Silversea, the world’s leading ultra-luxury cruise line, announces a new fly-cruise service to Antarctica with business-class comfort. Called Antarctica Bridge, the new service will provide discerning travelers with the fastest and most direct route to the White Continent. Beginning in December 2021, the collection of 12 cruise voyages aboard the Silver Explorer will further enhance Silversea’s all-inclusive Polar offering. Sales for Antarctica Bridge will open on December 10, 2019, with fares starting at €15,800 per person, based on double suite occupancy.
Enjoying direct flights from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island in Antarctica, travelers will fly 670 nm (1,240 km) over the Drake Passage on a private jet, reserved exclusively for Silversea guests and specially adapted to land on King George Island. Operated by Silversea and offering travelers the luxury of business class, the flight will take just two hours each way, meaning guests will avoid approximately four days at sea on the return journey. A bespoke in-flight entertainment program, including Zodiac and IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) briefings, will be fully tailored to Antarctic expeditions to prepare guests for the unique adventure ahead. After that, travelers will spend five full days – the same amount of time as on Silversea's conventional Antarctic voyages – traveling deep into the destination, accompanied by Silversea's team of expedition experts.
“This is a defining moment for Silversea’s expedition offering: the Antarctica Bridge will revolutionize how our guests discover Antarctica,” said Conrad Combrink, Silversea’s Senior Vice President of Voyage Operations, Expeditions, and Destination Management. “The luxury of choice is a key feature of our cruise line’s offering; our new Antarctica Bridge expands our guests’ options. Many will still choose to cross the epic Drake Passage, which is an unforgettable experience in itself, but this first option is perfect for time-conscious travelers, as it will immerse guests in the White Continent in a shorter amount of time. This builds on our existing offering, which includes many 10-day voyages, as well as 18-day and longer expeditions, which are the ultimate in in-depth exploration. With the launch of the Antarctica Bridge, our guests will be able to choose from 59 voyages to Antarctica.”
Silversea's Antarctica Bridge service itineraries, designed for travelers who cannot dedicate more than nine nights to discovering Antarctica, include:
- Day 1: International flight, via Santiago.
Travelers have the option to book through Silversea inclusive economy class or reduced business class flights on their international flight to Punta Arenas in Chile, as part of the company's ongoing airfare promotion.
- Day 2: Pre-cruise hotel night in Punta Arenas.
Before flying to Antarctica, guests will spend a night at the elegant Hotel Cabo de Hornos in Punta Arenas. Here, they will receive their expedition kit, which includes rubber boots, a parka, trekking poles, waterproof pants, expedition backpacks, and a water bottle. An expert expedition team will be on-site to prepare guests for their journey.
- Day 3: Flight to King George Island (Antarctica).
A first for ultra-luxury cruises, passengers will fly to Antarctica in business class comfort, saving two days at sea each way. Silversea guests will land at the Chilean base of Presidente Frey, normally used by scientists traveling to research stations on the island.
- Days 3-9: Antarctic expedition aboard the Silver Explorer.
With five full days in Antarctica, guests will enjoy an unprecedented level of flexibility aboard the Silver Explorer and an enhanced scope to discover each destination. Departing from King George Island, travelers will explore the same destinations as on Silversea's standard Antarctic offering: Antarctic Sound, the Antarctic Peninsula for three days, and the South Shetland Islands, before returning to King George Island once more. Silversea's expedition team will lead Zodiac tours, shore excursions, kayaking trips, and provide lectures on the region's fascinating geology, wildlife, and history to enrich the journey for guests. In addition to witnessing remarkable icebergs, travelers will visit large penguin colonies and have the opportunity to see various species of seals, whales, and birds.
- Day 9: Flight from Antarctica to Punta Arenas.
Return in style and comfort on the 75-seat plane to Punta Arenas, accompanied by Silversea representatives.
- Day 9: Post-cruise hotel night in Punta Arenas.
Guests will finally spend a relaxing night at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel after the cruise and will be able to explore Punta Arenas once again.
- Day 10: International return flight.
Back home.
Onboard the Silver Explorer, as on all Silversea ships, passengers will benefit from Silversea's signature level of service and luxurious accommodations. Each of the ship's ocean-view suites offers guests personalized butler service; 24-hour room service; a complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival and a minibar stocked with guests' preferred beverages; elegant restaurants, including complimentary caviar upon request, canapés, and a rich selection of seafood and meats; and a variety of other inclusive amenities. Expanded to 14 members for the 2021-2022 season, Silversea's expedition team will enrich guests' voyages with lectures, workshops, tours on the ship's expanded fleet of 14 Zodiacs, kayaking excursions, and shore experiences.
What's included in Silversea's new Fly & Cruise offer?
- Round trip in economy class to Punta Arenas (Chile)
- Private flight to and from Antarctica (King George Island)
- One night in a hotel before and after a cruise in Punta Arenas
- Expedition equipment: parka, waterproof trousers, walking sticks (rental), rubber boots (rental), expedition backpack and water bottle.
- Welcome reception and Bon Voyage dinner (in Punta Arenas)
- Pre- and post-cruise meals
- Airport and hotel transfers, and luggage transfers, if guests book their international flight through Silversea
- Silversea's standard expedition elements include guided Zodiac tours and shore activities led by the expedition team; enrichment lectures; butler service for every suite; and many additional amenities.
* Please note: the planning is subject to change, depending on a variety of external factors.
More information about the Antarctica Bridge, including applicable terms and conditions:
