Starting in November 2021, Silversea will launch Puerto Williams, Chile, as its new departure port for Silver Explorer expedition cruises to Antarctica. Expanding Silversea's already diverse offerings in Antarctica for ultra-luxury travelers, the addition of Puerto Williams will allow guests to travel seamlessly between Santiago and Antarctica, with private flights enhancing their comfort. Nestled on Navarino Island in the Beagle Channel at the southern tip of South America, Puerto Williams is a sparsely populated frontier town surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Accessible only to smaller ships, it serves as a scenic gateway to the natural wonders of Antarctica.
“The addition of Puerto Williams as a new departure port, along with our exclusive private flight service between the city and Santiago, underscores our commitment to unlocking expedition experiences to the White Continent with unparalleled comfort,” says Conrad Combrink, Silversea’s Senior Vice President of Expeditions, Change Operations, and Destination Management. “With an Antarctic voyage tailored to the interests and needs of every discerning traveler, Silversea’s collection of voyages to the White Continent is the most diverse offering in the ultra-luxury segment. Aboard our intimate ships, guests enjoy the most inclusive cruising experience while benefiting from our team’s unrivaled destination expertise.”
As part of Silversea's all-inclusive Antarctic package, guests will depart from a private terminal in Santiago, Chile, on an exclusive flight to Puerto Williams. Accompanied by a Silversea representative, they will enjoy a series of gourmet experiences inspired by SALT, Silversea's new and immersive culinary program. Upon arrival in Puerto Williams, guests will bypass customs and enjoy a expedited transfer directly to the pier to board the Silver Explorer.
Following their exciting expedition cruise to the White Continent, guests will board a private plane for their return flight from Puerto Williams to Santiago. This round-trip private flight service complements a number of benefits included in the all-inclusive Antarctic package, such as round-trip transatlantic flights to Santiago; a welcome dinner and one night's hotel stay in Santiago before the cruise; transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotel, and ship; and one night's hotel stay (with transfers) after the cruise for guests without a return international flight on the day of disembarkation.
The private flight is facilitated by Silversea's exclusive partnership with DAP Antarctic Airways, which will provide the fastest and most direct route to Antarctica, beginning with Silver Explorer voyages in December 2021.
With three luxury expedition ships—Silver Explorer, Silver Cloud, and Silver Wind—deployed to Antarctica during the region's summer season, opportunities abound for travelers to experience Silversea's signature comfort and elegance while discovering the enchanting wildlife and icy landscapes of this wonderland. Each ship, featuring all suites and butler service, boasts dedicated experts who lead shore excursions for guests. These passionate and knowledgeable professionals offer informative lectures, discussions, and recaps onboard, in addition to Zodiac and kayak excursions, hikes, and nature walks ashore—all included in the fare.
The Antarctic expedition program includes a series of 10-day (or 12-day) explorations of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, as well as shorter voyages of just five, six, or nine days. The longer voyages encompass the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands, the Falkland Islands, Elephant Island, and South Georgia. Two “Deep Antarctic” itineraries will spend 20 days charting a course beyond the Antarctic Circle. In addition, two unique voyages will offer the opportunity to witness the solar eclipse of December 4, 2021, from Antarctica—the only place on Earth where it can be seen in its totality.
Silversea will continue to work closely with governing bodies and relevant health authorities on its health and safety procedures, as new health recommendations are issued based on the global evolution of the pandemic.
