage. “Nothing is guaranteed in the far north, but we were very lucky with the weather and ice conditions. We are thrilled to have provided so many unique and memorable experiences for our guests in this remarkable region, from a local folk performance in Provideniya, Russia, to several polar bear and walrus sightings.”.
Silversea guests were accompanied on this unique voyage by 15 experts from the company's expedition team, including three historians, a marine biologist, a botanist, a geologist, an ornithologist, and a professional photographer. Nearly 50 destination-inspired lectures were offered aboard the Silver Explorer throughout the journey, allowing guests to absorb fascinating information that enriched their experiences.
Those with a penchant for birdwatching enjoyed a great deal of activity off Cape Dezhnev aboard the Silver Explorer, spotting short-tailed shearwaters, crested auks, broad-billed guillemots, horned and tufted puffins, black-legged gulls, glaucous gulls, and kelp gulls, all of which provided interesting entertainment. Ornithologist Dr. Danaë Sheehan was on hand to identify the various species and share fascinating information about each one.
Near the stunning island of Kolyuchin, guided Zodiac tours allowed guests to safely witness seven polar bears in just one hour, as well as a large number of walruses. Afterward, marine biologist Robin Aiello gave a lecture on polar bears on board, enriching the guests' experience with a scientific perspective on the animals' behavior.
On August 19, near Ayon Island in the East Siberian Sea, guests rose at 6:00 a.m. to explore the wildlife on the surrounding ice floes. In addition to seeing numerous walruses resting on the ice, the guests enjoyed a spectacular polar bear sighting, with a female and her two cubs navigating across the ice. Later, the guests visited the isolated settlement on Ayon Island, a small town of old Soviet-style buildings inhabited by approximately 300 residents. Local children were eager to interact with the Silversea guests, performing traditional songs and dances in an authentic display of the region's historical culture.
On August 24, the Silver Explorer reached the Arctic ice and skirted it northward, escorted by a Russian icebreaker. Then, forging a clear path for Silversea's expedition ship, guests were able to move onto the thicker ice for a truly unforgettable experience. Weather conditions were exceptional, and the water was calm. In addition to lectures and on-deck observation sessions with the expedition team, guests took the opportunity to enjoy the various luxurious features that enhance every Silversea voyage, including personalized butler service, exceptional cuisine, 24-hour room service, and complimentary beverages throughout the ship.
Silversea's industry-leading culinary offerings extended to the remote coast of Ostrov Isachenko on August 26, providing a unique experience for guests. The ship's hotel team ventured ashore to set up a pop-up bar near an abandoned weather station, where the group enjoyed champagne and caviarwhile exploring the derelict buildings and surrounding tundra in temperatures as low as 3°C.
“Our guests shared with us 100% satisfaction with the overall cruise experience on the Northeast Passage crossing, which speaks volumes about Silversea’s approach to ultra-luxury expedition cruising,” said Conrad Combrink, Silversea’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Development for Expeditions and Experiences. “The depth with which we explore each destination ensures guests enjoy an immersive and global journey of discovery that is both enriching and unforgettable. Silversea’s first Northeast Passage crossing captured the true spirit of expedition. I look forward to 2020 when the company will once again offer the Northwest and Northeast Passages to guests!”
Northwest and Northeast border crossings in 2020
In 2020, Silversea will operate two crossings to the Northwest and Northeast Passages, aboard the Silver Cloud and the Silver Explorer, respectively. A 24-day voyage, the Northwest Passage crossing will depart from Kangerlussuaq for Nome on August 21, 2020, traveling through remote regions of Greenland, Canada, and Alaska. The Northeast Passage crossing will depart from Nome on August 22 and arrive in Tromsø 25 days later, taking guests deeper into the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska, Russia, and Norway. Both promise a wealth of remarkable experiences in some of the most remote regions on Earth.
Silversea's newly enhanced all-inclusive Polar package enriches the Arctic offering with a pre-cruise hotel night; domestic flights when required by the itinerary; guided shore experiences and Zodiac excursions; a polar parka; a post-cruise hotel night; and airport, hotel, and ship transfers and luggage service
